I couldn’t think of a cheeky caption for this photo of Francis taken during our lunch stop in Akitio
BACK COVER
A well deserved reward for battling very strong side winds that nearly blew my glasses offOrange of course !
Club Night 2nd February
Motor Cycles are the Star
Club Night 2nd March
Car is the Star – Ram Rodders Vehicles invited
It may seem that I have been doing a lot of sitting around and not doing much at all. Truth be-known it’s not far from the truth, though in my defence in this case it is the lunch rest before a very windy drive back to Greytown from Akitio.
Enjoy more story’s and tales within.
Kindest Regards
Dennis Burns Editor
Welcome to the New Year.
I trust you all have had a relaxing time and have recharged over the holidays. We are looking forward to another busy events calendar.
The December twilight run attracted a very good turnout. Kevin Sullivan put a well-planned course together encompassing Carterton.
The run included land marks and various questions requiring answers.
The excitement as members left was infectious. On returning everyone was treated to a chocolate bar which added to the chatter. The winners were :- 1st Rob and Sonya Jones Second equal were :- Dave and Les along with David and Mrs Hunter.
A Special General Meeting was convened following the prize giving.
The notice of motion on the agenda was to adopt a new constitution to meet the new Incorporated Society’s Act. A copy of the new constitution had been circulated prior to all club members. After discussion the Club Chairperson asked the meeting to vote on the acceptance of the new constitution. Asking for those who agreed to say yes and those against to say no. The motion was accepted unanimously.
The Coastal run to Akitio was well attended despite the windy conditions. While sitting enjoying a picnic lunch Simon Byrne produced a picture taken at Akitio nine years earlier to the month. The same Norfolk Pines with members cars parked underneath them. It was their first rally as club members. We will ear mark the calendar with another visit in the 2035. Many thanks to Jim and Lyn Laid for being tail end Charlie.
We will be celebrating a special occasion on Monday the 2nd of February. Mike Blundell will be presented with his 50year membership badge. It is also a night for all the bikers in the club to bring their bikes along and show them off. Come along and enjoy Mikes moment as well as getting an opportunity to see club members bikes on display.
February 6th Waitangi Day bar-b-q is again being held at Dakins Road. It will be the same format as last year. You choose your rally route to travel from your home. Traveling a total distance of 30 k’s to arrive at the bar-b-q between 12.00 and 12.30 pm.
Take a photo on your phone when leaving home to verify the time you left and various photos on your travels. The best story told will receive a prize. Come along and have some fun.
We are having a Working Bee on February the 21st at the Club Rooms. Dave Eade is the club’s custodian and he will put a list of jobs that need attention together. We will also have a tidy up down stairs. We will send out a reminder in February.
Club members have been invited to a garage raid at Francis Pointon’s on Sunday the 22nd of February.
We hope to visit another garage also.
More information to come.
That’s all from me.
Graham
Secretaries notes
A note from The Secretary.
A couple of minor points of procedure.
1. If you change your contact details, when you email me the new details please copy in the VCC HQ.
This saves me having to do it. Office@vcc.org.nz.
2. All VIC applications and lighting endorsements should go through The Branch VIC Officer who is inspecting the vehicle. The VIC officer needs to complete the paperwork and can then send it to HQ.
The Branch Secretary has no input into this process.
Your VIC officers are;
Hugh Hunter j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz - 027 665 9911
Francis Pointon. Pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz - 06 378 6710
Kevin Sullivan kevsully52@gmail.com. - 022 377 8443
Mike D’Alton
Vintage & Veteran Tour
23 November2025.
A well-attended rally to complete the year.
Organisers France Pointon and Ryan Dewes repeat the same format of last year’s rally, which started at Pointon Motors in Masterton and travelled down to Martinborough. We stopped in at Dave Hitchens place on the way to view his man cave and work shop. A large collection of hammers and many other odd articles were on display. After some humorous discussion we then moved on down to the Martinborough Square for a coffee. This gave the public a chance to talk to drivers and view their vehicles. From there we then motored to Palliser Estate for a midday luncheon which had been coordinated by Rae and John Kennedy.
