Mid Week News - 25/03/2026

In your Midweek News

• Opononi Ride Review
• Lets Ride Beach Hop
• Lets Ride Northern Union Silverdale
• Bike of the Week
• Photo of the Week 
• The Sheriff
• Harley-Davidson Insurance
• Dealer Rewards
• HOG.com
• H.O.G NZ Chapter Links
• H.O.G Benefits
• H.O.G TM Membership Benefits
• H.O.G ABCs and H.O.G Mileage
• 2026 Genuine H-D® Parts & Accessories Catalogue
• Performance Cycle Warehouse
• Dealership Link
• Social Media Links
• YouTube Links
• Magazine Links
• Health Links
• MDA-MDN
• Haven Falls
• Interislander
• Notices 
• FYI Rides
• Coming Soon 

Opononi Chapter Ride Review from RC Luppo

kiaora H.O.G whanau. I had previously completed this ride on January 19, 2025, the day after we did the Western Springs drivers parade, filling in for the Director as he was unable to take it. Well, I winged that ride and had not done a recon, heading north via SH16, SH1 to Otaika then up Mangakahia Rd to Kaikohe and then on to Opononi and back through Waipoua to Dargaville, where we completed the ride. Though it rained from Kaikohe to Opononi and through Waipoua on the way home, it was windy as hell and quite challenging at times, but fine by the time we reached Dargaville.

This time, I was going to do the ride in reverse, and yes, once again, no recon and "winging it" going in the opposite direction to Opononi, but thanks to our head road captain, who received intel about road works at Ruawai with lime-covered roads, I had to adjust our route. 15 bikes and 1 pillion met up at Silverdale on a fine, cool but brisk morning with fog about. We departed just after 9 am and headed in the usual direction of Dairy Flat, Kahikatea road through Waitoki and up SH16 to Wellsford for our 1st regroup. By now the fog had cleared, and we were greeted with clear blue skies, which stayed with us for most of the day, with the temperature rising as we went along.

I had not intended to stop at Kaiwaka for the obvious temptations of what is in the cabinet at La Noona bakery, but the HRC twisted my arm, flipped me onto the ground and put me in a headlock, so I stopped lol. The fact was, the person who informed HRC of the road works was a Dargaville Chapter member who was going to meet us at Kaiwaka, and by the look of his bike, had traversed those limey roads, making it 16 bikes. Unfortunately, one of the riders who started out at the start had to leave early and head home, bringing us back to 15 bikes again.

After the famous La Noona doughnut forced itself upon me, we left Kaiwaka at 10.40 am and cruised off down Mangawhai Rd to Garbolino Rd and onto the twisty Cove Rd. I love riding this road, but you need to stay focused; if you let your guard down, you can easily find yourself on the wrong side of the road. As we made our way through Waipu, I stopped at a pedestrian crossing when Mark pulled up next to me on his newly acquired Road King. He informed me of an incident that had occurred in the gorge, and after pulling over for a quick count, I realised that 7 bikes were missing! Fortunately, 4 bikes rejoined us shortly after, but we learned that one of our well-known senior riders had gone down and injured himself. Thankfully, he was okay, although his bike suffered major damage. A huge thank you to three of his closest mates who stayed with him to ensure he and his bike made it safely back to Auckland and that he received medical assistance. Ironically, the next day, while visiting Starship Hospital for another matter, I parked next to him and his wife. I can report he is fine and just received stitches for a gash in his leg and is dealing with some sore ribs. Wishing you a speedy recovery, our fellow H.O.G. brother!

It was now 11:20 a.m., and our group had diminished to 11 bikes. We continued through the township of Waipu, making our way to SH1, then north to the Otaika roundabout, where we dispatched lines of traffic along the way. After regrouping again, we cruised along SH15 to Maungatapere, then took a left onto SH14 and headed to Dargaville for a refuel stop. The weather had warmed up, and riders shed some layers before we continued north on SH12. It became overcast as we rode through the Waipoua Forest, and I thought we might encounter rain, but it stayed away.

I originally planned to stop at Tane Mahuta for a group photo, but time was slipping away, so we pressed on, arriving at Arai te Uru, the top of the hill at the entrance to the mighty Hokianga Harbour, where the sun was shining bright. We reached the Opononi Hotel at 1:50 p.m. and enjoyed a meal along with some cold beverages in the front area of the pub that overlooked the harbour, a truly beautiful part of Aotearoa. After that, we gathered for our group photo, and at 3:15 p.m., we set off along the SH12 coastline, taking in the breathtaking Taitokerau countryside and stopping at Kaikohe for fuel. 

