Safari October 2022

By John Cocking

It was a fine Hawke’s Bay Friday morning as gradually the participants in this epic endeavour gathered at the start line, MG’s, Holden’s, Jaguars, American Iron, British sports even the (very) odd European. Some drivers veterans of numerous previous Safaris some tremulous and nervous on their first. Nineteen brave teams in all. Little did they know as the stentorian tones of the starter called them to order that this would not only the last time they would they would see the Bay for a while, it would be the last time they would see the sun too. The swift and timely start soon gave way to problems in the guise of Waka Kotahi, a speed limit of 80kph and road works and more road works. Despite this the convoy arrived only moments late at the first checkpoint, the Rangitaiki Tavern where early morning appetites were soon a distant memory, Some eyebrows were raised at the PM’s punctured portrait affixed to the dartboard- politics is obviously a blood sport in the back blocks! Contented and replete the convoy was soon speeding towards RotoVegas via Reporoa and everyone got used to be overtaken by an Austin Healy who was obviously reading kph as mph. The lunch stop was reached by all without problem except for the few that followed a 80’s Holden who decided to conduct his own tour of the town before sitting down to eat. It was then off to the Ducks – not the feathered kind but WW2 amphibious vehicles that whipped the group over land and sea (well lake) to the cheery cheeky commentary of the pilot So to the accommodation – excellent choice (well done again Paul and Janine) - and after having the servants unload we got down to the important task of opening wine bottles in the BBQ area when something we were to get very used to joined the party. RAIN. This was to be our constant companion for the rest of the weekend. The opening (of bottles that is) event was saved by the management allowing us to use their conference facilities for the rest of our stay. Hurrah!

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Saturday dawned damp and misty, but staunch and true we set of to show the BoP natives what true grit and old cars can do. After a meandering start we arrived at the Steiner farms to enjoy and be amazed at a tractor museum and (I jest thee not) the largest collection of beer cans in the Southern Hemisphere – 15,000 !! – Only in NZ! It was at this point we had our first mechanical problem – the support car was laid low by a hose failure. Amazingly the son of one of the Steiner brothers was a hose doctor and the offending item was fixed without delay. Lunch at Lake Aniwhenua was held under drizzling and brooding skies where we picnicked by an offal pit - no I don’t know why either. Undaunted we set off again and soon met one of the organiser’s (deliberate?) mistakes. A group huddle soon solved the problem and off we went – unfortunately leaving one of the MG’s speeding off in the wrong direction- he did catch up later. By this time the cunning Paul had organised the Healy to be official “sign person” which meant him racing around everyone to be first at the next stop. Something he would have done anyway!! There he was some 90ks later ushering us into the premises of Colin Sargison, a local notable, where we admired his Packard, Aussie Army Jeep, Maserati and racing Holden’s amongst others. But the day was not yet complete, we sped on past misty lakes and (more) rain to meet with the chairperson of Rotorua VCC , David Tomlinson at his workplace where we viewed his car collection - 4 Rolls Royce’s, a Bentley, Citroen, Mustang and others. Soon back at our temporary home and after a quick wash and brush up and leisurely

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wine or three we were whisked to a local restaurant for dinner. By more amazing organisation dinner coincided with the All Black test match on the restaurant’s big screen. (The man’s a genius – Paul that is!) The excitement of the evening was somewhat diminished by the news that a “weather bomb” was predicted for the next day and the Rotorua VCC Car show in which we were to participate was cancelled. Sunday morning proved the forecasters right. It rained then rained some more and after that just rained. The morning activities were cancelled and lunch was held indoors But the day was not lost – a visit to Tony Paynes house gave us sight of the most amazing and eclectic collection of …well everything. Followed by a trip to one of the few remaining vehicle stripping plants in NZ – courtesy of Doug Green. Back at base there was just time to don our best bib and tucker for the Wind Up Dinner - an excellent finish to a super Safari. Speeches were short, the food was good, the company convivial and the wine excellent. Monday morning dawned fine (wouldn’t you know it) and we all toured home thinking “you know what – that was bloody good!” A huge thank you to Paul and Janine for organising, for all the helpers helping and for all the participants participating!