Better than just a painted fence

Roger Farrell, 55, has more than 500 hubcaps on his Sabulite Rd property in Kelston.

How many hubcaps have you got?

Well, a rally car group went past one day and asked to count the row in the middle. There was 260 on that, I’ve put more there now. But, I have at least 500. Each time the wind comes, it blows most of them down. But they look nice, so I put them back up. Where do you find them?

All over the place. Main roads, and along the organic rubbish collections. Also, working for council, I find them along the streets and just in parks. I used to stop on the motorway, but I don’t do that now. I’ve also had people bring me some too, just to exchange. I don’t mind that, it makes them happy.

Where are you from?

I’ve been in Kelston since 1989 and grew up in west Auckland, mainly New Lynn and Glendene.

How long have you been collecting hubcaps?

At least 10 years. But I’ve been getting a bit tired, and sort of stopped as I’ve got no more room. Why hubcaps?

I’ve always liked cars. I’ve got model cars and an album of car accident photos dating back to the 60s. It’s interesting. My shed’s also full of hubcaps and other stuff too, like thrown out road signs and number plates. I started with a couple, then it grew and grew. Each one has a different design, I was fascinated with all the old Holden and chromes and all that. But not now, it’s all plastic. You can’t get the chrome ones, unless you buy them from the shops and car places but they’re expensive and I wouldn’t go there.

What happens when you run out of space?

I have been throwing some out. I do give some away. People come and ask for some, and they always ask if I want money, I say no because I find them free off the road. The only trouble is the top ones get blown off in the wind and go over the neighbour’s fence. They used to complain about hubcaps blowing over and hitting their cars, but I’ve got rope holding them on now.

Have you ever bought any? Yes, I have, but not that many. Most I have found.

Any particular models you have a lot of?

Mainly Toyotas and some old Holdens and Volkswagens in the shed - that’s where all the nice ones are.

Do you remember your first one?

Yes, I remember. I even started to wash them but I got a bit tired of that.

What is your occupation?

I work in the council. In the sanitation department, cleaning the parks up.

How long have you been there?

For 35 years. I started in tree planting, lawn mowing and gardening. But through a back injury in 1984 transferred to sanitation.

What’s the kick you get out of collecting hubcaps?

I just like to see the smile on people’s faces when they come in. A while ago, I had an elderly lady wanting some for her car. I gave her some and the smile on her face was just bright. It looks different, and better than just paint on the fence. It gives pleasure knowing you’ve achieved something, in a way.

So, people can exchange hubcaps with you?

Yes, I’ve had some people come at 12.30 at night, but I won’t answer the door. It’s too late. So, if you know anyone who needs hubcaps...