This month we have coverage of a couple of very successful events. The superbly run WAIVCC Club - Stretched Gymkhana and the VCC Vero International Rally
No Club Night this month - Its Easter! so here’s a cute bunny picture instead.
Guest Speaker to be confirmed Club Night 4th May Editors note.
I loved competing in my first stretched Gymkhana and due to my early competition departure, I got to help out in the “tent”, getting to see how the well oiled machine worked.
As to my performance, all that can be said is, I look forward to bettering my effort next year.
Please enjoy this months Newsletter.
The Easter Bunny has decided to give the Club a night off this month and I look forward to catching you up in May.
Regards Dennis Burns
Editor
Photo’s
Club night - February
No doubt you will have been poring over last month’s Zenith photos and spotted a couple of presentations taking place. These were in fact long service membership commemorations.
The first was to Mike Blundell, who joined the Gisborne Branch of the VCC in 1974, transferring down here, (or would it be up here? Northern Hemisphere types are never sure about this) in 1979. Mike has completed a beautiful restoration of his Grandparents’ 1925 Cadillac Tourer which they collected at the factory in Detroit. He also runs the family Zephyr Mark 3, which featured in the recent film 1978.
Club night - March
50 year awards are usually made by the North Island Club Captain, but unfortunately Glyn Clements was unable to attend, and the presentations were made by Graham.
The second award was made to Ray Whitcombe. Ray and his Wolseley 6/110 have been regulars at the branch since 2001, until recently accompanied by his lovely wife Loris. Don’t stop coming Ray!
Apologies for not including this explanation in the March copy of Zenith, Mike
Wairarapa VCC - Stretched Gymkhana
The Wairarapa Vintage Car Club’s annual Stretched Gymkhana at the Solway Showgrounds delivered its usual mix of sunshine, friendly rivalry and an eclectic field of classic cars.
The smile on Malcolm’s face says it perfectly!
The day dawned crisp and clear — pretty much as it always seems to for this event — with temperatures eventually climbing to around 26 degrees. Perfect conditions for a gymkhana on grass.
This year we brought along the MGF, which has recently become eligible for VCC events — though it has had previous outings at the event when the MG Car Club was invited as guests of the VCC. Our usual for this event, MGFOX, was unfortunately stranded at Blenheim Airport along with the Prado, trailer and bikes after recent storms, so the F got its chance to stretch its legs.
Gina Jones
It was a busy weekend across the Wairarapa with the international Golden Shears competition underway in Masterton and the Martinborough Fair drawing crowds just down the road. Despite the competing attractions, the turnout at Solway was excellent — almost at the event’s maximum capacity.
The stretched course at Solway is around 750 metres long and this year ran through parts of the showgrounds where several horse jumps and even a pond sit alongside the route, tightening and adding to the visual complexity of the course. Fortunately the route itself was clearly marked with road cones on both sides, which made it much easier to follow than in earlier years when small stakes were used.
First outing for very welcome Club canopy
Wairarapa VCC - Stretched Gymkhana
The layout was tight and technical in places, particularly for some of the larger American cars in the field, which needed to thread their way carefully through the obstacles.
As always, the aim of the event is regularity rather than outright speed. Drivers complete three runs in the morning and their best time becomes the target to match in the afternoon elimination rounds. No timing equipment is used — everything is done by instinct and feel, which helps level the playing field nicely. The first stage of the knockout rounds reduced the field to 16, then from 16 to 8, 8 to 4, 4 to 2 and finally the grand final.
The grass was unusually green for this time of year and conditions were excellent. Adding to the atmosphere, vintage aircraft from nearby Hood Aerodrome could occasionally be seen flying overhead — something that seems to happen most years and always feels entirely appropriate at a gathering of classic cars.
Morning runs are about finding a rhythm. By the end of the morning Malcolm had set the quickest time, with Alec close behind — not that speed counts for much in a regularity event, though it’s always good fun to see where you sit. Like most competitors, my times improved with each run.
