Cruise reaches its 10th year

Te Aroha resident Colin Turner is a motor enthusiast from way back.

Since the inception of the Aroha Cruise In 10 years ago, he has looked forward to riding along Whitaker St on his mobility scooter, marvelling at and checking out the classic cars, trucks, motorbikes and caravans on display.

‘‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world,’’ he said.

Thousands of people cruised into Te Aroha on Saturday for the 10th Annual Aroha Cruise In.

Aroha Cruise In was started by two men who were car enthusiasts, musicians and proud Te Aroha people.

Their mission was to put on an event that showcased not only the classic cars, bikes and hot-rods on display but also the town.

Volunteers formed a committee made up of local business people and Te Aroha identities and the Aroha Cruise In was formed.

This year Australian television personality ’’Fletch’’ from the programme, Classic Restos, returned to report on the event.

Fletch is well-known for his YouTube videos, reporting on stories from around Australia and the world, from car shows to automotive museums, to reveal classic cars and their owners’ stories.

New Zealand television show, Teng Tools Muscle Garage, also filmed at the Aroha Cruise In on Saturday and an episode featuring the event was dur to screen on TV 3 from October 15.

Aroha Cruise In co-ordinator and secretary Sarah Matefeo-Ross said the day was simply amazing and an awesome way for her to finish up as co-ordinator.

‘‘The weather was great and really helped,’’ she said.

‘‘Entries were on a par with last year, but we felt like the people in attendance had grown substantially.’’

For the first time, there was a colouring in competition with entries received from children from Te Aroha Primary School, Elstow-Waihou School and St Joseph’s Te Aroha.

‘‘We had some really great feedback from the day, it all went smoothly and it was a great way ❚ Best Custom: Silver Chevrolet Impala ‘‘KUEPID’’ ❚ Best Classic: Green 956 Studebaker Sky Hawk ‘‘HIS 56’’ ❚ Best Hot Rod: Green 33 Ford ‘‘GCF34’’ ❚ Best Pick Up: 47 Chevrolet Red Pick up - ‘‘TOMATO’’ ❚ Best Car and Caravan: 1959 Chevrolet Impalan ‘‘59V8’’ and 1976 Lilliput Gazelle ❚ Best Engine: Black 57 Chevrolet ‘‘ZCHEV’’ ❚ Best work in Progress: Silver / Black 47 Chevrolet Truck ❚ Best Car Club: Oceanside Streetrods, Mount Manganui ❚ Judges Choice: 55 Torana Hatch ‘‘TUF350’’ ❚ Peoples Choice, Car and Caravan: 1928 Anglia Showman Caravan ‘‘6P728’’ and 1956 Chevrolet 1300 Stepside ‘‘US1CON’’ ❚ People Choice Voter winner: Danelle Chapman, Thames for me to finish up as coordinator,’’ Matefeo-Ross said.

It was Matefeo-Ross’ fifth year organising the event and her final.

She was hoping to focus on other business opportunities but said the event would remain under the Te Aroha Business Association.

The Aroha Cruise In committee is currently looking for someone else to take over the running of the Aroha Cruise In for 2018, so if you think you have what it takes, email cruisein@business.tearoha.com