TOPDOWN 2020 Classic Car Winner - PLUS MX-5 PEOPLE AND THEIR MONTHLY RUN REPORTS - Mazda MX5 Club of New Zealand
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TOPDOWN
2020
Issue 1
Classic Car Winner
PLUS MX-5 PEOPLE
AND THEIR MONTHLY RUN REPORTS
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MX5 CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
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2020 UPDATE FOR CLUB MERCHANDISE
The Club is pleased
to announce we have
a new range of 30th
anniversary clothing
available.
The first item is the
Short Sleeve Polo In
Black Or Navy Blue.
The shirts are made of
a premium antibacterial
BIZ COOL fabric, 100%
breathable, with moisture
wicking properties.
The Polo features the
30th Anniversary logo
especially developed for
this occasion.
All details of sizes for
men and women, and
prices, are on the updated
Merchandise page on the
website.
The second item is a
matching Club cap with
the same logo as the
shirts.
All other current Club
merchandise is listed on
the website, with detailed
instructions of how to
order and pay.
Once ordered you will
receive both an online and
an email notification.
You’ll also notice a
Shopping Basket icon on
the header of all website
pages, which enables you
to check status at any
time.
Happy motoring, and
happy purchasing.
Webpage link:
https://tinyurl.com/sbonxpf
2
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MX-5 TOPDOWN MAGAZINE
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz CONTENTS
topdown@mx5club.org.nz JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2020
4 15
facebook.com/MX5ClubofNZ
Club Committee & Waitangi Day Christmas
Regional Co-ordinators Drive – Kapiti Coast
Contributing Guidelines
Feel free to submit articles via email. 4 Warm welcome to our
newest members
5
Articles should be no longer than 900
words. From the President,
Include your name (and the article Keith Jones
6
author’s name if different), contact
details and use full names in text. To (MG)B or not to (MG)B –
Northern /Auckland
If you submit an article, you agree to
7
have it edited as the Editor sees fit. Dawson Falls & Wilkies
The NZ MX5 Club does not pay for Pools – Taranaki
submissions.
16
If the article has been published before Mahia & Ocean-Going
in any form, please indicate.
Waka – Hawkes Bay
TopDown is read by all ages, so take
18
this into account when considering Newcomers & Old hands
subject material and language. – Kapiti Coast
No article which the Editor or the
NZ MX5 Club deems to encourage
breaking the law, either directly or by
inference, will be printed.
19 Cross Hills Gardens –
Kapiti Coast
Picture Guidelines
High resolution JPEGs are preferred.
8 Christmas Barbeque –
Kapiti Coast
10
(300 dpi). The preferred method for Mystery Christmas Run –
submission of images is by email. No
single image should exceed 8 MB.
Taranaki
All photographs must be submitted with
the permission of the photographer.
Vehicle registration numbers will be
shown unless removal is requested.
Please Note: The Editor cannot
guarantee a date for publication. The
above are guidelines only, and may be
20
varied in exceptional circumstances. Coast to Coast –
THE EDITOR’S DECISION IS FINAL.
Northern/Auckland
Deadline for Next Issue:
April 1st 2020 23 Milestones of the MX-5
and the Club
Contents copyright © 2020
Design and Edit: Brian Thurogood
12 MX-5 Success at Ellerslie
Classic Car Show 24 Ellerslie Classic Car
Show Success
22
Printer: Brebner Print, Hamilton.
Photo Credits: Club Sponsors
Front and Back Covers and “Trade Off”
Brenda White Classifieds
Disclaimer: This magazine does not
necessarily reflect the opinion of the
Editor or the Committee of the MX5
Club of New Zealand. It is intended
to provide general articles and
information only. While every care has
been taken to ensure the accuracy of
the information it contains, neither the
Editor, Committee or the authors can
be held liable for inaccuracies, errors
or omissions. Copyright is reserved
throughout. No part of this magazine
can be reproduced or reprinted
without the express permission of the
Editor. All information is current at the Effective February3, 2020, sport-tuned suspension components are now
time of printing and the Editor takes no standard on MX-5 Grand Touring models.
responsibility for any factors that may New available color options feature Polymetal Gray, Red Nappa Leather
change thereafter. and Gray cloth soft top. 3
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National Regional Co-Ordinators
Committee Whangarei / Twin Coasts Manawatu
President Terry Conaghan To be advised.
