A very Happy New Year to you all. I hope 2026 treats you all very kindly. With the holiday period now behind us I am scrambling to find interesting things to report on. Club activities have been on the back burner during recent weeks. The Christmas lunch was the last club event and it went off really well. About 40 members attended a potluck Sunday lunch. There was a very interesting array of food and some really positive feedback was received. With the cost of dining out or organising a caterer the potluck option was the only sensible option.
Club events for the year kick off with a barbeque on February 11th. The club will be providing the protein and attendees are asked to bring a salad or dessert. Dining will be preceded by a vote on the new constitution. By law, the club must reregister and submit an updated constitution by 5th April. A copy of the new constitution will be emailed to all members shortly and you will have plenty of time to read, study and inwardly digest this document. I have every expectation that the Special General Meeting will only take minutes (or is that moments?). Cast your vote and you can have a sausage and a lettuce leaf. That seems like a fair deal. ïżœïżœ
The other item that may be of interest is that the clubâs laptop, which is the possession of our very capable Secretary, has reached the end of its life. It is believed to be about 10 years old and currently supports a maximum of 4% battery charge. To that end, the committee agreed to purchase a new laptop. That has been done and will shortly be available for use by Elaine (and whoever replaces her in May).
I have no doubt that the group of members who are travelling to Nelson to participate in the Vero Rally in March are all in the process of preparing their cars for the journey. Mine has just been in for a grease, oil change and a tune up. It goes back shortly to have diff seals replaced. The other 6-7 vehicles heading south will be receiving similar fettling, I hope.
Safe travels folks
Eric
Coffee & Cars January
January was a quick run out to Lava Glass. A good number attended although only a few classics (the cars I mean) lots of other classics. Some Post Vintage but mostly Post War and maybe Post 60. Weather keeping most pride and joys in the garage. Very busy place with seating at a bit of a premium with all of us there. Good coffee and scones make these all the more worth while.
Paul & Barry. Their cars are waterproof. Alma bought out the big umbrella.
As a change we decided to have a pot luck lunch. As mentioned by Eric in his report this was a well received format with great attendance. One which will be replicated again in the future.
IMPORTANT UP COMING EVENTS
CLUB BBQ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11TH
This is the annual BBQ which will be held at the clubrooms at 5.30 on Wednesday Feb 11th. Club will provide the protein if members could provide a shared salad or dessert.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING AT BBQ NIGHT
Attached to this event will be a Special General Meeting. This is required as Eric has pointed out in his report to finalise the clubs constitution in accordance with the new incorporated societies act. You will all have received a copy of this in an email from the club.
CLUB OPEN DAY
As held last year at the Landing this is our annual car display. The public will be invited to vote on the car they think is the best So shine them up and bring them down. This year itâs on the Tongariro domain. So hopefully we will see a lot more people stopping by and having a look.
A highlight this year will be Murray and Barbara Stanleyâs Nissan Cube Banger. They are heading to Invercargill on March 16th in the Bangers to Bluff Challenge. A fantastic event over 14 days raising money for the Multiple Sclerosis NZ charity organised by the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay. We wish them every success.
Vero VCC National Car Rally
Not long now and members from our club will be heading south to this major event. Seven members are venturing down to get to Nelson by the 15th of March.
Here are some official numbers from the rally organisers; All but 2 of the VCC Clubs in NZ are sending members;
There are visitors from overseas clubs attending.
Over 1300 people in over 800 vehicles have registered.
I will give you all a full rundown in the April issue of Taupo Torque.
The club is indebted to the continued support from the following advertisers.
