NZ Museum to close

New Zealand Classic Motorcycles, which opened in November 2014 in Nelson NZ and was featured in OBA 53, is to close its doors by the end of April due to the ill health of the co-owner, Tom Sturgess, who has undergone major surgery for cancer. Sturgess and his wife Heather constructed the impressive, purpose-built museum in Haven Road, Nelson, to house more than 300 motorcycles. American-born Sturgess emigrated to New Zealand in 1996 and has extensive business interests there. He always stressed that the museum was not about making money, but presenting his collection for the appreciation of others. It is believed that talks are on-going with a number of parties who may be interested in taking over the operation of the museum, and/or purchasing the collection.