VCC Waikato Venture September 2025 by Vintage Car Club of New Zealand

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Another month has passed since my last report, and I have no idea where it went. Over the past few weeks we have had some cold mornings, followed by some lovely days which was very enjoyable. Should have got the cars out.

A very successful July club run was held on Sunday 20 July, something a bit different from other runs. Members gathered at the Velodrome for coffee before departing on the run. After a drive of approximately an hour through the countryside, we arrived at the Brewaucracy - Brewery and Taproom in Hamilton, where we were shown around the brewery. A few samples of their product were sampled and purchased, with a food cart available for anyone who wanted a bite to eat. A good day had by all.

Graham Pate and I attended meetings in Invercargill on the weekend of 8 August: an executive meeting on Friday night, followed by the National AGM on Saturday, where the new constitution passed with 82% approval. The NZ Vintage Car Club, working in conjunction with the Federation of Motoring, played a significant role in advocating for the 12 month warrant of fitness for vehicles 40 years and older. Waikato VCC were invited by Craig from the velodrome to put 8 cars on show for the New Zealand cycling masters on the weekend of 15 August. They asked us to keep the cars in the theme of the masters event. This provided us with the opportunity to advertise our club with banners and signage. Sitting in the heart of the velodrome were 8 cars provided by our members, with many onlookers admiring them. A big thank you to those members who made their cars available.

As you may be aware the new constitution was passed and we as a club have a Special General Meeting pencilled in for 17 September, this may need to be moved and confirmation of the meeting date will be communicated to all members.

I look forward to seeing all members at our September club night Wednesday 10 September, and also the ladies run on Sunday September 14.

Time to fuel up and make new memories.

Les King

CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Rotorua Rally 31 September - 1 October – This is late notice but Graham Pate has brought this to our attention on the last couple of Club nights. If you can attend I am sure Rotorua VCC branch will appreciate and accommodate travelling attendees.

Wednesday 10 - Club Night Guest speaker is from the Menz-Shed to show and tell us what goes on in the shed.

Sunday 14 - Club Run is Ladies Rally – Men chauffeurs/ drivers must bake a cake and of course everyone to dress up for a great day out.

Wednesday 17 - Night is Special Constitution Meeting to pass the changes for the Club constitution 7.30pm

Warning – Sheriff in the House – Checking for Name badges, Things that you have broken over the month or done to set someone up! – Gold Coin fines will be collected.

Out of Town Events

September 14 - Ford Day (Bob Hastie)

November 8 – 2 wheel brake Rally – open to Veteran and Vintage cars

November 16 – Swap Meet at Karapiro

Feb 5-6 2026 Sth Canterbury 120 years Veteran, Vintage, and Post Vintage March 31 2026 – Highland Fling – Te Awamutu based (2 day event)

Vero International Rally Festival of Motoring March 15–21 2026

The VCC Cambridge had the opportunity to display 8 cars in the centre of the Cambridge Velodrome for the Masters Cycling event over the weekend of August 15. This was appreciated and enjoyed by all who attended. A very good promotion for the Club and even encouraged our host to participate and bring along and also display his Series 1 Landrover. “Born with a need for speed” “Turning gasoline into adrenaline”

Play with your toys!

Chris Hawkings

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Well another month has flown by and we are just about into spring. I am certainly looking forward to longer sunshine hours so we can get out and about for a drive in the evening. Keep an eye on the events page to see what events are planned around the region.

August is a busy month with Daffodil day so lets hope the weather is sunny and we get a good turnout. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes organizing these events so I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help. Whether its helping to clean the club rooms, making tea & coffee on the day or just spreading the word to friends & family, every bit helps to make the day successful. It’s a cause close to many. Whether its yourself, a loved one or a friend, cancer touches so many and I love being part of such a worthy cause.

As the committee we are always looking for interesting ideas for club nights and I think what we have planned for October 8 will be another great night. We are not giving anything away so come along and enjoy a night a little bit different. If you have any ideas for club night we would welcome them. We want to hear what you would like to see and get more people involved.

Jayne Bentley

Local Police are hunting for the 'knitting needle attacker', who has stabbed six people in the last 48 hours.

They believe the offender could be following some kind of pattern.

A BIG WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

We hope that you will enjoy the club and it’s many activities

Stewart Stanbridge - 1970 MGB GT

Peter Kelly –1929 Ford Model A Jan and Dennis Litt –1966 Morris Mini

Come along to the club nights on the second Wednesday of every month and/or Thursday mornings workshop and morning teas

MOTORCYCLE REPORT

Past Events:

July 29 Tuesday Legover. Quote from someone who was there: “6 people, no motorbikes as it was pissing down. Maybe the rain will be warmer in August.”