Keith Jones, 027 436 2568, Phone: 09 437 0898
president@mx5club.org.nz Mobile: 027 237 0084 Kapiti Coast / Wellington
Email: terelene@ultracom.co.nz Sharon and Keith Ewing
Vice-President Phone: 06 379 7709
Ron Bol, 021 068 7951, Northern / Auckland Mobile: 027 274 4443
vicepresident@mx5club.org.nz
Allan Boot Email: ks.ewing@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mobile: 027 260 0667
Marilyn Harp, 021 617 729, Email: allanboot@xtra.co.nz Nelson / Tasman
secretary@mx5club.org.nz To be advised.
Waikato / Hamilton
Treasurer Marlborough
Gary and Maureen Major
Sandra Jones, 027 428 4606,
Phone: 027 242 6783 To be advised
treasurer@mx5club.org.nz
Email: waikatomx5club@gmail.com
Committee Members
Canterbury
Bay of Plenty / Tauranga To be advised
Mark Brinsbury Karen Struiksma
mbrinsbury@yahoo.co.nz Mobile: 027 342 7189 Dunedin / Otago
Jenny Wieland Email: bayofplenty@mx5club.org.nz Clint Trewin
jenny@jwp.co.nz Phone: 03 455 3246 (Work)
Hawkes Bay / Napier/ Mobile: 027 435 8510 (A/hours)
Graeme Banks Hastings Email: clintsmotors@xtra.co.nz
graban@ihug.co.nz
Mike & Rosemary Hurley
Denis Smith Phone: 06 878 9265 Southland / Invercargill
denis-s@xtra.co.nz Mobile: 021 152 6573 Peter Glover
Email: Phone: 03 217 7187
Barry Potenger Mobile: 027 634 3900
hawkesbaymx5club@hotmail.com
b.potenger@xtra.co.nz Email: verglo@xtra.co.nz
Murray Lee Taranaki
murray.lee@xtra.co.nz Nora Hunn
Donna Lee Phone: 06 761 8864
d.lee@xtra.co.nz Mobile: 027 2160 608
Email: norahunn@gmail.com
Allan Boot
allanboot@xtra.co.nz
Mazda MX5 Club of New Zealand Inc Membership subscriptions – $70.00 per car, per year for full
PO Box 15551, New Lynn, Auckland membership, including TopDown magazine. For membership
Email: admin@mx5club.org.nz application forms, visit our website or email the Membership
www.mx5carclub.co.nz Co-ordinators – Murray & Donna Lee on murray.lee@xtra.co.nz
A warm welcome to our newest members: Northern / Auckland
Lori Robinson
Otago Taranaki Rob Price
Bob Farrell Garry & Robin Answell Suresh & Pushpa Hallikeri
Duncan Ashford & Sheena Ashford-Tait Keith Cochius Barrie & Karen Butterworth
Simon Waymouth & Rosana
Kapiti Coast / Wellington Hawkes Bay / Napier/Hastings Houthuesen
Carl & Frank Williams James & Julie Ludlam Rhian Rowlands & Keith Martin
Chester Whitwell & Sarah Wade Jack & Rita Tolley
Brendon Wood & Elizabeth Scollay Bay of Plenty / Tauranga Ross Monn & Linda Williams
Selwyn Warren Ross & Julie Hemera Gary & Heather Lawson
Les & Barbara Jones Cliff & Bev Inskeep Wendy Palenski
Manawatu Waikato / Hamilton Peter Croad
Julie Watson Roger & Jan Skipper Brian & Diane Watson
Patrick & Wendy Duffy Anne Stuart Kevin Mellon
Stan & Kate Garmonsway Barbara Ann McLaughlan Andy & Vanessa Hancock
Warren & Marion Rowe Julia Denton
Adrian Kjellberg
4
David & Dee Barrett
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and I occasionally go on line to answer people’s
From the queries. If you own an NA or NB model, and
have a question about your car; whether it is a
President recommendation for brake pads, or why you are
getting wet carpets, I would recommend that you
join the Forum and check out your problem. I
would 99% guarantee that someone has asked
the question before and the answer is there.
