Mid Week News - 03/12/2025

kiaora H.O.G Auckland Chapter, welcome to the Midweek News

Note From the Dealership

Xmas Santa Day is on Saturday, 13th December

Normal shop hours apply from 9 am to 2 pm.

With the focus being a family day, we have once again provided some kid fun in the form of 

A bouncy castle on site, and our popcorn machine will be running.

An added extra this year, thanks to John Cameron, is that we have a Fun photo with Santa with a Harley-Davidson on offer. This is a complimentary offer to families. We've set it up, so people can scan with their mobile phone and put in their details, and they will receive their photos on the day before they leave. 

The photo opportunity with Santa is between 9 am and 12 pm.

We opted to honour the mighty HOG Sausage Sizzle fundraiser, so we will need some lovely Hog members to run that on the day please. 

Just to let you know, we will be offering the fun photo opportunity with Triumph customers as well. Hope that's okay with you John.  

cheers

Tarns

In Your Midweek News 

• Note From the Director
• Puhoi Ride Review
• Lets Ride - Waiuku
• Committee Meeting
• Midweek Ride - Pauanui Christmas Cheer Ride
• Bike of the Week
• Photo of the Week
• Harley Insurance
• Dealership Rewards
• HOG.com
• H.O.G Benefits
• H.O.G ABCs
• H.O.G Miliage
• HD Dealership Links
• Social Media Links
• YouTube Links 
• Magazine Links 
• Health Links
• Haven Falls
• The Sheriff
• Notices 
• FYI Rides 
• Coming Soon 

Demonstrator Month is here.

Supurb offers on our ex-demo models in stock TODAY

These prices are NOT on available on our website.

Note from the Director

Merry Christmas everyone.

Hard to believe another year has gone by. Thanks to everyone who came to our final Chapter night last Monday. It was a great night with over 60 members attending. We had a bumper raffle with 3 hams, 5 meat packs, and 3 Dealer Gifts. I can’t remember seeing the ticket bowl so full. Well done to all the winners. 

The new caterers put on a good spread and all seemed to enjoy it, with only a few doggie bags left over at the end of the night.

Our Sheriffs excelled, and the fines came in thick and fast, with even one brand new member, Allan, attending his first meeting getting stung!

Again, it’s the time of the year to thank all our amazing committee members for all the sterling work they do, often behind the scenes, but always with the best result for the chapter in mind, so thanks to each and every one of you.

Of course, we cannot exist without the support of our Dealer Principals, Ray and Greg give us more assistance than any other Chapter in the country, and again, a lot of this is behind the scenes to ensure we have the best Chapter in NZ.

Don’t forget to keep your eye on Member Jungle for all upcoming events, including our annual Fish and Chip ride to Raglan on the 4th January, being led by James.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year,

Ride and Have Fun.

Cammo

John Cameron (Cammo)

Director - Auckland HOG

Website aucklandhog.org.nz

email director@aucklandhog.org.nz

mob +64 (0) 273 828 343

Note from the M.O

Our last Chapter Night for 2025 had a great turnout with 62 members and guests and 22 bikes in the carpark.

Director Cammo gave his talk, which reflected on the year we have had and the H.O.G Rally and also the Thunder in the Bays update that all amenities are in place for a successful Northern Thunder in 2026.

Greg gave his dealership report, which included an update on the Triumph side of the business and that overall the shop was in a good place at this time. He also thanked H.O.G Auckland Chapter for our continuing support of the dealership.

Hotrocks gave his Head Road Captains report and presented new road captains Miguel & Andy with their RC rockers.
Hotrocks also presented patches to a few members who have completed 3 Hard Arse rides and also to pillion riders Mia and Shirley, who have been on several of the hard arse rides over the years. Congratulations to all.

I bumbled my way through my usual uninspiring report, as I had not prepared any notes. I seem to only remember what I need to say in a written report, but I did welcome new member Allan and presented him with his mini-chapter rocker.

Note that Amra has stepped down as Activities Officer. Thankfully, the position was filled immediately by Fran.
Thank you, Amra, for your contribution to the Chapter and welcome, Fran.

