Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team of models
Phone: Sue – (Dunedin) 03 489 4033/021 146 4987
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
This space is available for another advertiser. If you have a business which would might support our members please contact our Branch editor or Branch Treasurer
WANTED
Archive Material - for Otago Branch Archives
Copies of any past events/rallies that you have organised 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 -
FOR SALE
X3 Mk 1 Zephyrs – 1 in good condition without a motor
1 has rust removed
1 is suitable for parts - there is a 4 cylinder engine and a 6 cylinder engine
$1000 for the lot - contact Frank Harris 0278732212 for further details
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, t is open on Wednesday morning 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
OTAGO BRANCH NAME BADGES
$10 each –
order them through David Ross – Branch Treasurer
ROADRUNNER—ADVERTISING
If you have a business and would like to advertise in this Roadrunner please contact The Editor Marion McConachie 4530404
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
OCT
3rd Bryan McConachie
10th Closed
17th Closed
24th Closed
31st Kevin Mason
DEC
5th Kevin Mason
If you have attended an event and feel moved to put pen to paper for a report – please do so and email it to our Editor. Would be nice to read other people’s stories. NOV 7th Bill Veitch 14th Closed 21st Closed 28th Bryan McConachie
Bar Manager’s Licence
The committee are looking for a couple of members interested in getting their Bar Managers Licence. At this stage we only have one member with a licence and we would like to take some of the pressure off him especially when we have events at the club rooms.
Please contact David Ross if you are interested.
Librarian Position Vacant
We are also looking for a member to take on the Librarians position which is currently vacant.
Please contact either Graeme or Nicola if you are interested.
-
From the Editor
Apologies: September’s Roadrunner was titled ‘August’. Sorry. Also most of you who are receiving the Roadrunner by email, will be having issues with the pages being all mixed up. Please bear with me as I am still trying to work out why this is happening. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated. Next month might be even more challenging as I should have moved to Windows 11 by then.
There are a lot of events coming up over the next couple of months. Take a note of these in your diary so that you do not miss them.
I continue to encourage you all to forward me your reports and or photos of events you attend. This should’nt be left to a couple of people. Our afternoon tea for Hec Browett was a good opportunity for many of his motorcycle friends and other club members to remember him in a relaxed and enjoyable way on a sunny afternoon at our clubrooms.
This year’s winner is Elisabeth Smits-Brouwer in recognition of Elisabeth together with her late husband Fred accomplishing an extraordinary ten-year classic worldwide travel adventure in their 1957 Mercedes. What an outstanding commitment to follow their dream and at the same time set such an example for their fellow VCC Members.
President’s Award:
This year I had great pleasure in presenting an award to Don and Marlene Muller for their tireless efforts relocating our club archives to our new offices. Over the past six months, they packed, moved, and beautifully set up the collection at the new building - an outstanding contribution to the Club.
Election of Officers: No election was required as nominations matched vacancies. Your 2025-2026 national team is:
• President: George Kear
• Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Vacant
• North Island Club Captain: Glyn Clements
• South Island Club Captain: Mark Wilkinson
• Registrar: Neil Beckenham
• Beaded Wheels Chairman: Kevin Clarkson
• Management Committee: Murray Trounson, Andy Fox, Rebecca George
• Speed Steward: Ray Sanders
Don Muller was reappointed as Club Archivist
A huge thanks to all committee members for their contributions and willingness to serve again – our strength lies in the diverse skills around the table.
2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring: Rally Director Ray Robertson reported excellent progress. While entries are strong (we’ve already exceeded budget targets, so the event is a go!), many members in the room admitted they intend to enter but haven’t done so yet. If that’s you - don’t delay! Ray and his experienced team are putting together what is expected to be a wonderful week of motoring.
Notice of Motion Results: After three years of work, members voted with an 86% majority to approve the changes to the Constitution. This has come after a lot of hard work, consultation and many hours. Thank you for your support! We received Almost double our usual number of ballots - a fantastic result. Special thanks to the volunteers, who collated and counted the votes. The new constitution will be filed by year’s end, however the updated structure will take effect after next year’s AGM, when the new National Committee is elected.