We then blasted down SH15 Mangakahia Road, where our brother Nick would exit at Murrays Road and head home to Dargaville. As we continued on, we encountered a brief sprinkle of rain that was just enough to dirty the bikes but not enough to soak us. Surprisingly, the cool drizzle was quite refreshing. We stopped at Parakao for a comfort break outside the ablutions block, where I concluded the ride with our customary shake-up. I led the ride back to the Otaika roundabout, inviting anyone who wanted to overtake me. This prompted two bikes with radar attachments to take off along the Uretiti straights—what a thrill! 

A fast ride home as 3 of us took off from the rest of the pack, but....surprisingly, one of our newish members on his recently acquired Street 500 would keep up with us practically all the way back to the Puhoi motorway and was still with us as we arrived at the Albany motorway with us both exiting at Northcote off ramp, pretty impressive young fella, are you sure there's not a 117 in the Street 500. It was a fantastic day of riding, with me clocking up 600 kilometers, while Gazza and Shirley managed to cover 700 kilometers, practically a hardarse ride. I arrived home at 6:45 PM.

I would like to express my gratitude to several of our members. First, thank you to our Tail End Charlie (TEC), Allan, for keeping an eye on the back and ensuring the safety of our other members on the way home. Secondly, a special thanks to the brothers who stayed behind to assist our unfortunate member and helped him get home safely. Lastly, I want to extend my appreciation to Ray, Greg, and the AHD team for allowing me to ride their demo bike, a 2026 Street Glide, so I could lead this Chapter ride. Tena koutou katoa.

RC Luppo MO-AD

Chapter Night

It was a busy night for me as I wore three different hats: Membership Officer, Assistant Director—since our Director was absent—and Sheriff. Somehow, I managed to stretch the meeting for nearly an hour using the notes I had, along with some off-the-cuff remarks. I started by announcing a vacancy for the Editor position at the club. If you're interested in this role, please reach out to Director Cammo. I also provided an update on the Thunder in the Bays event, which is progressing well. Registrations and accommodation details will be available soon. Additionally, Joe90 has been scouting to map out a route for the Thunder ride.

The MDN Bottle Auction night will take place on the July Chapter night.

We received a report from Greg regarding the immensely successful Harley-Davidson Nights event, where AHD was the first in the world to launch this initiative. Approximately 300 people attended, enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment by Op Shops’ Jason Kerrigan. The outdoor park was filled with bikes, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, there were raffle draws and special items available for purchase. Greg announced that this event will be held annually. The showroom floor has been completed and looks amazing, with the merchandise area now located on the upstairs mezzanine.

Our head road captain, Hotrocks, spoke about my amazing chapter ride and presented special badges to those who had completed their three Hard Arse rides. Allan and Craig received theirs, likely the fastest in the club to earn this patch within six months due to their participation in the double Hard Arse. Interestingly, Allan's first ride after joining the chapter was a Hard Arse! A quick look at his social media shows that his whole family has been riding for years. Next, we acknowledged our LOH riders, D'mon and Karen, who both completed four Hard Arses within 12 months, also a result of the double Hard Arse. Congratulations to all of you! RC Greg's Hard Arse rides are always fantastic—different and exciting each time. I think I’ve participated in about eight 1/2 of them. Yes, I did get fined a while back for doing a half arse, haha!

Sheriff Tim had emailed me a list of fines, and fortunately or maybe unfortunately, a handful of the offenders were present...the list goes like this

Tutukaka Overnighter

1. Alan had trouble finding the ride's starting point, ending up going to two other stations before finding Z in Silverdale

2. Omitted till next time

Hard Arse Ride

1. After filling up the bikes in Cambridge, we lost Gary and Shirley, who missed the turnoff for the Old Taupo Road

2. Worse, TEC Stevo didn't get the three of them back on track, deciding to ride straight to BP Wairaki. When asked why he did that, he said he was very happy as he got to the pies first

3. The Sheriff will pay a fine for bad parking on the Wellington Streets because of a 'ninety plus' driver missed everyone's bike except his. Thanks to the officers who arrested the said driver and brought him to me where he received a stern talking-to.

It's weird riding a bike on a straight road with the handlebars pointing right

We were informed on the night by Gazza and Shirley that the Sheriff cannot fine himself so.....fine!

4. Our RC, Greg, did an immaculate job, but he needs to be fined for not knowing about the traffic chaos once we hit the Upper Hutt highway - You're nearly 'god-like' Greg, but your 'ESP' failed on this occasion

FINES FOR FINES, we had a few, so we managed to get a good haul from the above fines and also relieve some weight out of members' wallets for fines for fines. I don't know why, but our dealer principal, Greg, always has a doozy of a story when he gets caught out, but it really wasn't his fault this time around, it was an off-duty police officer lol, ask him about it next time you see Greg, it's hilarious.

