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Club History

The Founders

The following people were present for the founding meeting of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of New Zealand.  The meeting took place at the Suncourt Motor Inn Taupo, over the weekend of 27th - 28th September 1974

Tom and Sally Evison Wellington
Mary Green Palmerston North
Eddie Lowe Gisborne
Les and Linda Singh Wellington
Myles and Marilyn Stafford Auckland

Life Members

The following are life members appointed for ongoing support and enthusiasm.

1978 Les and Linda Singh
Myles and Marilyn Stafford
Mary Green
Eddie Lowe
1982 Dave and Ngaire Clark
1986 Fred Lennard - also named club ambassador
1989 David Rhodes
Dot Louie
Robin Lock
1992 Ken and Robin Garlick
1993 Roger Johnton
1995 Garry and Meg Macdonald
1998 Murray Campbell
2000

Bruce & Bridget Stewart
2007 Don Bradley

The Early Years

Controversy before Success.

As the accompanying information shows, following a series of advertisements in New Zealand papers Mr T. G. Evison of Wellington wrote to interested Alfa enthusiasts in April of 1974 and invited them to a meeting in Taupo to discuss the formation of a New Zealand Alfa club.

The meeting took place at the Sun Court Motel on the 20th to the 22nd September 1974. Eight people attended.

In March of 1975 the inaugural Annual General Meeting was held in Bell Block New Plymouth. At this meeting the club was formally established as an incorporated society and Tom Evison became the first president.

Latter that year Mr & Mrs Evison toured Europe and were very hospitably treated by Alfa Romeo while in Italy.

On his return he resigned from the club and the presidency claiming loss of interest in Alfas.

His actions created some cynicism and resentment amongst the remaining founding members. Fortunately for us, Les Singh took up the challenge and working with Linda, Eddie Lowe and Miles Stafford ensured that the club continued and flourished. Les and Eddie’s influence cannot be underestimated as they made major contributions guiding the club through it’s first ten years.

Dave Clark

1919 – 1985 AROC Stalwart.

Dave & Ngaire Clark joined the club in July of 1975 and soon became involved in club affairs.
By 1977 Dave had assumed the role of Secretary / Treasurer, a position that also included editorship of the newsletter.
In 1982 he was Elected President and held that position until his death early in 1985.
In his role of Secretary / Treasurer Dave made contact with as many New Zealand based Alfa owners as possible, inviting them to join AROC. His efforts helped expand the club from its small beginnings to one of the countries largest car clubs.
He achieved this by placing advertisements in daily papers throughout the country and sending respondents a registration form to complete.
These forms were recently discovered amongst items passed onto the club by Dave’s family. They make a fascinating record of some of the cars and personalities of the time.
Dave was an avid letter writer, corresponding with Alfisti from around the country and all over the globe.
For their enormous contributions to the club both Dave and Ngaire were made life members in 1982.

Bella Tirante - Award

1982

Dave Clarke (March)
Les Singh (November)

 1983

Fred Lennard (March)
Dot Louie(November)
1984 Eddie Lowe 1985 Graham Cooper
1986 Alison & Graeme Wilcox 1987 Graeme Thompson
1988 Murray Campbell 1989 Ken Garlick
1990 Roger Johnston 1991 Bruce Stewart
1992 Justin & Jo Cox 1993 Peter Beck
1994 Graham May 1995 John Rhodes
1996 Ron & Maureen Stirk 1997 Dennis & Jill Marwood
1998 Adrian Gover 1999 Maurice & Jill McCarthy
2000 Rory McLelland 2001 Wendy Galloway
2002 Don Bradley 2003 Peter Wildbore & Michelle Andrews
2004 Mary Cornelius 2005 Graham & Joan Hilder
2006 Arthur Vowles 2007 Lane McPhail
2008 Glenn Watson 2009 Fiona Harrison

Leadership

TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF AROC LEADERSHIP.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FROM THE 1st AGM IN 1975
This is a list of AROC members elected to Executive Positions and the years in which they were elected. Number of members present represents the number at the formal AGM not the number of registrants for the weekend event.

