Professional recolouring of all leather car seats, interior panels etc. Protect and enhance the look of your car interior with our unique quality service
Ring Rodger for a No Obligation appraisal now
Phone 455 4065
BROCKLEBANKS Leather Dyers
Over 50 years serving Otago
WANTED Archive Material for Otago BranchArchives
Copies of any past events/rallies that you have organisd or participated in. These are needed to ensure that the branch Archives are kept up to date. Please deliver to the clubrooms –with my name on it –thanks Marion
OTAGO BRANCH NAME BADGES
$10 each –
order them through David Ross – Branch Treasurer
BRANCH
PARTS SHED
OPEN WEDNESDAYS MORNINGS AND LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH DURING CLUB NIGHT
Over recent months there has been a lot of tools, car parts and other motoring related items donated to the shed.
If you are looking for something specific or would just like to have a browse through the shed, it is open on Wednesday mornings until 11am and on the Last Friday of the month Club nights. For any further assistance please contact the Parts Officers as listed under the Non Committee list on page on page 3
FOR SALE
1930’s Morris Cowley
The car has a unique history, as it was my husband's grandfather's first car and was even converted to run on coal during WWII. It has been stored in our garage for many years with the intention of a restoration, but we have realized that this project is no longer realistic for us with a young family.
The vehicle comes with a variety of spare parts, and I have attached a photo for your reference.
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesdayof the month please
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916”
LIBRARY ROSTER Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night
APRIL
3rd Easter Closed 10th Closed
24th Kevin Mason
JUNE
McConachie
Otago Branch CommitteeNOMINATION FORM
Written nominations close on 3rd of June 2026
We wish to nominate: ______________________________ for the position of: _________________________________ on the branch committee for the 2026/2027 year.
Signed: _____________________ Proposer
Membership #_________________
Signed: _____________________ Seconder
Membership #_________________
I accept the nomination for the above position and confirm that I meet the eligibility requirements under clause 12.7 of the 2025 Constitution of the Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated and section 47.3 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Signed_______________________ Candidate
Membership #________________
Welcome to New Members
The Otago Branch extends a very warm welcome to Stephen Wright – is currently looking for a project Owen Jones – owns a 1928 Model AFord Ewen Kerstens – owns a BSAMotorcycle undergoing restoration
The branch welcomes you to the Club.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
To be held in the VCC Clubrooms Forbury Rd, Dunedin.
SUNDAY 14th OF JUNE 2026 - BEGINNING AT 2.00 PM
NB: A pot luck lunch will be held before the AGM, starting at 12.30pm. Please bring a plate to share. We encourage members to join us for lunch, as it’s a great opportunity to catch up with others in a relaxed setting before the meeting begins.
ELECTION OF BRANCH COMMITTEE
Positions up for Nomination this year are:
Chairman
Secretary
Club-Captain
Newsletter Editor
Committee Member X 2
In accordance with clause 12.7 of the branch constitution, all nominees must provide written consent before the election confirming that they agree to serve as a branch officer and that they meet the officer requirements outlined in clause 47.3 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. If you need clarification about these requirements, please contact the branch secretary.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BRANCH EVENTS
(listed in bold)
Contact Branch secretary for entry forms from other branches 2026
APRIL Fri 3rd
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sat 11th / Sunday 12th Rally Otago
Sat 11 –12th Southern Backroad Adventure
11th Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial M/c Rally - Oamaru
12th Frank \Robson Memorial run and Clearwater CapersGore
18th Golden Times Rally – Central Otago
Wed 15th Leslie Groves Visit
Wed 22nd Redroof Retirement Village visit
Fri 24th Club Night and Meeting
Thur 30th Midweek Lunch Run
MAY Fri 1st
Motorcycle Group Meeting
2nd Swapmeet Ashburton
9th Waimea Motorcycle Rally Southland
Sun 17th Restoration and Ladies Run
Fri 29th Club Night and Meeting
JUNE Fri 5th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sun 14th AGM and Pot Lunch
19th-21st Gore Branch 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Thur 25th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 26th Club Night and Meeting
The committee encourages you to consider putting your name forward to serve as an active member of the branch committee. Please complete the nomination form and return it to the branch secretary by 3 June 2026. In accordance with the branch constitution, committee positions are for a two year term. If you would like more information about what the role involves, please contact the secretary.
