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TOPDOWN
2021
Issue 4
Car Museums, Crafty Arts & Matarangi Weekends
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF
THE MX-5 CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz
National Regional Co-Ordinators
Committee Whangarei / Twin Coasts Manawatu
President Terry Conaghan To be advised.
Allan Boot, 027 260 0667 Phone: 09 437 0898
president@mx5carclub.co.nz Mobile: 027 237 0084 Kapiti Coast / Wellington
Email: terelene@ultracom.co.nz Sharon and Keith Ewing
Vice-President
Phone: 06 379 7709
Gary Major, 027 242 6783
Northern / Auckland Mobile: 027 274 4443
vicepresident@mx5carclub.co.nz
Allan Boot Email: ks.ewing@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mobile: 027 260 0667
Marilyn Harp, 021 617 729 Email: northern@mx5carclub.co.nz Nelson / Tasman
secretary@mx5carclub.co.nz To be advised.
Treasurer Waikato / Hamilton
Sandra Jones, 027 428 4606 Gary and Maureen Major Marlborough
treasurer@mx5carclub.co.nz Phone: 027 242 6783 To be advised
Membership Email: waikatomx5club@gmail.com
Ron & Shona Bol, 021 068 7951 Canterbury
membership@mx5carclub.co.nz Bay of Plenty / Tauranga To be advised
Karen Struiksma
Merchandise
Mobile: 027 342 7189 Dunedin / Otago
Ron & Shona Bol, 021 068 7951
merchandise@mx5carclub.co.nz Email: bayofplenty@mx5club.org.nz Clint Trewin
Phone: 03 455 3246 (Work)
Committee Members
Hawkes Bay / Napier/ Mobile: 027 435 8510 (A/hours)
Hastings Email: clintsmotors@xtra.co.nz
Barry Potenger
b.potenger@xtra.co.nz Mike & Rosemary Hurley
Phone: 06 878 9265 Southland / Invercargill
Graeme Banks Mobile: 021 152 6573 Peter Glover
grabannz@gmail.com Email: Phone: 03 217 7187
Jock Sutherland, 027 768 2007 hawkesbaymx5club@hotmail.com Mobile: 027 634 3900
anias@xtra.co.nz Email: verglo@xtra.co.nz
Leon Barton Taranaki
mx5club@teh.geek.nz Nora Hunn
Phone: 06 761 8864
Naz Sharma, 027 550 3533
Mobile: 027 2160 608
naz.snz93@gmail.com
Email: norahunn@gmail.com
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 New members should
Naz Shama start receiving emails from
Rick McKinley & Liz Adams their regional co-ordinator
Matthew Lemmon & Kate Grevel regarding details of
Waikato / Hamilton upcoming trips.
Deanne Roycroft & Garry Hall
Barry Simon & Shanika Mornea If you are new to the club
and coming along for the
Bay of Plenty / Tauranga first time, please make
Trevor Boone & Sonia Norman yourself known to the
Manawatu event organiser.
Mike & Colleen Pettersen
Kapiti Coast / Wellington
Warwick & Lynley Tiller
2
4
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz
MX-5 TOPDOWN MAGAZINE
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz CONTENTS
topdown@mx5carclub.co.nz JULY–AUGUST 2021
4 16
facebook.com/MX5ClubofNZ
The MX-5 Files 2021 – Ross Brothers Museum–
National Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
Contributing Guidelines
Feel free to submit articles via email. 5 From the President
– National
6
Articles should be no longer than 900
words. Matarangi Weekend Run –
Include your name (and the article Auckland / Waikato
author’s name if different), contact
details and use full names in text.
If you submit an article, you agree to
have it edited as the Editor sees fit.
The NZ MX-5 Club does not pay for
18
submissions.
Morrinsville Cow Art–
If the article has been published before Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
8
in any form, please indicate.
Matarangi Weekend Run –
20
TopDown is read by all ages, so take The Final Touch –
this into account when considering Auckland / Waikato
Northern / Auckland
9
subject material and language.
Maps and Road Closures –
No article which the Editor or the
NZ MX-5 Club deems to encourage
Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
10
breaking the law, either directly or by
inference, will be printed.
