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Chairman’s Report
Club Captain Report
Calendar of Events
November Club Night
November Mid-week Wednesday run
November Sunday Club Run
Mid-week Run Report
Sunday Club Run Report
Safari Report
Branch Photos
Classifieds
Notice Board
Spare News
Up and Coming Events
Club night is the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7.30pm at the
Please submit your contributions by: 20th of the Month
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Late contributions are accepted only if time allows, please phone to check if this is ok.
Email to: hbvccmag@gmail.com
Editor: Kay Elmsly, Mobile 027 286 6480
Contactable during work hours 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
By Robert Benge
Wow, for those that took part in the High energy Safari to the Taranaki last weekend were treated to by the Blairs and the Elmsly’s. They have formed a formidable team that keep delivering wonderful weekends of adventure. Included in our weekend was a visit to the Todd energy gas production facilities as well as visit to the wonderful Holden Museum which included Putt Putt golf and rides on the Luge run.
On the Saturday afternoon, the ladies had their own program which was a High tea at one of the local hotels and the men visited the Taranaki branch of the VCC Which provided a lovely afternoon tea and wander through their spares department and to view their clubrooms always pleasant to visit another branch and meet some of their members.
The dedication the Safari team puts into organising this event is greatly appreciated by all participants well done team.
Our October club night saw Tony Roberts deliver an amazing presentation on Thunder Ridge in the Bay of Plenty. Tony‘s presentation was extremely professional on behalf of our branch I can only wish Tony and his team all the best for this amazing development and I will be looking forward to attending a race meeting there in the future.
This project is an amazing opportunity for the region there are a number of stakeholders involved and many hurdles to overcome, but I’m sure with Tony’s tenacity and commitment I’m sure these will be achieved.
The November club night speaker is not to be missed so please save the date and come along. I think this will be one of the highlights of the year further details in the magazine.
Just on speakers, we’ve had a little bit of an issue with the amplifier system and the microphone that we are using for guest speakers we are currently undertaking a solution to the issue which will involve purchasing a new microphone system. We are working with an audio professional and hopefully will have this sorted in the near future.
Congratulations on the 19 members of the Hawke’s Bay branch that are attending the Vero international Festival of Historic Motoring in Nelson i’m sure this event will be most enjoyable.
Finally, I just would like to thank Diane Quarrie for agreeing to undertake the role of branch historian Diane has been working quietly behind the scenes archiving some of our branch material this is a mammoth undertaking and a very important one as I personally believe that it’s important to record and maintain our branch history for future generations of motoring enthusiasts.
Greetings members,
We have been back from Safari to New Plymouth for a little over a week now and when I reflect back over the wonderful time we had, I can’t help but think of the effort and work that went into organising this event.
For the participants, every last detail was taken care of and the visits were varied and interesting (see the report later in the Mag). For this we must thank the organisers Ian and Kay Elmsly and Malcolm and Lesley Blair, who I know, put in a tremendous amount of time and effort into making this event the success that it was. Take a bow the four of you.
One of the highlights for me was travelling over the Forgotten Highway between Stratford and Taumarunui. I had forgotten how beautiful our rural country areas and roads can be and to drive it in a classic made it more special.
Most of the cars behaved themselves on the journey but there was the odd situation where Kiwi ingenuity and No 8 wire repairs were required. Hans Paaymans had to use the tab off a coke can to enable him to limp on and detour to Horopito Wreckers to pick up the part required to keep him on the road.
This must have upset him because he later tried to reverse into a carpark already occupied by a Vauxhall (blamed the fact that there was no backing camera in his 1930’s Chevrolet). However, all 30 cars got there and back under their own steam.
Apparel: The club is working on developing a suitably embroidered casual polo shirt and cap to raise the profile of the club. We feel that as well as looking smart, this apparel will be helpful in identifying us as a club at combined events (Vero rally, club visits etc.). Watch this space for more details.
This is the Embroidered Emblem that will be on the ShirtsMale & Female.
I was unable to attend the October club run, but I understand that the visit to the Bay View Fire Station was enjoyable as well as very interesting and that the Brigade now has a new mascot curtesy of Pam Donovan (a hand knitted fire chief figurine was presented to the Brigade). Our thanks go to Steve Donovan for organising the run.