Of course, a good portion of the day is spent doing what car people do best — standing around talking and telling stories. Malcolm, in particular, seems to treat this as an official duty.
The afternoon eliminations always produce a few surprises. Matching your own time is harder than it sounds, and even a small misjudgment can end the day early. My afternoon run finished nine seconds quicker than the morning target, leaving me eliminated in the first round — enthusiasm in this case overrode restraint.
consolation it meant ending the day with the third-fastest time overall. Alec also had a similarly misjudged run, although ultimately recorded the fastest time of the day (not that either counted for the event).
Meanwhile Malcolm progressed steadily through the knockout rounds, just sneaking into the top eight in seventh place. From there the competition tightened considerably. The final (of two green cars) came down to Malcolm and Pat, with Pat taking the win by the tiniest of margins — just 0.2 of a second.
2026 Stretched Gymkhana attendees
Wairarapa VCC - Stretched Gymkhana
Massive congratulations to Pat on her win.
For Malcolm it was another close finish — his second second place at this event. The first came on our very first outing at the Stretched Gymkhana, when he finished runner-up and I managed to take the win — something he is occasionally reminded of. LOL (this of course ensures his attendance next year).
A huge thank-you goes to the organisers. Anyone who has helped run a gymkhana knows the sheer effort involved in placing hundreds of cones, marking the course and keeping the day running smoothly. The traditional barbecue lunch and end-of-day refreshments were also much appreciated.
One final curiosity on the drive home was encountering what must have been around 300 scooters heading south on SH2, many of the riders in colourful costumes. They were participants in the Napier to Wellington 50cc Scooter Challenge, a charity ride raising funds for Hawke’s Bay causes — two- and four-wheeled enthusiasts out enjoying the same spectacular weather!
The beauty of the stretched gymkhana is that anyone can win it. With no timing gear used and success depending on judgement and consistency, the result is never certain — which is exactly what makes the event so enjoyable.
Another great day out for the Wairarapa VCC. We will be back!
Gina
and a final word from Pat, Our winner on the day
Thank you to Simon and his hard working crew for a fun day at Solway, I always enjoy driving courses and I had Jill making sure I didn’t go too fast or make any errors driving around it, I was amazed how I kept getting called back to do another run each time they checked the times and eliminated drivers, couldn’t believe it when two of us were left and after the final run Jill and myself actually won it, miracles do happen, everyone looked like they had an enjoyable day and the banger cooks as usual always fed us well. Thanks again for a great day cheers
Pat
WOW. Wings over Wairarapa, or Wings at Old Warden?
On Thursday 19th March The Branch was pleased to welcome the Wairarapa Machinery Club to the clubrooms. The WMC were hosting a talk by John Deane, an expert in vintage aircraft and tour guide at both The Vintage Aviator at Hood Aerodrome, and The Shuttleworth Collection, a similar establishment in the English Midlands.
John has a long career in the aviation industry, being involved in the development of the Storm Shadow missile programme and lecturing at the world leading CranÞeld Research Establishment in Bedfordshire, UK.
On this occasion, however, John delivered a most interesting talk linking the vintage aircraft at the two venues which house probably the best collections of airworthy ßying machines and ancillary equipment outside the USA.
The two collections concentrate on different eras; at Hood you will see aircraft from The First World War, whilst the Old Warden collection encompasses the era up to 1950. Both workforces consist of paid and voluntary personnel, and both maintain and restore original aircraft and build replicas from scratch, often using original engines of the era. Some of Masterton’s handiwork can be found at Old Warden, including power plants restored and supplied from here, and youngsters from Hood turn up in the workforce at the Shuttleworth Trust. They also have a collection of aviation linked motor vehicles, both two and four wheeled.
Both collections hold regular Flying Days, and whilst First World War aircraft are a common sight in the skies over The Wairarapa, I can personally recommend a visit to Old Warden Aerodrome in Bedfordshire if you ever Þnd yourself in that part of the UK, especially if a ßying display is scheduled.