Because the MX-5 Forum has been little used
in recent years, there is not a lot of information
on the NC model and almost nothing on NDs.
This could easily be overcome by Club members
joining the Forum and posting their questions
and answers to bring it up to date. An alternative
would be for the Club to set up its own Forum.
Personally I am not in favour of duplicating things
unless there is a significant advantage in doing so,
but if there sufficient demand the Committee will
look into it. Please let me know your feelings.
I hope you all had a good Xmas and wish you – Keith Jones, President
well for 2020.
Back in January an enquiry was received from a
new member about upgrading the audio system in
his newly acquired JDM NC to better receive NZ
radio frequency bands. He had previously used
band expanders, but did not want to go down this
route again. Through some emails to other NC
owners in the Northern region I was quickly able
to give him some options to consider, but this
request made me think back to a very effective
information sharing service that I used frequently
when I was new to the MX-5 back in the early
2000’s.
This was the MX-5 Forum. It originally started
as a forum for MX-5 Club of NZ members, but
was opened up to all MX-5 owners around the mid
2000’s. Those of you who have owned an MX-5
for a long time probably remember the Forum and
how useful it was for answering questions on all
matters MX-5.
However, with the introduction of Facebook,
the Forum has lost its popularity over recent
years.It still exists https://www.mx5forum.co.nz/
5
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new members ... and an mgb
January 18th, 2020
We got a well deserved Saturday sleep-in Northern / Auckland
with a more leisurely 10.45am meet at BP
Drury. It was good to see a few new members Report & Photo by Barry & Sue
and a nice turnout of 26 cars, mostly NCs, a
few more NDs, then the odd and diminishing
Top Photo by Marilyn Harp
numbers of NAs and NBs. of congenial conversation.
After the usual socialising and our new co- I invited a friend who is considering purchasing
ordinator Allan Boot giving us run info, we set off a NC even though he belongs to the MG Club and
at 11.30am. We were quickly off the motorway owns a MGB roadster. Of course there was some
and onto the rural roads which we all enjoy so good old banter from the MX-5 club members
much. We soon broke up into smaller groups and regarding owning a MGB, and being able to throw
the light traffic volumes providing the opportunity away his tool kit once he purchased an MX-5.
to push our cars a little. It was kind of unfortunate, but still very
Surprisingly, Grant was designated the leader, entertaining, when he had to push-start the
usually most of us have trouble keeping up with MGB with his wife in the drivers’ seat. He
him. This time he must have slowed down as received some well deserved applause from our
they arrived at the Kaiaua Hotel with five cars still members. I heard later that a new starter motor
behind him. was required.
It was a short run this time out through The weather was kind to us once again,
Ararimu, Mangatawhiri and Mangatangi towards sunny with a bit of cloud cover and tops down
the coast, stopping to look at the spectacular all the way.
views from Findlay Rd. We all arrived safely at Another very good run and I managed to not
lunchtime for a fish and chip pub lunch and lots lose my hat on this run.
•
6
DAWSON FALLS AND WILKIES POOLS
January 26th, 2020
After weeks of no rain the lead up to the
weekend brought a change with misty light
rain arriving Friday afternoon and again
Saturday morning. Sunday dawned overcast
but with a higher cloud base.
We met Sunday morning at the InkPot café,
Mitre 10 building in Stratford, where refreshments
were had. A good central meeting place between
Hawera, Opunake and New Plymouth.
Heading out to our cars the clouds cleared and
the sun shone through, upping the temperature
and looking good for what was to come. Off we
went, 18 MX-5s, tops down, wind in the hair,
driving county roads just made for a sports car
cruise. We drove from Tariki north of Stratford to
Hawera in the south without going on the main
road.