In accordance with clause 12.7 of the branch constitution, all nominees must provide written consent before the election confirming that they agree to serve as a branch officer and that they meet the officer requirements outlined in clause 47.3 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. If you need clarification about these requirements, please contact the branch secretary.
JULY Fri 3rd
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Annual Branch Dinner and Awards evening
Thur 30th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 31st Club night and Meeting
AUG 7th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Thur 27th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 28th Club night and Meeting
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS
Please note: There will be no other National Rallies in 2026 due to the International Rally happening that year
2027 March 26th 29th National South Island Easter Rally Otago
Please WEAR YOUR NAME BADGES when you are attending club events. This helps new members to identify you
The 2026 Southern BackroadAdventure
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April 2026
Leslie Groves Resthome Visit
Wednesday 15thApril at 1.30pm
Redroofs Retirement Village visit
Wednesday 22ndApril—2pm Dunblane Street
Midweek Run – Lunch
Thursday 30th April
Station Café at Waitahuna
has been booked for 12md. If you like to drive share –indicate this when advising numbers
Club Night – Friday 24thApril
Meet at the club rooms for a noggin and natter from 7.30pm. There will be a short branch meeting at 8:00pm with a free cuppa and bikkie to follow.
Clubrooms and Partshed are open every Wednesday
From 9.30 am until 11am
Acuppa is on offer for a gold coin donation
was after he had tried to get Otago Branch members to come on an impromptu tour last year. No one joined him for that tour. Congratulations Tom. There were 15 entries from Otago Branch and they have all made it home, some needing assistance along the way!
Many of you will have already seen photos and stories on the VCC Facebook page – feel free to check these out.
When you hear of the costs that were involved with running this event you can understand why your entry fees were what they were.
Thanks to the Organisers, Vero, Sponsors and the hundreds of volunteers that were out there everyday ensuring that everyone had a good time.
This is just my thoughts on the Rally and there will be lots more out there.
Below Public Display in Nelson
Marion
Lunch time at Lake Rotoiti
Right Michelle’s Daimler
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Report
- also celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the VCC I had decided to leave printing this months Edition of the Roadrunner until after the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in Nelson. Well what an event, with many stories to tell. First it was the travel disruption for many North Islanders, as both the Interislander and Bluebridge Ferries cancelled crossings due to breakdowns etc. It was great to see that there were still a big number represented from the North Island. Some had chosen to fly across the strait and with the assistance of club members managed to participate in the rally. Others have left their vehicles in Nelson, or are still here in the South Island as they wait their turn to get back to the North Island. Nelson put on the summer weather that most of us have missed this year, with calm hot sunny days. Registration day saw all entrants motor into the Trafalgar Centre for our rally information, ice cream and sweet treats from the Vero team. The traffic management team had their work cut out for them as they directed vehicles in and out of the carpark spaces each time we needed to attend an event at the Centre. Most of us soon realised that we did not need to go into the Centre each morning to start our day of rallying (unless you had a lunch to collect). The rally instructions could be picked up at a point further out of town.
Lunch time destinations were at Kaiteriteri Motor Camp – some managed to enjoy a swim in the sea, Lake Rotoiti – provided a perfect backdrop for photos, Tapawera Domain – where school children were able to get a ride in some of our vehicles around the domain and Wakefield Higgins Park Museum – provided an interesting selection of displays for entrants to view. Friday offered a shorter run east of Nelson, where a good number enjoyed a coffee stop on the Nelson Marina – a good view point to watch other entrants driving by.
The competitive side saw several teams compete in a Teams event held at Richmond Showgrounds where their driving and mechanical skills were tested. The Public Display was held at the Showgrounds the following day, with a huge support from the public. Our rally route booklet gave us all the options to take Short, Medium or Long route sections each day. It was good being able to choose which routes to take, using gravel or all sealed roads. We covered a lot of gentle rolling countryside, with views out to sea and over valleys planted in apple, pear, kiwifruit, advocado orchards (to name a few), hops, and grazing live stock.
