Our first run for 2026 was from the Papanui Club to the Wheels & Wings at Oxford. 17 cars gathered for the run and 6 cars braved the cool cloudy day with their roofs down. As we headed south on John's Road and onto the Old West Coast Road it was a nice drive until the rain started to hit the window and at the regroup we had to put the roof up. Just as we drove into the event the rain let up and it was great to see all the planes taking off and landing. There was a great array of cars and lots of food stalls if you wanted to indulge. It was a great event and if you haven't seen it make some time to go. Thanks to Jacky and Peter for organising the run. Run report by Julie Boulton

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Run organizers: Mike and Karen Hayden Lunch Organizers: Larry and Yvonne Pockson Theme-- Ladies Pearls -- Gents Bowtie 1996 saw the first ever run to Motunau. 10 cars. Sandra and Michael Cotter's car was one of them and they are our only original members. So, onto February 15th, 2026 13 cars left the Peg in Belfast to meet up with 10 more in Cones Rd Rangiora. Just after 10am we all travelled across the Ashley River bridge and headed to Sefton, travelling through rolling hills which are very green for this time of the year. We passed 8 sheep, 2 of them black, before seeing hundreds of their mates in pastures before regrouping at Mt. Brown Rd. We passed Broomfield school, roadworks, vineyards --going too quick to note their names, before hitting h/way 1 near Waipara. Through Weka Pass and Frog Rock – we sat on his head 20 years ago! An amazing limestone area. On to Waikari for a comfort stop, it's so cold considering it’s supposed to be summer; however, we were chatting away when a half-naked man ran to his car. That stopped the conversation! 11am Start your engines. We head to Scargill 20 kms away, it's haymaking time --hurry it's going to rain tomorrow! 3 cars have their roof down, luckily, there's only spits on and off today. On the right there was a statue of a red deer carved from the tree it stands on by Blenheim's Jacob Stadler. Awesome! 11.30 we arrived at Greta Valley and turning north we soon reached the turnoff for Motunau which was only another 16 kms. Due to road resurfacing we had to slow down to 20 kms through the pine plantations but soon we were zooming along a narrow, windy, bumpy road to the coast. Motunau, a sleepy village beside the sea and sandstone cliffs greeted us. 3 lovely ladies wore a dress --the rest of us wrapped in jumpers and trou. Is it winter! Time for a photo shoot with Ron our cameraman, and of course, 1 was missing! Paul had sought out a toilet, he came running back, pearls flying! The 22 Mx5's were parked in a line against the sea. 1 white 2 blue 1 grey 2 silver 1 yellow 3 crimson 1 purple 5 green and 6 red. Tail end Charlie was a white car parked on the road. 12.15pm back on the road to the Greta Tavern. 12.40pm all MX5's parked and we're greeted by Larry and Yvonne. They had decorated the room and organized the $20 a head finger food and drinks. It was lovely grub! Their daughter in law, Lavina Pockson had made enough decorated cupcakes for us all. Many thanks to her. The only mishap reported on the run was when Peter Cook's car hit a large pothole and lost the centre cap on the left front wheel near Waikari. Following was Max, a new member who stopped to help and recovered the cap . Grant and Maureen, tail end Charlie, helped too. It was good to see these 2 early members back again! Karen started the speeches, calling on Larry to hand out some awards. ➢ Sandra and Michael Cotter for their 30-year membership ➢ Grant and Maureen for their long attendance ➢ Ron Finch for his photo genius ➢ Max for helping Peter ➢ David Ayers for the brightest bowtie ➢ Lois for the most pearls. Yvonne got lots of cuddles! By 1.20 we're eating mini pies, club sandwiches and cakes. Lavina's cupcakes topped it off. A photo of all the people wearing the 20th anniversary blue shirt was taken, they were Maureen, Grant, Kevin, Larry, Ron, Ray and Mike. Jackie and Peter called it a day at 2.15pm followed by most members. A shame Jim Kettle couldn’t join us, probably his moon boot too big for the car! A great time was had by all and thank you to everyone. Over and out. Run report composed by: Gill Henderson

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Run organizers: Jill & Ken James Sunday 8th March 2026. What a wonderful day to spend a Sunny Sunday driving with the roof down and enjoying the countryside as we pass by. Six cars met at Princess Margaret Hospital car park for a bit of a chat before toddling off to Tai Tapu for our first regrouping and to meet up with three other cars from Rolleston and Lincoln. The assembled members did however enjoy some in house entertainment as Al and Lindi frantically waved during drive byes while trying to find the carpark entrance. Our next stop was Little River for a regroup and comfort stop (when a 10th car hastily arrived) then over the hill to picturesque Akaroa Harbour, Barry’s Bay into Duvauchelle for amazing lunch and menu peppered with laughter and great company. Some members took up the choice of going on to Akaroa and other high lights of interest after lunch. Thank you, Jill, and Ken for organizing a lovely relaxing run. PS: Thank you for ordering such great weather, maybe you could order a few more lovely sunny days. Report by Gail Laskewitz

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