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President’s Report

It is a privilege for me, to again take on the President’s role in the Club we are all so very proud to belong to. As outgoing President, Paul Miller has mentioned in his annual report to the AGM (see Spiel 216 page 13), the Club membership keeps growing and has almost doubled in the last few years, to currently sit just under 900. New member number 911 will indeed be in for special recognition!

For those that do not know me. I joined the Club in 2002 and have spent 16 of the last 20 years on the National Committee, in the past roles of Secretary, Vice President and President. I was honoured three years ago to be made a Life Member of the Club. Having been an avid admirer of the Marque for as long as I can remember, my passion has always been for all things Porsche!

We have a wide variety of interests within our Club, however, one of my particularly strong passions is for ‘concours and this is perhaps why I am often the butt of a joke or two involving getting a perfectly good clean Porsche filthy dirty!

Humour aside, the standout aspect that I greatly treasure is the lifelong friendships that are to be made as a member. As we often say, and it is so true,’ it is not just about the cars, it’s about the people’, so to newer members, I encourage you to get amongst all that the Club has to offer, believe me, you will definitely get out of it what you put in.

The AGM and Club’s annual formal dinner, held at Sails Restaurant in Auckland on May 21st, was again a great success, and was very well attended with almost a full house, considering the Covid times we live in. Roger Carter, who represents the Southern Region on the National Committee, was recognised by Paul, for all his hard work over many years, with a coveted President’s Service Award silver pin, well done Roger. Steff Chambers resigned from National Committee, and we thank her for her energetic and passionate input.

We also formerly bade farewell to Paul Miller, who after 10 years on the National Committee, three as Vice President and three as President has well and truly earned a rest! Paul, again, on behalf of the Club and the National Committee may we say a huge thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You will be missed!

Another milestone farewell was made with Michelle Neville stepping down after 11 years, from her role as the Club’s Treasurer. The Treasurer’s role is one of the most involved and important roles on the National Committee and Michelle’s hard work, attention to detail, wise financial guidance and constantly having her ‘finger on the pulse’ have been an absolute safeguard for the Club’s finances. Luckily, we do not lose Michelle’s immense input with her staying on the National Committee and taking the lead in building a refreshed Northern Region Social Committee. Thank you, Michelle!

The dinner also gave us the chance to present both the Club and Pirelli Porsche Race Series annual awards. Congratulations to all the winners. Our warmest thanks also, to both the Club and Race Series sponsors and supporters, many of whom joined us on the night.

As we all learn to live with Covid, and as the restrictions ease, we see ourselves adapting and moving forwards. The Club is no exception. It would be fair to say our wonderful teams in the Southern, Central and Top of the South Regions have kept first class quality events continually rolling through, whilst the Northern Region certainly felt the stronger Covid restrictions. Thank you to all our members for appreciating the often-frustrating situations we have faced as organisers, during these unprecedented times.

A special mention to Dan Reeves, Camilla Welch and the Central team for putting on such a fabulous WOTY in Napier over Queens Birthday Weekend. The MC was certainly a hit! It was her debut outing in Napier, I understand! Good to see the Central and Northern Regions keeping up with the numerous and very successful Southern Region’s outings of late!

Porsche Clubs worldwide have just reached a milestone – that of the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the (global) Porsche Clubs network, set up by Porsche A.G, and to which we proudly belong, since becoming an official factory recognised Porsche Club (number 54) a few years ago. Porsche Club Coordination was also managed by long time PCNZ friend, former Porsche Club Deutschland President, and Porsche A.G legend, Ilse Nadele.

We start this Club year with a new National Committee and we all look forward a year of providing the best, most varied and exciting events for our members as well as a year working closely with our partners and supporters.

Drive safely in the best cars in the world!

Ash Powell – President

Editor's Report

1952, 1975, 54 – Porsche Club history and the numbers to remember.

In May 1952, two years after the brand’s first delivery of a sports car in Germany, Porsche customers joined forces to form the first club, the Porsche Club Westfalen.

1975 –The following are the Minutes of the first meeting of Porsche Club of New Zealand. 

Held at 41 Craig Road Milford Auckland 7 December 1975. Because of the interest in this first informal meeting that was convened as a result of the advertisement placed in The New Zealand Herald announcing “Those persons with an interest in the marque Porsche please assemble at 41 Craig Road Milford 12 noon Sunday 7 December 1975”.

Those present were Mr Eric Bums, Mr Keith Hall, Mr Peter Thorpy, Mr Oliver & Mrs Susan Newbegin, Mr Allan & Judith Bremner plus Penelope, Melanie, Louise, Andrew and Duncan, Mr Jeff Fuller, Mr John Robertson, and Mr Chris Edgar. Mr Ian & Wendy Johnson, and Mr Manfred Warstat.  The decision was made to form The Porsche Club of New Zealand with President Mr Allan Bremner and Vice President Mr Oliver Newbegin.

54 – The significance of this number relates to PCNZ being the 54th Porsche Club to be officially recognized by Porsche AG. There are now more than 700 Porsche Clubs spread around the world so our number reflects New Zealand’s very early acceptance of the fun that could be had by organising events to exploit the quality and abilities of the Porsche. You will notice that I use the number on the cover of Spiel. Be sure to read pages 10 and 42 to understand more about the history and importance of Porsche Clubs worldwide.

I want to thank the enthusiastic Pirelli Porsche Race people for welcoming me into the pits to observe and photograph them in action. My congratulations to all the award winners. You are all welcome to enjoy the camaraderie and track action at the new season of Pirelli Porsche Race Series.

There are almost 900 members so there will be many more tales to be told. Accept my challenge and please flood my inbox. 
spiel@porsche.org.nz