Property Manager Paul Hooper paulhooper31@gmail.com 027-285-1713
Club Talks Coordinator Brian Christensen bestelectronics@outlook.co.nz 565-0664
Social Convenor Tasi Betteridge tasiandray@gmail.com 027-601-5399
Member Welfare Co-ordinator Tasi Betteridge tasiandray@gmail.com 027-601-5399
Nat Executive Delegate Alan Thompson alan@thompsonfamily.nz 027-285-2048
Parts Mgr / Memorabilia Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514
Appointed Officers
Librarian Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220
Scribe to Beaded Wheels John Stokes tourist.times@xtra.co.nz 027-537-9491
Fire Engine Custodian John Jackson jackapp@xtra.co.nz 234-8702
Motorcycle Rep Peter Simpson psimpsonnz@gmail.com 0274-748-220
VIC Officers: Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514 David Gwynn gwynn.family@xtra.co.nz 527-7875
W/shop Custodian Don Hawkes mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz 232-8514
Rally Secretary Vacant
Archives John Sheppard john@johnsheppard.co.nz 027-312-1089
Web Master Trevor Barnes trevor.barnesnz@gmail.com 0211-588-033
NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of VCC Wgtn Branch
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT PhilKidd
People say that time flies by faster as you age – and this is especially true as it is now the end of my tenure as Branch Chairman as provided for in our Constitution. Our Constitution dated August 2017 says, and I quote from “VIII Management of the BRANCH”
“No member shall hold the office of Chairperson for more than five years.”
This means of course that the door is now open for a nomination for the office to be received by our Secretary prior to the AGM next month. I am hopeful that out there in our membership there is a person willing to stand - and rest assured there will be good support from members of the Committee who have expressed willingness to stand again.
Our Club Captain, who has not been constrained by this clause, has indicated he will stand again unless, of course, we get a nomination for that role. Neale has done this job so well now for some eight years and it would be great to give him (and Joanne) a well-earned break.
It is my belief that, as our membership ages, a good long hard look at where we go to in the future is necessary. Unless we get an influx of new younger members then demographic statistical tables show that in no more than fifteen years most of our existing members (myself included) will not be around.
This of course leads to a much wider observation: What is the future of the Wellington Branch? What will happen to the vehicles we own? Have you thought about this? And have you made plans for their future? We are interested in your thoughts on where to from here.
In the meantime, a think-tank consisting of other concerned members is set to meet early next month to thrash out some
Chairman’s Chat continued from page 4: alternatives for our Branch to consider.
For those who are planning to attend the 2026 Vero Rally in Nelson I trust you have all been successful in obtaining accommodation as the indication is that there is going to be large numbers attending. At some time in the future we will be get a list of all our branch members who have entered. Planning is now well under way for Daffodil Day (for cancer) – to held again at Brewtown in Upper Hutt on Saturday August 23; details to be advised. For the event to be even more successful than it was last year we will need much help in the way of manpower – so please put your hands up when asked, for this very worthwhile cause.
I look forward to you attending the AGM next month and to also see and hear the very interesting presentation that has been put together By Roger, Murray and Warren on the Haast Rally of 1965.
So, until then, I will sign off and look forward to seeing you in or on whatever means of transport you choose.
Happy and safe motoring, Phil Kidd.
MEMBERS****
Wellington Branch welcomes the following new members: Mike Davis of Waikanae (a 1973 Jaguar XJ6, and parts of a 1964 Triumph TR4); and Richard Eyles of Trentham (a 1965 Fiat 500 and a 1970 Bedford Debonair).
We look forward to meeting you at club nights or at club events.
FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE NealeRyder
What have you done this last month with your old car, bike or truck? I went to a Cars and Coffee event in Masterton. I've never been to one before and expected a few cars in the Harvey Norman carpark when I arrived around 9.30 on a chilly morning. I was very surprised to find the very large carpark was already full and we were overflowing into the Copthorne Hotel carpark next door. Anything and everything was there, all getting along and having a good time telling lies and putting the world to rights. It was all over by 11.30 for another month. Is this the future for the car enthusiast world?
