Welcome, one and all, to a new year of VCC motoring. We have certainly had a busy start and much to report. I join Chairman Bill in his report, offering Pete Hardy and his family my deepest condolences on the passing of Doreen. I remember her as a very accomplished Secretary of our branch and a pleasant, friendly person. She will be sadly missed.
You will find reports in this publication of our two rallies held last month, plus other events. I always enjoy park-ups (no, not with a young lady in tow... those days have well and truly gone many decades ago!). I just love walking around the many and varied vehicles, chatting to people, and indulging in a nice lunch in one of the many cafes in the avenue. This year, eight of my grandchildren came to enjoy the festivities. I immensely enjoyed these two rallies-the Gumboot and the Burma. For some reason, though, I invariably take the wrong road at some stage, as I did in Taihape, and again on the afternoon section of the Burma. Bloody navigators, is what I say! I guess I have to blame someone other than myself!
Talking about grandchildren, I recently went up to Auckland to see my new grandson, Max Ian, my youngest daughter’s baby. She and her husband are completely over the moon with Max, their firstborn. I don’t care much for holding little ones, though. It feels like I will drop them at any moment, especially when he vomited over me! My eldest granddaughter, in Hamilton, held her 21st while I was there. Great times with family. You will notice on page 23 of this edition that several vehicles are listed for sale. These have been very generously gifted to our branch by Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd from the late Ed Boyd’s collection. Please carefully read what is offered for sale, and hopefully these, or some of them, will remain in our members’ ownership. What a generous offer from Hinemoa! Just the sort of thing that Ed would have done. Thank you very much, Hinemoa.
I am looking forward to the Sunbeam Car Club Concours and Show in Hawera, along with day trips around Taranaki. The Concours and Show is open to the public. It is listed below the Calendar of Events in this edition for anyone who is interested. I am taking my Tiger there this year. Pat Dillon, formerly trading under Paintworks, now Vehicle Mods and Coatings, has just finished tidying up a few bits and pieces on it for me. I do not even attempt to work on my cars, as I have no idea how to fix them! Really please with Pat’s attention to detail on the Tiger.
Americarna is also on this month in New Plymouth from the 25th to the 28th.
Action-packed days with a real carnival atmosphere. American flags adorn the streets, and flag-waving people line up wherever our daily runs take us. The Saturday park-up in closed-off Devon Street is the highlight, in my opinion. Usually crowds of people, so it would be good to see some of you there, or at the Americarna park up in Hawera on Friday. I am taking my modified 37 Plymouth this year, so hope that it behaves itself!
That’s all from me this month. Yours in cruising, Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — February 2026
Christmas and January has come and gone! This year I went up to the Gumboot Rally for the first time, intending to help, but as usual Robert Baines had things well sorted and he encouraged me to go on the run. I travelled in the Kea on my own without a navigator which was a bit of a challenge, but I really enjoyed the scenery from the high country roads which brought back memories of the Highland Fling from a few years ago.
The club picnic held at the Bason Botanic Reserve was very much enjoyed by about 50 members and their families. We moved this year to the area adjacent to the rotunda where we set our chairs up in a large circle and good food and general chit chat was the order of the day. Thanks to Rob, Linda and Wayne for their great organisation.
Vintage Weekend was again a great success beginning with the Park-up in the Avenue. Good numbers of the public turned out to look at the cars and enjoy the ambience of the day. There were less cars on the Classic Cruise this year, perhaps a sign of the times, but Heather and I took part in Ann’s Model A. It was a lot of fun and I used the ooga horn quite a few times for the enjoyment of the people out to watch. Ann navigated while I drove her Model A for the Burma Rally. There was a horribly cold wind, a little sun but fortunately no rain. The field events after lunch were a surprising change which everyone appeared to enjoy. The prize giving dinner held this year at Laird Park Bowling Club was another great success. Results in the Rivet. Thanks to all involved in the running of the rally, including the marshals.