Approximately 2 hours later we arrived at our
lunch destination, Dawson Falls Café, approx.
1000m up Mount Taranaki. After a rather lengthy
lunch: the Mountain was extra busy with visitors
this day, the hardy amongst us walked 25 mins to
Wilkies Pools.
Due to the recent lack of decent rain there
wasn’t a lot of water in the pools, but a few
teenagers were having fun sliding and jumping Taranaki
into one of the deeper pools. Apparently the water
•
was very cold as they didn’t stay in for long.
Report by Grant Roe
Photos by Annette & Jock 7
Christmas Barbecue – Take two
The club met at Ground Up, Pauatahanui on went well past the time we were to start the run,
5 January 2020 and although the weather as everyone caught up and patiently waited for
wasn’t great, it was a million times better than coffees. We set off over the Haywards and north
the original scheduled meet for 8 December, onto SH2, briefly turning off at Silverstream.
which was a complete wash-out and had to be There was a line of around 20 MX-5’s moving
cancelled. slowly through the Silverstream village, then
There was a real sense of friendship and we winding our way up Blue Mountain and on though
Whiteman’s Valley.
Past streams, bush and
sheltered farmland, then
descending back down North of
Upper Hutt and back onto SH2
again for a decent 45 minute run
with Christmas lunch held on
knees or in boots.
This is the second time we
have attempted a run around
this area, and once again, there
were multiple wrong turns and
necessary shortcuts taken to
get to the venue for the belated
Christmas lunch.
Although the BBQ area outside
had been set up at our hosts Tony
and Pauline’s, the weather forced
us inside the house – all 46 of us!
8 We didn’t let the weather stop us
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Kapiti Coast
Report & Photos by Gayle
having a great time, with a Christmas theme –
dressed in red and green, with Christmas hats -
and an amazing lunch.
The food was delicious and we broke the
chatting up with a Christmas quiz and pass the
parcel.
We presented Kapiti clubs’ “camp mother”
Sharon, with a gift hamper to thank her for all she
does for the club throughout the year, and sang
her “Happy Birthday” celebrating a special one!
It was a really great turnout, with many old
friends and a lot of new ones too – another
tribute to the effort Sharon and Keith put into the
club.
Luckily the rain held off for the run but things
got pretty windy as the afternoon progressed,
and the rain eventually arrived, but it didn’t stop
us having a wonderful day.
Although it was late, it was a great way to
celebrate the end of the year and the beginning
of the new one. We look forward to another year
of adventures with everyone.
•
9
mystery christmas run
The Christmas Run had a mystery
destination, which didn’t deter members
and 16 cars met at the Shakey Pear Café at
Taranaki
Pioneer Village in Stratford for coffee and
cake to start the day. Report by Jock
As there was a fair amount of speculation Photos by Lesley & Jock
about the lunch destination, an impromptu
sweepstake was run with Amy collecting Whangamomoana to the Stratford Mountain
a destination guess from everyone. There House and many places between and beyond.
was quite a range of suggestions spanning Most cars were decorated for the occasion,
10and with the weather very pleasant, we set off relocated to New Plymouth) just north of Urenui.
through Stratford turning east on the Forgotten After a pleasant lunch, Father Christmas kindly
World Highway. distributed the secret Santa gifts and a little
The ‘Whanga’ option looks promising, but chocolate went to the best dressed attendees,
we turn off before Toko and meander our and the best decorated car.
way through Ratapiko and Kaimata before Then it was relaxation in the spacious grounds
approaching Inglewood. before heading for home.
The Mountain becomes a possibility but we Did anyone guess the destination correctly?
turn back inland and meander through more No. The nearest suggestion was about 35 kms
great MX-5 roads before emerging on Highway 3 away.
at Motunui. A good run to end a year of varied, interesting
From there it is a straight run to Cafe 487 (on and well supported runs. Thanks to all the
the former site of Mike’s Brewery – which is now organisers.
