Waikato Winter Show 4x4 event 30 April-2 May

[PeterVahry]

The Waikato Winter Show is running from 30 April to 2 May and in the main arena, a twin track is being created for 4x4 use. The intention is to run winch challenge type vehicles over the tracks at intervals each day. Off road racing will be using another track in the same arena at other times.

The 4x4 activities are in conjunction with 4x4 Action magazine who have been working with the Show management to create this event.

The 4x4 tracks will be similar to those used at last years Manukau 'Full throttle' event but with a little less mud.

All that is needed now are some participants. We need several vehicles for each day, with obviously the Saturday the main day.

This is a great chance to showcase your sponsors and have some fun in front of a crowd. The show attracts over 25,000 people.

If you would like to take part, then please email access@nzfwda.org.nz smartly and we'll get things organised.

[PeterVahry]

Regretfully the 4x4 Expo planned as a part of the Waikato Winter Show has been canceled because of low overall interest from the 4x4 world.

[xj]

Perhaps ther could have been more interest from other parties at the Boys Day Out too aye? But then again, that seemed to go fairly well.

Maybe the lack of interest Peter has not so much to do with the event, but a lack of communication. Were the local clubs approached before the forum request to guage interest, or was the only approach made via the internet? It's only logical that the local clubs would have presented the largest amount of numbers to attend.

I seem to remember that the NZFWDA wasnt prepared to participate in, or organise two events so close together (Boys Day Out and the Waikato Show) and that the Waikato Show was given preference.

Seems a shame (or testament to) that the Waikato Club (and Id like to point out that I am not Waikato Club member) can pick up the ball and run with it to make a sucessful and fun weekend at one event, and the NZFWDA cant do the same for another event.

I dont know that any of the NZFWDA club reps in the Waikato have been contacted with regard to the Winter Show event, and theres a few of us in Hamilton.

I would have thought that the local cubs, ie Cozzies, Waikato and members of the Jeep Club, would have been spoken to about it seeing as how its in our back yard. And it seems that the Clubs here could have helped in a few ways, after all there's the Boys Day Out that went well, and we are heading into the 3rd year of the "Salvation Army food drive and Fun Day" held over 2 days. (both driven by the Waikato lads, but attended, and supported by others)

The event was mentioned on Feb 20th at the Northern zone meeting. The first correspondence (and only to my knowledge) to the "4x4 world" was here on April 11th, and now on April 15th its canned due to a lack of interest.... after 5 days.

Nothing to do with "low overall interest" at all Peter

A boss of mine once had a great little catch phrase "Communication is the Key" (quote unquote Mr Jon Perry).

Kindest regards

Mark Craig
NZFWDA delegat.

[lincooln]

Hi peter, I honestly thought it would have been a better idea if it wasn't only for winch challenge vehicles, especially if there was going to be less mud than at manukau. I made it round the manukau tracks fine, except for the sticking throttle, so dont know why just winch challenge vehicles.

Also I know how it is that no body wants to actually have involvment in doing things. My club is the same. Its a shame as it would have been a good showcase for the 4wder's. missed opportunities then huh?

Cheers
Lincoln

[sibainmud]

Hi peter, I honestly thought it would have been a better idea if it wasn't only for winch challenge vehicles, especially if there was going to be less mud than at manukau. I made it round the manukau tracks fine, except for the sticking throttle, so dont know why just winch challenge vehicles.

Also I know how it is that no body wants to actually have involvment in doing things. My club is the same. Its a shame as it would have been a good showcase for the 4wder's. missed opportunities then huh?

Cheers
Lincoln

Here Here

[xj]

Hi peter, I honestly thought it would have been a better idea if it wasn't only for winch challenge vehicles, especially if there was going to be less mud than at manukau. I made it round the manukau tracks fine, except for the sticking throttle, so dont know why just winch challenge vehicles.

Also I know how it is that no body wants to actually have involvment in doing things. My club is the same. Its a shame as it would have been a good showcase for the 4wder's. missed opportunities then huh?

Cheers
Lincoln

Plenty of support down here for these types of events Lincoln, you obviously didnt read my post.

