It seems that after further conversations, my below comment wasnt entirely accurate. And for that I roundly apologise.
xj wrote: 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
My club is the same. Its a shame as it would have been a good showcase for the 4wder's. missed opportunities then huh?
. 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.
helping with land access would be nice (on interclub events) might encourage more to turn up 