We got the MGB out for Bruce and Jennifer’s Monday Run which included a visit to a collection of military vehicles with many great stories from the owners. This was a great way to wind down after the weekend and farewell the visitors.
Your club delegate, Rob, and the committee, have been working tirelessly on the new Branch Constitution and by the time this goes to print we will hopefully be in the process of re-registering the club.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of one of our valued club members.
Doreen Hardy has been a member of the club for a number of years and will be remembered for her commitment, kindness, and positive presence within our community.
Doreen’s contributions and camaraderie made a lasting impact on fellow members, and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Peter, his family, and loved ones during this difficult time
Bill James
Club Captain’s Report— February 2026
What a busy start to the year, the picnic saw a good turn out of members for a lovey feed and catch up with each other. Wellington Anniversary Weekend was another great success for the club, thank you to all those who helped out over the weekend. It was very much appreciated. Wheels on Victoria park up was well attended as well as the Classic Cruise. Although the weather was not the warmest for the Burma Rally on the Sunday, all the entry's seemed to enjoy themselves and the field test at lunch time was well received with plenty of laughter. Bruce and Jenny's run was again well attended on the Monday. Thank you all those who helped me when my car decided to have a rest on the side of the road on the way out, I now have a few more ideas on how to sort the problem out.
For the February Club Night, we started with a Special General Meeting and accepted a new constitution for the branch. Following that meeting we had a normal meeting finishing with Items of Interest, it is amazing what items some of our members have.
For the February Sunday Run we are going to the Shannon Spectacular Car and Bike Show. Meeting in the main street of Shannon at 9am, only $10 to display your car. If you want more information talk to either Jim Bilby or Frank James. This sounds like a great day out.
Captain Wayne
Bruce presenting a ‘thank you’ gift to Philip and Gillian Avery for hosting the Monday visit. A most impressive of display of mainly vintage 4x4 and Military vehicles, three of which have literally travelled around the world.
Editor Ian.
Taihape Gumboot Rally
By Editor Ian
New Year’s Day 2026. The Annual Gumboot Rally in Taihape, at the northernmost part of our VCC area. This is Robert Baines' territory-the man who has been organising this event for forty years. Robert, below, is a real legend in Taihape-a man of few words who engenders huge respect. Robert owns and operates TSM Motors in Taihape, a garage that repairs anything mechanical, from trucks and tractors to cars, even vintage cars, all from his wheelchair, the result of a tragic workshop accident many years ago.
From 9 am on New Year's Day, twenty-nine vintage, classic and a few modern vehicles met at the Taihape Memorial Park in ‘Gumboot City’. Dave and Lyn Austin sent the entrants away at two-minute intervals, while Robert drove the rally route beforehand to place the yellow VCC-labelled boxes on spikes at undisclosed sites along the route. These boxes contained playing cards, and entrants who spotted them stopped to remove one card from each box. These were handed in to Robert at the end of the rally. There were six boxes in total. Robert had a ‘secret system’ known only to himself, by which the different cards were scored. So a lownumbered card could well be worth more points than a higher card. A very cunning method that prevented entrants from sifting through the cards.
The route first took us through a few Taihape streets before entering Mataroa Road, SH1, turning into Pukenaua and then Ridge North Roads. Eventually, after more instructions, we navigated Turakina Valley Road, including many metalled sections. This is real Taihape country, with many stunning views of the high country. Braemore Junction loomed ahead, which a certain old editor and his older navigator missed, and they had to turn back after a mile or two down the road. After finding our way again and negotiating more turn-offs, we all eventually arrived at the lunch stop at the Hunterville Rugby grounds, a familiar spot for a certain old editor way back in his rugby-playing days.
After a hastily eaten lunch, washed down with a much longed-for cup of tea, the route took us onto SHI before turning onto SH54 towards Feilding. We then entered more Taihape country roads, including many metalled sections, by turning left onto Lower Pakihikura Road, then right onto Mangamaku Road. After turning at Pemberton Corner, the Kawhatau Valley Road took us back to Taihape via the Toe Toe Road and many winding sections. The finish line was at Robert’s TSM Motors.