The presentation by Tony Roberts on the development of Thunder Ridge Motorsport Park was also extremely interesting and it was great to see a good number of nonmember guests turn up to hear him speak. I have always said that the best speakers we get are often from our own club.
Finally, I just want to put in a word for two very special events happening in November. Esther Smith has organised our annual Homestead run (always a popular event) and Cameron Taylor is going to speak to us on the subject of disaster recovery (Cyclone Gabriel) for big business and the Hawkes Bay fruit export business as well his personal experiences. Details for both these events later in this Mag.
Safe and happy motoring - Paul
MID-WEEK RUN -
Wednesday 5 November
Refer to Details on Page 13 th Meet at the Club rooms 10am for a 10.30am Departure.
CLUB NIGHT -
Wednesday 12 November at 7.30pm. th
Refer details on page 12. After the meeting there will be tea & coffee & cake provided.
Ladies Lunch -Saturday 22nd November.
Details on page 18
SUNDAY CLUB RUN23rd November. This is our Annual Homestead Run.
Refer to Details on Page 14
MIX & MINGLE NIGHTFriday 28 November. th Doors open 6pm. Dinner from 7pm. BYO Drinks & Nibbles. Please Email the secretary (Larry) athawkesbay@vcc.org.nz if you are attending or put your name on the list at the clubrooms.
Every Tuesday morning the Club and the Spares Department are open between 9am & 11am.
A cuppa is made around 10am for those that would like to have a sit down and have a natter.
Club Night - 12 November th
@7.30pm - Please save the date
Our guest speaker will be Cameron Taylor
Cameron is involved in the family business, Taylor Corp Hawkes Bay, and will speak to us about the recovery of the business after Cyclone Gabriel. Taylor Corp is one of Hawkes Bays Largest Fruit and Produce Companies and operations were severely disrupted by the Cyclone.
Cameron will tell us of the difficulties encountered by major enterprises in disaster recovery and the effect the cyclone had on the fruit and produce sector in Hawkes Bay (which is a major, if not the largest contributor to the region’s economy). Cameron was heavily involved in rescue operations during the cyclone and went through the trauma of losing his family home.
This will be a very interesting and insightful presentation and I urge you to save the date and come along and hear Cameron’s story.
Club Captain.
Fellow Classics, for this day out we have a short country drive that will end at this place.
On arrival we will be taken on a tour around this site to understand what it is they do here, trout being the main driver for sure.
Our tour has a small cost associated so please bring some cash so that we can do our bit by paying the organisation.
The more of us that turn up, less is the cost per person.
If you are a trout fisherman, and have a current licence, you are welcome to dangle your fly in the ponds and catch lunch for the rest of us.
What to bring
Simple, just your picnic lunch, beverages and some Cash $5 per person or $10 per car.
In door seating is available along with toilets and onsite parking.
First car away from the club rooms at 10.30 prompt, so get there around 9.30 for the usual chat session.
See you on the 5th Cheers
Barrie Browne
Sunday 23rd November 2025
Meet at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market off Kenilworth Road, Hastings ready for a 10.15am departure (Second entrance - look out for the VCC Sign)
Bring chairs and whatever accoutrements you require for your Picnic Lunch.
While you are at the market, it’s a chance stock up with some delicious goods for the lunch.
The route is approx. 60 km’s (40 miles) to its furthest point, but you need to allow for a total distance of approx.120 kms (75mls) for the return trip to Hastings, there is no fuel on route.
Please make an effort to bring your Club Eligible vehicle as we are a historic motoring club visiting an historic homestead.
Also no pets, please leave at home
Organisers - Esther and Graham Smith027 464 7314 Esther
The usual pre-brief at the VCC meeting at 10am with first car away at 10.30am. After leaving the club, we were all set to explore some beautiful country roads less travelled, and the drive certainly delivered.
We spent about 90 minutes enjoying the stunning countryside-think beautiful green paddocks, trees that seemed to glow, and rock formations that gave a nod to Italian landscapes. After following John Cocking instructions with the Heritage Trail Guide book included, we arrived at our destination.