A very successful outing enjoyed by all, with wonderful food and company.
We had eight Veterans which included an Indian Power Plus bike with a sidecar. There was an invitation extended to Vintage owners to take part with four joining in.
Below is a list of the vehicles and passenger details.
Graham Hodder
Dave Hitchens Man Cave Visit
More photos from Martinborough Square
Branch Christmas Rally and Lunch
The Christmas Lunch and run to Eketahuna Hotel was a lot of fun and a well organised and attended event.
Mike D’Alton set an easy and very picturesque route through Alfredton with a few questions, which suited most people. Some of us didn’t come in our Vintage / Classic cars for various reasons.
Richard Harvey’s Morris 8 and Rover 110 were both out of action and Kay had her leg in plaster. Our Jag had an expired WoF, the MGC clutch had failed and the BMW was blocked in the garage as a result.
Despite car issues, there was a very good turn out of cars from Morris & Land Rover to two Packards and even two MG Magnettes. The Eketahuna Pub laid on an excellent lunch which was graciously served to us at the table.
Prize giving covered the field of ability and we even received one for our hard luck story.
Thank you Graham, Kevin & Mike for a very enjoyable day and a great way to end the year.
Shaun & Stephanie
Cruise Martinborough - Greytown Main Street Editors Snaps
Coastal Run - 2026
On a blustery Sunday morning 19 cars with 38 drivers and passengers aboard set out for Akitio via Mauriceville, Alfredton and Pongaroa. From Pongaroa the outward route continued up Route 52 to Waione and then along River Road to Akitio. The wind picked up along Route 52 and a few trees had lost branches that provided mostly minor obstacles on the road. All in all the drive was relatively uneventful although our esteemed leader inadvertently took the more direct route to Alfredton which meant he leapfrogged a few cars much to the annoyance of the Tail End Charlie who expected to see him at Pongaroa.
Akitio proved to be an oasis from the wind. It was blustery at the point but along the bay the wind was a gentle breeze and by about 1 o’clock had died completely which meant an enjoyable sun soaked picnic for all.
The journey home proved to be a bit more eventful. The homeward route took the Coast road directly to Pongaroa and then Route 52 right through to the Bideford road and then on to Masterton.
A number of cars stopped at the Pongaroa Pub for refreshments. It turned out that the pub had no power so the selection was limited. The last group to leave the pub decided to return via Pahiatua hoping to avoid the worst of the wind.
Others who took Route 52 encountered strong wind gusts and a lot of branches on the road Jeff Percy had one of the offending branches pierce one of his tyres. After changing the wheel he set out again only to come upon a branch covered in pinecones in the middle of the road. He was unable to avoid it and as it passed under his car it took out his muffler. Not a good day out for Jeff.
Mike D’Alton was among the last to leave and on his way down Coast Road he lost his Bentley hat. When he stopped to retrieve it an Eketahuna local in a Vauxhall Cresta who had also been picnicking at Akitio stopped to assist and convinced Mike to follow him down the Waihoki Valley, an alternative route that joins Route 52 about half way between Pongaroa and Alfredton. The Waihoki Valley Road is not one for the faint hearted as Mike would discover. It turned out that the friendly local didn’t really know the way and it took a couple of visits to remote farm houses to find their way to Route 52. Once on Route 52 they encountered debris on the road that needed to be shifted and fallen trees including one that had crushed a ute and finally found the road completely blocked by a fallen tree requiring them to turn back and detour through Mauriceville.
The time spent at Akitio was very pleasant but we can take a few salutary lessons from drives there and back, notably to pay close attention to the weather forecasts and be prepared to postpone or cancel events if forecast conditions appear unfavorable.