The same afternoon was our Ladies Rally, organised this year by Ann and Hal O'Rorke. They made a great job of it which was much appreciated by those who attended. Of course the Gentlemen's baking was up to the expected high standard. The run in June will be held during Matariki Weekend on Saturday 21st. At a recent clubnight there was a noticeable reluctance for a night rally, so we will be trying a late afternoon one instead, followed by an evening meal at the clubrooms and probably a movie afterwards. The clubrooms will be open from 2pm with first away at 3pm. Either bring something along for your dinner or get something while you are on the run and make it a good day out. The instructions will be emailed out a couple of days prior. (See pg 22)
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Regards, Neale.
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc)
Wellington Branch
GENERAL MEETING***
To be held at the clubrooms in Halford Place, Petone
On Tuesday 17th June 2025, approx. 7.45pm
Please forward nominations for office holders or committee members to the Secretary - email to vcc@wellington.org.nz or post to PO Box 38-418, Wellington Mail Centre. Nominations must be received prior to 13 June. Nomination forms can be obtained from the Secretary.
AGENDA
Apologies
Election of Meeting Chairperson
Minutes of previous AGM
Matters arising
Chairman’s report
Treasurer’s report
Club Captain’s report
Election of officers (Chairman, Secretary, Club Captain, Treasurer, and six to nine committee members)
General Business (if any).
Our departure from home was 1pm on Friday but at 11.30 Bruce pulled out with an ailment; he was devastated. Well, with a call to Phil, I had arranged to have Alastair and Gwen Jones alternate as my navigator and Tasi came to Feilding for the ride. 80 teams registered and collected their rally packs at the local on Friday night. There were four cars from Wellington - Greg Haines and Steve, Hilary and Barry Pettengell, Phil Kidd and myself.
We had an early start at Mangatainoka on Saturday morning with stress placed on the need to have a full tank and plenty more. Dozens of Model As and some other “also rans” lined up. The morning was brilliant and the atmosphere was electric as we headed off into the hills. Seldom used, unsealed roads were employed as we headed roughly East soaring ever upwards. Pot holes were prolific and on two occasions I hit a beauty. A quick check found I still had most of my teeth! So onwards and upwards, and grass on the centre of the road common. But wow, the views to the West were amazing with layer after layer of hills and valleys eventually merging with the Tararuas. I had Alastair Jones as my navigator that day and he was great company and got all the instructions right, albeit only just as we talked too much!
We eventually descended to the East Coast at Akitio Beach which was magnificent with surfies, surfcasters and lazy locals on the sand (there was also a very popular small concrete building which was frequented by many). We travelled North up the beach to Akitio Station where we had a very welcome lunch break and fuel up before continuing north on the station’s private roads for 20km with stunning views along the way. After the station’s quarry we had a warning that chains might be necessary for the steep downhill roads, but with the dry weather they were not needed although 1st gear was employed a lot! We returned to public roads, passed through Herbertville and Wimbledon using roads we were
familiar with and others, to eventually arrive at Pahiatua for petrol before returning to Feilding. We definitely needed spare fuel, we had driven around zillions of bends and had a marvellous day of motoring, but shoulders were sore after prolonged exercise.
Day Two’s briefing was at a more civilized hour on Sunday with Gwen Jones as my navigator. We were away heading Northish out of Feilding with more farm roads, an unavoidable section of SH54 before we once again had gravel and more views to die for, looking East this time: roads like Peep O’Day Rd, before returning to tarseal and Rangiwahia which also has a popular small building. Then onwards to enter another farm after which we stopped on the side road in Apiti for lunch - very welcome!