The intention to run which challenge trucks seems to have been the absolute, as, in the 5 days following that announcement, and a lack of interest, no alternative was proffered to any other class of vehicle. To lay the failure of the event at the feet of the non interested 4x4 world when it seems that only winch trucks were wanted in the first instance, seems a little rich.

Anyone here heard of the "6P's"

Regards

Mark

[lincooln]

hi mark, I didn't see your post, must have been done while i was writing mine. I just think that the public might also be interested in more"normal" trucks, sort of entry level. Something they can understand a bit more.

I guess things may be different down there re participation. Up here it just seems people complain but don't want to do anything about those complaints.

Cheers
Lincoln

[PeterVahry]

To put the record straight, it was not the arena event organising that lacked the interest but the general involvement such as interest in displays etc.

My role was simply to provide a crew of participants for the arena event and to assist with the design of the course.

4x4 Challenges NZ and it's members were going to be able to provide the entertainment and we invited others outside the club to also participate. The Show organisers were funding the course construction but without a worthwhile exhibitor resource, the investment could not be justified. On that basis they dropped the whole 4x4 Expo component of the show.

Winch challenge type vehicles were invited because they still look like familiar 4x4 brands to the public. Certainly there are club vehicles that are very capable and if people had volunteered a suitable vehicle, it would have been welcomed. Lincoln, my Series 1 80" got around Manukau several times, but apart from the novelty, it was hardly a spectacle of throbbing V8 and wheel spinning.

Thanks for all the comments but this one's been canned so let's move on and try to support events like this where we can in future.

Peter

[Heath]

Bugger.

I found out about this on Sunday when I saw it in the 4x4 action mag. And now its canned?

Seems there may have been a lack of communication unfortunately.

For me, I was pissed because I will be working that weekend so couldnt go (too short notice to get cover) but if I had known sooner...
Perhaps the local public (US 4wders) could have been told a little sooner so we can plan for this stuff.

So how long has this been on the public calender? 5 days seems a little tight to judge interest.

Ah well another 4wd opportunity lost...

[xj]

Peter, can you please provide the event organisors details.

Thanks.

[PeterVahry]

John Reid at 4x4 Action was the contact that we were working with.

[xj]

very good.

[xj]

Motor-X and Offroad racing ppl are still doing their thing there.

Calls have been made among club ppl in Hamilton, we have the contact number for the organisor (thanks John), and contact will be made early next week to see what can be resurrected.

All is not yet lost. May fall flat on its face, but an attempt will be made to do something there......

[DieselBoy]

I will take me POS if it happens. Might even be persuaded to take The 50 aswell

[snork]

Calls have been made among club ppl in Hamilton, we have the contact number for the organisor (thanks John), and contact will be made early next week to see what can be resurrected.

All is not yet lost. May fall flat on its face, but an attempt will be made to do something there......

Lets us know please. I got the day off to go down there and have a look around. Are there going to be any trade-shows?

[Swamped]

I woulda gone it wasn't opening weekend of duck shooting . Was going to bring it up at the next club meeting. Didn't think I'd ask about taking my truck as it first stated winch challenge type trucks. Something like boys day outs thing would be cool as its closer to town and its not all pitched at such a focused age group.

[xj]

Calls have been made among club ppl in Hamilton, we have the contact number for the organisor (thanks John), and contact will be made early next week to see what can be resurrected.

All is not yet lost. May fall flat on its face, but an attempt will be made to do something there......

Lets us know please. I got the day off to go down there and have a look around. Are there going to be any trade-shows?

Apparently thats where the bulk of the problem lay... the vehicle manufacturers and the 4x4 accessory outfits that had originally said they would participate with their merchandising displays pulled the pin.
However, the way I see it is that if the Moto-X and offroad folks are still there, showing off and doing their thing, why cant we be? Might be a bit simplistic, but it seems that noone even bothered to ask the question.

Sorry Peter (no, actually I'm not) but Ill not simply "move on" without trying to get something going here. Folks that I have spoken too so far today are keen to give it a nudge, and hey, Sheryl may shut the door in my/our face, but ya dont know if you dont ask.

