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Phone 455 4065
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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
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
eventually arriving at our overnight accommodation in Gore. Everyone enjoyed a hearty meal and then took the opportunity to visit the Gore Vintage Car Club for Happy Hour and a chance to check out their parts shed.
A9.15am briefing in the car park on Sunday morning. After crossing over the Mataura River to travel along the east bank of the river, we turned Left onto Diamond Peak Road. This which eventually took us out onto the Old Coach Road. We then headed east via Slopedown and through part of the forestry in the Catlins before coming out on Owaka Valley Road (no cell phone coverage here) This was when the rain started. Most of us sort the shelter of a café or two in Owaka for morningtea. Hoods up and it was on to Kaitangata via Kaka Point and Balclutha for our lunch stop. After lunch the route took everyone via the undulating coast road to Toko Mouth, Milton, Waihola, Henley across to Outram and back to Mosgiel. Dinner was enjoyed at the Blacksheep Café. Where everyone enjoyed more social time and the opportunity to share their stories of the weekend. John Adamsom and Wanda Kent were presented with the Hard Luck Trophy and sadly Mary Keith was not present to receive the Stirrers Paddle Nevin was disappointed that he was not able to return some of her banter.
Thanks Nevin and Janeane for another great adventure. Even the locals were treated to discovering some more great touring gravel roads most of which were in very good condition. A few of the hills were a bit of a challenge for some but we all completed the journey with smiles on our faces.
Reported by Marion
Southern Backroad Adventure 2026
Approximately 35 Veteran and Vintage cars met at the Black Sheep Café from 8.30am on Saturday 11th of April for coffee, scone and rally briefing before heading away for our weekend of motoring. A good selection of Model T’s, Model A’s, Dodge’s, a couple of Austin 7’s, Chev’s, Chrysler, Nash, Bentley, Buick, Master 6, Overland and Hudson were all parked up around the venue and attracted some curious passers-by. Nevin welcomed everyone and gave a briefing before we all headed out to our cars with rally instructions that would lead us through the Southern Region over the next two days. Inland via Outram and on to the gravel along the western side of Lake Waihola. Waihola Hill Road awarded us all with views of the plains and then into the f orestry. It wasn’t long before we come across some needing to find a ‘p tree’ or two. On a couple of occasions we came across the organisers Dodge needing a tow by the back-up crew to jump start the car after having stopped at the top of a hill. We discovered a small steep gorge as we crossed the Tokomariro Stream and followed Table Hill Road to the west of Milton coming out on SH8. A short distance on SH8 and then onto Fella Burn Road, driving under a Railway Bridge which is now park of a cycle trail. This led us over rolling farming country towards Clydevale. Over the Clutha River Bridge and a beautiful tree line drive along the river to Beaumont for lunch at the Pub or a picnic at the Foster’s Picnic area. A nice line up of cars in the car park.
After lunch we headed over to Rae’s Junction to turn towards Tapanui taking a longer route to the west along Switzers Road. The first casualty for the day was the Overland which had started losing water from the radiator – A large hole was quickly found. The car and its owners enjoyed the rest of the weekend getting to know the backup crew. A 9.15am briefing in the car park on Sunday morning. Crossing over the Mataura River we turned Left onto Diamond Peak Road Crossed the Pomahaka River,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold)
Contact Branch secretary for entry forms from other branches 2026
MAY Fri 1st Motorcycle Group Meeting
2nd Swapmeet -Ashburton
9th Waimea Motorcycle Rally – Southland
Sun 17th Restoration Rally and Ladies Run
Thur 28th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 29th Club Night
JUNE Fri 5th Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sun 14th AGM and Pot Luck Lunch
19 -21st Gore Branch 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Thur 25th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 26th Club Night and Meeting
JULY Fri 3rd
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sat 18th Annual Branch Dinner and Awards Evening
Thur 30th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 31st Club Night and Meeting
AUG Fri 7th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sun 23rd Daffodil Rally for Cancer
Mon 24th Daffodil Deliveries
Thur 27th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 28th Club Night and Meeting
SEP Fri 4th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sat 19th Autospectacular Sat 19th Night Rally
Sun TBC PWV P60 P80 Run
Thur 24th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 25th Club Night and Meeting
OCT Fri 2nd – Sun 4th Dunvegan Rally for Motorcycles
NOV TBC Taieri Tour
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS 2026 August – NationalAGM
Please WEAR YOUR NAME BADGES when you are attending club events. This helps new members to identify you
Restoration Rally and Ladies Run
Sunday17th May
Entry Form was in theApril Roadrunner
Midweek Run – Lunch
Thursday 28th May
Venue to be confirmed
Club Night – Friday 29th May
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
BRANCH AGM & POT LUCK LUNCH
Sunday 14th June
Clubrooms and Parts Shed
are open every Wednesday
From 9.30 am until 11am
Acuppa is on offer for a gold coin donation
NB: If you have a spare 10 minutes before leaving the clubrooms on Wednesday mornings please have a look around to see if there is anything you can help with e.g. vacuuming, clearing dishes, mowing lawns (all equipment is supplied) a little gardening.