Coming Events:

August 26 and September 30: Tuesday Legover. Winter hibernation, make your own way to the Top Pub in Morrinsville for lunch again. September: There is no VCC ride in the calendar for September . October 4 Saturday: Motorcycle run to near Ngatea to visit a bikers shed. Meet at the VCC clubrooms Cambridge 10:00 for a 10:30 departure, for a plotted route of approx 95km to the Woodturners Café on SH2. Those from the North can go straight there for lunch. Possible stop at the Tahuna Tavern on the way back.

And now to those who are interested, here is my shed report. I have never had feedback on any of my previous rantings over two years but here goes anyway: Enjoying an old vehicle requires passion and perseverance. Break every job into small steps, fix one thing at a time and do it properly, having a vision that the result will be worth it (maybe not financially!). If you know me, mechanical takes priority over cosmetic! I have been trying to recommission a 1978 BMW R100RS (not my old friend of 43 years but a slightly later one) which had disk brakes which felt wooden and dragging on both wheels. Having replaced all calliper seals and bled them, replaced both master cylinder seals and bled again. The front master cylinder bore wasn’t perfect so that was resleeved and the brakes bled again and still no improvement. Must be the flexible hoses, I thought. Externally they looked good but were restricted. One of them you couldn’t even blow through at all. Apex in Hamilton made some new ones. As some of you will know, bleeding motorcycle brakes downhill from the handlebars is difficult. I bought a 200ml “fluid transfer syringe” from Repco and pumped fluid from the front callipers up. This looked good on a dirt bike on YouTube but in practice it was messy and not effective, I still had to finish bleeding the normal way. Maybe it saved some time. The rear brake still wouldn’t come up and I found the reservoir breather had been deliberately blocked! Then it STILL didn’t work. The first generation rear disk brake has a Brembo calliper mounted with the bleed nipple low down. I unbolted the calliper and with the nipple pointing up and a spacer between the pads, air was released. The manual doesn’t tell you that. After frustration, RSI, expense, 3 1/2 litres of brake fluid, much brakleen and mess I am now smiling.

Steve Walter

WORKSHOP REPORT

Hope you all have been enjoying those lovely frosty mornings along with the beautiful fine still days we’ve been having. (That is up until I write this monthly report).

Not a lot has happened in the last month with the hoist, only used a couple of times to drain and flush out a radiator on a member’s van.

This is a reminder that any member that wants to use the hoist can do so, and it doesn’t have to be for a club eligible vehicle. You can bring your modern in if you wish.

The Studebaker has made its move out of the Club Workshop onto further work over at Alan’s workshop. In its space is the arrival of the Ford AA truck awaiting a much-needed restoration in the hands of Terry Pidduck and Graham Holmes. If you would like to assist, please let yourself be known to these two guys. I’m pretty sure they will accept your help whether it only be for a day or two or even to pass on some experience. Do come along on a Thursday.

I’ve had a call regarding the workshop wanting a 4 inch Engineers Vice but no response to any ‘G’ Clamps or ‘C’ Clamps. I’m still using mine at home on a regular basis so it could be some time before I can donate them, so if you have any that might want a new home, please bring ‘em along on a Thursday and a good morning tea will be guaranteed. Any old garage Memorabilia, especially from the 1950s – 1980s as well as any Flags, Signs, Placards, Vehicle Posters or Illuminated Signs featuring classic car brands to cover the plywood walls would also be much appreciated.

Thursday opening hours are from 9.30am to at least 2pm.

Workshop Sub Committee:-

Jeremy Brook 021 152 0922

Bryan Cossey 027 410 7772

Graham Holmes 07 827 7341

Stan Richardson 027 233 4461

Terry Pidduck 027 2726 319

Cossey

I was driving this morning when I saw a parked AA van. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable . I thought to myself, that guy's heading for a breakdown.

Daffodil Day

As Jayne, our new secretary mentioned in her report, many people put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make Daffodil Day the huge success it has become. Special thanks must go to three generations of the Boswell family and their friends . Heather worked the sausage sizzle, along with her three children and grandchildren. She had ten personal friends helping with selling raffles, daffodils, sausages and coordinating the parking. She can justly be very proud of them all for contributing to such a worthy cause.