Mulled Wine and Lunch –
Kapiti Coast / Wellington
Picture Guidelines
High resolution JPEGs are preferred.
(300 dpi). The preferred method for
12 Crafty Art Run –
Taranaki
submission of images is by email. No
single image should exceed 8 MB.
All photographs must be submitted with
the permission of the photographer.
22
Vehicle registration numbers will be And An MX-5 EV to
shown unless removal is requested. Follow – National
Please Note: The Editor cannot
guarantee a date for publication. The
above are guidelines only, and may be 24 Club Merchandise
– National
varied in exceptional circumstances.
12 Round the Mountain –
23
THE EDITOR’S DECISION IS FINAL. Taranaki Club Sponsors
and “Trade Off”
Deadline for Next Issue:
September 30th 2021
15 If Pixar Designed MX-5s –
International
Classifieds
Contents copyright © 2021
Design and Edit: Brian Thurogood
MX-5 Club of NZ Life Members
Printer: Brebner Print, Hamilton. Name Region Awarded Life
Membership
Front cover: Member’s photos
Bob McCaulay (deceased) Northern
Disclaimer: This magazine does not
Howard Fox Northern
necessarily reflect the opinion of the
Editor or the Committee of the MX-5 Larry Young Northern
Club of New Zealand. It is intended Lawrie Copp Kapiti Coast
to provide general articles and
information only. While every care has Gary Wood & Alison Harold Waikato 2001
been taken to ensure the accuracy of Willie & Anne Williamson Northern 2007
the information it contains, neither the
Editor, Committee or the authors can Kevin & Glenys Everitt Hawkes Bay 2010
be held liable for inaccuracies, errors Nigel Every Waikato 2009
or omissions. Copyright is reserved
throughout. No part of this magazine Bronwyn Upfold Central Plateau/Manawatu 2010
can be reproduced or reprinted Peter Glover Southland 2019
without the express permission of the
Editor. All information is current at the Sharon Ewing Kapiti Coast 2019
time of printing and the Editor takes no Morrin Leyton Northern 2019
responsibility for any factors that may
Brenda & Martin White Northern 2019 3
change thereafter.
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz
THE MX-5 FILES 2021
Abridged Version of the saw the light in 2005 with
Epic 16 Episode Netflix the purchase of a silver
Biographic Mini-series NA MX-5. This has been
Mr. Jock; A Life Too followed by 2 NBs and 2
Ordinary years ago our current ND.
(Ghost written by an All have borne the plate
unknown author who OAKSMA. The meaning of
wants nothing to do with personalized plates should
it!) challenge fellow travellers.
I admit to being We joined the club in
Taranaki born and bred, 2006, just as Taranaki was
have lived here for all going into a year or so
but 14 years spent in hibernation period.
Wellington at university After joining Kapiti on
and then working in export an overnighter, we had our
sales/marketing roles. enthusiasm stimulated and
Met Lesley there, while picked up the Taranaki
she was in the middle of a Coordinator role which
two year working holiday we carried through until
from England. After the the conclusion of the
arrival of our eldest son, National Event here in
we came to Taranaki, 2015. It has been great
swapping suit and tie for that our successors
gumboots and overalls here have continued
and a 21-year dairy to grow our region’s
farming career. numbers, participation and
We moved to New enthusiasm.
Plymouth 14 years ago We have tried to elbow
once our second son in on neighbouring region
left home to ultimately join his brother back in runs when we can, and really enjoy the contacts
Wellington. Worked for the local district council for made, roads taken and places visited when away
10 years as part of the team managing events at from our own backyard.
Yarrow Stadium, before retiring 3 years ago, the day I agreed to be nominated for the national
before it was closed due to earthquake risk (not my committee because I know that the club and its
fault). activities need people prepared to contribute to
First car was a 1966 Morris Mini and after a be successful. So, if we want to enjoy our club, be
variety of makes and models in the following years, prepared to help.
•
Gary and Maureen Major up at runs with the third helmed by a daughter.