•
January Impromptu Evening Beach Run
After a mixed bag of weather in early January, together to start the year off. After petanque and
things began to improve and our year kicked ice creams all round, we headed home with the
off with a short-notice, mid-week evening run setting sun on our backs.
to Opunake Beach. Pam and Bruce took a detour to check out the
Eleven cars made the run for 6.30pm fish and Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park on their way
chips on the beach. South cars met at Eltham and back to Hawera, completing a mountain circuit in
arrived at the beach at about 5.30pm. We later
realised that south of the mountain, they probably
the process.
•
haven’t worked out daylight saving time which Report by Jock Sutherland
might explain why they had eaten when the north
cars arrived for 6.30pm!
Sadly, the southerly wind took the edge off a Taranaki 11
bit, but never-the-less we all enjoyed a relaxed getNorthern / Auckland
February 9th, 2020 wind was giving us a hard time.
Just in case you have not heard Northern Once we got the display up it was time for
MX-5 won the best display at this prestige the members to get into the clown outfits.
Classic car show. Some really weird people emerged, but hey it
At 8am on show day a group of members worked. The clowns and colours attracted a
arrived at the Ellersiie race course to set up lot of punters over the day.
our display. Brenda and Marilyn had spent Allan Boot our new co-ordinator was
a lot of time on design and gathering the dressed as a Ring Master and with a
goodies, which included a May pole with megaphone and some great sales pitch he
heaps of coloured streamers and bunting. had people coming to our display. All clowns
This was to compete in the show theme worked all day, talking to people and promting
competition which was a carnival theme. the club and our cars.
Our display was based on THE GREATEST We managed get a number of people with
SHOWMAN movie. lt took us close to an hour MX-5s to join our club and some were going to
to assemble. The weather was fine but the purchase one and join. Margaret sat in her RF
for most of the day, working the roof up and
Report by Morrin Layton down This was also a great attraction.
12 Main photo by Marilyn Harp We had 10 cars on display. Frank kindly
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzMX-5 SUCCESS AT CLASSIC CAR WEEKEND
supplied three special cars – a rare NB coupe,
a original NA and a beautiful blue NB with all
the accessories one could think of.
There was another NA, an ND and three RFs,
one the latest 30th year special ,and two NCs.
All the cars were beautifully prepared and
looked stunning in the sun.
By mid afternoon the wind had pretty well
wrecked our display, however the judges
must have seen it before destruction. At 3pm
the word came that we should head to the
Pavilion for the prize giving.
The organisers read out the first five
places which included a number of the usual
traditional classic car big boys.
We thought that’s us out, but lo and
behold they called overall first place the
MX-5 Car Club. We sat there for a moment 13
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzlike stunned mullets (not as stunned as some
more high profile clubs). A couple of cups and
a cheque for $750 for the club made the long
hot day worthwhile.
We have been at the show for a number of
years, and possibly the Mazda MX-5 is now
recognized as a Classic.
A special thanks to the members that
supplied their cars and dressed as clowns,
and very special thanks to Marilyn and Brenda
for the inspirational design and huge effort in
preparing the event for us.
•
Photos (except where noted)
14 by Brenda WhiteWaitangi Day “CHRISTMAS” Drive
We could not have our Christmas
Drive before Christmas because
of flooding in Wellington, so had
our Christmas Barbecue on 5th
January.
It had seem a while since our last
drive so I decided to see who was
interested in a Waitangi Day Drive.
Fifteen cars turned up.
From Featherston we headed out
the back of the Lake around to Lake
Ferry. There was not a breathe of
wind here and the sun was shining
as we sat outside in the shade and
Kapiti Coast
Report & Photos by Sharon
enjoyed the great Wairarapa weather.
After lunch we went to go to the windmills near
Martinborough, but most of the cars followed a car
that was heading home and only six of us made it
to the wind mills.