After lunch we were directed through a private gateway to a farm which had a ford to cross. It was fairly wide and about running board deep. I stopped out of courtesy and asked Gwen - fast or slow? She’s definitely my kind of navigator and replied that it was my call. No further encouragement needed, we booted it! Water went right over the car and we flew through without missing a beat with much laughter. There had been some steep climbs along the way too but with the dry weather I think everyone survived (but I did see one car having a second bite at one). The roads back were rather tame after this but it had been another day of true vintage motoring for a large group of mainly vintage people. (I should note that at the briefing it was emphasized that we would need extra fuel as there were no stations on the route, but at lunchtime our worthy Chairman came to me and begged some extra fuel as he was clearly not listening.)
Sunday night was dinner in town, a great catch-up and a bloke in tartan addressed the haggis. Obviously he preferred this to addressing his wife as it did not answer back. What a great weekend with thanks to organisers - Derek and family. Come along next year for a lot of fun; based in Te Awamutu in February.
Whanganui
Autumn
Motorcycle Trial
12 April 2025: Trevor Barnes, Adrian Macnee and Peter Simpson attended. The autumn trial is a favourite rally in the back blocks of the Whanganui region. The route took us in a westerly direction around Waverley, with lunch at a rural school before returning to Whanganui. We won’t talk about Trevor’s legendary navigating skills as they are well known now, but getting lost is very much part of his repertoire. The Sunday ride took us to view a wood processing factory newly rebuilt after a recent fire that destroyed the original factory based at the old Whanganui railway workshops.
APRIL
KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN: On 30 April, some Horowhenua and Wellington Branch members visited Ohau Gourmet Mushrooms, followed by lunch at the Jamboree Restaurant in the recently restored Tatum Function Centre at Tatum Park. Great food; apparently well worth a visit.
Wairarapa Winter Reliability Trial Report, May 3,4
Five motorcycle riders took part on this rally:
Kevin Sullivan - BSA 650 twin; Bill Wood - AJS 500 single; Simon Bryne - BSA B31 (modified); Ian Munro - AJS 500 single; and Neville Taylor - Royal Enfield 650 twin (modern).
Back up vehicle was driven by Dave Henwood. Two classic cars were also on the rally: Mike Dalton in a BMW, and Ian Stewart with friend Christine in a Chev.
The ride left Clareville Sat morning in good riding conditions. We travelled north on the main road crossing the Saddle Hill into Ashurst. Rode up to Cheltenham and over Vinegar Hill to Hunterville, which was our lunch and fuel stop. Travelled west along the Turakina Valley road and visited the Paloma Gardens motorcycle collection. Arrived in Whanganui late afternoon to our overnight destination (Top 10 Holiday Park).
Carb issues on Bill’s AJS meant that it was trailered for part of the Saturday ride. This was sorted at Whanganui richer fuel mixture and the hole for the vacant choke cable plugged.
On the ride home on Sunday the lunch stop was at Marton. We rode on through Ashhurst, crossing over the Pahiatua track to head home. Reasonably strong southerlies on the Wairarapa side slowed things up a bit.
I covered more than 350 miles over the two days - a hell of a long way on a 72year-old single banger!
Ian Munro
The entrants’ motorbikes.
WELLINGTON BRANCH LADIES RALLY
Sunshine and bright autumn leaves were on the menu for this years Ladies Rally. Seven lucky drivers and their navigators and crew took part with one well-behaved pooch along for the ride. The route wound through Petone and Port Rd before entering Riverside Drive on the way to the Wingate industrial area. Clues were scattered along the way including one special tree growing on the verge covered with tiny, painted birdhouses.
There was a quick drive then to Upper Hutt and around NCIS (the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport) driveway where, on Saturday when we checked the rally route, there were crowds of youngsters taking part in sports.
Then it went winding through the streets by the Defence Base, past Summerset at the Course and Trentham Memorial Park and a quick drive back to Lower Hutt. The route went right by the newly built BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the Hindu temple with its bright coral facade and ornate golden spires.