Ages: Maureen old; Gary older. Over the years we progressively sold all 3 and in
Day jobs: Both retired Gary almost 9 years and 2013 bought a 2000 Ford Mustang convertible, also
Maureen 5 years. coloured red with only 20363 kms on the clock ...
Jobs were: Gary police officer; Maureen debt and right from the get go Maureen hated it..
collector. Joined the Waikato Mustang Owners Club but
Current MX5: 2009 NZ new NC 3.5 hard top found the vibe of this club had us missing the MX-5
convertible. Red of course. Club.
Every day cars: Gary Toyota Rav 4; Maureen For a while we still owned the VR Ltd but
Suzuki Swift Sport. eventually sold that as we realised it was silly
Improvement to the MX5: just cosmetic – came owning two convertibles.
with all the bells and whistles. Went on lots of MX-5 club runs in the Mustang
Why an MX5: Started way back in 2004 with a with a bit of difficulty keeping up on the bendy bits
birthday present to Maureen of a 1990 silver NA. but once we hit the straights there was no problem.
Was quickly followed by a 1996 NA VR LTD 2018 saw us buy our present MX-5 and here we
Combination A and a 1996 NZ new Limited are.
Edition, one of only 25 produced (the Certificate of Gary’s dream car: Kea Stinger.
Authenticity was still with the car plus the colour Maureen’s dream car: Suzuki Swift Sports,
4 advert and original handbook.) All three would turn which she drives now.
•
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz
already a great club.
From the President With it looking like a higher number of members
renewed their membership than is the norm, we are
Winter has made its presence felt yet the hardy off to a solid start. Our aims are to provide you with
souls of the club have still been out and about lots of choice to interact with other members and,
all over the country despite the cold and often most importantly, use your MX-5 in a fun way.
torrential rain. In my chats with members and getting away
Thankyou for supporting these events. Roll on from car topics I am continually impressed what
the good weather because looking at the different a diverse bunch we are. We do in fact have
Regional Coordinators’ calendars there are a lot of everything from rocket scientists to ... well anything.
great ideas to choose from. So many have such excellent positive outlooks on
Winter’s often the time to do those little life and I think our fun cars contribute to that.
modifications or those needed maintenance Taking the time to ask about other peoples’
tasks and I know that many of us have taken that passions in life or the things they have done on their
opportunity. Now to see if they have worked? unique journeys when the opportunity arises is in
Perhaps we will find out at the Annual driver training my opinion never time wasted.
day! Meantime back to polishing the MX-5 to within an
Your new executive team have started the inch of its life – despite the forecast for rain over the
journey on making things “better than before” and next few days.
there are a number of workstreams underway. Over Booty- zoom zoom
time we hope you notice a difference to what is Below: Allan Boot and Mazda NZ MD David Hodge
And here we are again with from around the country, with
a Lockdown Digital Update, From the Editor ever-increasing enjoyment in
except it’s now the entire reporting the wonderful road-
magazine as the likely date bubble runs around the country holding of the MX-5 on our many
of our printers being able to to get the breeze through our hair ‘long and winding roads’ around
return to work is very much will return, is also unknown. the country.
unknown. But don’t let those matters Stay safe and be kind is the
As to when our large fun runs concern you now. Here’s our message from the PM. Mine too.
can return, or even our mini- latest collection of escapades – Brian Thurogood, Editor 5
Matarangi Weekend Run
17 July 2021
Four MX-5s headed north to Thames on
the Saturday in miserable, wet and windy
Northern / Waikato
conditions. As I was running early, I stopped
at Turua for a cup of coffee at a typical Report by Graeme Denton, Photos by
‘Bakehouse’ with heaps of food and obviously
hoping for a busy day.
Graeme Denton & Gavin Cochius
Not far from Turua it was over the Kopu Bridge went home, while others stayed at Whitianga or
and on to SH25 and Thames. Several cars soon Whangamata. The lights were on at Whites (see
met up outside the Public Toilets which, as well as you another time) but we needed to check a
the obvious, provided some shelter for a brief chat property at Kuaotunu and move on to Whangamata
to folk from Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, and Thames. for the night. A coffee stop was made at Manaia in
By 10:30 a group of MX-5s had arrived from Tairua. They would have been pleased to see us!