[lincooln]

well if it does go ahead, good on ya all. I would go down but unless I get my work car back going, I don't want to risk breaking my truck.

Good luck guy's.

[xj]

Theres a meeting tomorrow at 12.30 with the event organisors, the Waikato4x4 pres and possibly myself (if i can sneak away from work).

For those of you I spoke to today, I hope to be able to get in touch tomorrow with some good news. (maybe, maybe not, but staying positive!)

[xj]

Marcus and I met with the event organisors today. For this year, we will stick to a static display for the majority of the 3 days, with avenue to slip between the offroaders and the tanks on the Sunday to have a play.

Had we been there last Friday, we could still have had hazards as per the boys day out, (hill, holes, axle twisters etc) and structured things a little more.

The mention was made of us giving it a crack anyway but they had already re-routed the track from what the original layout was to be. It was fairly evident that we (ie the 4x4 community) had inconvenienced them enough (they had to change both radio and static advertising as well as redo the track layout and exhibitor area seeing as how "we" werent going to be there, to some considerable expense) and, in my opinion, we're lucky to have been given an opportunity to attend at all.

I have spoken to one retailer (one that apparently wasnt going to be attending, yet knew nothing of the pin being pulled) who, dependant on further conversations among themselves, may still be able to come along, and I have asked Monsta to have a chat to two Auckalnd retailers to see what interest there may be from them.

In light of our effort, and managing to pull some favours, (we have also sorted some additional dirt to be organised for the offroaders thanks to Foster Construction working right next door) to help them out, we are not going to be charged for our attendance (than includes any retailer who wishes to bring along a tent and show some wares off) but they have asked that a donation be offered. Considering the inconveniences they have undergone, is very fair and resonable. (Given the situation, and the prospect of getting things sorted properly next year, I have spoken to NZFWDA to see if they can contribute.)


I just feel the need to add also, (and im not going to get into a shit fight about it), but from the conversation today the following comment is not accurate, and hence theyre not real happy.

To put the record straight, [snip] The Show organisers were funding the course construction but without a worthwhile exhibitor resource, the investment could not be justified. On that basis they dropped the whole 4x4 Expo component of the show. [snip]

If THEY means the show organisors, then THEY would refute that comment... as far as they are concerned they were TOLD that the plug was being pulled, not the other way around.

Anyway, "ONWARDS"....... (moniker of the 2ndNZEF 1st expidition)

If anything else pops up, ill be sure to keep you all informed.


Cheers all

Mark Craig
021475822

[xj]

It seems that after further conversations, my below comment wasnt entirely accurate. And for that I roundly apologise.

Apparently thats where the bulk of the problem lay... the vehicle manufacturers and the 4x4 accessory outfits that had originally said they would participate with their merchandising displays pulled the pin.

Camco (FOX agent) and Wurth are both prepared to get something done next year. They were never approached this year.

Beyond 4x4 were approached at the inception, and due to certain reasons, declined the invitation for this year, but have shown interest in being involved next year.

Traxion was approached, again at the inception, but declined due to already having things happening over this period of time. They were never going to be involved in this years event, but, as with the others, with notice next year, they are also willing participants.

I have heard 2nd hand that 4wd bits were never approached in the first instance.

Marcus approached Fully Equipped, and although receptive to his approach, they deemed that their target market would not be reached via this avenue, and I suspect that the feilddays would be more thier thing. Before Marcus' approach, they were unaware of the event occuring also.

And finally, the ARB lads in Palmy, were, up until Peters announcement, still prepared to head up and show their wares (actually, they still havent been officially told that the event isnt happening and theyre not required, only notification they recieved was via this thread) I have been trying to get them to come up anyway, but they have now reallocated their resources into other activities (in light of said announcement) and will reluctantly, not be attending.

So, from 4wd bits, ARB, Beyond 4x4, Traxion, Camco, Wurth and Fully Equipped, 1 was approached, agreed and was still coming. 2 were approached and declined the offer for this year, and 4 were not contacted at all. Of the 4 that were not contacted, they all said that with more time they would have been able to attend in some manner.
No one that comitted to the event, pulled out.