Just as it seemed the route was taking the rally to the club rooms finish, it ducked off around a crescent of lovely Woburn homes. Then into the back of Alicetown where there used to be a sign at the location of the first 1840 Hutt colonial village of Aglionby. Sadly between setting the rally route and checking it the day before, someone had pinched the sign only leaving two posts to mark where it had been!
Coral Kidd driving a 1934 Railton won the rally with Phil Kidd navigating. The tasty baking included a yummy iced chocolate cake created by Ray Betteridge, deservedly taking the prize. Ann O’Rorke.
{Editor: Many thanks to Ann and Hal for setting the Rally!}
Kapiti Mid-Week VISIT TO FRASER ENGINEERING
On 28 May, 46 members from Wellington and Horowhenua Branches enjoyed a fascinating tour of Fraser Engineering's manufacturing operations, and learned that the safest place to be if you are ever caught in an Australian bush fire is inside a modern fire engine. Every appliance made for Australia has a crew survival "halo" system which can spray a curtain of water over the crew cab and the tyres. Along with its own air supply for the crew inside, the appliance always keeps at least 20% of its on-board water in reserve to supply the halo system.
Not surprisingly, a new fully-equipped fire engine can cost well over a million dollars, and we saw 36 appliances of various types in the assembly shops during our visit, a big proportion destined for export to Australia. Some incorporated high-reach ladder systems which come from a specialist manufacturer in Switzerland. Others were "heavy pumpers", capable of pumping 4,000 litres/minute, using specialised pumps made in America powered by a dedicated Deutz engine from Germany.
Apart from the bare cab/chassis supplied by Scania, Volvo, Iveco or Isuzu, and those few specialized items from overseas, Fraser manufactures thousands of other parts in-house. Our tour included CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining, laser-cutting, fabrication and welding shops.
With 110 staff in Lower Hutt and another 50 in Fraser's factory in Australia, it was great to see a proper Kiwi engineering business not only manufacturing very sophisticated products in the Hutt Valley, but thriving in today's global marketplace.
Afterwards, most folks then spent a couple of hours nattering over lunch at Boulcott Golf Club.
(Photos on pages 14, 15) Phil Pearce.
VISIT TO FRASER ENGINEERING:
pages 14, 15. Most of the parts on the fire engines are designed, laser cut, folded and welded etc here into the configurations for modules that get bolted on to the trucks. These can easily be replaced if damaged. The last photo shows the sophisticated controls on the back of one truck
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY SPACE SCIENCE PROGRAMME
The June talk was given by an American couple, now resident in NZ: Randy Pollock and Betina Pavri. They both currently work at the Robinson Research Institute, Randy as Chief Scientist Engineer - Space and Betina as Senior Principal Engineer, and have also both worked in the US for NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
Having been involved with the Rover on Mars, Randy likes to say he has “Cars on Mars” and old “Cars on Earth”! When Randy was 2, his father bought a 1953 MG TD which was in a bad state and they both restored it in Randy’s teen years. Randy learned to drive in a 1971 VW Camper in New York City. Later, he leased Honda electric cars in the 1990s and then converted a 1975 Porsche to be an electric car. When Randy’s son was 16, Randy’s father gave him the MG to make him love it (for succession) and later the MG went back to the grandfather and Randy’s son now has the Porsche. Apparently the registration plate on the Porsche says: “My other CO2 FREE electric car is roving Mars”!
In NZ both Randy and Betina are involved in the research and development of high-temperature superconducting magnets for space applications. High temperature superconductors (HTS) are used in medical MRI imaging, dynamos and flux pumps and are being tested for possible use in thrusters in space. It should be noted that “High temperature” is a relative term. The early superconductors needed to be used at temperatures less than minus 250 degrees C. In the 1980s, a new class of superconductors worked at about minus 200 degrees C. Hence High Temperature Superconductors ( — 200 is hotter than — 250!!)