Auckland and pulled into the Goldfields Carpark. At the Denton residence in Whangamata Denis,
However it was not pleasant to hang around and Ken and I decided that fish and chips was much
it was soon obvious that we had better join in the more sensible than cooking on a BBQ in the rain.
convoy to Matarangi. After a few cans of medicine and watching the All
The tide was in and the wind in the Firth of Blacks it was decided that an early night was a
Thames was blowing up a real storm surge. The good idea !
road followed the coast up to Wilson Bay, having Next morning, after a good fry-up, it was off to
passed through coastal settlements such as the beach and a coffee while watching the Surf
Thornton Bay, Tapu, and Waikawau. Club training.
At several places the sea was crashing against Before leaving Whangamata, we met up with
the seawall and sending spray way higher than Barry and Shanika who are potential members
our cars. A lone Surfcaster was sighted and one and whose car had only done 2000km. Milan and
boatfisher had gone out from Waikawau. Gordona also met us there. We were heading for
Just prior to Coromandel town we turned right Waihi Beach to meet the Waikato MX-5 group for
to travel a windy climb over the ranges and on to lunch.
Matarangi. The lunch venue at the Matarangi Golf Just south of Whiritoa we turned left on to Golden
Club was great, as was the meal provided. Thanks Valley Road which is a great drive. On the right
to Morrin for organising the venue and providing hand side of this road is a view of the big hill made
directions to get there. Raffles were run during from the tailings from the Waihi Gold Mine. This is
lunch where many friendships were renewed and still being built up.
new ones made . At Waihi Beach there was a great display of
Several people stayed in Matarangi, some MX‑5s in the carpark of the RSA and some good
6
photos were taken. The RSA is a magnificent Waihi Beach trip. Most returned home after lunch
venue, being on top of a hill, and having views out but I did a small tour around the beach village
over the coast. Their buffet lunch at $16 was very before returning to Whangamata for another night.
good value. Good to see some BOP people join us . A great weekend with about 500km driving and
Thanks to Gary and Maureen for organising the being with nice people.
•
7
Matarangi Weekend Run
17 July 2021
Why is it that so often the heavens open and Northern / Waikato
a weather bomb arrives when we have a club
run organised in winter? At least we weren’t Report & Photos by Allan Boot
as drenched as those poor souls on the West
Coast! – yep a touch of panic ensued.
Despite that, we managed a very commendable Needn’t have worried because the hardy souls
37 cars for a winter run on a Saturday for a change, started arriving at long last and we were able to get
heading to Matarangi on the Eastern side of the away pretty close to schedule.
Coromandel Peninsular. That number was down Rain made for a very brief briefing and we
a bit on the 47 cars that had registered and as the headed off to the route that Life Member Morrin had
weather deteriorated, the cancellations started organised. A nice drive south once we were off the
coming in (not all for weather events). motorway in atrocious weather conditions. No one
In reality, we were full to the brim at The Dunes had a top down at all!
café at Matarangi Golf club where they put on a Arriving in Thames to regroup there were around
great feed in warm and dry surroundings and it 5 cars from the Waikato already waiting. NDs are
worked out just fine. very popular – one 30th anniversary, two 10th
Arriving at the start just over an hour before anniversary and others – and a couple more from
departure time – takes us an hour to get there – the BOP.
was a fairly lonely existence. Half an hour later only Kay and I and Alan and Yve took the opportunity
1 other car had arrived (travelling from even further to drop into a fabulous little café called Melbourne
than us) and my phone was getting regular pings of on the main street which has a bespoke gin
cancellations. Given a large booking for the caterer distillery in the back. We got sidetracked and
8
Maps, Road Closures
heading back to the meeting point after a few
purchases we found that everyone had gone
already.
So off we headed up the winding roads of the
west side of the peninsular. I’ve travelled this road
many many times but have never had sea waves
& Double-backs
breaking on the rocks and actually going over the
car before, or seen it as rough. No boat trailers in Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
the carparks anywhere. Checked the Coastguard
app which showed winds of 68 knots coming down Report by Karen Struiksman
the Firth of Thames.