A BBQ was in progress, with salads for entrants, Taihape hospitality at its best, while our host, Robert, collected the cards and calculated the scores.
Taihape Gumboot Rally
Dave and Lyn Austin were declared the overall winners of the Gumboot Trophy, with North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements and his wife, Cathy, as runners-up. There were also many prizes on offer for all entrants. These were laid out on tables, and each named entrant could choose a prize pack when their name was called, right down to the lowest score. Everyone received a prize. All entrants paid $10 each, which went towards rally costs and a raffle, which Graeme Langridge won. Robert and his team do a fantastic job of acquiring the multitude of prizes.
This is a great way to bring in the New Year. The atmosphere is terrific. Well done, and thanks to all who worked so hard to make this event happen, especially to our host, Robert Baines, the Taihape Man.
Above: Winning vehicle-Lyn and Dave Austin’s truck, also an Austin.
Left: Lyn and Dave
Right: Runners up-Cathy and Glyn Clements at rear, with Robert in front.
My Tyre Story
Back when I bought my PV Austin from Napier, the previous owner commented that at the last WOF, his garage had pointed out that the tyres would need replacing as the walls were perished. I factored in an allowance for this when negotiating the purchase price. Having brought the car home I set out to replace the four “on the road” tyres (the spare was in good condition.) It turned out that 5.50 x 16 tyres had to be imported from England and would cost close to $NZ1700 including new tubes. I gulped – twice! I started chatting to other owners in the UK who suggested radials may be a better option and gave me the size (175x75 R16C) light truck/ van tyres. This tyre would behave very much like the old cross-ply's, given the stronger side walls. I recently encountered an Austin light truck which had similar profile tyres but in 15 inch, so I was able to see what they looked like.
All good so far. I found a chart on the computer which showed the formula for measuring tyres so out came the tape measure and onto the nearly unused spare tyre. The size I had been given was almost an exact replica for the cross-ply's.
I got in touch with my B-I-L who has a vehicle repair workshop in Waiouru, and asked him to look at supply and price from his contacts, no joy there so I went on line to search. I came across a company called Tyres On Line with warehouses in both the NI and SI and they could supply. I placed an order for five radial tyres and the bill including freight came to under $1000. They asked me to nominate a fitter from their list and so I selected Holland Automotive at 141 London Street, as they were nearest.
The tyres were delivered within 2 days and I delivered them to Hollands (which is where they were supposed to go originally) and booked in for them to be fitted the next day. I also found out they did WOF’s so thought “what the heck, if there’s a problem, lets find it.” Hollands told me the cost of fitting would be about $40 per tyre and the WOF $60. The following day I took a TWLV into them and sat in the waiting room whilst they worked. I got bored after a while so went and had a peek at progress. This was when I discovered that they were relaxed about being watched. The car passed the WOF exam and with the new tyres fitted, I went to settle the bill. I was presented with an account for $60! I queried this and was told by the office lady that the cost of fitting was met by the tyre company, and I only had to pay for the WOF check. I paid very quickly before they changed their mind.
The business owner has a 1955 Austin A50, and he wants a pair of front seats so he can get on with getting it back on the road, if anyone can help please. The following day I found one tyre had gone flat, so I removed it and took it back, where they stripped it, polished the bead of the rim and reassembled it without cost, a successful outcome in anyone’s language.
Jobs to look at over the next 12 months include a rear axle oil seal, a spring eye bush and a tie rod ball joint adjustment, all within my capabilities, I think. The result of fitting the new tyres ... drives as a totally different car, no more wandering toward lamp posts, well not much any way.
Roger Ellison. Member
Thank you for your contribution, Roger. Editor Ian
Wheels on Victoria January 2026
On Saturday 17 January 2026, as part of the Vintage Weekend 2026 Celebrations, the ‘Wheels on Victoria’ vehicle display took place in Victoria Avenue, Whanganui.