Electric propulsion has been tried for aviation; the main difficulty was temperature versus resistance: more current meant hotter wires and increased resistance. If superconductors can be made cold enough, the resistance becomes zero. Very high currents create very powerful magnets. For space, chemical rockets usually burn fuel to produce hot gases for propulsion. Magnetically enhanced propulsion provides an alternative source of thrust. Supermagnetic conductors ionise certain gases to produce “plasma” which is accelerated to provide thrust. This idea was looked at years ago but now in the Applied Field of Magnetoplasmadynamics (AFMPD) the new superconductors are much cheaper and there are much cheaper, better cryocoolers to keep them at the required low temperatures.
Now Randy and Betina’s teams are trialling a Thruster (a project called “Kokako”) which uses the gas Argon to provide thrust. A small project version (called “Heki”, meaning Egg) is trying to operate a flux -pump HTS magnet for a small AF - MPD application in space. It is now on its way to NASA to be launched later this year to the International Space Station. There is a platform on the outside of the ISS where various science projects can be set up to see how well they perform in space. This is Randy’s third experiment to go to the ISS. Five or six cargo rockets go to the ISS regularly.
The team hopes for the following outcomes: Prove this works in space; then look at commercializing it; look at more advanced versions; and get more funding from MoBIE as the current grant has nearly run out. They have contracts for various other projects and Randy thinks this project will end up validating superconducting motors in the bulk transport sphere (trains, planes etc).
Many thanks to Randy and Betina for an interesting talk.
{Disclaimer: Any errors in this article are the fault of the Editor}.
MOTORCYCLE SECTION REPORT
Meeting Monday 26th May: 13 people attended. Apologies Peter Simpson.
Past Events attended:
Wairarapa Reliability Trial 3-4 May: Ian Munro attended (page 13).
Northland Motorcycle Rally 17 May: Peter Simpson attended but has not yet returned to Wellington. However, Martin Spicer reported that Peter’s BMW had spark troubles.
Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride. Sunday 18th May. Rick Beswick attended this. Two hundred bikes started at Taranaki Wharf and rode around the coast and back to the wharf.
Coming Club Events:
Rubber Ducky in Taranaki, held in mid-September, is the next expected motorcycle event.
Aaron’s South Island Tour 27 Feb 2026 -8 Mar: Because of the Vero Rally the dates have been shifted forward. The current plan is: Bluebridge Ferry to Cheviot, Geraldine, Cromwell, Dunedin 2 nights, Timaru, Christchurch 2 nights, via Hurunui to Kaikoura, Picton and home. The call for Expressions of Interest will be out soon. Non club events: None.
Other Business:
Biennial Rally 2026 24-25 January: The team needs to be set up for the various activities. Organisers: Secretary: Peter Simpson; Pub Charity Shirts: Dennis Palmer; Route Organiser: Adrian Macnee; Route Checkers: Trevor Barnes, Ian Munro; Lunch: David and Pauline Gwynn; Saturday Night Dinner: Aaron with Darts club. Sponsorship, Promotion and Publicity, and Sunday Event still to be assigned.
Funding Resolution for Pub Charity: This has been provided by the Branch Committee. Dennis is waiting only for the annual financial report. If not received soon the shirt quotes will have to be gathered again. This might also require re-doing the application to Pub Charity. Next Meeting: Monday 23rd June at the Empire (Butcher and Brewer), 7:30pm.
Rob Douglas of Feilding is trying to find the above car that his father obtained in a derelict state from a farm paddock just out of Masterton and renovated at Wairarapa Engine Rebuilders Ltd. This photo was taken about 1956 about the time it was obtained. The car was eventually sold to someone in Upper Hutt, some time probably in the late 1960s or in the 1970s. Anyone with information can email Rob at: rob.jane.douglas.nz@gmail.com or phone 021 881 174.
Sign seen in shop:
Like Sports Cars?
Like chatting about Sports Cars?
RentAClassic.co.nz is seeking casual operator assistants for Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland.
Services required include storage, preparation and customer handovers for 1 – 2 cars. Good rates paid, training and documentation provided.