It still is a great drive, especially the last bit
June 13 2021
across from Coromandel to Matarangi and
feedback was that despite the weather everyone Sunday began with heavy overcast skies but
apart from those that get car sick really enjoyed the initially not raining. We met up at Palmer’s
drive. Garden Centre and slowly the cars began to
Nice to see a couple of first-time run attendees accumulate for the run to Waikite Valley.
including a brand new member (welcome Harley) After a coffee and some nibbles for those that
and everyone making them feel very welcome. needed something after coming from outside
Having the run on a Saturday opened up some Rotorua, we set off just as the rain began to close
different options. in. It was tops up for the start.
Some chose to go back the way they came, Would you credit it, I had my phone all set up
others to head down through Whitianga, Tairua with google maps and the course plotted out and
and back across the Kopu Hikuai hill, whilst others on getting into my car and putting it into the holder,
had planned to stay in their holiday homes, air bnb lost all my data. Paper Maps didn’t do that!
or motels spread across the peninsular and come So not having a passenger to navigate, I asked
back when ready. That was our choice. The BOP Ross from Whakatane if he could lead us out,
club had a lunch at Waihi planned for Sunday so which he obligingly did. I was the last to leave, so
those members that joined us could head back and remained at the rear as “Tail-end Charlie”.
do that as well. All went well until we got to the end of Twist Rd,
Thank you for braving it in such atrocious I had instructed to turn right instead of left into
weather and a big thank you to Morrin for Whirinaki Valley Rd. Ross followed my instructions
organising the venue and route. and we came back onto SH30. After realizing the
See you next time – wet or shine.
• error, we continued west and then took the left
turn into Nicholson Rd and looped back to rejoin
Whirinaki Valley Rd.
By this time the rain had cleared so it was tops
down for the remainder of the trip to finish at the
Waiotapu Tavern for lunch.
Everything turned out well and after a nice
lunch for a good price and a chat, most set off for
Rotorua on SH5. Ross and one other decided to
visit the Waikite Valley Hot Pools before returning
to Whakatane.
No sooner had we driven out of the Tavern, that
we were sent on a diversion – I think it was due
to a cycling event as we did encounter quite a
few cyclists – and following the signs to Rotorua
we eventually came out onto SH5 where again
we found the road closed. So backtracking until I
reached Corbett Rd, turn right into Corbett Rd then
right into Rehi Rd. Right into Twist Rd and right
into Bryce Rd to return to SH30. Then right onto
SH5 leading to Rotorua.
It was a bit of a maze getting out onto SH30
again. I lost everyone else so hopefully they were
able to sort themselves out and return home
safely. As far as I am aware I don’t think there are
any MX‑5’s still trying to find their way home !
Overall so far the feedback has been positive
and I think everyone enjoyed the ride.
• 9
Mulled Wine and Lunch
18 July 2021
The weather on the weekend of 17/18 July was Kapiti Coast / Wellington
terrible with the Wellington region on the edge
of the weather bomb that caused the severe
flooding in Marlborough.
Report by Peter Collier
On Saturday some of us MX-5ers attended Photos by Pauline Stenhouse
a memorial service for long time member Tony
Fullerton-Smith. A pleasant time reminiscing and electing to stay home.
the talk touched on seeing each other for the The rest of us set out on the intended run
following day’s Mulled wine run. Sharon and Keith over Moonshine Hill Road to Papakowhai, our
bidded us farewell early on to be sure of getting destination for lunch. We were assured that the
back to Masterton before the roads closed with the very-narrow-in-places hilly road was open and not
continuing rain. affected by slips. Some of us started off with hoods
Sunday dawned to better conditions so the run down! That did not last the whole drive, slower
was on. Turned out Keith and Sharon had taken driving and heavy rain not a good combination.
about four hours to get home having been turned After a somewhat conservative drive, taking due
around by a slip on the Remutakas and having to care in the conditions, we arrived at Ceinwen and
detour over the Pahiatua track. Godrey’s for a mulled wine and ham sandwich
Not surprisingly they sent in an apology, not lunch – and a good old chat stretching into the
wanting to risk Saturday’s experience again, wisely afternoon.