The charming coastal settlement of Waimãrama. Following a beautiful scenic drive, our group of fifteen cars and over thirty people arrived safely at the Domain.
We gathered at the rear entrance of the Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club. I introduced Senior Volunteer Life Guard, John Sanko our Tour Guide. We were being treated to a special tour of the Waimarama Surf Life Saving facility. John's comprehensive and passionate presentation provided deep insight into the club's essential function in the Waimãrama community.
John explained the critical role of the facility, the specialised equipment-such as Rescue Boards and IRBsused in rescues, and the constant vigilance required from the purpose-built tower to inform the public of dangers like rips.
Furthermore, he demonstrated the club's commitment to training, noting its active role in hosting training camps and mentoring new, young lifeguards.
We were particularly appreciative of the practical demonstration and guided practice of the CPR technique, and a detailed look into the First Aid Room. A testament to John's Level 3 Red Cross expertise.
It is clear that the Waimãrama Surf Life Saving Club is a wonderfully supported and integral part of the community, ensuring that all who enjoy the beach—be it for boating, fishing, or swimming-are safer. We left with a renewed appreciation for all volunteers and the invaluable service they provide.
On behalf of the VCC, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to Senior Volunteer Lifeguard, John Sanko, for hosting our group at the Waimarama Surf Life Saving Club.
I think all Volunteers need to celebrated.
Thank you to all who came on the run.
Kind Regards
Lee-Anne Freeman
If you haven’t put your name down to come along, and you would like to join us please contact Sandra Marsh on 021 233 4476 Look forward to seeing you all there.
Our guest speaker at the October club night was Tony Roberts. Tony gave a very interesting talk on his new venture.
Tony is a Director of Thunder Ridge, N Z’s newest Motorsport Park opening in 2026. Focusing on grass roots motorsport events, the 70-hectare facility will include a 3.2 km circuit, pit garages, on site garages, club rooms, café and camping ground, (see website www.thunderridge.co.nz ).
Tony, who has spoken to the club previously, and was the owner and builder of Hampton Downs motorsport Park and is the President of the Historic Racing Club and Historic Muscle and Saloon Cars.
12th October 2025 -Ladies Day
We missed you — or rather, you missed a great run!
Seven cars turned out, and five of them had lady drivers:
Diane Quarrie – 1929 Chevrolet
Mercia Paaymans – 1937 Chevrolet, Esther Smith – 1960 Humber Super Snipe
Lyn Bowker – 1978 Triumph 2.5
Mary Anderson – 1982 Ford Capri
The Route: Our journey took us through Puketapu (we could have just waited at our gate and joined in from there!), up the winding section of Puketitiri Road, into Seafield Road, Hedgeley Road, and then back over Hill Road into Bayview. Steve had planned an interesting route—plenty of hills, corners, and even a stretch of SH5 to keep those of us who don’t drive our classics often on our toes. Graham and I bought the Humber Snipe in 1974, and it was our everyday car for a few years. It’s been a while since I’ve driven it, so I pulled over a couple of times to let tailgaters pass and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Bayview Volunteer Fire Brigade Visit: Our destination was the Bayview Volunteer Fire Brigade, where we were warmly welcomed and given a tour of the station and trucks.
Jess Leslie, a volunteer firefighter and former ADT Event Manager, along with Stephen Taylor, one of the senior officers, shared insights into their work and the station’s history. Jess’s passion for her role was inspiring—she thrives on helping people through tough moments.
Fire Brigade Stats:
Established: 75 years ago
Volunteers: 22 (including 2 women)
Annual callouts: ~150
Equipment:
Fire engine: 2,000 litres
Tanker: 5,000 litres
Ute: Equipped for non-fire incidents
Common incidents:
Vegetation & miscellaneous fires
Vehicle accidents (SH5 to Tarawera, SH2 to Tutira)
House fires, medical events, alarm callouts, rescues, and weather-related events
Post-Cyclone Gabrielle: They have had additional water rescue training
Did you know. There are approximately 10,000 volunteer firefighters and 1,800 full-time firefighters across New Zealand.