2026 AGM: The Manawatu Branch will host next year’s AGM. These gatherings are a fantastic way to meet like-minded enthusiasts from around the country - so start making plans to join us.
Looking Ahead Summer is on the way - time to finish those last maintenance jobs and get ready to enjoy the great events your Branch has planned for the season. Thanks again to everyone who made the Invercargill weekend such a successespecially the Southland Branch for their warm Southern Hospitality and flawless organisation.
See you on the road,
George Kear National President
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold)
Contact Branch secretary for entry forms from other branches
2025
OCT Fri 3rd
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sat 4th – 5th Dunvegan Rally 10th -12th Canterbury Swapmeet
Thurs 30th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 31st Club Night and Meeting
NOV Sat 1st Taieri Tour
Fri 7th Motorcycle Group Meeting 8th Clutha Rally
Sun 23rd Commercial Veteran Rally
Thurs 27th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 28th Club Night and Meeting
DEC Fri 5th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
TBA Moped Rally Windsor Rally
Sun 14th Christmas BBQ
Wed 17th Last day open for the year
2026
JAN Wed 14th First day open for the year
Sun 18th Jackson Rally
Sat 24th 72nd Brighton Rally
Thurs 29th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 30th Club Night and meeting
FEB Friday 6th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Thurs 26th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 27th Club Night and Meeting
MAR Fri 6th
Motorcycle Group Meeting
Thurs 26th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 27th Club Night and Meeting
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS
2026 March 15th -21st Vero International Festival of Historic MotoringNelson
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
Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally
Saturday 4th to Sunday 5th October
Midweek Run – lunch
Thursday 30th October
Carey’s Bay Hotel - at 12.00
Club Night – Friday 31st October
7.30 pm open with club meeting at 8.30 pm and cuppa to follow
Taieri Tour
Saturday 1st November
Clubrooms and Partshed
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. Many hands make light work
NATIONAL AGM REPORT FROM OUR NATIONAL PRESIDENT
I’m delighted to share an update following our very successful AGM and Executive Meetings, held a couple of weeks ago in Invercargill (9th and 10th of August).
A Warm Southern Welcome
The Southland Branch truly outdid themselves. Their planning was flawless, and we received the best of the Southern Hospitality including the choice of an excellent venue with great accommodation, superb conference facilities, and plenty of opportunities to mingle. Those that had the extra day were able to explore Invercargill’s outstanding motoring museums, and many took part in a little shoe shopping. Everything ran like clockwork, making the weekend as enjoyable as it was productive.
Executive Meeting Highlights
Friday evening:
The focus was on the Notice of Motion regarding updates to our constitution and the Club structure. We had a robust conversation about whether the process followed to date was in accordance with our By-laws. Gisborne Branch spoke to their concerns, and, as President, I responded outlining the steps we had taken. Given the importance of this matter, every branch was given time to be heard. After discussion, a motion passed confirming the process was deemed correct, and the results of the ballot would stand.
Saturday:
The Executive meeting covered the usual general administration, reports, and approving the budget for the coming year.
We opened the floor for discussion on the use of modern Burtz Model A engines in club vehicles. These engines have modern internals and produce up to three times the horsepower of the originals. Plenty of feedback was given for the Vehicle Technical Committee to consider.
AGM Highlights
New National Support Office:
Members were shown photos of the old and new office buildings and updated on the successful sale and smooth relocation over the past two months. We would like to extend a warm welcome to all members to visit our informal opening on Thursday Evening, 9th October, ahead of the Canterbury Branch Swap Meet. Likewise, the National Support Office team would like to offer a standing invitation to pop in any time you’re in town.