Vehicles started arriving soon after 7:15 am to park in the Avenue in the blocks between Ridgway and Guyton Streets with some 300 vehicles ranging from Vintage Cars, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Classic Cars, Sports Cars, Military Vehicles and Motorcycles taking over the two middle blocks of the main street of Whanganui. Further various makes and models of motorcycles were also parked in Guyton Street in the short block between the Avenue and St Hill Street as part of a special display.
The vehicles of all ages, makes, models and colours created huge interest for viewing from 10:00 am through to around 4:00 pm by enthusiasts and public alike. The occasion also provided an exciting meeting place for visitors and old friends.
What a great day for everyone who attended – an event which always provides fun for all. Thank you to everyone who bought their vehicles along for the display and to the helpers who assisted with parking etc.
Frank James and Jim Bilby
Mitre 10 Mega ‘Classic Cruise’ January 2026
On Saturday 17 January 2026 as part of the Vintage Weekend 2026 Celebrations, the ‘Mitre 10 Mega ‘Classic Cruise’ was held - meeting in the carpark at Mitre 10 Mega from 4:00 pm with the first vehicles leaving to go on the ‘Cruise’ at 5:00 pm.
Just over 50 vehicles went on the ‘Cruise' around the streets of Whanganui and some on a few rural roads as well with many of the local rest-homes being driven by on the way. There was a great atmosphere of ‘light-heartedness’ for participants and also the people who viewed the vehicles as they drove around the streets and roads.
Drivers, navigators and other friends completed the ‘Cruise’ by around 6:00 pm and ended at ‘The Barracks’ bar which soon filled with some 100 people who enjoyed cooling-off with refreshments. Spot prizes were drawn and the lucky winners took home prizes provided by Mitre 10 Mega Whanganui, together with three ‘Bar Tabs’ provided by the ‘Barracks” proprietor, Denise. Thank you to our great sponsors.
All proceeds from the ‘Classic Cruise’ will be donated (final amount is not available yet but we expect it to be around $800.00) to be paid to the Whanganui Branch of the Cancer Society to help them with their work with our people of Whanganui.
Frank, Wayne, Rob and other helpers.
Burma Rally 2026
By Editor Ian
A cool, windy but fine morning greeted entrants, officials and spectators on Sunday,18th January, at our annual Burma Rally, which started at the Cornmarket Reserve opposite the Whanganui River by Dublin Street Bridge. Fifty-eight vehicles were registered for this long-awaited event, with contestants from all four corners of the North Island.
After being welcomed by Club Captain Wayne Gedye, who organised the rally with the help of other members, a safety briefing for drivers and navigators was held. The starter and Rally Secretary, Christine Savage, ably assisted by her husband, Ray, sent the first vehicle on its way. The remainder followed at regular intervals, armed with rally instructions.
The route took the entrants over the Dublin Street Bridge, through Whanganui East, and eventually through Okoia and Fordell, where we turned off at Warrengate Road and headed south onto SH3.
The first manned checkpoint and timed section began shortly after turning onto the Turakina Valley Road. Many twists and turns followed as we took in lovely backcountry roads (for which our area is well known) until Leedstown Road loomed into view, the site of our second manned checkpoint and the end of the timed section. From here, our hungry and thirsty entrants followed instructions to Marton Park for lunch. The weather remained fine but very windy. Along the route, there were several silent checks that counted towards entrants' overall scoring, plus a gymkhana at the lunch stop, which also contributed.
The afternoon section was non-competitive, as we toured more glorious back-country roads, through Hunterville, down Mangahoe Road, into the Turakina Valley Road and Kauangoroa Road, eventually arriving at the city’s boundary and onto our VCC clubrooms to end the Rally.