•
Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable day. 15MAHIA AND THE OCEAN GOING WAKA
Sunday 15th December and with a weather
forecast of cool with showers, we assembled Hawkes Bay
at BP Bay View for our run through to Mahia
and a catch up with our Gisborne MX5 Report by Mike Hurley
cousins. Only the organiser was late. Mike
won’t live that down!
Photos by Trish Wiseman &
As the day progressed and we made our way Rosemary Hurley (right)
north, Trish and Roger leading the way, the
promised rain didn’t eventuate. We duly arrived I’m not sure I am brave enough to go to sea in
in Mahia about 12.30ish only to find that the one. Much rather be in the “5” on the road.
Waka of the Tuia 250 Encounters had arrived We had lunch at the local tavern (fortuitously
and were on the beach by the boat ramp. pre-booked). They always do a good meal
These ocean going Waka had assembled here here, and we are nearly classed as regulars.
for a celebration and restock before departing As usual lunch stretched out a bit and soon
for the Pacific Islands. They had come in on enough time to head home. We all chose to do
the high tide, so were well and truly out of the our own thing on the way home, so those that
water and we were able to inspect them at close like to hurry along a bit went, and the snails
quarters. Some of our group got on board one. followed along at leisure. Another nice day out
They are reasonably large vessels up close, but with good company.
•
16https://www.mx5carclub.co.nz/for-sale/
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Mechanical Work : Tune ups : Lubes : Brakes
WOFS : Wheel Align : MAZDA MX-5 SPECIALIST
Stockists of
Castrol Oil &
Toyo Tyres Don Mclean
123 Colombo Street, Hamilton Ph/Fax 07 847 5484 Mob: 027 475 7590
17newcomers ... and old hands of 40 years
Sunday 16th February
The Staglands Wildlife Reserve was Kapiti Coast
established in 1972 by John Simister,
occupying 25 acres in native bush, in the Report & Photos by Ceinwen
Akatarawa Valley, 20 kms inland from
Waikanae. A swing bridge took us over the river and back for
Six cars set off from Waikanae, and five from more to see and do, cart rides, a children’s corner,
Birchville at the other end of the Valley. We all and freedom to climb amongst goats and deer. The
arrived at Staglands at about 11am. As it was a only cell phones seen were for taking photos.
perfect day for being outdoors, we settled in for The whole Reserve is well worth a visit. A bit
early lunch. Some brought a picnic, others ordered costly perhaps, but there is a lot to maintain and
from the Cafe. staff to pay. Some of our group had never been
There was genuine delight as we followed easy there, some hadn’t been for 40 years, some didn’t
and well-maintained paths, seeing peahen and know it is so big.
chicks, guinea fowl, so many varieties of tame A very enjoyable outing indeed. Thanks
birds, fish, turtles, goats with kids, deer, horses,
pigs and rabbits. Charming interaction with
Ceinwen and Godfrey for organising this drive.
A book The First Forty Years has been •
feeding and petting the bigger critters. published by John Simister, available online (along
The cockatoo said hello, sitting on someone’s with more info) at www.staglands.co.nz/staglands-
arm, trying to teach him “Kia ora”. wildlife-history
18
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzCross Hills Gardens at Kimbolton
Sunday 17th November
Thirteen cars gathered at the Woolshed Café Kapiti Coast
Sanson at 10.30 for a coffee, chat and roll
call with weather becoming better as the day Report & Photos by Tony & Wendy
moved on.
It is pleasing to note that Kapiti has experienced were a great sight together with some highly
an influx of new members over the past couple of scented varieties. The first bit of excitement was
years who are keen participants and bring a new experienced by most of us wandering about in an
level of interest to the club. Azalea maze which some found rather difficult to
We left Sanson at about 11.30 and proceeded exit – very tricky to say the least.
through Fielding and headed North towards The garden is testament to a dedicated effort
Kimbolton – interesting to note that from Fielding over many years of care and attention with many
there are only two very slight bends in the road rare species of trees and plants on view, plus
all the way to Kimbolton – an area steeped in waterfalls, ponds and many more features on all
history and surrounded by magnificent farming sorts of levels.