A Thoughtful Gift: Pam Donovan knitted a fireperson mascot as a thank-you gift. The brigade was thrilled and quickly named him Sam, even posting about him on Facebook within hours!
We wrapped up the day with some caring and sharing at the Bayview Pub, a perfect end to a memorable outing. Thanks to Steve and Pam Donovan for organising the day!
Esther Smith
Esther Smith
On 17th October, at 8.00am on a stunning Hawkes Bay morning, 29 cars and 58 happy campers (including 3 on their first safari with us) gathered at the home of Hans and Mercia Paymaans, Korokipo Road, Hastings. Many thanks to them.
We received a briefing for the first half of the day and around 8.30am set off towards Napier-Taihape Road to drive to the Suspension Bridge and a pit stop, well all but one anyway.
After driving through more rolling hills, green pastures and pot holes, passing spring lambs and calves along the way, and taking some wonderful photos of snow covered Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, we re-met at Waiouru Museum for a great spread of savouries, cakes, sandwiches and fruit.
It was planned for us to drive over the Forgotten Highway but due to the road being closed, we all headed to Inglewood via Whanganui. This again was through some spectacular countryside – we are so lucky here in NZ to have this on our doorstep.
We then all met up in Inglewood at the Fern Lodge for a 6pm nosh of roast pork, chicken and veges. We were joined here by 3 more happy campers (a first time safarier) and 1 car for the rest of the weekend. We now had a total of 61 bodies and 30 cars.
Afterwards, on to New Plymouth to the Flamingo Motel where we could all put our heads down for the night –some of us needed it more than others.
Saturday morning we gathered at 9am as instructed to leave the motel at 9.30am to head to our first visit. This was to a Holden Museum owned and operated by Steve and Joy. Inside a total of 50 Holdens, including 2 ex-police cars, along with another in the car park that was used on the TV sets of Outrageous Fortunes and Westside.
Also full of memorabilia, costumes and souvenirs. Outside was a work in progress, at this stage with a putt putt golf course which was very taxing for some of us, although Mary, Juliette, Dave Hobbs and Paul E somehow managed 1 x hole in one.
Then we all went to the café for burger and chips and a lovely hot drink. There was also a luge which some tried out, maybe didn’t go as fast as some would like, a beautiful garden, a soundshell which can hold 500 guests for concerts, and a little train going up and down the hill. Expansions to the adventure side of things were in the pipeline.
Upon leaving the museum, the lovely ladies were dropped off at a hotel for a wonderful high tea.
Boy were we spoilt with savouries, creamed scones and cakes. Some indulged in a nice vino, others in mocktails, or the hard stuff. While we were being spoilt, the men all tootled off to the New Plymouth VCC club to survey the parts department, and also be spoilt with an array of savouries, biscuits etc.
Afterwards the ladies were collected and everybody back to the hotel for happy hour beside the pool, instructions for the next day and an evening to partake in whatever we wished to do – some to the pub to watch the Magpies vs Otago (sadly we lost), others to a restaurant because we hadn’t had enough to eat throughout the day, and others resting in their units.
Sunday morning we met outside unit 8 again, at 8.50am to head out on our first visit of the day. This was to Todd Energy – Mangahewa G Wellsite (employers of around 1,000).
We were greeted by Angie (from Nova) at the first site which is where the wells are drilled and we were lucky enough to have chief engineer Grant explain the workings and functions of the wells, drilling, depths, costs and often headaches of how the gas is produced.
Now it started to rain and we moved on to the next two sites with Angie. No 2 site is the processing plant where the LPG is taken away in tankers and natural gas is further piped on. No 3 site (Nova McKee) is where gas turbines produce electricity for around 70,000 homes.
We then had the afternoon to do as we pleased and fortunately the weather had kicked up a gear and turned out quite pleasant. Some lunched, some shopped, some visited garden centres and some strolled around rhododendron gardens. Then back to our units to change and head out to Shining Peak Brewery for happy hour @ 5.30pm followed by a sumptuous feast at 6.30pm.