A most enjoyable run. Thanks to Club Captain Wayne and all the helpers and marshals, without whom this annual rally would not happen. A fabulous dinner and prizegiving took place that evening in a local hall.
Burma Rally 2026
Prize winners
Veteran 1st: Lee and Karen Taylor, Whanganui. 1915 Ford Model T
Vintage 1st: Bill James and Ann Berntsen, Whanganui. 1930 Ford Model A
Runner-up: David and Mihi McDermid, Whanganui. 1930 Ford Model A
Post Vintage 1st: Craig Ryland, Whanganui.1939 Chevrolet Master 85
Runner-up: Phil and Coral Kidd, Mangaroa Valley. 1935 Railton Sports Tourer
Post War 1st: Tim and Lennie Price, Whanganui. 1954 Austin A40 Somerset
Runner-up: Graeme and Karen Langridge, Whanganui. 1946 Ford Coupe
Post 1960 1st: Philip and Pat Pearce, Paraparaumu. 1977 Saab 96
Runner-up: Janelle Andrews, Whanganui. 1957 Morris Minor Ute
Post 1980 1st: Ian and Frances Higgins, Whanganui. 1990 Holden Commodore S/W
Runner-up: Diane McLennan and Paul Eayrs, , Paekakariki. 1989 Mazda MX5
Motorcycles 1st: Dave Henwood, Whanganui. 1980 Honda 500
Highest Local Entrant and 2nd overall: Tim and Lennie Price1954 Austin A40 (right)
Overall winner: Philip and Pat Pearce 1977 Saab 96 (left )
Dear Mr Editor
Letter to the Editor
Recently AA Service Officers from the lower North Island had the use of our Clubrooms as a training venue and release to S.O's of New Automotive Scan Tools.
A Regional Manager also attended, and S.O's came from New Plymouth, Wanganui, Feilding and Wellington.
The gentlemen attending were really impressed with what our Clubrooms and the Ed Boyd Parts Shed had to offer and one of the bays in the shed was also used for the practical side of training on a test vehicle.
Wanganui turned on a cracker of a sunny day and the parts shed gave all attending some shelter from the sun!
I would like to offer a big THANK YOU to the Wanganui VCC on behalf of the NZAA, Regional Manager Craig Borchowsky and the AA Service Officers attending the Training Course.
I would also like to personally thank Dale Whittaker, Heather James and Chris White who gave their own time freely and who helped make the Training Day possible. Thank you lots!!
Yours Sincerely,
Evan Forsyth WVCC Member 24/16661
Burma Rally 2006-Class Winners
Two Class Winners above. Run out of space for any more this month. More in March. Editor Ian.
Left: 1915 Ford Model T belonging to Lee and Karen Taylor, Whanganui.
Right: Bill James and Ann Berntsen, Whanganui, in Ann’s 1930 Ford Model A
107 Rapanui Road Westmere
Farm shop opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
Bates Watchmakers
130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui
Sales & Repairs
Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
WANGANUI ELECTROPLATING CO. LTD
‘NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers’ 68 Wilson Street Wanganui
Acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating.
For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Copper, Brass, Bronze, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui 06 345 5042 or 021 057 6726 for prompt and efficient service.
FORMAT -
Ruahine Ramble Sunday 8th March
Meet at the clubrooms at 09.30
Rally Briefing 1000- First Car away shortly afterwards
Please send completed Entry Form to Organisers: e_williams@xtra.co.nz
If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser. **ENTRIES CLOSE Friday 28th Feb **
Approx 16 Miles of gravel before lunch, 1 Mile after lunch
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch. The run is approximately 90 miles long. Fuel available at the lunch stop.