Laura is also now the new Merchandise officer, replacing Trude. Thank you, Trude, for your contribution to the chapter.

The Sheriff's had a few fines to receive from members on the night, notably Boz, well for just being Boz lol, and Steveo for serenading a birthday girl at a bar in Palmerston North after a few cocktails and funnily enough, new member Allan, on his 1st chapter night, was also fined for an incident on the Hard Arse, but Hunjah would get hit the hardest for the unfortunate chapter ride he led recently up north that started off going the wrong way and then later on, ending up on gravel roads. You can read about that adventure in last week's road captains review in Midweek news. He also got fined for doing a "half arse ride"

Not to take all the glory from James, but Greg(Pratt) was also narked on about his ride to the National HOG Rally, which saw him unfortunately running out of gas on the Desert Rd of all places. Fortunately, some trail bike riders with bikes in tow, stopped to assist after Greg waved them down and, at a very hiked-up price, provided petrol for the road glide. Greg, however, did make new friends.

I got fined for...going too slow on the Hard Arse for leaving big gaps at times and getting overtaken by my wife and the Head Road Captain.

A new catering service provided food c/o the committee, and we had the usual meat packs with 3 hams and AHD surprise gifts included.

Look forawrd to seeing you all again in 2026.
Living to ride, riding to live
Luppo

 

Puhoi Ride Review from HRC Hotrocks

Puhoi Pub Ride Review Saturday 29/11/25 The day turned out to be brilliant weather-wise — scorching hot. On the motorway up to BP North, shortly after Oteha Valley turnoff, the traffic heading north quickly turned into a crawl for miles ahead – I never found out why, but I guess there must have been a traffic incident or crash quite a bit further up. However, I got to BP in good time, but this traffic problem was going to cause quite a few riders to be a bit last-minute or even miss the briefing. I was pleased to see we had a good turnout. Headed off north in still congested traffic, and departed the motorway at Silverdale. From there to Dairy Flat, and then to Kaukapakapa. I was doing a loop through Helensville and back, so we headed up Peak Road, Old North Road, where at the end of that, I found the usual entry road into Helensville was closed, but with a clearly marked detour. A brief pause for a reconnoitre then led us on a pleasant winding route to link up conveniently with the SH 16 route back up North. So it was onwards through Kaukapakapa at a good, steady pace. We then hung a right into Woodcocks where we proceeded without incident to Warkworth. After a brief regroup, it was a quick run down the wonderfully traffic-free old highway to the pub itself. There, we encountered adequate parking, and they had actually reserved a table for us, which is a first in my experience. The only drawback this time was the band, who were shite. Their singer sounded like a cat being strangled! Never a dull moment at the Puhoi and the beer is always good. When we ended the ride, we got a few more bikes from riders joining in late (Butch, Aaron and Darren, I think) due to the motorway congestion I expect. No incidents to report. We had around 20 Bikes in the end with 2 pillions. A great day all round with stellar weather and plenty of laughs. Many thanks to Hugh for bringing up the rear with TEC duties. Hotrocks — Head Road Captain

   

Photos by Luppo — some have been AI-enhanced, which means I removed the cones lol

Auckland Saturday H.O.G Ride - The Kentish Hotel 06.12.25 

All H.O.G. members and friends are welcome. Join us as Nev takes us to Waiuku while enjoying a tour around the Awhitu Peninsula, including a visit to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse along the recently reopened road.

This ride will be a longer ride where it will take approx 1.5 hours to get to the Lighthouse, 15–20 minutes at the Lighthouse to see the views and visit the old Lighthouse, and approx 35 minutes back to The Kentish Hotel in Waiuku.

Depart Location: Auckland Harley-Davidson, Mt Wellington. <Click here for Map>
Destination: The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku 
Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
Road Captain: Nev to lead.
Note: The RCs brief takes place 10 minutes before the ride begins.
Please ensure your bike has a current WoF and Registration.
Pillions are welcome to join the ride.
Back patches and rockers are optional.
Ride safe and have fun.

Committee Meeting

Committee Meeting for the H.O.G. Auckland Chapter at Auckland Harley-Davidson, 521 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington, Auckland in the boardroom or upper mezzanine. All H.O.G. members welcome to attend.