Listening to Derek relating the tales of attending the Bonneville Salt Flats brought visions of the late Bert Munro with similar battles with bureaucracy and authorities. Both men had the ‘Kiwis can do’, ‘number 8 wire’ attitude and ability.
On Monday morning we made our way into town to the Trafalgar Centre car park. Collecting our lunch packs then exiting the park to start on the outward leg of the journey to Kaiteriteri. Unfortunately, road works, that were to have been finished before the Rally commenced, hadn't been, creating a bottleneck at the intersection. The roading contractors allowed a left-hand turn for the Rally participants that disrupted the flow of other traffic resulting in some chaos and gridlock. Once clear of the town's traffic an enjoyable run to the lunch break at Kaiteriteri.
With all the vehicles parking up at the back of the camp ground, one could only imagine how busy the area must be during the summer months.
Leaving the camp ground, for the return leg, the route was to pass some major road reconstruction. The contractors had agreed to cease operations for several hours to allow the Rally vehicles to pass. At one point we passed twenty plus road workers and machines parked up watching the vehicles pass.
A deviation, for those that chose to, to the Riwaka Resurgence was an option that added 10 miles to the trip.
Further along the return leg the instructions led to more unexpected road works. Contractors were about to commence sealing the surface requiring a retracing of our route and navigation around the road works to pick up the planned route to end the day's run in Richmond.
The evening's function held in the Trafalgar Centre, started with the official welcome and opening followed by several items from a local schools Kapa Haka group. A meal followed, sitting at the back of the arena our table was the second last table up, by which time the quantity of food had all but run out. Quite a disappointment as most expected better. Then followed some entertainment however we departed soon after.
Tuesday's run, starting from the Speedway track and VCC club rooms, thus avoiding the previous day's chaos, was to St Arnaud on the shore of Lake Rotoiti. The outward leg was a mix of gravel and seal with a chance to stop at a historic pub the site of a murder suicide. As we passed there were numerous cars already stopped with minimal parking space available so we elected to continue to the lunch stop.
The return leg was more or less directly back to the finish at Richmond.Tuesday evening was again at the Trafalgar Centre. After a brief instruction on the upcoming day events, a meal was had. Sitting towards the back we again waited sometime but the meal was an improvement on the previous one. This was followed by several games of “Bingo”, the prizes being fuel vouchers, gladly accepted by the winners, considering the price of fuel currently. ............To be continued
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Report #2
With the car on the trailer departure from Sawyers Bay was at 0745 hrs. on Friday 13th bound for Cust. Progress was uneventful, stopping at the West Oxford Hotel for a late lunch,before proceeding towards Alon Mayhew property where the truck and trailer were to be stored. After a brief catch up with Alon, Tracey Mayhew and Bryan and Marion McConachie we headed towards Amberley for the night, meeting up with Ewen and Peter Duthie.
On Saturday morning we were on the road by 0700 intending to stop at the Paris Bakery for some recommended pastries. Unfortunately, the Bakery was closed, the Z service station being the only obvious place open.
Traveling towards Springs Junction where we had arranged to meet Ewen and Peter. As Ewen, driving his A 90, could cover a distance a little faster than a Model A our wait was short allowing just sufficient time to get some fuel and use the toilet.
Both vehicles then headed off for Maruia Saddle Road, 22 miles along State Highway 65. Several cyclists had just exited the Maruia Saddle Road and assured us that the road conditions were good and quite passable.
The road is a narrow single lane gravel track that climbs to a summit, 3 Km from the start, through bush with numerous sharp, tight corners then descends downhill again with sharp corners and several fords, no water of significance. A number of cyclists were met during the descent. Speaking to one couple we were told they were taking part in the Tour Aotearoa ride from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The Saddle Road then joins the Matakitaki Road that follows the river out to Murchison, our lunch stop. A number of other vintage car enthusiasts had also stopped for lunch.
After lunch a stroll over to ‘Dust and Rust’. an early building, to view a collection of various items, some of which were for sale at inflated prices. After our short stopover we departed Murchison, heading towards Nelson. Passing through Wakefield, a faint intermittent rattle, audible at the start of the journey, had become louder and consistent.