Our Chairperson, Robert Benge, presented 2025 High Energy Safari organisers with a special gift for all their hard work, yet again.
Platters of salmon, beef, polenta, and vegetables followed by tasteful desserts were set before us.
Full to the brim with food and liquid refreshments we returned to our motel units around 8.30pm, the evening was ours however we wished to spend it.
Monday morning dawned clear and it was unfortunately time to pack up, wash up and head out on our merry ways back to Hawkes Bay or Levin, some spending the late morning/afternoon or the night with relatives or visiting friends. Some of us decided to travel the Forgotten Highway home and I for one kept wondering if ‘we were there yet’ as it seemed to take ages – perhaps if we hadn’t stopped for coffee and scones at Whangamomona Pub, and lunch in Taumarunui, plus pit and petrol stops in Taupo it might not have taken so long, but it was a great end to yet another fantastic HBVCC Safari.
No major incidents to report vehicle wise except for no brakes for Kevin and Sandra Marsh on the borrowed Buick, Hans and Mercia Paymaans had to use a ring-pull to repair their vehicle and Kevin and Pauline McGrath had fuel pump issues – all repaired enough to allow everyone to travel home safely.
This out of a total of 3 vintage, 21 classic and 6 modern cars so we did pretty well.
A big shout out to our organisers who again put on an amazing weekend for us all after what must have seemed years organising it all, not just months. Ian, Kay, Lesley and Malcolm – a big high 5 from us all. You’ve got a big task again next year to beat this year guys and gals.
Carol Eager
Friday-High Energy Safari 2025
Your Branch Photos
Hillsborough Holden Museum
Todd Energy Visit - Very informative Mangahewa G Wellsite
Dinner At Shining Peak Brewery
1951 Riley RMB 4 door Sedan
All mechanicals have been rebuilt. The motor has been modified with shell bearings and modern electronic ignition. The motor is not yet in the chassis and has not been run since rebuild. All machining has been done by Suvic Engineering. Timber and body work has been completed to a high standard and preparation for painting has been started. The excellent original leather on the seats has been refurbished and re coloured in the original red. It has new door cards, carpet, vinyl top and many other new parts including hood lining material. I am confident the car is complete except for a couple of interior door handles and winders. The price nowhere near reflects the cost of the parts and work done. The car now requires painting and finish putting it together. I am happy to send photos. $14000.00ono. I may consider a trade for a mobile vintage or classic car or pickup.
Email: mcbruce1951@gmail.com
Ph. 027 246 9899 or 06 876 6161
Wanted:
I am building a 1913 Cyclecar and will need paraffin side lamps and a single acetylene headlamp and tail lamp.
Anything cluttering up the workshop you want to offload? If you have anything else that might suit I'd be pleased to hear about them too.
David Gardiner: dirge@mailfence.com Ph: 06 835 9492
Wanted to Buy:
Austin A40 Devon engine in good running order with or without gearbox.
Would consider reconditioned short block or whole car with good motor for parts.
Regards
Larry Gale Contact: leoniegale@hotmail.com
Receipt from the Cancer Society from the Clubs fundraising effort on Daffodil Day 2025
By John Durry
We have had a great month sales wise and good numbers turning up to our Tuesday mornings natters, thanks to the spares team well done. We want to thank Paul Taylor for dropping off the 12 service manuals, Digby Young for the Austin & Jag books, Austin seven steering wheel, which found a home within 5 minutes of its arrival & the Austin speedo setup for rallying with all that is needed for your rally car, see attached picture (if interested please ring myself 022 6769401 or Brian Taylor 027 4436009) all these were ex Gordon Vogtherr collection. Also Neville Smith for Morris Minor parts which include Hub Caps & Door latches. Rod Heaps for V8 Diff parts, crown wheel & pinion plus axles. Our scrap bin has just been emptied and we made $61.00
Until next time
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:- Due to popular demand the Sausage sizzle will be starting up again on the last Tuesday of each month, starting in November, $2.00 per sausage.
Cheers John Durry
CLUB SPARE PARTS CORNER
For any enquiries phone:
Brian Taylor on 027 443 6009 or John Durry 022 676 9401