So where does that leave us?
I spent several hours yesterday moving dirt (THANKS to HIREPOOL that donted a machine and FOSTER CONSTRUCTION for letting me "borrow" some of their fill from the project next door) to help out the offroad racing guys with a hairpin on their track.
We are heading down this afternoon to erect a marquee and get sorted for tomorrow. Most of the trucks will be into the venue tomorrow afternoon.
The guys from Simex are going to be there and are offering up $1500.00 worth of tyres which will be raffled over the next few weeks
Tony from Speedy Lube is bringing his new weapon down, and helping us also with some costs.
We have some advertising banners coming from a couple of companies who couldnt make it (dunno quite what we're getting out of that.... hint hint)
I will be asking (in abstentia, as i'll probably be at the show all weekend and wont make the NZFWDA AGM on Saturday) for NZFWDA to come up with some $$ (as earlier posted) to placate the show people, money from the Simex auction will also go toward expenses.

The event is going to be casual to say the least, we will be there waving the flag and will get to have a play on the Sunday.

Although there have been issues with trying to get something (ANYTHING) done on such short notice, we will have a presence, we will be positive about it all, and WE will have an event next year, Show management willing.

Furthermore, and while Im on a roll............ due to my probable absence in Huntly on Saturday (and I really really really wish I could get there) I will be calling Tony tonight to put forward that the NZFWDA get more involved in events like this, the Charity Food Drive out of Cambridge, perhaps televised events such as the NORWEST challenge, and other things that get some public exposure.. If the Laurie Sanson kicks off again also I would hope that monies from the Assn can be utilised to help out the cockies that offer their land up etc etc. Over the last few weeks ive heard a common theme coming from folks and that is, essentially, "What exactly does the NZFWDA do for us?" In my opinion, spending money on planting trees in Maratoto hardly assists the wider realm of members of the Assn, nor does it expose our chosen recreation to the greater public.

Perhaps though, we need to take matters into our own hands and rely on our own skills and networking to get things done!

Hopefully we'll see some you in Hamilton over the weekend

Cheers

Mark Craig
021475822

[PeterVahry]

Mark, I'm happy that your team have made arrangements to be at the Winter Show and hope it goes well. The NZFWDA were not part of the planning for 4x4 involvement at the show, although it had been briefly considered to set up a display. The co-ordination was being done by 4x4 Action's John Reid and circumstances made it difficult for him to get involved with the marketing and promotion needed at the time. The 4x4 Challenges NZ crew had no part to play, except to help create a track/s and run some vehicles on it a set times.

You obliquely criticise the Maratoto planting projects, but need to realise that absolutely no NZFWDA money was used for that, it was all from funds provided by DOC, we just provided labour and enjoyed a few days of four wheeling to do the job.

You suggest that the public exposure..."expose our chosen recreation to the greater public." is good. Some may see it that way, for others the slinging of mud just reinforces their view that we wreck the world. That's why I support the concept of planting trees, it creates a bit of a balance.

Why should the NZFWDA contribute to farmers whose land is used for club events? After all that's what the Laurie Sanson series has been.

Peter

[Ralfie]

Mark,

You seem to imply that the it was the NZFWDA that fell down with commitments and organising this event.

It was my understanding that it was John Reid of 4x4 Action that was organising the 4x4 Expo side of the event and any short comings were through his lack of action. (his email address was always listed as the contact for this right from the start).

NZFWDA tried to rescue it at a late stage but didn't get the support it needed at the time, especially locally.

if this is correct you comments are a bit harsh on the NZFWDA members who tried to rescue the event.

[xj]

Mark, I'm happy that your team have made arrangements to be at the Winter Show and hope it goes well. The NZFWDA were not part of the planning for 4x4 involvement at the show, although it had been briefly considered to set up a display. The co-ordination was being done by 4x4 Action's John Reid and circumstances made it difficult for him to get involved with the marketing and promotion needed at the time. The 4x4 Challenges NZ crew had no part to play, except to help create a track/s and run some vehicles on it a set times.