We finished off the evening with raffles with Boz winning 2 meat packs, Dane, Miguel and Allan.

Note: There is a new security system at Akarana. If the gate does not open on approach, you have to press the button, and the bar will remotely open the gate for you.

Thank you to everyone who attended.

HOG Auckland Chapter officially welcomes new/old member Craig as he attends his first Chapter Night.

Auckland H.O.G Saturday Chapter Ride to Beach Hop 28.03.26

- REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN NOW

Another chapter ride this month as we head down for the Whangamata Beach Hop, New Zealand's number 1 nostalgia festival for cars and bikes. Come along and enjoy the ride and then enjoy the event and all the amazing machines on display.

Note: this is a "Closed Ride", which means it is only open to current HOG Auckland Chapter members or, by invitation, current members of other HOG Chapters. If you are not a current HOG Auckland Chapter member and want to sample a ride with our club, please consider trying one of our short-distance Saturday rides or, better yet, sign up and enjoy all the benefits, including our full range of rides and activities.

Depart Location: Z Bombay, Cnr Mill Rd & Gt South Rd, Bombay  <Click here for Map>
Road Captain: Miguel to lead

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.
Patches and rockers are optional.
Ride safe and have fun.

H.O.G Auckland Saturday Ride to Northern Union Silverdale 28.03.26

All HOG members and friends welcome.  
Depart Location: BP North Service Centre, SH1, Dairy Flat <Click here for Map>
Road Captain: Murray to lead
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.

Click on the image for the menu

Bike of the Week

Photo of the Week 

The Sheriff

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”

 

H.O.G Benefits

 

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 Harle Davidson 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 Harley Davidson 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 ABCs and H.O.G Mileage

 

2026 Genuine H-D® Parts & Accessories Catalogue

PWC

 

  

 

Harley-Davidson - All YouTube videos

Harley-Davidson Motor Company - All videos

Joanne Wedding - All Videos

HughBeRiding - All Videos

 

Deano Motorcycle Rides - All Videos

Nigel nimbul1rides - All videos

Hurunui Coasters - All videos

Laidlaws Harley Davidson - All videos

Jerry Paladino - All videos

Magazine Links

  

Health Links

 

MDA and MDN 

As a registered charity, we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations from the general public, trusts and other businesses/organisations to provide specialist information and practical support to individuals and whanau with lived experience of rare neuromuscular conditions.  The Auckland Harley Owners’ group have been a huge support to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDN) for many years.  

We have three regional branches based throughout the country that are supported by the National Office based in Auckland, one of those branches been MDN and we cover the area from Kaitaia to Taupo.

Our logo is a person shown in the form of DNA.  This double helix represents the genetic component to many of our conditions and reflects our strong commitment to families and the acknowledgement of whakapapa or family histories, which are woven through the stories of our members.  We believe in strengthening and supporting both individuals with neuromuscular conditions, their whanau and their communities of support.

A lot of our support we give to members is based on an outreach service via our Fieldworkers, information on the rare conditions we cover and also events that members can attend and network with others travelling the same journey as themselves.

The Auckland Harley Owners Group have been long-time supporters of MDN and attend many of our events and get involved with our branch.

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 Funeral Services

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’s 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.

https://www.havenfalls.co.nz/

Interislander

Organisation: Harley Owners Group

Account number:FA5357 - must present your HOG NZ# for the discount

Guest Speakers for Chapter Nights

To All Chapter Members:

Any suggestions or assistance with having guest speakers or subjects that you would like to see at Chapter Nights please contact anyone on the Committee

We would like to try adding this into the Chapter Night and adding some interest

Thanks, your Committee

Notices

Situation Vacant - Wanted Editor HOG Auckland Chapter — Please contact the Director if you are interested in the position.

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

Matatā Bike Week is coming up... Stay tuned for when ticket purchasing opens!
Raffle tickets will be available around February 13th.
There are only 2000 Tickets and they will be $75 each.
The raffle winner will be announced Saturday Night April the 11th 2026 at Matatā Bike Week
First prize is a 122ci Stage III Breakout
There is $30k cash prizes
2 x $5k
5 x $1k
10 x $500
40 x $250
All remaining funds from the raffle will go to the Matatā First Response to assist with getting a new rapid response van (Matatā Fire Brigade)

Kia Ora, join us for the Ride of Respect on April 25th as we unite to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, and our active service men and woman. Embracing riders and bikes of all levels and backgrounds in a powerful display of solidarity and gratitude.
Nga mihi,
Vice Ambassador
Juddie.

Save the date

18th October 2026

Northland Pink Ribbon Ride

3rd Sunday in October every year

Hope to see you then

Northern Pink Ribbon Ride 18th October, Wynn Frazer Paints, Whangarei 9 am

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

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. 

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.

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