Time: 6.00 pm 

Midweek Ride - Pauanui Christmas Cheer Ride

All H.O.G. members and friends welcome. Kev's Christmas Shout (lunch on Kev!) and there will also be a mystery prize draw. Ride up, roll up (not often Kev shouts) and take part in some Christmas fun.

A brief stop will be made at Z Bombay to pick up riders who wish to join the group from there. 

Depart Location: Auckland Harley-Davidson, 521 Mt Wellington Highway, Mt Wellington. <Click here for Map>
Depart Time: 10:30 am and 11:10 from Z Bombay
Road Captain: Kevin to lead
Distance: 160 kms approximately.
Note: Event end time is a guide only.
The RCs brief takes place 10 minutes before the ride begins.
Please ensure your bike has a current WoF and Registration.
Pillions are welcome to join the ride.
Back patches and rockers are optional.
Ride safe and have fun.

Bikes of the Week

Photo of the Week

 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON INSURANCE SERVICES

*HARLEY-DAVIDSON INSURANCE SERVICES is a trading style of the Swann Insurance business division of IAG New Zealand Ltd
and policies issued under the trading style Harley-Davidson Insurance Services are issued, administered and underwritten by IAG New Zealand Limited.
Contact the Sales Team at Auckland for more information or to sign up.
Key Features & Benefits
Features & Benefits: Full Cover HOG Member

•  Agreed value policy (inclusive of GST)
• 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Riding apparel cover $10,000 ($5000 for rider & $5000 for pillion)
• Accommodation cover following an event up to $500.
• Drive Belts (must be sudden external cause)
• Club & Track Day cover
• Transit cover
• Up to $500 to transport the motorcycle to the nearest repairer following an accident.
• Windscreen & Lenses
• Fatal Accident cover up to $5,000.
• Medical expenses up to $500
• Cover for a replacement motorcycle, valued at less than $65,000 for 30 days from the date of purchase.
• Keys & Locks ($1,000 with a $100excess)
• Optional Named Rider cover
• $20,000,000 Third Party Liability cover
• Faultless Excess
• Flexible payment options
• Transfer of car No Claims Bonus to motorcycle up to a maximum of rating 2 (for riders over the age of 21 with a full motorcycle licence)
• Plain language Policy Wording and Proposal
• Coverage throughout New Zealand

Policy Excesses

An excess is an amount that the insured must pay in relation to a claim under the
Policy.
There are five types of excesses: -
Basic Excess
(or standard excess) is $500 (unless stated otherwise on the schedule)
Age Excess
is based on the age of the rider at the time of the accident. For riders under 25 years
of age, the age excess amount will be $500 (unless stated otherwise). The age excess
does not apply if the motorcycle is stolen.
Licence Excess
Applies to any riders with a Learner or Restricted licence on a LAMS approved
motorcycle. Excess amount $500
Theft Excess
If the motorcycle is stolen, an additional theft excess of $500 applies.
Special Excess
Is usually imposed because of, riding history, claims experience and type of
motorcycle insured. Varies from rider to rider.
N.B. These excesses are added together in the event of a claim. For theft claims, the
insured does not pay any age or licence excess. 

Dealership Rewards for Auckland Chapter Members

Auckland are very excited to offer the following extra financial benefits to our Auckland Chapter Members.

REWARD MILES POINTS - Double Rewards points on Genuine Parts and Accessories.

This now also includes Double Rewards on Labour!!! Rewards Points are instantly redeemable.

FYI Double Rewards Points = 10% saving.

Birthday Voucher - Double Voucher for your Birthday each year (complete the form to
register). Standard customer =$10 voucher. 
(Present your $10.00 Birthday Voucher and this will be doubled)

Mothers Car/Bike Care Products - Auckland Chapter Members also receive an Automatic 10% off all Mothers Car/Bike Care Products.

Please Note: To take advantage of these benefits you must be a current financial member of the
Auckland Chapter Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) and present your Membership Card (on
Member Jungle) at time of purchase.

Reminder: Harley-Davidson Insurance Services offer great benefits to all H.O.G members including a discount on the premium to be paid. More info is available from the Sales Team at Auckland.