Would suit affable personality with flexible time commitments for 10 – 20 handovers pa. Mechanical skills an earning bonus!
Contact Stephen Tanner, Owner info@rentaclassic.co.nz / 0210747105 for more details.
At the Ladies Rally, Brian’s Choc Macadamia Bites didn’t win the Baking Competition but everyone wanted to know who made them and asked for the recipe! So, see page 21.
COMING EVENTS
If no details are provided, check the VCC website or contact Wgtn Branch Secretary for details/entry forms.
JUNE RUN Saturday 21June at 3pm
Matariki/Pleiades/Subaru
During Matariki Weekend there will be an afternoon run leaving from the clubrooms at 3pm and returning to the clubrooms for dinner and possibly a movie (TBC).
Instructions will be emailed out a few days prior. The club will be open from 2pm and it is suggested you bring along food or get takeaways at the end of the rally. Hopefully there will be a good turnout.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, A LOT MORE IS SAID THAN IS DONE!
KAPITI MID-WEEK RUN - WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE
Kapiti Districts Aero Club, Paraparaumu Airport
Jenny and John Jackson have organised this event, where we will be given a talk about the Aero Club and a tour of the hangers, aeroplanes and helicopters. The club has a team of professional instructors and a wide range of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Basic and advanced flight training is provided, all the way to single-engine Instrument Flight Rating.
Afterwards, tables have been booked for lunch at the Mediterranean Foods Trattoria & Deli at Coastlands, Paraparaumu. The choices range from counter food to a menu including pasta dishes and a variety of antipasto options.
Further details including timing, parking and directions will be sent out to everyone on the Kapiti email list. If anyone else would like more details of this run, or if you would like to be added to the Kapiti email list to receive details of all future runs, please just let me know.
Philip Pearce: nzpearce87@gmail.com
FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS
See details on page 23 of this magazine.
VERO INSURANCE
If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. In 2021 the amount was approximately $4,159!! Well done everyone!
We are the company that offers you Total immersion stripping of Car bodies and panels WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS
Contact: Warren Leslie
Phone: (04) 232 6880 Fax: (04) 232 6882
11 Wall Place, Tawa
Email:
BUY & SELL
Advertisements are free to Wgtn VCC members and will be repeated four times.
ANY OFFERS? TYRES and a PETROL CAN
Three 6.50 x 19 cross ply tyres, never been near a wheel, are new but been held for 15 years (in case needed for RR).
Petrol Can is army type, 4-gallon, been used for lawn mower, sound apart from obvious rust.
Contact: John Bristed 027 449 4611
Secure, dry storage available
20 sq metres, 5.7m deep by 3.6m wide, in St Mary Street, Thorndon. Level street access, electricity included. Suitable for two vintage cars, business or household goods. MUST be long term, no daily visits! Negotiable monthly rates apply but there's no GST to pay. Call Neil on 027 499 1212 anytime for details.
VCC
Visit the VCC Website: VCC.org.nz and click on “Membership Benefits” for details on various benefits and instructions on how to apply for them.
WELLINGTON BRANCH - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Club nights are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Clubrooms, Halford Place, Petone (Eastern end of Jackson St) starting at 7:30pm
The Clubrooms are also normally open for casual gatherings on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 12:00, and for Noggin and Natters on Fridays 7:30pm.
Motorcycle Meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Butcher and Brewer, 75 Jackson Street, Petone at 7:30pm.
JUNE 2025 CLUB NIGHT
60 Years On -
The 'Haast' International Rally of 1965
Following the AGM, and to mark the 60th Anniversary of 'The Haast Rally', Roger White, Warren Corkin and Murray Hislop will give an illustrated talk about their teenage vintage experiences leading up to, during, and shortly after this pivotal event.
SEPTEMBER
A line up of the cars that went on the Ladies Rally around the Hutt Valley and Upper Hutt. Coral (and Phil) won in the Railton (at left). Below: One of the questions involved this new building.