Once we had arrived at our accommodation and the car parked, the rattle continued as the engine idled. An investigation determined the rattle to be in the region of the fan/ water pump. Once the fan belt had been removed, the origin of the rattle became obvious: the fan was loose on the shaft, the castellated nut and split pin still in place. A washer was put between the fan hub and the nut and retightened. Some concern as to the condition of the hub taper and the possibility of a reoccurrence was expressed. The accommodation was a ‘tiny house’ made from a modified shipping container with all facilities compressed into the available space.
Extra toilets, showers, and laundry were located a short walk across the camp complex. The only problem was the showers required a $1 coin to operate. As the coin dispenser only issued $2 coins, some exchanging was necessary at other outlet. Any $1 coins given as change throughout the day were collected.
On Sunday morning we travelled into town to check out the location of registration and the start of the first day's Rally.
Derek Thomason, a supplier of Model A parts, was consulted to see if he held spare fans in stock. He had already sold two that day and still had one in stock After registration on Sunday afternoon, we motored out to Derek’s home, where we were met by a likeable elderly gent who obviously had a passion for Model A’s. After the fan transaction was done we were invited to view his collection of cars.
One item in his collection was ‘The World's Fastest Model A’.
The past month has been a little busier as we visited Leslie Groves Home which was very good and brought back some memories for the residents, and we all got a Whippy Ice Cream as well.
The Southern Backroad Adventure went very well.
Although I did not attend because the Otago Rally was on the same day and I decided to help with the rally. The Otago Rally was a mixed day for me when somebody noticed that I had a flat tyre which did not go down well. We found a stone that had gone through the tread and we could not get it out very easily, but the hole was too big to repair so a new tyre was required. It is only six months old. However, the day continued with the rally cars with not a lot of help from some.
Thanks to those who helped me with the tyre.
The Restoration Rally is coming up so please get in touch with our secretary if you have a car to compete.
We are working on the Library to get the front room into a more useable state than it has been.
The Annual Branch Dinner and Awards evening is on 18th July, if you are due a badge for length of service let Nicola know.
I attended the Games and Desert night at the Club which was a great night and a lot of fun thanks to Moira and her team of helpers. The Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in Nelson proved very successful to the members that attended, all seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.
Well, that is it for another month just read the magazine to keep up with what is happening
GRAEME
Otago Rally 11th -12th April
Thank you to Graeme Duthie and his team for their work manning the intersection of Big Stone Road and McLaren Gully Road on the final stage of the Otago Rally. Unfortunately, as in previous years, they have had issues with keeping members of the public out of the restricted areas, which makes it a difficult situation to manage. This year the rain didn’t deter the public from coming out to watch. Seems that this stage wasn’t the only one with its issues.
From your Branch Secretary
Thank you to the members who took part in the Leslie Groves and Redroofs Rest Homes visits. Both the residents and staff enjoyed their afternoons and no doubt the Mr Whippy treat at Leslie Groves would have gone down a treat –especially on a fine autumnal day.
Thank you also to the members who helped marshal at the Otago Rally. Being on the same weekend as the Southern Backroad Adventures meant that some members who normally help at the rally were not available so we appreciated those who put their names forward.
Branch Constitution – we have been asked by the Incorporated Societies to make a minor technical change to our constitution and add the word ‘sporting’ in to the winding up section so we are compliant with the Inland Revenue for our income tax exemption. As this was a technical change it could be updated at committee level.
Restoration Awards – it’s still not too late to enter for the Restoration of the Year Award. Please contact me before the 10th May if you have a vehicle that you want to enter. Judging will be on Sunday 17th May prior to the combined Restoration Rally / Ladies Drivers Run.
Branch AGM – as per the notice of meeting in the Roadrunner, this is being held on the 14th June preceded by a pot luck lunch. It would be nice to see more members at the lunch as it is a great way to catch up with others who may not be regular attendees at branch runs, noggins etc.