Daffodil Day Continued

The morning began with a light drizzle of rain but gradually turned into a beautiful, sunny, winters day. The rally courses from the various start points took in the stunning Waikato countryside and I heard of only one temporary breakdown where a Morris 8 from the Morris 8 club had to be pushed a little way before again setting off under its own steam. 250 cars and motorbikes all converged at the Waikato VCC clubroom grounds where all vehicles parked up for display, some using the overflow paddock next door. From all accounts everyone had a very enjoyable day. The cancer fundraising effort was possibly the best yet with such an amazing turnout and generous contributions to the cause. The Waikato Vintage and Veteran Car Club was joined by the Ford Car Club, the Mini Car Club, the Morris 8 Car Club, the Wolseley/Riley Car Club and the Stragglers Hot Rod Club to name a few. The Lions club provided their food truck, and Glenn Carley put on a special musical performance at no charge for the events entertainment as his contribution to Daffodil day. He really added to the great atmosphere playing hits from the 1950’s through to the 1980’s.

Chris Hawkings (Club Captain) in the yellow hat performing MC duties for the day.

The start point for the Cambridge Rally competitors, outside the Lamb street primary school. Parked up and receiving navigation instruction sheets with lucky numbers before setting off for the first stop, The Rhubarb Café in Arapuni.

Glenn Carley - entertaining for the day on the clubhouse veranda.

My neighbour knocked on my door at 2:30am this morning. Can you believe it? 2:30am!

Luckily for him I was still up playing my Bagpipes.

A Rare Daffodil

Just after the war, my Mum who was training to be a nurse, was picked up by her uncle on his Norton motorcycle. That is the clue. My Mums surname was Norton and so was her uncles. The story goes, that she got on and rode pillion, and after a few miles they stopped at a rare, red traffic light. Her uncle wanted to show off the motorcycle, and took off like a shot. Sadly Mum was still at the traffic lights on her bottom. So much for motorcycling dignity. Fast forward 40 years, and Mum who has no interest in motor vehicles decides its time to learn to drive. My dad racked his brain to find the easiest car in the world to drive. Imagine her surprise when a red Daffodil 44 came up the drive. It was very rare at the time, with a 2 cylinder, 844cc air cooled engine with two big rubber belts that drove the variomatic gearbox. My dad lasted for two driving lessons and my brother for one. The air was blue! When I came home on leave from the army, my mother and I went out in it regularly. I had a good teaching technique. Any danger and I would shut my eyes. We weren't going fast enough to do any harm. The car just had a stick between the seats. Push it forwards, you went forwards. Pull it back, you went backwards. I was there mainly for company, and to drive it home when one of the belts came off. We had one ten minute circuit that was broken up every few minutes for mums cigarette breaks to calm her nerves. Mum never took her test. We started to learn the 3 point turn, but mum insisted on looking out through the drivers window to see where the tyres were pointing. She didn't trust the steering wheel. Lots of murdered cardboard boxes when we practiced reversing. A fun car. The company was eventually taken over by Volvo.

Keith Rodgers, (VCC Member)

From the Editors Desk

The Waikato Veteran and Vintage Car Club Daffodil Day for 2025 was a great success, both as a huge fundraiser for the Cancer Society and an opportunity to showcase the club, and its vehicles to all those who attended. I was volunteered, and took great pleasure in being the club photographer for the day. As I walked around the cars on display and mixed and mingled with the members and other car club representatives, it occurred to me how far the VCC has evolved over the years. Back in 1958 when the club was first formed to include only veteran and vintage cars from pre 1931, who could ever have imagined back then that a club eligible vehicle would be one built in 1995 today, 30 years from first registration. Back in 1978 I unknowingly stumbled across the VVCCNZ (Veteran Vintage Car Club of New Zealand) in their original clubrooms at S.T. Nolan and Sons Upholsterers in Hood Street, Hamilton when I got a new headlining fitted to my 1964 Ford Consul Capri GT. I can still remember the unique and toxic smell of their workshop, a cocktail of exhaust fumes, burning oil, new fabrics and glue. And several vintage cars in various states of disrepair shoehorned in between large work tables and fabric supplies. There were regular vintage car rallies run from the S.T. Nolan clubrooms, and the cars would often trundle around the main streets of Hamilton for the general public to observe and enjoy. As a young man back then, and seeing those vehicles regularly out and about, the seed was planted early, that one day in the future, I could also own a car like that and encourage future generations to continue driving our motoring history. I do now in fact own a car like that, a 1928 Morris Cowley 2 door sedan, and once it is roadworthy it will not be a cossetted garage ornament, but driven for future generations to observe, enjoy and plant seeds in their minds to own their own vintage car. And they will. Michael Overington-Editor

LIBRARY NEWS

Not a lot of action in the library during the past month, approximately three books have been checked out from the library. Additionally, there are a few books that have been borrowed for more than two months. If you need to renew any books, please inform me. Its never too late to return a book, don’t overdue it. As suggested by a committee member, I am testing a couple of new magazines to see if members would be interested in having a quiet read while in the library, (you can even sit and relax in a reclining chair). The first magazines purchased are - NZ Classic Car and Classic Driver. I may switch magazines next month. If members enjoy the trial, I’ll subscribe to their favourites. Its not looking good though as these 2 books have been there for a month and not even opened. (You would have seen them if you paid a visit to the library and the reading nook) So come on in, check out the magazines and the comfy chairs, and discover your love of books. See you in the Waikato Bodleian.