12-Month WOF:
Garry Jackson (FOMC) spoke about the successful approval of the 12-month WOF for historic vehicles. He also shared his ongoing discussions with the Heritage Minister, aiming for official recognition of our vehicles as an important part of New Zealand’s heritage - just as they are in Europe, where classic cars are seen as “moving monuments.”
John L Goddard Trophy:
This annual award honours John L. Goddard’s legacy and is presented to a club member nominated by their peers.
There were 2 worthy nominations received this year, and the winner was decided on by our life members John Coomber, Roger White, Rod Brayshaw, Norm Dewhurst, together with input from me, in my role as President. The judging criteria took into account the parameters set down by John Goddard’s widow, Kate and Gavin Bain.
Well things are warming up a bit now and growth is starting. So the spuds are planted and so are the tomatoes the peas and some early carrots, just have to keep the rabbits out now.
At the branch, the Cancer Run was a great success which made me very pleased as this year we were in a more conspicuous place where we could be seen, also the run down the Peninsula went very well and my car also performed very well. The daffodil deliveries on Monday went well so a big thank you to those who took part in the deliveries and to the organisers and those who helped on the big day.
The Autospectacular was set up well and quite a number of people spoke to our members on our branch stand which was very good, there appeared to be more interest in our cars on display and also that we accepted more modern cars than a lot of people realised.
There are quite a number of activities coming up so keep a watch on what is happening in the Roadrunner and attend or help with what you can.
Thanks GRAEME
Des Grey’s International
Why are we waiting?
David’s MG 1100
From your Branch Secretary
Thank you to everyone who came along to the Daffodil Rally for Cancer last month – either as a participant or marshal. The turnout and monies raised for the local cancer society was the best we have had to date so please give yourselves a huge pat on the back.
Thank you also to the members who provided vehicles for the branch display at the Autospectacular. I had a sneak peek on the Friday night and the display looked great with a good cross section of vehicles.
Taieri Tour - please remember to get your entry form in early as it helps the organisers with catering, printing etc.
Commercial & Veteran Rally – I’m pleased to report that this is going ahead again this year after being cancelled last year. The entry form is in this edition of the Road runner.
Branch events – we still need organisers for some branch events in 2026. Please give this some thought and let me know if you are able to help or put your name on the list on the notice board.
Vero Insurance
The VCC Vero scheme is solely for financial members and the discount we enjoy ceases when your membership is cancelled either through non-payment of subs, resignation or death. National Office can arrange for it to be transferred to a joint member, so the simplest way to continue receiving the discount is to add your spouse to your membership. This means that in the unfortunate event of the main member passing, the surviving spouse has time to decide what to do without worrying about the insurance. Please contact me if you want more details.
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.
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-fromour-branches/
VIC
and Lighting
Endorsement
Forms - These are available via the website VICVehicle 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
The Vintage Car Club of NZ Otago Branch Inc
Commercial & Veteran Rally
SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 2025
Assemble at Otago Branch Club Rooms
125 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin
Arrive 12:30pm for 1pm start for a gentle run to Aramoana
All classes of vehicles including modern welcome Veteran and Commercial vehicles are only eligible for Trophies
Bring your own picnic afternoon tea including a thermos etc
Please advise of your intention to attend as numbers are needed for printing purposes
Please complete and return to: Kevin Mason or Bill Veitch
At the clubrooms on Wednesday mornings or Email to: otago@vcc.org.nz
Post to: To Vintage Car Club of NZ Otago Branch Inc 125 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin 9012
GM Night Rally Report
About 10 cars and their teams gathered at our branch Clubrooms, in anticipation of what the evening’s event might bring. Thank you to Lisa and her team for organising these years run. We were sent off with well written instructions and questions which should have kept us all on track. It did get a little frustrating with some of the answers to those questions being on the right side of the road. Not so easy for the driver when you are shining a torch across their face or asking them to look for the answer. Being able to identify where we were supposed to be heading helped when names of streets or places were supplied. The drive took us from St Clair over to Woodhaugh, and through the bush of Ross Creek, and its narrow dark roads, over to Mornington, Corstorphine and back down to the clubrooms. To finish the competition side off we were handed a few pages of multi choice road code questions to answer. We were give 5 minutes to see how many we could answer. The younger generation bet us hands down on that lot. The winners this year were the Macklan McConachie team. A welcome hot drink and supper was enjoyed by everyone following prizegiving. Thank you to Kevin and the team for their work in the bar and kitchen. Keep the date free in your diary for next year.