The Rally finished with the Awards and Closing ceremony back at the Trafalgar Centre on Saturday evening with a good meal, speeches, cutting of the cake and live music. The organiser had asked entrants to nominate people for the Spirit of Vero Award –Anne Walker, from our branch, was mentioned for her arranging a ride for an older person from the Retirement village we had visited along with a few others for the good deeds they had preformed. Tom Grant from our branch received the top award for his determination to get to the event – having rung the organiser to ask how he could register without internet. The organiser then worked through the paperwork with Tom over the phone. I’m not sure what Tom thought when he was told the amount for the Entry Fee – but he asked to be able to sleep on it. Next day he had paid the Fee. At the age of 96 he and his navigator took a few days to get to Nelson and he could be seen checking out all the vehicles each lunch time as he enjoyed the atmosphere of the event, and knowing that we all managed “to get off our A’s and G’s” to attend this event. This
You could ask where our summer is or was but I guess the law of averages takes care of that as we may have a better winter
This month has not been quite as busy club wise but with the National Exec Meeting in Christchurch it was busy for me. Glenis and myself went to Christchurch on the Thursday to allow us to look around on Friday and the meeting was Saturday and Sunday morning. There were a few things to sort out at the meeting.
North Shore Branch wanted to change the rules again after we have just spent three years on them and they have been accepted by the Incorporated Society so we had to put a stop on that. I put up a motion which was seconded by quite a few members but the president decided he would not accept my motion then he used it himself and called a halt on any changes for three years, thus giving time for the new constitution to work, because there are changes to the way the committee system is set up. This will come into effect at the next National AGM which is one year so another two years should be enough to find how it is working or what changes are needed.
The Marlborough Branch was going to change its name to Heritage Motoring so I was on the job again. They were talking about the cars that are not vintage like P60 and P80 so I explained to them that Vintage means 30 Years and older as per the older Dictionaries and that they did not need to change their name. They needed to advertise themselves as "Çars Trucks and Motorcycles Thirty Years and Older" so I repeated it a few times to get the message through and I spoke to Kevin about Beaded Wheels picking it up. Will see what happens in the next Beaded Wheels Magazine. There was also a bid to increase the travel allowance which I managed to get stopped.
Ford NZ have signed up for three years sponsorship with the Daffodil Rally for Cancer and the VCC.
It is with great sadness that we have lost Joan Pearce, she has done a lot for the VCC and attended so many rallies and really got involved.
Thank you this is probably enough for me this month, so happy motoring and keep the tank full.
GRAEME
Children at Tapawera Domain Vero Rally
From your Branch Secretary
Thank you to the members who helped with marshalling at the Brit & Euro Day. We were lucky with the weather in that it stopped raining just as we finished setting up and were able to complete the packing up just before the heavens opened again.
Otago Rally 11th – 12th April -we are looking for members to help marshal at some special stages over the weekend. If you are available, can you please let either myself or Marion know.
Redroofs Rest Home & Hospital visit 22nd April– we have been invited back for another visit and afternoon tea at 2pm on the 22nd . Can you please let me know if you are available so I can add you to the list.
Lower South Island Regional Representative – this is a new position on the National Committee (previously know as the National Management Committee) with one of their main duties being liaison between the National Committee and branches in our region which are: Otago, Central Otago, South Otago, Gore and Southland. The club will be calling for nominations in the May / June edition of Beaded Wheels. The person holding this position for the Lower South Island must be from one of the above branches and if a vote is needed due to more than one nomination then only members from these branches can vote for the nominees in our region. I have a copy of the position description which I can forward to you if you are interested plus you can also contact Mark Wilkinson (021 1686068) for more information.
Restoration Awards – have you restored a club eligible vehicle over the past 12 months? If so, please enter it for the restoration of the year award. Details are in the Roadrunner with judging to be held in May prior to the combined restoration rally / Ladies Drivers Run.
Branch Activities – do you have an idea for a new branch activity or run? If so, please contact the committee as we would love to hear from you and welcome any suggestions.
Have you attended an event organised by another branch –please let me know for my records plus it comes in handy when it comes time to hand out the annual awards on the 18th of July. Along with the branch awards – 7 members will be receiving their continuous membership awards including 3 X 35 years,3 X 50 years and 1 X 60 years which will make for a great night so please note this date in your calendar NOW! More details to follow.