Auckland Chapter

Waikato Chapter

East Coast Chapter

Central Districts Chapter

Wellington Chapter

Christchurch Chapter

Deep South Chapter

H.O.G.TM MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
ASSOCIATE MEMBER | $50 PER YEAR
FULL MEMBER | $85 PER YEAR
H.O.G.TM Membership Card
H.O.G.TM Rallies/Events Member Check-in
H.O.G.TM Chapters
H.O.G.TM Ladies of HarleyTM
H.O.G.TM e-Newsletter (Taylored for NZ/AUD Market)
H.O.G.TM Merchandise available from Chapters
H.O.G.TM Members Service Center
H.O.G.TM Mileage Program
H.O.G.TM Patch/Pin
Harley-Davidson MuseumTM Free Admission
H.O.G.TM ABC's of Touring Contest
EagleRider rentals and tours
Safe rider skills recognition and discounted programmes
H.O.G.TM 10, 25, 35-year member recognition
The Enthusiast Magazine
Chapter Organized Events, Rides, Social Get Togethers, Weekends away, Charity
Events, Monthly meetings,
H.O.G.TM Discount on Harley Assist
H.O.G.TM Discounted Insurance (IAG/Swann underwriters)
H.O.G.TM New Travel Portal (hotel/motel discounts)
H.O.G.TM NZ Ferry Crossing Discounts (unique to NZ)
Meeting new people and forming great relationships
Being part of the biggest brands in the world
Great Rides with other like-minded people
New Adventures to be found and roads to ride

H.O.G Benefits

H.O.G ABCs and H.O.G Mileage

 

 

 

RC HughBeRiding - All Videos

 

RC Miguels YouTube Shorts

Joannes Rides - All Videos

Deanos Motorcucle Rides

Nigels nimbul1rides - All Videos

Hurunui Coasters - All Videos

Matt Laidlaw - All Videos

Magazine Links

 

Health Links

 

 

 

 

MDA and MDN Explained

Trevor Jenkin

National Executive Chairperson, Northern Branch Chairperson &

Calls 4 Charity Ltd Director

Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand

419 Church Street East, Penrose, Auckland 

PO Box 12063, Penrose, Auckland 1642
0800 800 337 |  021 267 4380 | Charity Number: CC31123
facebook.com/MDANationalOffice | www.mda.org.nz

Haven Falls Poutama Tangihanga Funeral Home

About Us

Haven Falls Funeral Home is a family-owned and operated funeral home.
We have over 20 years of experience in funeral planning and are here to assist
you and your family through your time of loss.

We understand that mourning the loss of someone you love, is an event that
can be challenging both mentally and physically, whether expected or unforeseen.
You can trust that our professional staff will ensure all your practical
requirements are met in a caring and professional manner.

Haven Falls Funeral Home will organise all of the necessary arrangements
and our caring and helpful staff are on hand during the service and
beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Click on the above image for more information.

The Sheriffs

Reminder – Don’t forget to drop your mates in it for those little incidents, accidents and infractions.

The money obtained/extorted goes to the Chapter Welfare Fund and is used to assist Chapter Members who have had the not so little incidents and accidents.

Email the sheriff sheriff@aucklandhog.org.nz

or call/text  021 959 026

“Never let any truth or facts get in the way of a good story”

Notices

REGISTRATIONS OPENED

Southern Roar '26 - Cromwell, 20-22 March

Get ready for one of NZ’s premier H.O.G. events in the stunning Central Otago.

Get in quick as they always sell out!