Branch Committee - there are some vacancies on the committee, namely the Club Captain position which has been vacant for a couple of years. This position may sound daunting however if a few of you formed a sub-committee you could share the load. New members are always welcome on the committee as you come with fresh ideas of what could be a good event for the branch. The Southern Backroad Adventure, the Pizza & Quiz night and the Dessert & Games nights are all ideas from new committee members and have been enthusiastically welcomed by members so I’m sure there are more ideas like that out there. Annual Dinner & Awards night – this is being held on Saturday 18th July and this year will include the presentation of the following membership awards: 35 years – Trish Fowler, Densye Priston and Kevin Priston 50 years – John Sim and Mark Wilkinson. 60 years – Bill Veitch
John and his wife are travelling down from Kerikeri to receive his award and he would love to catch up with members especially those from the Motorcycle fraternity. National President George, and his wife Jorden will be in town with George presenting the awards on behalf of the Management Committee. Please save the date now - more details will be available in next month’s Roadrunner. Have you been visiting other branches over the past 12 months? Remember to let me know so I can keep a note of this for when the committee look to allocate the
Motorcycle Snippets
Lynch Blosse Memorial Rally Nth Otago Branch
Sat 11th April attracted around 25 entries for this popular annual event. Just three of our bike boys attended, normally there are a few more. Previously the inland roads of Oamaru are used, this year we rode north passing many dairy farms to Glenavy then back inland arriving at Waiau Forks Hotel for lunch. After a catchup with the entry riders and various machines the return ride was mainly on the many roads on the sea side of Morven and a few miles of Highway One back to the clubrooms. Thanks to Murray Hayes and his helpers for a well organised Event. I think the bike of my preference was a 1939 AJS, but a nice variety including a Norton powered Chopper
I can’t say the lady riding pillion looked too comfortable. Our three, Bruce M BSA. Max D. Norton. Bill V. BSA
The next day Sth Canterbury ran their annual bike rally, it’s normally a week or two later, not sure why this happened but again entries were up in the 20s. The morning forty mile ride ending at Cave for the lunch stop took us on roads I have never been on but one took me back to around 1960 something, a rather steep
downhill by the name of Clelands Hill. Well-sealed now but gravel when I rode a hill climb there all those years ago,
Excellent lunch meals at Cave, another catch-up with various riders and bike inspection, then the return trip via the Pareora Gorge a great piece of road, not fast but many quite sharp corners. Again, three entries from Otago, Bruce, Bill and Stewart G on his Indian. Around 180 miles we covered on the two rallies, a great weekend, perfect weather, no breakdowns. Bill V.
11th Gerald
LynchBlosse Memorial M/c Rally –Oamaru
Obituary - Ivan Bennett
It is with sadness that we advise you of Ivan’s passing earlier in April. He had been a member of the Vintage Car Club since July 1969, having joined following the purchase of his 1922 Lorraine Dietrich. The resources in the branch parts department and library were considered to be very useful for the Lorraine’s restoration. Ivan and Joan enjoyed many years of motoring around the country with fellow members and family. He helped with many branch events and was always happy to take the Lorraine out for special events around the city. His enthusiasm for vintage motoring was appreciated by members and the public alike. Always with a smile on his face and happy to help. Our thoughts are with Joan and family at this time.
Obituary—Colin Pearce
It is with great sadness that we advise that Colin passed away last Monday - 6 weeks and 1 day after his beloved Joan. Colin joined VCC in 1959 and absolutely loved being a member of the club with both him & Joan travelling around the country attending club events albeit local, National and International. He had served on committees in both Gore and Otago branches. We will miss his never ending desire to attend as many rallies as possible. We understand that he had even considered attending the recent Vero International Rally in Nelson. We will miss seeing him at the Dunedin Brighton Run’s in his favourite Sunbeam. Our thoughts are with the Pearce family at this time.
DESSERT AND GAMES EVENING
A good number of members got together to enjoy some fun games– hittin golf balls into little holes, bowls, skittles, throwing wheat bags into a hole in a box, and a couple of brain teasers. These were all put together by Moira Cunningham and her team of helpers. Points were earned as the teams went around the hall to play each game. When finished we all enjoyed a delicious dessert and coffee to finish the evening with some chatter and prizegiving. The Deaker and McConachie team were the winners with Kevin Mason and his team coming a close second. Thank you to Val and Moira for arranging the deserts. I’m sure a good night was had by all those who attended.
trophies. Please note that the dates to qualify for the annual awards are from the 1st June – 31st May.
Lower South Island Regional Representative – this is a new position on the National Committee (previously known 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 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. You can find a copy of the nomination form in the current edition of Beaded Wheels
Newsletters from other branches -remember to check the VCC website each month to read what is happening in other branches around the country. You can also find their event entry forms there as well. The website address is https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ 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.
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.
Nicola
Otago Branch CommitteeNOMINATION FORM
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 POT LUCK LUNCH –12.30PM
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.
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.
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 #________________
BRANCH TROPHY AWARDS
These awards are presented each year during the Annual Dinner and Prizegiving. Our secretary needs you to let her know if you have attended any events at other branches and if you have gained any placings during those events.
HARVEY WILSON CUP: Best attendance at rally’s
NON SPEED EVENT: Best performance of all events
CLUBMANS TROPHY: Best attendance at local events
FLETCHER/HEAPS TROPHY Most meritorious performance of a Veteran Vehicle
GRAHAM DALTON CUP: Motorcycle Restoration
RESTORATION CUP: Car Restoration
DOUGLAS ROD Most determined effort on a Vet/Vin Motorcycle
TREVOR DUNNING TROPHY: Greatest effort in vintage motoring