Motorcycle Snippets
“You meet the nicest people on a Honda”
The slogan used by the company when the Super Cub was announced in 1958. Previously Soichiro Honda and Taiko Fujisawa travelled to Europe to research the scooter and moped market, the likes of Vespa, Lambretta, among other brands. Ultimately they decided these types of machines were not what they had on their minds.
Larger wheels, 17 inch, would be more suitable on the rural and suburban roads in Japan.
Semi-automatic, with no left-hand controls so a tray of noodles or other items could be carried.
A four stroke 50cc motor would provide adequate performance.
The new advertising changed the motorcycle image forever, with thousands of Cubs being sold all over the globe.
The new factory Honda built in 1960 was capable of producing 30,000 units per month, with a double work shift able to push this to 50,000.
Early models used an OHV push-rod engine, but by 1970 they had moved on to OHC alloy engines of 50cc, giving unmatched fuel economy.
Ford produced 15 million Model T cars, VW surpassed this with 21 million Beetles, but in 2017 the Cub reached 100 million units.
Still in production today, the Cub has been styled into a more modern fashion, with a larger engine.
Marne Street Retirement Village visit February 2026
It was another astounding success with firstly the weather behaving for us.
The Residents were genuinely interested in the cars, quite a few of them said they had driven 1100’s. And 1300’s.
Brent took one lady for a ride she couldn’t stop smiling, great questions were also asked.
Debbie was fabulous and interacted with both the Residents and drivers.
Her and a co worker got photos of them in Dave Rodger’s car.
They got us all to stand beside our cars & took photos.
One lady who was pushing her husband in a wheel chair said the ODT should have been advised, of our visit.
We were invited in for afternoon tea which was very enjoyable. They would certainly love another visit down the track.
Continued from pg 11 reasons (ie vehicle rebuilt following a major accident or damage) Guidelines
The vehicle can be rebuilt mechanically leaving desirable original body, frame or paintwork.
The vehicle could be completely rebuilt where necessary in every way including having parts, panels, and running gear renewed.
A vehicle could be restored using parts from vehicles of a similar model and age.
A vehicle would not be discounted if the owner had used the services of others to work on parts of the vehicle, because it is not our aim to have the membership completely competent in all skills required for restoration.
A vehicle can be completely rebuilt where necessary in every way, using all the original parts where practical.
A vehicle can also be constructed from parts recovered from other donor vehicles of a similar model and age, bearing in mind the final accuracy. Replica Vehicles
According to a Club decision a vehicle built entirely or mainly from new parts would be considered a replica and would for Club purposes be dated from the date of manufacture. E.g. New parts of a 1960’s vehicle used in 1999 would constitute a replica dating from 1999. Accordingly this vehicle would not be club eligible until 2029.
NB: It is also the wish of the Branch Committee that all those vehicles presented for the Restoration Award will also be made available for the Otago Branch display at this years Autospectacular on a date yet to be advised Further information will be supplied The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Otago Branch) Inc
Classic Motor Racing Club are organising a Regularity Trial
at Levels where there will be a class for VCC eligible vehicles.
Please contact Paul Coghill (CRMC member and VCC Banks Peninsula member) if you are interested. ENTRIES CLOSE: 26 April 2026
Email entries to zara.coghill@hotmail.com
Please note that there is the possibility that this may be cancelled closer to the date depending on fuel availability.
VIC and Lighting Endorsement Forms - These are available via the website vcc.org.nz/vic-vehicle classification.
Vero Insurance
The VCC Vero scheme is solely for financial members and along with a discount on your premiums, Vero also supports the club through sponsorship of our national and international events plus pay part of the insurance commission back to the branch. To take advantage of this – phone them on 0800 658 411 which is a dedicated line for VCC members
Phone numbers and emails
Are you getting my emails with details of a local event coming up or the entry form from another branch? No – then it is probably means that I don’t have your current email details and if I don’t have them, nor do the National Support Office. Please remember to keep these up to date so we can keep you up to date with what is happening as email is the quickest way to keep you in the loop.