are unsure of which forms to fill out plus various resources that could help when restoring a vehicle members have already volunteered to look at possible route
Donations of books, memorabilia etc – if you or someone you know is looking at donating items to the branch- can you please contact me in the first instance so I can make suitable arrangements for how these are to be donated.
South Island Easter Rally 2027- our bid for hosting the next South Island Easter Rally has been accepted so now it is time to start the initial planning. A couple of options however we will also need help with the field tests and marshalling. Please let me know if you are interested.
Nicola
Have you received your Subscription Invoice for the 2025-2026 membership year?
You should all have received your invoice by now as these were either emailed (to those with an email address loaded on the database) or posted to all members by the 10th September.
Payment is due by the 31st of October 2025 and r eminder statements will be posted in November so check your emails, spam inbox, or with your neighbours to ensure your invoice has not got lost in the mail.
Please let either myself or National Office know NOW If you have not received your invoice so we can get your invoice paid on time. Nicola.
PWV, P60V,P80V RALLY REPORT
About 25 cars and 1 motorcycle gathered at the Sunnyvale Sports Ground Car park on a mild sunny morning. Boyd and Maria Wilkinson welcomed everyone and then sent everyone on their way with their instructions (questions to be answered on route) included. Heading out through Fairfield, Morris Road and then back up Coalstage Road to Saddle Hill Road. Here we encountered the strong winds that had been forecast. These soon settled as we headed into Brighton and on to Taieri Mouth. In calm conditions we continued onto Balclutha via Milton, Kaitangata and Stirling. We all enjoyed our picnic lunch at the South Otago Vintage Car Club rooms. After lunch Boyd announced Neil Hodgkin as winner for the PWV section Neil informed us that he was to go on to Gore to get a photo of himself and his Super Snipe outside the Railway Station to replicate a black and white photo his mum had taken of him as a 10 year old beside the Snipe. All those years ago he would be taken to catch the train to school at Waihi.
Trevor and Carol Kempton won first place in the P60 section in their Jaguar. There were no P80 Vehicles entered in the run.
We welcomed members from the MG and Alfa Romeo clubs. Des Grey had his International Truck, Brian Olsen had his Chrysler - both newer additions to our branch, and then there were some Minis, Hillman Hunter, a Midget, Vauxhall, VW to name a few. Following our lunch stop everyone made their own way home. Thanks to Boyd for arranging the run and to the South Otago Branch members who hosted us for the time we were there.
PRESS RELEASE – VCC DAFFODIL RALLY FOR CANCER 2025
Vintage Car Club of NZ Smashes $110,000 for Cancer Society
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (VCC) has done it again – and this year, we’ve achieved our best-ever result. Since the Daffodil Rally for Cancer began in 2017, the Club has proudly raised more than $500,000 to support the vital work of the Cancer Society. But this year, we have reached a new milestone: $110,000 in one weekend alone.
This extraordinary achievement is thanks to the efforts of our 36 branches nationwide, us members, supporters, and the generosity of local communities. Together, we’ve shown that when passion for heritage motoring meets compassion for people, we can truly drive change.
Dunedin Branch Highlights -Dunedin achieved their best rally yet, filling a central city location with 125–130 Vehicles that created a spectacle for the public and participants alike. With support from Dunedin City Motors, LJ Hooker, and the Cancer Society, the branch raised $2,753. The rally’s success was driven by a strong team effort and creative partnerships, proving that collaboration makes all the difference. Gore doubled both its car numbers and its fundraising this year, a remarkable achievement. Seventy vehicles with nearly 190 people on board took part in a scenic drive to Winton, with local shops opening specially for participants. Raffles, donated prizes, and daffodil sales added to the fun, helping the branch raise $1,886 for the Southland Cancer Society. Gore’s result is a testament to their determination to grow the event year after year, and their success is inspiring for smaller branches nationwide.