•
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Crafty Art Run the Mountain
Report by Nora Hunn
... or A Man and a Shed
Photos from club members Report by Carol Vince
27 June 2021 Photos by Lesley Sutherland
It’s rain, rain and a bit more rain. But that didn’t
stop our Crafty Art Run. With an amazing turn-
out of 19 cars and just two cars pulling out.
We met in Stratford at Sgt Peppers for coffee and
chat. We then had look through the Percy Thomson
gallery next door, where a Matariki display took
centre stage celebrating the Maori New Year.
Heart in mouth, as it is my first time at being
lead driver as Gary wasn’t with me to drive, we set
off wipers going, water splashing, as we head for
Opunake. Not quite so much rain there, until we got
out of the cars and down she came again as we
went to explore two very different galleries.
Karen’s On the Coast art gallery, with amazing
water paintings of birds, sea and landscape, and
next door Viv’s Out of the Blue gallery, with some
exciting weaving, felting, clothing, scarves, book
covers to name a few.
Here we were able to go upstairs to see the
two big weaving looms set up with what she was
working on. Both looms made up from kitsets. One
Swedish and dating back the 70’s and the other a
more recent NZ type.
With more rain we left Opunake and headed
around the coast road to Butler’s Reef Hotel in
Oakura for a very nice lunch.
Thanks Nora for a very interesting run, and for
turning on the weather.
•
12
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz25 July 2021 so on we, came to Westham Farm on the Opunake
Road.
After a week of rain, the sun came out for us on
The leading car, driven by Ray, overshot the
our run.
gateway causing a moment of embarrassment, but
Fifteen cars and 27 people met at Casa Pequena
a pile-up of following cars was avoided.
Cafe in Stratford for coffee and a chat before
The Cox Family have a private museum of
heading towards Ngaere. We turned onto Finnerty
assorted collections. An eclectic range, from Ford
Road where we continued along the country roads.
cars, Coke products, MM’s collection, novelty
This side of the mountain is known for its long
teapots, a collection of teaspoons, farm tools
straight roads – and not many gear changes for
and chainsaws. There is also a room devoted to
those with manual cars.
After turning left then right, then left again, and CONTINUED OVER PAGE ...
13ornamental pigs! And that isn’t all. lefts and rights mixed up and this was her moment
This we were informed, was the result of over 40 of embarrassment. However we still managed to
years of collecting. finish our run on time, in Manaia where we had a
We left Westham Farm and continued up very nice lunch at the Waimate Hotel.
and down more country roads heading towards Thanks Ray and Carol for really enjoyable day
Normanby. By this time, navigator Carol had her out.
•
14If Pixar Designed MX-5s
Just think what the results might be if the Curated by Gary Major
creative teams at Pixar Studios got their hands
on the production plans for concept MX-5s! fabricators, artists and enthusiasts for these
Thanks to the designers, panelbeaters, renditions.
•
15Ross Brothers Museum, Cambridge
11 July 2021
A trip over the Kaimais to the Ross Brothers Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
Museum enticed 13 MX-5s to gather at the
Kaimai Cafe for morning tea before setting Report & Photos by Karen Struiksman
out on the drive. One more MX-5 met us at the
museum so 14 cars in total. vehicles including classic muscle cars, most of
A pleasant day made for nice travelling with which are still in use. It is a great setting with the
jackets on and the tops down. Once over the walls covered in memorabilia and an American
Kaimais we turned off the main road to drive a few style 50s diner.
MX-5 friendly roads passing Hobbiton and along a The second part is accessed by walking through
few less travelled country roads before arriving at an excavator bucket to reveal more cars, trucks and
the destination for our museum visit. earthmoving equipment. If anyone is in the area
The Ross Brothers Museum is an excellent it is well worth a visit. Admission is $5 – it is open
private collection of classic muscle cars, vintage weekdays, and by appointment for groups in the
trucks and earthmoving equipment belonging to weekends.
four Ross Brothers. The majority of the people who The day we visited a chap called Nelson who
visited had not been there before and everyone looks after the museum gave us a very informative
agreed it was well worth a look. talk of the history of the museum and some of the
It is on the same site, near Cambridge, as C vehicles.