My recollection from Feb 20th meeting when I mentioned the assn being involved in the Boys Day out, "only one person ever organises these things and hes going to be busy with the winter show" Maybe my recollection is flawed.

You obliquely criticise the Maratoto planting projects, but need to realise that absolutely no NZFWDA money was used for that, it was all from funds provided by DOC, we just provided labour and enjoyed a few days of four wheeling to do the job.

You are quite correct, a bad example for me to use. Apologies for that.

You suggest that the public exposure..."expose our chosen recreation to the greater public." is good. Some may see it that way, for others the slinging of mud just reinforces their view that we wreck the world. That's why I support the concept of planting trees, it creates a bit of a balance.

Balance to what? We're barely exposed to the public as it is, and even less exposure is made of planting trees. If the general public were up in arms about us destroying the environment then sure, a counter-measure can be used. Incidents of a peeved off public seems to be fairly rare. Let me ask you this, as you say, DOC supply the funds for your planting projects, where does the positive public perception from the NZFWDA come into it.... NZFWDA arent planting the trees, you are. Ive never seen any public reports of it occuring. Maybe Ive got that wrong. Dont get me wrong, i love trees.
Remeber also Peter, that its not all about slinging mud... 4x4ers do other things too aside from national trials and winch challenges, like, camping, safaris etc. The original premis of putting only winch challenge trucks out there would have indeed promoted the mud slinging stereotype

Why should the NZFWDA contribute to farmers whose land is used for club events? After all that's what the Laurie Sanson series has been.

Ermmmmm because those clubs... you know, the ones that are part of the ASSN, pay money, what do they get for their money? A farmer lends his land, and time and often machinery to accommodate the Clubs, the clubs that you and other members represent... why would the NZFWDA not help their own members?

[xj]

Mark,

You seem to imply that the it was the NZFWDA that fell down with commitments and organising this event.

It was my understanding that it was John Reid of 4x4 Action that was organising the 4x4 Expo side of the event and any short comings were through his lack of action. (his email address was always listed as the contact for this right from the start).

NZFWDA tried to rescue it at a late stage but didn't get the support it needed at the time, especially locally.

if this is correct you comments are a bit harsh on the NZFWDA members who tried to rescue the event.

Ralfie.... what i am saying is the NZFWDA never picked up the ball tried to run with it... in fact the following quote was used this one's been canned so let's move on

Who from the NZFWDA tried to rescue it at a late stage Ralfie? No-one at all had approached the organisers until Marcus and I contacted them and had subsequent meetings.

And

didn't get the support it needed at the time, especially locally

... excuse me? Perhaps youd like to elaborate on that....... who was approached locally and by whom? Waikato and Cozzie clubs knew nothing at all about it, local retailers werent approached until Marcus and I called around. Id love to know where that little pearler came from.

This is exactly what has gotten under my skin..... NO ONE FROM NZFWDA has gotten involved aside from Peters dealings with John. Who are the NZFWDA members that have tried to rescue the event Ralfie... Id like to hear this?

[Landy Rover]

Mark, I'm happy that your team have made arrangements to be at the Winter Show and hope it goes well. The NZFWDA were not part of the planning for 4x4 involvement at the show, although it had been briefly considered to set up a display. The co-ordination was being done by 4x4 Action's John Reid and circumstances made it difficult for him to get involved with the marketing and promotion needed at the time. The 4x4 Challenges NZ crew had no part to play, except to help create a track/s and run some vehicles on it a set times.

My recollection from Feb 20th meeting when I mentioned the assn being involved in the Boys Day out, "only one person ever organises these things and hes going to be busy with the winter show" Maybe my recollection is flawed.

You obliquely criticise the Maratoto planting projects, but need to realise that absolutely no NZFWDA money was used for that, it was all from funds provided by DOC, we just provided labour and enjoyed a few days of four wheeling to do the job.

You are quite correct, a bad example for me to use. Apologies for that.

You suggest that the public exposure..."expose our chosen recreation to the greater public." is good. Some may see it that way, for others the slinging of mud just reinforces their view that we wreck the world. That's why I support the concept of planting trees, it creates a bit of a balance.