A National Movement
We are privileged and very grateful to have had Ford New Zealand standing beside us as our national partner this year, strengthening our efforts and helping us look ahead with confidence to 2026.
As the VCC, we know this rally is about more than cars. It’s about families, stories, and hope. Together, we are keeping the wheels turning for a cause that touches us all The Road Ahead
With $110,000+ raised this year and over $500,000 raised since inception, the VCC has proven what can be achieved when community, passion, and purpose align. But this is not the end of the road, and it’s just the beginning.
We invite every member to take pride in this achievement: 8,300 strong, 36 branches united, and one extraordinary cause. The Daffodil Rally for Cancer is proof that when we drive together, we drive change.
Finally, I am deeply honoured to have been invited to represent the VCC at a special partner event hosted by the NZ Cancer Society this Wednesday evening in Auckland. Not only is it a wonderful occasion, but it is also an opportunity to stand in front of their leadership and supporters and explain just how much the VCC contributes through our collective efforts.
The Cancer Society is genuinely moved by what we do, and this invitation reflects the respect and appreciation they hold for us as an organisation. I will be speaking on behalf of every one of our members, sharing the pride and the power of what we have achieved together.
Kaaren Smylie
VCC Daffodil Day Rally 2025 - National Coordinator
Top: Neil Hodgkin winner
PWV
Righ:
Trevor & Carol Kempton
For More Information contact:
Mark Wilkinson 021 1686068 or any committee member
Post your entries to: 125 Forbury Road, Saint Clair, Dunedin ,9012 or email to markandnicolaw@gmail.com
Morning tea will be available for purchase at the start venue
Mosgiel Scouts will be selling BBQ food at the Lunch Stop
SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2025
ENTRIES CLOSE: FRIDAY 24th OCTOBER 2025
The VCC of NZ Otago Branch Inc invites members to join us for our major event of the year, the Annual Taieri Tour. Get prepared for some good vintage motoring in the Taieri area with a picnic lunch stop. Bring your own lunch and hot drinks. BBQ food for sale & Hot Water will be available at lunch venue. We welcome you to take part in this friendly, informal, family event.
TOUR FORMAT:
9.15 am Assemble at The Grange Lifecare, 19 Clachan Grange Road, Mosgiel Collect Rally Packs, Morning tea available to purchase from the café or BYO. The residents are aware we are coming and have been invited to view the vehicles.
9.45 am Driver briefing
10.00 am First car away
12.30 pm Lunch - Hot water available & BBQ food by Mosgiel Scouts
2.00pm (approx: after field tests)
You are free to motor back to your accommodation / Vintage Car Club rooms.
4.30 pm Drinks available at the bar
5.30 pm Dinner and Prizegiving will be held at VCC clubrooms 125 Forbury Road Dunedin.
ELIGIBILITY:
The Tour is open to all VCC of NZ eligible vehicles and will be divided into the following classes: Veteran, Vintage, PV, PW, P60, P80 Motorcycles. Includes commercials and motorcycles over all classes. All entrants must be financial members of the VCC of NZ.
TROPHIES:
A Trophy cup will be presented to the overall winner of the Tour. Trophies and Certificates will be awarded in each class.
SOCIAL EVENTS:
All participants are invited to join the regular Friday evening club night Friday 31ST October, at the clubrooms, 125 Forbury Road from 8.00 p.m. onwards.
We ask that you indicate your intentions to attend the dinner for Saturday- two weeks prior for catering purposes.
53rdAnnual Taieri Tour Saturday 1st November 2025
ENTRANTS NAME __________________________________________