QLD STATE RALLY in Mackay

DATE: Friday 1st - Monday 4th May 2026

Any enquiries should be sent to madhogs@bigpond.com 

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1210029844495455&set=pcb.1282530539932698

FYI Rides

RIDE DETAILS:

Auckland Chapter 10th Anniversary Ride

Sunday, 14th December

Riding from Auckland -

09:30 BP Truckstop, Rosehill, Drury (https://maps.app.goo.gl/beZcQH2sYetP7ZPTA) 10:00 Kick Stands Up - Riding to Ngatea Hotel

Riding from Bay of Plenty -

09:00 Z Bethlehem (https://maps.app.goo.gl/6r8zY6EyqUHtduNT8)

09:30 Kick Stands Up - Riding to Ngatea Hotel

Meeting Groups -

11:00 Ngatea Hotel (https://maps.app.goo.gl/WjFQrgs9xQsVkqRJ8)

11:30 Kick Stands Up - Riding to Bay View Hotel, Kaiaua

Lunch Stop -

12:00 Bay View Hotel, Kaiaua (https://maps.app.goo.gl/oAFmc5rEmDsNx9gz7

The Head Road Captain

What Our Chapter Can Offer You If You Are A Less Experienced Rider

The Auckland Chapter is here to foster members to Ride and Have Fun. We have a
number of options as listed below. We encourage all members to join in, with the caveat
that they are able to ride comfortably at the posted speed limits applicable on the ride. As
we are not licensed instructors, we cannot be there to teach how to ride, but to provide a
safe environment for all our members.

What we can and do offer.

In all cases, check out the event calendar on Member Jungle (MJ) for full details.

• Sunday morning Laid Back Coffee rides – This ride offers a shorter distance at a slower pace with riders of a similar level of experience to you. It provides an opportunity to meet possible “riding buddies“ and to experience the camaraderie that is part of our Chapter culture.
• Opportunities to find like-minded people and other riding buddies.
• Occasional Sunday brunch events - these are not so much a ride, but again an opportunity to socialise and meet other Chapter members at all levels. Also, we encourage you to come along to Chapter Nights. This is another opportunity to meet other members, find out about Chapter events and locate riding buddies.
• Pathways to obtain training and rider skills :

                    CRIB (Chapter Riding Information Briefing) – This short Saturday morning
session gives you the information you will need on how to ride with the Chapter. Important
protocols such as staggered formation riding and corner marking etc are explained. 
                    Riding Courses - Our safety officer will provide information, pathways and
links to promote riding courses such as the ACC Ride Forever programmes e.g. Pro Rider
bronze and silver courses. These courses are ideal for learning a variety of techniques to
help you not only to enjoy your riding but be safer on the road. Once you learn the skills
you can then spend time on your own (or with your riding buddies) practising them and
gaining more confidence, so that eventually you can handle one of our group rides. Chat
with other Chapter members to see what suits and be ready to ride and have fun.

What Level Do You Need to Reach Before Joining A Group Ride

Riding in a group may be a new experience for you. That is why the CRIB meeting is so
important as you will learn the way a HOG ride is organised, see the notes above. Riding
is all about confidence and we want to help instil that in our membership, and another
reason we promote the Ride Forever courses, as none of us are perfect. Please feel free
to talk to any of the Road Captains, or any other committee member if you have any
questions about group rides. We want as many riders as possible to enjoy the
camaraderie, to reach our destination safely, and then return home.
If you feel your level of ability and confidence is to a point where you want to “graduate“ to
say a Saturday afternoon ride, you need to be able to consistently keep to the legal speed
limit applicable to the various roads the ride will traverse. 
If for any reason you come on a ride and you are unable to keep up, as we only have a
certain amount of time available, the Road Captain may not be able to wait for you.
However, if that were to happen, you would always be welcome to make your way directly
to the venue at the end, at a speed you are more comfortable with. Pre-ride briefings
and/or a chat with the Road Captain/Tail End Charlie can help you understand what is
happening.
There is nothing as unpleasant or potentially dangerous than feeling you have to keep
up with others. It is important to at all times ride your own ride and not someone elses ride.
Remember to Ride and Have Fun.
Tony Horrocks (Hotrocks) - Head Road Captain

Wanted - Road Captains

If you are interested and think you have the ability and commitment it takes, or you would like to know more, please contact the Head Road Captain or see him on Chapter Nights or on our ride events.

Registration for Rides

You will have noticed that for certain rides we encourage members to register for themselves and any pillion they are bringing. This applies to Chapter Rides, Hard Arse Rides, Casual Coffee Rides, or any other rides at RC's request. 

Hard Arse and Casual Coffee rides are usually limited to maximum numbers for accommodation, food or organisational reasons. Chapter Rides are not, but the RC needs accurate numbers on the day for the lunch venue.