Balance to what? We're barely exposed to the public as it is, and even less exposure is made of planting trees. If the general public were up in arms about us destroying the environment then sure, a counter-measure can be used. Incidents of a peeved off public seems to be fairly rare. Let me ask you this, as you say, DOC supply the funds for your planting projects, where does the positive public perception from the NZFWDA come into it.... NZFWDA arent planting the trees, you are. Ive never seen any public reports of it occuring. Maybe Ive got that wrong. Dont get me wrong, i love trees.

Why should the NZFWDA contribute to farmers whose land is used for club events? After all that's what the Laurie Sanson series has been.

Ermmmmm because those clubs... you know, the ones that are part of the ASSN, pay money, what do they get for their money? A farmer lends his land, and time and often machinery to accommodate the Clubs, the clubs that you and other members represent... why would the NZFWDA not help their own members?

I totally agree with that! It mistifies me why the Ass has a blunt policy of not giving any money to pay access fees to farmers and the like so the Ass members can go four wheeling. I know the Central zone has quite a sum of money just sitting doing nothing for its members...why???

[Pedro]

Mark, I'm happy that your team have made arrangements to be at the Winter Show and hope it goes well. The NZFWDA were not part of the planning for 4x4 involvement at the show, although it had been briefly considered to set up a display. The co-ordination was being done by 4x4 Action's John Reid and circumstances made it difficult for him to get involved with the marketing and promotion needed at the time. The 4x4 Challenges NZ crew had no part to play, except to help create a track/s and run some vehicles on it a set times.

My recollection from Feb 20th meeting when I mentioned the assn being involved in the Boys Day out, "only one person ever organises these things and hes going to be busy with the winter show" Maybe my recollection is flawed.

You obliquely criticise the Maratoto planting projects, but need to realise that absolutely no NZFWDA money was used for that, it was all from funds provided by DOC, we just provided labour and enjoyed a few days of four wheeling to do the job.

You are quite correct, a bad example for me to use. Apologies for that.

You suggest that the public exposure..."expose our chosen recreation to the greater public." is good. Some may see it that way, for others the slinging of mud just reinforces their view that we wreck the world. That's why I support the concept of planting trees, it creates a bit of a balance.

Balance to what? We're barely exposed to the public as it is, and even less exposure is made of planting trees. If the general public were up in arms about us destroying the environment then sure, a counter-measure can be used. Incidents of a peeved off public seems to be fairly rare. Let me ask you this, as you say, DOC supply the funds for your planting projects, where does the positive public perception from the NZFWDA come into it.... NZFWDA arent planting the trees, you are. Ive never seen any public reports of it occuring. Maybe Ive got that wrong. Dont get me wrong, i love trees.

Why should the NZFWDA contribute to farmers whose land is used for club events? After all that's what the Laurie Sanson series has been.

Ermmmmm because those clubs... you know, the ones that are part of the ASSN, pay money, what do they get for their money? A farmer lends his land, and time and often machinery to accommodate the Clubs, the clubs that you and other members represent... why would the NZFWDA not help their own members?

I totally agree with that! It mistifies me why the Ass has a blunt policy of not giving any money to pay access fees to farmers and the like so the Ass members can go four wheeling. I know the Central zone has quite a sum of money just sitting doing nothing for its members...why???

Actually central zone support events if pre-arranged to a set value to cover event costs (not land access), only if it is a interclub type event, my under standing is this is not liked by the exec cause they wanted more funds.


pedro

[BrentC]

my under standing is this is not liked by the exec cause they wanted more funds.

pedro

Central Zone or National exec?

[Pedro]

my under standing is this is not liked by the exec cause they wanted more funds.

pedro

Central Zone or National exec?

National Exec. the central Zone approves it

[Landy Rover]

my under standing is this is not liked by the exec cause they wanted more funds.

Event costs????? what..a few sauages for the BBQ helping with land access would be nice (on interclub events) might encourage more to turn up

pedro

Central Zone or National exec?

National Exec. the central Zone approves it