country. The day before our visit the annual fair had
This road is also an alternative route to state taken place with over 4500 visitors – 100 vendors
highway 1 which it eventually joins at Mangaweka. – food stalls everywhere – amazing to thinks that
Tops were down and we enjoyed bright sunshine takes place in such an isolated spot.
all the way. We lunched at their very nice café and were on
Cross Hills Gardens was formed in 1970 our way home at about 3 p.m. – This was a very
easy run of about 380 kms from Wellington and
•
and boasts over 2000 varieties of Azaleas and
Rododendrons, which were in full bloom and back – enjoyable company and a great day out.
CITY GARAGE
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Phone 09 379 5649 Email: citygarageltd@xtra.co.nz 19
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzCOAST TO COAST – WITH DIVERSIONS
Report by Allan Boot – Photos via
Northern / Auckland Janet Dymond and Shelley Willett
22nd March 2020
In setting out this run my
objectives were to:
• have participants travel some
roads they may not have been
on for a while (gets harder and
harder)
• visit East and West coast
beaches and fill a jar with sand
from each one – Black and
White
• start somewhere different that
no one will have been before.
• encourage a few new members
to come and some that hadn’t
been for a while.
How did it go? Ticked all the
boxes.
The run was 130km and was
supposed to take 2.5 hours. It
started at Mangere Memorial hall
– significantly this is situated at
the narrowest part of Auckland’s
isthmus. No one had ever been
there before!
We arrived to high winds and a few
spots of rain that saw us taking cover
under the building eves and listening
to the local Samoan community in
full song at church inside. Definitely
something new for us all.
As a coordinator you put a lot
of effort into trying to get route
20
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzinstructions accurate and to this end Morrin Imagine my surprise when 20 minutes later the
had kindly pre-run it as well and made some first 2 cars came in. Yep our very spirited front
worthwhile changes. Then I sent it to our resident runners, Grant and Frank! Followed about 10
geek Leon who found a road sign error at 2.09 am minutes later by my daughter Annaliese with a big
on Saturday morning. Thank you guys. grin.
After a briefing and sharing the trophy from the She and a girlfriend had very windswept hair!
Ellerslie Concours event we were off to dodge the The girls said they had sprinted down the beach
drops.. to get their jar filled at Bethell’s and were trying to
Imagine my horror as half the field of 22 cars catch the leaders. It is never a race!! The apple
went out the carpark the opposite way to what I doesn’t fall far from the tree (sprinting excepted).
had envisioned (I thought there was only one way I will be checking the next batch of speed camera
out!!) making the first few instructions completely notices carefully.
wrong. Participants were then treated to some tight
After packing up signs Kay and I headed off windy roads initially and suburban driving, then
in the ND and kept our eyes peeled for MX-5s. more free flowing semi-rural ones to finish. I was
Didn’t see one which had me really second- thrilled to see them all arrive including newcomers
guessing instructions. My daughter was off in to the club.
my NA and was tucked up near the front with the The odd navigational error by some
more spirited drivers I was told later!! The roof (communication errors I’m told!!) meant a few
went down very quickly, and we enjoyed the run later arrivals but everyone seemed to enjoy it and
through Scenic Drive in amongst some lovely as a coordinator you judge run successes by the
colourful trees at a moderate pace. smiles. There were plenty. Phew.
We took a little shortcut to get to the finish Drinks and a meal and a successful raffle saw
about an hour ahead of the pack and organise people soaking up the views of stunning Orewa
things with the Orewa surf lifesaving club in their beach and each other’s camaraderie before
fabulous facilities. heading off home at a reasonable hour.
•
Left: Keith Dymond at Bethells Beach. Below: Frank and Shelly Willett at Orewa Beach.
21
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzSAVE UP TO $10 PER $100 WITH CLUB SPONSORS
Sponsor Product/Service Benefits to Club Members
All Care Specialist roof, interior, zip and plastic Discounts to Club Members.
18 Arklow Lane window repair and replacements.
Whangaparaoa The best for MX-5 cloth and leather Event Prizes.