If members wish to register for any of these rides, we ask you to observe the following:

1. If you find you can’t make the ride, please remember to cancel your registration as this may allow someone else the opportunity to ride. 

2. Do not register for another person’s bike. If your mate is coming on the ride, they need to register separately. The Road Captains ask that you follow these simple guidelines out of courtesy and fairness to all involved. 

The RC needs accurate numbers on the day of the ride for meal/ catering purposes. On restricted numbers rides, if you don’t cancel, you may well cause someone else to miss out if the ride is full. Thanks for your cooperation. 

Tony Horrocks (Hotrocks) - Head Road Captain 

Email: roadcaptain@aucklandhog.org.nz. 

History Wanted 

Articles are written from memory, old stories and articles. Any and all of which can be faulty. If you have more precise information, then let me know.   Joe 90

Did you know?

That the Auckland Chapter has a small treasure trove of ‘old’ material in its archive? You would think that this makes the job of creating articles about the Chapter’s history a walk in the park. Do not get me wrong, it certainly helps. Especially when I get questions about ‘the early days’. But sadly, this archive is incomplete. In the time that I have been Historian, I have found that the most useful source of information has come from old Chapter Magazines. Or should that be the most accurate information? In this respect, the Chapter has been incredibly lucky (and I am incredibly grateful) to a couple of early members who kept copies of those magazines. Ross Pennell (Rosco), Mike Swales (Trouser) and Terry James (Divot). Have all given to the Chapter their accumulated copies of the Chapter magazines. In the case of Ross and Mike, we have a virtually complete set from the magazines beginning in the last months of 1990 through to August 1995. Terry has provided us with magazines from early 2003 until mid-2009. It so happens that Ross was the Chapter’s 2 nd Director and is still a Chapter member. Mike, who passed away recently, was a graphic designer by trade, and it was his artwork that graced the magazine cover for many years, as well as being the logo for the 4th NZ National HOG Rally in Auckland in 1994. All of these early magazines were printed and distributed every month. We did not have the internet or texts so the monthly ride calendar - printed in each issue – was THE source of ride information. They also contained ads for members wanting to buy or sell parts or clothing. The post-ride reports were often the best bit of the magazine and highlight that some things haven’t changed, ride reports often mention the rain. At some point in the late 1990’s printing and copying methods had improved to the point where a lot more photographs could be reproduced, with the best pic each month being used on the cover. In May 2007 the cover of the magazine got printed in colour. Six months later the whole magazine was in colour. In late 2009 or early 2010 the Chapter went digital and the monthly magazine was sent out by email. It still contained the all-important ride calendar but this was now supported by the midweek text reminder about the upcoming weekends activities. In September 2018 the Chapter moved onto the Member Jungle platform with its event and ride calendars available 24/7. Member Jungle and the expanded midweek news text service resulted in the Chapter deciding to produce the magazine quarterly. 

All of this brings me back to the subject that I had intended to cover in this article: The Auckland HOG Chapter in 2000 – 25 years ago. But it was not to be. Why? Because we have nothing to work with. And not just from 2000. From July 1995 until February 2003 (that’s a 7½ year hole), we have zero magazines. What I can say about Auckland HOG in 2000 is that it ran a bloody good 11 th National HOG Rally at Ellerslie Racecourse (17-19 November). I know this because Bugsy and I were there from Central Districts Chapter. But that is hardly enough to fill an article. Sadly, the 1995-2003 gap isn’t the only one. The magazines from August 2009 until December 2012 magazines are also absent. This was the end of the printed magazine and the start of the digital era. So what I’m asking is: Were you in the Auckland Chapter 1995-2003, or 2009-2012, and do you have Chapter magazines from those times? Either printed or digital? Do you know anyone who was in the chapter at those times and has copies of the magazines? If yes, would you/they be prepared to give them to us – or let us copy and return them?

Contact me on historian@aucklandhog.org.nz

 

Shayne LUPPO Lipsham

Membership Officer

Assistant Director

Mobile: 021 146 1540

Email: membership@aucklandhog.org.nz