& R Developments, which undertake large civil Following the museum visit, it was a short drive
earthworks and earthmoving contracts including the in to Cambridge for lunch and a chat at the Coffee
Huntly Expressway. Club before everyone headed off home after
The museum is in two parts. The first displays another successful MX-5 day out.
•
1617
Morrinsville Cow Art
8 August 2021
Twelve cars and 21 people gathered at Kaimai Bay of Plenty / Tauranga
Cafe for coffee, catchup and briefing ready for a
10am departure. Report & Photos by Dorothy Locke
We set off in not-so-sure weather with some
hoods down and a few up. the group returned to Tauranga with thanks to our
Heading over the Kaimais towards Matamata we new member, Dennis Crossman, leading us back
had two more cars waiting at the bottom of the through Te Aroha and down Old Te Aroha Road and
Kaimais to join us. back into Tauranga.
We regrouped near the Shell in Matamata and
set off to doing country roads to end up in
•
Thankfully the weather was kind to us.
Morrinsville.
The main navigator took a
wrong turn – her eyesight not so
good on the small print – so we
saw some countryside twice, but
great roads for Mazda driving.
On arrival at Morrinsville it was
down to Big Cow 43 for a group
photo shot and more socializing.
Then we moved our cars up into
town closer to the lunch spot.
We went wandering around the
township to view the appropriately
theme dressed cows, 51 in total.
Lunch at The Redoubt Eatery
beckoned us at 12.30 so we
headed inside into the warm and a
great lunch was had by all.
After lunch some headed off to
do their own thing and the rest of
1819
getting The final touch treatment
A huge thanks to Ron and Shona from the
MX-5 Club – Northern Region who organised Northern / Auckland
an awesome event with Gordon and the very
talented team at Final Touch in Albany.
Neville Lambert & Kevin Scrimgeour were the Report & Photos by Neville Lambert
lucky ones which were selected to have the touch
the area. This process was fascinating and slightly
up work demonstrated on their cars. Neville’s 2005
disconcerting to watch as it looked like snail trails
NC in Galaxy Grey and Kevin’s 2010 NC in Stormy
of wet paint all over our cars. Then once the paint
Blue both had a face lift!
had partially dried, they removed the excess with
Final Touch specialise in repairing scratches and
a secret solvent and hand polished it back to
stone chips in your car’s paint work. They don’t just
perfection. Deeper scratches and chips may require
rely on the factory colour codes – their technicians
multiple layers of paint to repair them.
use their experience to colour match with a trained
Rob from Protect – Auto Paint Protection also
eye. This enables them to allow for any fading or
talked about their paint protection service. They
mis-matched paint from previous repairs.
apply a plastic protective film – like a second skin to
Gordon did mention that colour matching most
protect your car’s paint. They also offer wrapping,
cars paint is easy for them, apart from the ones with
so you can change the look of your car too.
sparkles/glitter finish. He made special mention that
The team put on drinks and a good feed from
Mazda’s Soul Red was the hardest colour to match
the BBQ to keep out bellies full, while watching the
as it has so many layers of colours to make it up.
experts work their magic on our cars.
They have been in business since 1993 and
We were so impressed with their workmanship;
also offer a multiple range of services, such
Karan took her daily driver – a Mazda Axela (in the
as exterior, marine, RV & campervan detailing,
dreaded Soul Red) in to see the team the very next
headlight resurfacing, interior paint, leather & fabric
day. They did a fantastic job on that car too.
protection.