Ph (09) 4241711 repairs
Mobile: (027) 283 7533
Autoway Services Ltd For all your Mechanical work, Tune- 5% discount on Parts and Labour to
123 Columbo St ups, Lubes, WOFs, Alignments and members.
Frankton, Hamilton more! Spotted Campaign Major Sponsor,
Ph (07) 847 5484 Membership Card Sponsor 2001/2,
Magazine Advertiser, Prizes.
BROOMFISH AUTOMOTIVE Mazda MX-5 parts. 10% discount for Club Members.
Internet sales only: Ships nationwide. When ordering, use coupon code
www.broomfish.co.nz “MX5CLUB” to get the discount.
PH: 027 7337410
City Garage Full mechanical and auto electrical 10% discount to Club members.
16 Waverley St, repairs; WOFs, tunes, lubes, brakes, Magazine Advertiser
Auckland clutches. Carried out by expert Mazda 5% rebate to MX5 Club
Ph (09) 379 5649 trained technicians
citygarageltd@xtra.co.nz
CLASSIC COVER INSURANCE Motor vehicle insurance 10% on premiums.
www.classiccover.co.nz Must give Club membership number when
0800 456 254 obtaining quotation.
Dent Magician Dents removed with no painting. $140 per panel retail.
NZ Wide It’s fixed or it’s free! Mobile service, 10% discount for Club Members.
Ph 0800 No Dents approx 30 minutes per dent
Ph 0800 66 33 68
Mazda Dealers 10% discount for club members on parts
Nationwide NZ
Screen Wiper Solutions Silicon wiper blades retail for $69.95 Major discount for Club Members.
9/90 Elizabeth Knox Pl but SWS offer them to MX5 club To order, go to sws.co.nz and select the
St Johns members for $39.95. Available to all model you need. Enter the promo code MX5
Auckland 1072 cars, not just MX-5s. and your club membership number.
Wanganui Motors The Mazda Dealer to see in Wanganui 10% discount on parts.
82 Ridgeway Street
Wanganui
Ph (06) 349 0930
FREE “TRADE OFF” CLASSIFIEDS FOR MEMBERS
ACCOMMODATION: ACCOMMODATION: WELLINGTON REAL ESTATE
BAY OF PLENTY TAUMARUNUI Got too many MX-5s for your current
2 bedroom Bach, backing onto Ohiwa “The Quietest Motel In Town!” garage? Need a bigger home to store
Harbour. Taumarunui lies at the confluence of car parts? Call me if you are thinking
www.holidayhouses.co.nz (search: the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers. of selling in the Wellington Region.
ohiwa hideaway) Fully self contained and serviced daily. Professional advice, excellent service
15% Discount to club members. Plenty of off-street secure parking. Opp and free market appraisals available for
Email: nsl.me@xtra.co.nz RSA. 10% discount to MX5 members. Wellington Western, Eastern, Southern
Phone: 027 501 8748 Your host Michaelle is an MX5 Club and Northern areas.
member. Phone: (07) 895 8063 Call Katie Underwood on
www.twinriversinfo.co.nz Email: (027) 248 2061, (04) 894 3717 or
POWER PROTECTION twinriversmotel@xtra.co.nz email on
For computers etc, Online Power katie.underwood@raywhite.com
Solutions. Supplier of APC by Do you have a trade, job or skill that Licensed Salesperson under the Real
Schneider Electric, Socomec and Eaton Estate Agents Act 2008.
you think others may want to use?
UPSs (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), Trade Off is exclusively for Club
single and three phase, and Power members, and it’s free to list! Simply
Filters. Contact Willie Williamson on email your BRIEF ad (up to 50 words)
021 WILLIE (021 945 543)
to topdown@mx5club.org.nz and
put Trade Off in the subject line.
22
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzmilestones of the MX-5 and the club
Reproduced from page 16 of the Club newsletter, February 2000
23
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzEllerslie Classic Car Success
24
Photos by Brenda White
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nzYou can also read