Sue King

Events Ahead Home

Workshop / Parts Shed / Club Rooms open from 6:30pm . 2nd Wednesday of the Month Club Nights 7:30pm - Raffle $2.00 per ticket –cuppa

Wed 10 Club Night

Sun 14 Ladies Rally - Hugh and Bronya with cake competition

Wed 17 Wednesday Wander - Special meeting following National AGM re constitution changes TBC

Tue 30 Leg over Motorcycle run Sat 4 Motorcycle Run

Wed 8 Club Night: A surprise - Come and be wowed

Wed 15 Wednesday Wander

Sun 19 Sun Club Run Suggested Putararu Mill as the miniature railway and café are now open and complete Tue 28 Leg Over Motorcycle Run

Sun 2 Awards club rooms luncheon Thurs –Sun 6 –9 Wakerley Motorhomes Sat 8 Veteran + Vintage Rally

Wed 12 Club Night

Events Ahead Away

Rotorua Sulphur City Car rally - August 30

Ford day - September 14 Bob Hastie bobhastie@xtra.co.nz

Manawatu Branch Car rally -September 20/21

Manawatu Motor cycle run - October 11

South Canterbury 120 years Veteran, Vintage, and Post Vintage –Feb 5-6 2026

Model T Ford Club 33rd National Rally - Feb 24–March 1 2026

Highland fling more details to follow -March 2026

Vero International Rally Festival of Motoring -March 15 –21 2026

Open one hour before club nights

Now open Thursday mornings 10am—12pm

Lots of parts including:

wiper blades steering columns

lights gauges

generators carburetors

light bulbs wheel rims

gaskets bumpers

armatures alternators

axles distributor caps

Recent additions:

1957-1958 Borgward Goliath 1100 2 door kombi station wagon shed stored 40years, no major rust, 4 cylinder boxer engine, lots of parts from 2 other cars partially dismantled.

1929 Chev light truck 6 cylinder totally dismantled, panels in poor condition, remains of Colonial cab, extra gearboxes and parts, not complete.

1935 Willys 77 parts - front hubs, wheels and differential spares for sale.

Parts Shed Committee

Alan Sharp

Les King

Clive Plumtree

Terry Pidduck

Graham Holmes

Robert Johnson

021 02553853

021 1909506

07 8275973

027 2726319

07 827 7341

027 4839825

CLUB BADGES FOR SALE

These

PARTS SHED Continued

The Parts Shed refurbishment is well underway. The photos below reveal just how much planning and hard work has been put in over the many weeks. The idea behind all this is to showcase the parts so they are easy to locate and identify, access and inspect for purchasing. The many trade skills of the volunteer members are plain to see with Builders, Carpenters, Cabinet Makers, Mechanics and Auto Electricians all involved to make the Parts Shed a slick and professional operation. The photos captured are the work of Tony Maddocks, club member and Cabinet Maker by trade.

DO YOU HAVEACAR, CARS, MOTORBIKES OR PARTS THATYOU WISH TO SELL?

1993 Daimler XJ12 with Turbo 400 auto. In factory as new condition with only 31,700kms. Registration current and WOF up to date.. Tenders invited for purchase of this magnificent vehicle.

Phone Colin Dray on 021 158 9195.

Parts

Jaguar XJS rims and tyres x 4

Starfish rims 6.5J x 15”

Michelin Tyres: Energy XM1 215/70 R15

98H Tread 5-6mm

Offers around $950.00

Phone Colin Dray: 021 158 9195

The information in this newsletter and on the club’s web site, is supplied as a service to club members. Articles and other copy of interest are always welcome and encouraged. The opinions expressed in this newsletter and on the club’s website are those of the author alone. Neither the club nor any of its officers accepts responsibility for the accuracy of any statements or opinions.

Notice

We are getting non members ask about putting an advert in the For Sale or Wanted section of the Venture. After a discussion with the committee it has been decided that an advert from a non Waikato VCC member will incur a $15.00 charge. This will cover a three (3) month insertion. After the three (3) months it will be automatically withdrawn.