Sun. 15th – Sat. 21st Vero International Festival Nelson
Events Calendar
19th March Combined Guest Speaker with Wairarapa Machinery Club – John Deane
April 2026
Fri. 3rd – Mon. 6th Easter
Sunday 12th
Club Captains Run
Tuesday 14th Committee Meeting
Sat. 25th – 27th Anzac Day Weekend
May 2026
Monday 4 th Club Night
Tuesday 12th Committee Meeting
Saturday 9th & 10th Motorcycle Reliability Run, Cars are invited to join in.
Sun 24th Bus Trip to the Classic Museum at Trentham with an evening meal
June 2026
Monday 1st King’s Birthday
Sunday 7th Club AGM
Tuesday 9th New Committee Meeting
Sunday 21st Winter Wander
July 2026
Monday 6th
Club Night
Fri. 10th Matariki
Tuesday 14th Committee Meeting
Sunday 19th Gravel Challenge
Working Bee
On Saturday 21st of February we held a working bee principally to tidy up the downstairs area.
A group of willing volunteers helped the parts team to remove a trailer load of rubbish and load up Graham Hodder’s trailer with scrap metal.
The scrap metal load included 13 engine blocks. When we delivered the scrap to the scrap metal dealer it was unloaded by hand. We were astonished to see one of the workers pick up a Mk1 Zephyr short block and dump it into a bin without assistance. He repeated the feat with a Triumph 2000 block.
7.00pm at the Clareville Club Rooms John is a volunteer at the Vintage Aviator and spends six months in the U.K. each year.
Possibly the Waohine Gorge as a lunch stop
Guest Speaker to be confirmed
Possibly a return to Mangaweka
To be confirmed.
TBC
Fish & Chip
The scrap metal earned us $227 which has been put towards a new compressor for the spares dept.
In addition to the downstairs cleanup Graham Hodder spent the day with a rug doctor giving the carpet in the clubrooms a mush needed clean.
We expect to organise more working bees in the future to ensure that the clubrooms are kept in a clean and tidy state.
VERO International Festival
The Wairarapa Vintage Car Club was well represented at the Recent Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. Gerard, Shaun & Stephanie, Francis, Simon and Willie & Sharyn, Rob & Sonya share their memories and photos of the event.
Waiting in line
On Board and ready to sail
VERO International Festival
Gerard, Stephanie, Shaun
Most of us headed off on Saturday & Sunday from the Wairarapa on the two operating Picton Ferries.
After delays we all arrived in Nelson. The weather was great and routes were very scenic. We took our Jag replacement a 1987 BMW 325i which decided on Saturday morning to have a coolant problem on the way to the Bluebridge Ferry. Graham came to the rescue with a screwdriver to help tighten the clamp to the top hose. This was a temporary fix and we got the car fixed in Nelson. We missed two days of rallying. Graham and Joy had a few problems getting to Nelson in their Dodge.
I think some nighttime towing was involved. There were runs on most days and events in the evening. Bingo, Dancing etc. There was a midweek car show in Nelson CBD which was very popular with the public and a Final Car Show at the A & P Show Grounds.
When Richard Harvey came to leave the show grounds the Rover 110 made a very impressive backfire. Fortunately, Neil Ryder of Wellington VCC came to the rescue and happened to have a spare condenser. So we were on our way.
Our Ferry was canceled on Sunday like everybody else’s. When we passed through Havelock we spoke to the owners of a 1925 Buick Tourer which is similar to our 1926 Buick Tourer.
Graham & Willie entered the teams relay on Friday. in Richmond with proceeds going to the Cancer Society.
VERO International Festival
The car has been in their family since new. 101 years of ownership! We arrived in Wellington on Tuesday afternoon along with Simon & Francis. I understand that Willie and Graham prefer driving over the Remutaka Hill in the early hours of Wednesday morning. I guess there is less traffic then. Overall, the event was a lot of fun, even though petrol got more expensive as the week went on.