Newsletters
from other branches
Remember to check the VCC website each month to read what is happening in other branches around the country. The website address is: https:// vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ VIC and Lighting Endorsement Forms - These are available via the website VIC - Vehicle Identity Card - Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Vintage Car Club of New Zealand for you to download and complete before contacting one of the VIC Officers. Along with the relevant forms there is a FAQ section which can help if you are unsure of which forms to fill out plus various resources that could help when restoring a vehicle
Nicola
Obituary Joan Pearce
It is with great sadness that we advise that Joan passed away peacefully earlier in March after a short stay in Mossbrae.
Joan and Colin have been members of the VCC family for many years with Colin joining in 1959 and then Joan as a joint member nearly 25 years ago on the 21st of March 2001. Joan was a past organiser of the Dunedin - Brighton Run and both she Colin and family are regular attendees of the rally in all 3 veteran Sunbeams. Her enthusiasm and contribution to the whole club has been appreciated by all who knew her. Our thoughts go out to Colin and their family. She will be missed
Tarawera Domain
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Otago Branch) Inc
Restoration Rally and Ladies Run
Sunday 17th May 2026
Meet at VCC clubrooms 125 Forbury Rd Dunedin at 1.00 pm
Vehicles entering the Restoration Trophy Awards & Rally are to meet at 12.30 pm
Please Contact Branch Secretary for the appropriate paperwork that needs to be completed before the event if you are bringing a vehicle for consideration of the Restoration Trophy. This rally is open to all VCC eligible vehicles. The rally will return to the clubrooms for afternoon tea. Afternoon tea will be provided.
Please post entries to VCC Otago Branch, 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin 9012
Or; Email entries to Otago@vcc.org.nz
Or: Entries can be left in the clubrooms mailbox
Please Contact Branch Secretary for the appropriate paperwork that needs to be completed before the event if you are bringing a vehicle for consideration of the Restoration Trophy. As soon as possible.
OTAGO VINTAGE CAR CLUB RESTORATION TROPHY / ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The Restoration awards will be competed for in two sections : Restoration Achievement Award
This award will be issued to all entrants who have entered a club eligible vehicle for the event, irrespective of whether the vehicle has been restored, or an original vehicle ‘tidied up’.
To qualify for acceptance, vehicles must have been returned to use, warranted, registered and/or licensed, if applicable before the 31st April 2026.
There is no judging associated with this award.
The award will be presented to all entrants to acknowledge the commitment and attainment of the member in making a club eligible vehicle roadworthy.
Applications for Restored Vehicles which are not registered to be road worthy – will be considered on application.
Restoration Trophy Award
It will be totally at the discretion of the owner to enter a restored vehicle for judging and to compete for the Restoration Trophy.
To qualify for acceptance for the Restoration Trophy, the vehicle would have undergone a significant restoration, in addition to the requirements in the previous section. The judging will be carried out by appointed branch members, on Sunday 17th May from 12.30pm and would be based on the finish, presentation and accuracy of the vehicle.
The judges will report to the Chief Judge who will adjudicate on any matters arising. The trophy award will be issued to the vehicle judged with the greatest aggregate of points above a ‘bench mark’.
Any vehicle failing to meet these criteria will not be considered for the trophy. The recipient of the Restoration Trophy will be announced at the Branch Annual Prizegiving dinner. No correspondence will be entered into.
All Restoration Trophy entrants will receive a Restoration Achievement Award.
Entry Conditions
The main objective is to have a simple, fair, equitable event with minimal rules, however it has been found necessary to incorporate the following:
The term vehicle is intended to cover all VCC of NZ eligible vehicles..
The Restoration Awards cover the period to 31st April 2026
All entrants will be required to ‘fill in’ and return an entry form, with the historic details of the vehicle, together with before and after restoration photos. These documents will be retained by the Branch to form an informal historic register of our member’s vehicles
The owner of the vehicle must be a financial member of the Branch
All entrants will be required to present their vehicle to the event, and may participate in the restoration run.
All vehicles presented must have a current WOF and registration - non compliance will be considered on application
Once a vehicle has been submitted for either of these awards, it may not be resubmitted for a minimum period of 10 years, unless there are some substantiated reasons (ie vehicle rebuilt following a major accident or damage)