Entry List
Kevin and Sabrina Sullivan
Paul Furkert
Dennis Burns
Graham Hodder
Landrover Series 1
Landrover Series 1
Landrover Series 1
Landrover Series 3
Lyn and Bob Cumming Range Rover
Jim and Lyn Laird Landcruiser and trailer
Hugh and Jill Hunter Mitsubishi Pajero
Lyndsay Durrant and Fiona Bendall Peugeot 404
Darryl Longstaffe and Dave Stewart Plymouth Cranbrook
Francis Pointon and Simon O’Hara Essex
Jeff Percy and Steve Vauxhall Cresta
Rob and Sonja Jones, Judy Collard Leyland P76
John and Sheila Clark Daimler
Richard and Sue Hay, Mike Blundell Jaguar XJ6
Mike D’Alton and Bruce Lambert Bentley
David Clark Jaguar X300
Gary and Lesley Graham Rover P5B
Simon and Andrea Byrne Lotus Excel
David and Joe Eade Triumph 2500
Coastal Run - 2026, the lost hat
Bruce and I had a very interesting trip home from Akitio. Some 3km down the road I lost my Bentley hat. I must get a clip for it. Whilst stopping to collect it Peter and his wife in the yellow Cresta from Eketahuna cruised up. He was going via the Mairanga Valley Road, and sold us on the route . ‘Jeff Percy and some of the others are going that way, it’s quite twisty but it’s a good metalled road. I should have known better than to trust a man in a yellow Cresta from Eketahuna. We turned off the Coast Road onto an okay sort of track, but after a while it deteriorated somewhat. After 6km following the dust cloud behind the Cresta we came to a fork, and it was plain that Peter didn’t have a clue where he was going. I managed to get into pole position and, after stopping at two isolated farmsteads for directions, we finally regained route 52 after 25km of dirt track, some ten km south of Pongaroaroa and some minutes behind the convoy..
By then the wind was blowing a real houghley, and trees were beginning to fall. The Cresta veered off with a cheery wave up the Pa Valley.
Shortly after Alfredton, we stopped behind three lady bikers to clear an area of fallen trees, but soon encountered more trees and a stop. Whilst clearing here, there was mighty crack and a big tree fell on the cab of a UTE belonging to another of the helpers.
Mike D’Alton
You should have seen the look on his wife’s face as she exited the cab. Finally an impassable oak tree astride the road meant a detour via Dreyer’s rock and an arrival home at 1800, tried and dusty and in need of some refreshment.
The Editors trip home was no less exciting
Apart from getting a wee bit lost and weaving my way round fallen trees, I also ran out of Petrol. Luckily I always carry a minimum of 20 litres spare. The series 2 engine is a tad thirsty
Coastal Run - 2017
From the Archive, 8th January 2017 pics at Akitio (so not quite 10 years…)
Simon Byrne
Three Days, Three Events, One MGA
Monte Carlo Friday, Vintage Vogue Saturday, Burma Rally Sunday
This was our first Whanganui Vintage Weekend, which delivered a particularly memorable combination: a Monte Carlo Rally on Friday (VCC Wellington), Vintage Vogue (and car display) on Saturday, and the Burma Rally (VCC Whanganui) on Sunday – all tackled in our 1957 MGA. The result was three days of motoring, mishap, glamour, navigation, nostalgia, and the kind of stories that classic cars specialise in.
1. Monte Carlo Rally – Friday
A promising start, a roadside pause, and a hard-won finish
Friday’s Monte Carlo Rally began with optimism. We set out armed with our Greytown Riviera Unit sign, a respectable supply of bribes, and our faithful mascot Francis Fox, carried over from the Midget ‘MG Fox’. Stage One went well, and we were collecting locations steadily.
Among the points to find was Eketahuna’s 1912 oil well –just one destination on a long list, but unquestionably the hardest. Hidden in long grass, missing from most maps, and worth a substantial 200 points, it was a genuine challenge.
The real turning point came shortly after, just out of Pahiatua. Avoiding the highway entirely, we diverted through quiet (and bumpy) back roads, only for the MGA’s distributor to jump out with electrical connections severed. No cell-
Gina Jones & Malcolm Fleming
phone reception, no traffic, and a very stationary MGA. Not a moment for laughter – but one we have become seasoned experts at handling.
Help arrived promptly in the form of local farmer, Hannah and her daughter who stopped to assist. Gina was driven into Pahiatua where Champion Garage (AA agents) recovered the MGA and had us repaired and mobile with efficient professionalism.
