Manukau Four Wheel Drive Club Inc.

Welcome to Club Corner, an occasional column in which we profile clubs for NZ 4WD enthusiasts. Clubs are the cornerstone of 4WD activity in this country. So if you don’t already belong to one, Club Corner may help you decide it’s about time you did!

The Manukau Four Wheel Drive Club had their first official meeting on October 02 1979 when, members of what was then known as the Northern Branch of the Waikato Four Wheel Drive Club, met at the Civil Defence building in Manukau City near where Rainbow’s End is sited. Prior to this, this group of guys and gals ( yes, even back then the females were actively involved) had been part of the Waikato Club but due to the introduction of Carless Days on July 1st 1979 travel to Waikato events became restricted and was the catalyst to form their own club closer to home. That eventful October ‘ 79 meeting was attended by 25 members ( with one apology) and the decision to form their own club was made. The minutes of that meeting reveal that there were four suggested names for the new club; Southern Cross, Hauraki, Counties but it was Manukau Four Wheel Drive Club which was moved by Rob Maskill and seconded by Dave Hardwick that got the vote. Neil Amos was elected as the first president with Dave Hardwick as vice president and Sue Waterhouse as secretary. Both Dave and Sue would in later years be awarded life membership to the club along with Brent Mealing who was also at that inaugural meeting and is still occasionally active within the club along with his son Rex who is also a current member. Club records show that the date of April 1st 1980 was chosen to be the official break away from the Waikato Club as the ‘ Northern Branch’ would be dissolved on March 31st 1980, the end of the financial year. A public notice calling for interested people was put in the local papers for the second meeting held on November the 6th 1979 and gained a few more interested potential members. Back then the club vehicles consisted mainly of Land Rovers, Toyota Land Cruisers and Jeeps although there was the odd LJ Suzuki and Nissan showing appearances on the scene. Over the years the club has gone from strength to strength and trips to Neavseville, Pureroa, and Thompsons were amongst the regular favourites. There was also strong support for the NZFWDA rallies with many competing on a regular basis in the 1980s and early 90s. These days club membership fluctuates around 80- 90 members with a wide range of vehicles including several ex- military and many with a club vehicle as well as a competition or tough vehicle. These days the club has a variety of different t ypes of trips and access to farm land that only members can enjoy proving belonging to a four wheel drive club does have benefits. Over the last 10 years the membership has moved away from competing in the NZFWDA trials but still assists other local clubs with marshalling when a round of the national series is held locally. The club does hold its own championship series for members and is also strong in the winch challenge competitions holding their own annual winch challenge event for over 10 years now. The Manukau Winch Challenge is one of the few regular winch challenge events still on the annual calendar. Annually the club holds a children’s Christmas day where Santa makes an appearance with presents for the members’ children. Generally around New Year there is invariably a club trip to the South Island for 10-14 days. The club aims are to promote and encourage safe and responsible use of 4WD vehicles with trips to suit all manner of vehicles, to develop and encourage the sport of off- road recreation and four wheel drive activities in New Zealand whilst promoting social activities and good fellowship amongst the members, their families and others. The club also organises local trips as fundraisers for community groups as well as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter trust. The club still produces a monthly newsletter titled ‘Quad Torque’ for members although in digital format these days and it is also available for viewing online via the club website. Contact details for the Club are also on their website at www.manukau4wd.org.nz The club meets on the first Tuesday of every month ( except January) at the South Auckland Car Club rooms in Papakura. Current Club president is Bernie Konz and secretary Joy Browne.