FOSSIL FUELLED EXTRAVAGANZA
Fuelled by Passion, Powered by Nostalgia
Hawera A&P Showgrounds February 21 & 22, 2026
Owner Information
Address
Vehicle/Machinery Details: Make
Class of Display
A. Passenger Vehicle
B. Vintage (Pre-1940)
C. Classic (Pre-1980)
D. Exotic/Supercar
E. Muscle Car
F. Hot Rod
G. Competition Vehicle
H. Motorcycle
I. Utility
J. Truck
K. Tractor
L. Earth Moving Machinery
M. Stationary Engine
N. Military Vehicle
O. Steam Engine
Judge Categories
A. Best Restored Exhibet
B. Best Restored Farm Implement
C. Best Vintage Machinery Stationary
D. Best Vintage Machinery Self Propelled
E. Best Road Passenger Vehicle
F. Best Truck
G. Best Steam
Please email fossilfuelled26@gmail.com or return to Taranaki Vintage Machinery Club
Show Information
Fossil Fuelled Extravaganza
Hawera A&P Showgrounds 21 & 22 February 2026
Pull those “Shed Treasures”, “The Family Jewels” out of hiding - polish them up and bring them down for an:
Extravaganza of Fossil Fuelled Power!
Fuelled by Passion, Powered by Nostalgia
Entry: Driver or Displayer free entry to the event with a registered vehicle or machine
All passengers are subject to admission fee.
Please be parked by 9:00 AM Saturday & Sunday
Show finishes at 4:00 PM each day.
Exhibitors can enter the site from Thursday morning to deliver/set up
Conditions of entry: For your safety & the safety of our visitors please make yourself aware of the following Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 https://worksafe.govt.nz/lawsand-regulations/acts/hswa/
* NO SMOKING
* NO DOGS
* NO DRINK DRIVING & NO BYO ALCOHOL
* MAXIMUM VEHICLE SPEED: WALKING PACE ONLY
* NO RIDING ON EQUIPMENT OR MACHINERY
* ONLY QUALIFIED DRIVER OPERATORS 16+ YEARS
* FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR ALL STATIONARY/ TRACTION ENGINE EXHIBITORS IS COMPULSORY
* WE HAVE CARS & MACHINERY IN MOTION ALL DAY – PLEASE BE MINDFUL
* SPARE FUEL MUST BE IN SAFETY CONTAINERS
PETROL = 10LTR, DIESEL = 20LTR.
* OUR VOLUNTEERS AND CREW ARE HERE TO ASSIST YOU TO HAVE A GOOD TIME, THEIR DECISIONS ARE FINAL IN ANY DECISION/DISPUTE.
fossilfuelled26@gmail.
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
February
12th and 26th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
15th Sunday Run. Shannon Spectacular Car and Bike Show. Meeting in the main street of Shannon at 9am. Only $10 to display your vehicle. Contact either Jim Bilby of Frank James for more information. Phone numbers on page 2 of the Rivet.
March
4th Club Night at 7.30pm.
12th and 26th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
15th Sunday Run.
April
May
1st Club Night at 7.30pm.
9th and 23rd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
18th Motorcycle Rally. Details to follow.
19th Sunday Run.
31st Annual Rally.
February 14th. Sunbeam Car Club Concours and Show in Hawera 8am to 11.30 am next to the Hawere Central Motel, 53 Princess Street, Hawera. Come and see some of the best Sunbeam cars in NZ. About 20 cars expected from around the country.
February 25th-28th. Americarna in New Plymouth. Park up in Devon Street on the 28th, Hawera on the 27th. Not to be missed. 100s of American cars.
Ed Boyd Parts Shed
We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:
Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
We are pleased to inform you that Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd has generously gifted several vehicles on behalf of her late husband Ed Boyd, to our Wanganui Vintage Car Club. We are extremely grateful for this donation and the continued support shown to our club.
Before offering these vehicles for sale to the general public, we would like to extend the opportunity to our club members to purchase them first. This is our way of ensuring that members have priority access and can benefit directly from this generous contribution. These vehicles will be offered on a first come/first served basis and as is/where is condition.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Bill James on 027 353 2190 by 20 February 2026. After this date the vehicles will be placed for sale on Trade Me.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward in sharing this opportunity.