By then, the clock had done its damage, we arrived at the midday checkpoint over three hours late, which with demerit points applied at a point a minute, any hope we had of being competitive for the day evaporated. We reached only the first and final stops in Stage Two and finished firmly at the bottom of the list.
Yet, remarkably, we still ended the day with 700 positive points – a modest but satisfying victory under the circumstances. More importantly, the day reinforced the true character of Monte Carlo-style events: success is optional; stories are inevitable.
2. Vintage Weekend & Vintage Vogue – Saturday
From rally dust to runway lights in 24 hours
Saturday required an abrupt shift from motorsport to polish. The MGA joined the Vintage Vehicle Display, looking admirably presentable after a rapid post-rally clean.
Later that morning we were shoulder-tapped to enter the Vintage Vogue Fashion Parade, and we found ourselves in the 1960s–1970s Mod/Disco/Retro category. Bold prints, strong silhouettes, platform shoes, and a touch of disco sparkle set the tone.
What began as a light-hearted diversion ended with a genuine surprise: we won our class.
To go from last in the Monte Carlo Rally to Vintage Vogue winners in the space of 24 hours created a contrast that only a weekend like this can deliver.
The day closed with live music that included local band, BB & the Bullets, whose late-afternoon blues set more than justified Mark Rogers’ description on RNZ’s Nashville Babylon as “the band being New Zealand’s premier blues outfit”.
Three Days, Three Events, One MGA
3.
Sunday returned us to classic motoring with the VCC Burma Rally, an event known for mixing navigation, timing, and the occasional piece of organised mischief.
The morning trial navigated superb back roads around the region – many instantly recognisable from previous Targas, and the MGA enjoyed them immensely. Malcolm did too, which may partially explain why we missed most of the checks, despite their cunning placement. Enjoyment and observation do not always co-exist easily.
Marton brought the most memorable challenge: a newspaper-throwing test requiring competitors to lob a rolled newspaper into a target from their car. We removed the MGA’s side curtains to enable a wider throwing arc, though to no avail.
Lunch in a very cold Marton restored circulation, and the afternoon run home provided one of the best drives of the weekend – flowing roads, good visibility, and the satisfaction of a properly exercised MGA.
The Burma Rally is difficult to win precisely because it demands everything: navigation, timing, observation, mechanical sympathy, and the ability to embrace the occasional absurdity. Our first outing rendered it on our favourites list, and we will certainly return.
Gina Jone & Malcolm Fleming
Three days.
Three completely different events.
One MGA – and one extremely well-travelled mascot.
From hidden oil wells to runway lights, from long-grass checks to newspaper targets, the weekend captured everything that MG and VCC motoring represents: challenge, camaraderie, humour, and stories that grow better with each retelling.
VCC Burma Rally – Sunday Navigation, regularity, observation – and a newspaper
Wairarapa VCC’s
8th annual “Stretched Gymkhana”
Saturday 7th March 2026
Building on the success of previous years, on S aturday March 7th 2026 the Wairarapa Branch is holding their Stretched Gymkhana. We invite members from all the lower North Island VCC branches to enter this event.
• Do you like the excitement of gymkhana style driving on grass?
• Would you enjoy the challenge of trying to navigate at a constant speed, through a winding course, against the clock?
• Can you meet the challenge of driving a course consistently, so, as to maintain, as far as possible, the same time each lap?
If you answer YES to all of these, then the Stretched Gymkhana is an event for you.
Event outline:
• Driver’s briefing will be at 8.45am, with the event expected to finish mid/late afternoon (BYO Lunch/Drinks or BBQ sausages and bread will be available). Suggest bring a chair or sun umbrella if hot.
• The course will be around a ½ mile in length
o T he course will be on grass, a bit like a classic gymkhana’s cones course, there will be lots of sharp turns, to ensure that excessive speeds (i.e. greater than the speed limit) cannot be obtained
• All drivers will have 3 timed runs over the course, after which the average time for each driver will be calculated (this becomes their individual target time).