So, if your car needs a bit of make-up, or a full-on
Gordon’s team started to work on the cars while
face lift, we highly recommend you check out these
Gordon talked us through the process. First, they
guys.
cleaned the area’s to be touched up, then with their
trained eyes they identified all the areas for repair. Gordon at Final Touch, 7 D Saturn Place, Rosedale,
They even picking up lots of areas that we had not enquiries@finaltouch.co.nz
spotted ourselves. 0800 346 258 www.finaltouch.co.nz
They hand mix the paint and test on the car to Rob at Protect – Auto Paint Protection, 19 Gundry
get a perfect match. Once they have a match, it’s Street, Newton. info@carpaintprotection.co.nz
applied with an air brush, deliberately over spraying 0800 800 847 www.carpaintprotection.co.nz
20
w w w.Mx5carclub.co.nzAnother side of Keith!
21And AN MX-5 EV to Follow?
Mazda’s first ever Electric Vehicle, the MX-30 is in urban areas looking for a vehicle that suits their
generating strong interest among New Zealand lifestyle and core values, are key reasons for the
motorists. strong interest,” he said.
Mazda New Zealand Managing Director, David The MX-30 has been designed by Mazda not just
Hodge said pre-launch enquires and registrations for the environment, but for the driver too. At Mazda
of interest from people wanting to book a test drive “weight is viewed as the enemy of performance”.
or further information was significantly higher than So Mazda’s EV has a lightweight 35.5 kWh battery
expected. to provide better handling performance and less
“The recent Government announcement impact on the environment over the life of the
regarding subsidies for electric vehicle buyers, vehicle.
which the MX-30 qualifies for, along with people Paired with the new electric drive technology
– e-Skyactiv – it has a
maximum system power
of 107kW and a maximum
torque output of 271 Nm.
The MX-30 Takami EV
is available from selected
Mazda dealerships
nationwide. With a RRP of
$74,990 it qualifies for the full
$8,625 clean car rebate.
And for a limited time
includes a fast charge AC
Wallbox Pulsar Plus charger
(valued at $2,000) for early
adopters.
•
CITY GARAGE
C
Full mechanical & auto electrical repairs;
I WOF’s, tunes, lubes, brakes, clutches
T Carried out by expert Mazda trained technicians
Y
C
I
G
T
A
Y
R
A
G
E Supporting the MX5 Club with a 5% rebate
16 Waverley St, Auckland
22 Phone 09 379 5649 Email: citygarageltd@xtra.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 “MX-
www.broomfish.co.nz 5CLUB” 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
trained technicians 5% rebate to MX-5 Club
Ph (09) 379 5649
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.
COOK STRAIT CROSSINGS Cook Strait ferry booking agent Lower crossing rates.
021 726 711 http://www.cookstraitcrossings.co.nz/ 15% to 40% discount depending on time of
year.
Dent Magician Dents removed with no painting. $140 per panel retail.
NZ Wide It’s fixed or it’s free! Mobile service,
approx 30 minutes per dent 10% discount for Club Members.
Ph 0800 No Dents
Ph 0800 66 33 68
Mazda Dealers 10% discount for club members on
Nationwide NZ parts
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: WELLINGTON REAL ESTATE POWER PROTECTION
BAY OF PLENTY Got too many MX-5s for your For computers etc, Online Power
2 bedroom Bach, backing onto current garage? Need a bigger Solutions. Supplier of APC by
Ohiwa Harbour. home to store car parts? Call me Schneider Electric, Socomec and
www.holidayhouses.co.nz (search: if you are thinking of selling in the Eaton UPSs (Uninterruptible Power
ohiwa hideaway) Wellington Region. Professional Supplies), single and three phase,
15% Discount to club members. advice, excellent service and and Power Filters. Contact Willie
Email: nsl.me@xtra.co.nz free market appraisals available Williamson on 021 WILLIE (021 945
Phone: 027 501 8748 for Wellington Western, Eastern, 543)
Southern and Northern areas.
Call Katie Underwood on Do you have a trade, job or skill
(027) 248 2061, (04) 894 3717 or that you think others may want to
email on use? Trade Off is exclusively for
katie.underwood@raywhite.com Club members, and it’s free to list!
Licensed Salesperson under the Simply email your BRIEF ad (up to
Real Estate Agents Act 2008. 50 words)to topdown@MX-5club.
org.nz and put Trade Off in the
subject line. 23
w w w.mx5carclub.co.nz2021 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
24
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