I have included some photos, there were so many great cars there. The Vero Nelson VCC Rally was a great event. The Nelson VCC and people were very friendly and should be congratulated on an excellent event.
Francis & Simon
Simon and Francis had a last minute change of vehicles when the Essex four decided it wasn’t going the day before. They ended up taking the 34 ford coupe which really turned out to be a blessing, with Francis’s knee being very painful. At times.(esp climbing up those steps on the ferries from deck 3) They shared driving duties. The car went like a charm (a new knee coming up end of April!)
Willie & Sharyn
A perfect trip weather wise for the 2026 Vero Rally.
Highlights,
The trip to Kaiteriteri beach for our first days run. So nice to see golden sand.
Travelling to St Arnauds and Lake Rotoiti and the Classic Boat Museum and to see a V12 Rolls Royce motor started up
using a chainsaw and installed in an old wooden hydroplane hull.
Definitely the visit to Ngatimoti country school and being greeted by the staff and pupils dressed for the occasion and serving us tea, coffee. and biscuits and nashi pears. They were all given rides in our vehicles.
Downsides according to Sharyn.
Constantly repeating instructions over a very loud MG Magnette racing motor.
Inability to open and shut drivers door after competing in the Teams relay event at the Nelson Showgrounds.
Navigator Graham Hodder did a sterling job in the pits changing a wheel , spark plugs and topping up the Radiator however we came last in the timed bridge building contest. Very competitive I might add.
Very loud banging was coming from under the back of the car during the relay race and on investigation both rear shock absorbers had broken off there top mounts so were removed for the journey home.
The stress of waiting for the ferry crossing home after our Sunday one was canceled and finally getting into bed at 4.30 AM on Wednesday morning. Luckily before the promised date of the 3rd of April.
Overall the pros well out ranked the cons’
We are still speaking just.
Willie and Sharyn James
Gerard, Shaun & Stephanie on the road.
VERO International Festival
Some extra photos on the road, at Kaiteretere Beach and at the Nelson Museum
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
WAIRARAPA BRANCH
2026 Reliability Trial
The 2026 Reliability Trial will take place on the 9th and 10th of May. The destination this year is once again Mangaweka.
Accommodation will be in cabins at the Awastone campgrounds
Once again we are inviting car drivers to participate in this event alongside the motorcyclists.
The entry fee is $20.00. Accommodation is $39 per person which includes bedding payable in advance.
The event will start from the VCC clubrooms in Chester Road, Clareville. There will be a riders/drivers briefing at 9.30am with the first vehicle away at 10am.
Fill out the attached entry form and email it to Kevin Sullivan at kevsully52@gmail.com
Accommodation is limited to 20 persons. In oder to secure the accommodation please return your entry form ASAP.
2026 Southern Backroad Adventure Entry Form
11th -12th April 2026
Please fill out & email to easttaieri@yahoo.com
Name: …………………………………………………………………
Address: ……………………………………………………………….
Email: ………………………………………………………………..
Cellphone ……………………………………………………………
VCC Membership No: ……………………………………………...
Vehicle: ……………………………………………………………….
Year: ……………….
I have a fire extinguisher on board (please initial)……………….
Number attending Meals.
Croydon Lodge (Saturday) ……… Black Sheep (Sunday) ………
(Please pay for all meals directly to the Restaurants)
Both meals will be 6pm drinks and 6.30pm for the meal.
A happy hour at the Gore branch of the VCC will immediately follow the meal. The bar and Parts Department will be open.
The branch is located right across the road from the Croydon Lodge.
The Black Sheep are opening for us on Saturday morning. Please show your appreciation by purchasing a tea, coffee or muffin.
ENTRY FEE $40
The Wanganui Branch invites entries to their 43rd Autumn Motorcycle Rally
Saturday and Sunday 18th & 19th April 2026
Kindly sponsored by
THE GREAT MANAWATU STEAM FAIR 2026
WHEN March 21-22 10am-4pm WHERE The Steam Traction Society, Maewa Road, Feilding
At the Gate (CASH ONLY)
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
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@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