• From then on drivers have to try and match their target time, with 1/2 the field dropping out each time, until a winner is found
o For example, if there were 16 drivers, once each driver’s target time has been determined (from the practice runs), all 16 drivers have another run. Then the 8 drivers whose time was closest to their target time would move into the next round. And so on until the winner is found.
• T his event is not a “Speed Event”. It falls under section 20 of the Branch Manual, as a driving test. For more information please contact the organiser, Simon O’Hara ((06) 3708844 or simonsandieohara@gmail.com).
• The event is limited to 24 combinations (driver + vehicle), so please register early to ensure you don’t miss out
• All vehicles must be VCC eligible, ie: 30 years or older (Roadworthy with a current WOF)
• The event is reliant on ground conditions being suitable. The organiser may cancel the event at late notice if necessary, as dictated by the weather.
• All vehicles are required to carry a fire extinguisher, due to time of year and dry grass conditions.
• All drivers will be required to sign an indemnity waiver statement on the day. A copy can be emailed if required prior to the day of the gymkhana, upon request.
• If your vehicle is fitted with seat belt/s, they must be worn.
7th March 2026
Location: Masterton A & P Showgrounds, off York Street, Solway, Masterton.
Driver Briefing: 8:45 am
First timed lap: 9:00am
Limited to 24 entries. (Minimum entries to be viable is 14)
Post entries to: Simon O’Hara - Rally Organiser 36 Ranfurly Street, Solway Masterton
Email entries to: simonsandieohara@gmail.com
Organiser: Simon O’Hara (06) 3708844, or mobile: 0211412332
Stretched Gymkhana Entry Form
7th March 2026
Name of Driver 1: Dennis Burns
Name of Driver 2: ........................................................................................................................
Contact details (Phone number): 021 428547
Email address: dennis@burns.net.nz
Make, model and year of vehicle: 1954 Landrover Series 1
Late entry fee: additional $5 (for entries after 27th February) $ ...................................
TOTAL $ 25
Payable to: Wairarapa VCC pay by internet banking to A/C 03-0687-0323649-01
Please put your name and “STGYM” in the reference.
Or advise if wishing to pay cash on the day.
Camping Options
The A & P Showgrounds , have camping / camper van sites available on the Friday and Saturday nights. Please let the organiser know early if you would like to book a site. Or book direct with Masterton A & P.
19 March 2026
he aviation talk is a combined gathering with the Wairarapa Machinery Club on the 19th of March at the club rooms at Clareville.
Some members will be away at the Vero Rally. Kevin and Mike will on deck with John Arnold.
THE GREAT MANAWATU STEAM
Contacts
Chairperson Graham Hodder
027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mike D’Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com
Treasurer Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Club Captain Position vacant
Committee
Hugh Hunter 027 665 9911 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Pat Dutton 027 711 2735 betyjo29@gmail.com
Simon O’Hara 021 141 2332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
David Eade 021 227 7338
Bob Cumming
Social Convener Position vacant
Custodian Position vacant
Zenith Editor
Dennis Burns 021 428 547 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Beaded Wheels Scribe David Eade 021 227 7338 davethehandyman11@gmail.com
Librarian Pat Dutton betyjo29@gmail.com
Motorcycle Liaison
Spares
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Graham Reidy 06 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz
Jeff Percy 06 377 4622 j.percy@xtra.co.nz
Dave Walker 06 379 5008
Vehicle Inspectors
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Hugh Hunter 06 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Our Information
Clubrooms:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road,Clareville
Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch
Website: https://waivcc.nz/
Club Night:
First Monday of the month (except January) and June (second Monday) at 7pm.
Committee meet:
Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm
Parts Department:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville
Join Frank, Graham and Jeff for yarn and a cuppa when the Parts Department is open.
In this treasure trove, you might also happen to find any bits and pieces you’ve been looking for.
Located at the clubrooms, the Parts Department is open:
• First Tuesday morning of the Month.
• The 3rd Saturday of the Month from 9:30am - 12noon.
You can also contact Frank for an appointment outside standard opening hours by phoning (06) 379 7167