1975 New Plymouth
12 AROC members present
President Tom Evison / Les Singh
Secretary / Treasurer Miles and Marilyn Stafford

Notes:

 Inaugural Annual General Meeting. AGM itself lasts 15 minutes
   
1976 Taupo
 29 AROC members present
   
President Les Singh
Secretary / Treasurer Miles and Marilyn Stafford
   
1977 Wanganui
17 AROC members present
   
President Les Singh
Secretary Reg Gregory
Treasurer Geoff Dohig

Notes:

 Also mentions Dave Clark as secretary
   
1978 Tauranga
18 AROC members present
   
President Eddie Lowe
Secretary / Treasurer Dave Clark

Notes:

  
   
1979 Cambridge
 35 AROC members present
   
President Eddie Lowe
Secretary / Treasurer Dave Clark

Notes:

Any resemblance between the programme outlined above and what actually happens will be a coincidence.
Prior to 1979 fees were $2.00. Raised to $7.00 in '79
   
1980 Palmerston North
84 AROC members present
   
President Eddie Lowe
Secretary / Treasurer Dave Clark

Notes:

Regional areas started to hold regular meetings.   Total AROC membership - 396
   
1981 Christchurch
70 AROC members present
   
President Eddie Lowe
Secretary / Treasurer Dave Clark
Technical Editor Les Singh and Bruce Robson

Notes:

New editor Les Singh pens the name "ALFA NEWS", for the club magazine.  Total AROC membership - 606
   
1982 Palmerston North
 119 AROC members present
   
President Dave Clark
Secretary Geoff Samson
Treasurer Grace Chan, Kevin Louie
Membership Secretary Bryan and Marilyn Johnston
Technical Editor Les Singh

Notes:

Fees raised from$7.00 to $10.00
Biella Tirante awarded to Dave Clarke (March) and Les Singh (November)

   
1983 Taupo
77 AROC members present
   
President Dave Clark
Secretary Geoff Samson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Graeme and Alison Wilcox
Editor Les Singh

Notes:

Fees raised to $15.00. Taupo race track used for club meeting for first time.
   
1984 Wellington
70 AROC members present
   
President Dave Clark
Secretary Geoff Samson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Graeme and Alison Wilcox
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop Murray Campbell

Notes:

"ALFA DIECI" - 10th Anniversary.  Meetings vote to affiliate to MANZ. Fees increase to $20.00 due to affiliation
   
1985 Nelson
46 AROC members present
   
President Fred Lennard
Secretary Heidi Swinbourn
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Graeme and Alison Wilcox
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Healy

Notes:

Members mourn the sudden and un-expected death of ex-President and life member Dave Clark.
   
1986 Masterton
43 AROC members present
   
President Bill Ritchie
Secretary Dot Louie
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Healy

Notes:

Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch all had MANZ Reps
   
1987 New Plymouth
33 AROC members present
   
President Bill Ritchie
Secretary Dot Louie
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor -
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Healy

Notes:

First National race meeting at Pukekohe at Easter.   No editor was appointed.
Yvonne and Peter Gentry, Bob Louie and Roger Lacey all had a turn.
   
1988 Timaru
36 AROC members present
   
President Garry Macdonald
Secretary Dot Louie
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor Roger Johnston
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Tony Roberts

Notes:

Annual track meeting at Manfield is re-named 'Manfield May Madness'.  Subs raised from $25 to $30
   
1989 Auckland
54 AROC members present
   
President Garry Macdonald
Secretary Janet Anderson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor Roger Johnston
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Tony Roberts

Notes:

"ALFA QUIN DICI" - 15th Anniversary
   
1990 Lower Hutt
51 AROC members present
   
President Garry Macdonald
Secretary Janet Anderson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor Roger Johnston
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Tony Roberts

Notes:

-
   
1991 Picton
51 AROC members present
   
President Garry Macdonald
Secretary Glenn Watson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Ken Garlick
Editor Roger Johnston
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Beck

Notes:

First 'BP - ALFA' race meeting held at Ruapuna.   Total AROC membership - 759
   
1992 Taupo
66 AROC members present
   
President Garry Macdonald
Secretary Glenn Watson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Christine Wilson
Editor Roger Johnston
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Beck

Notes:

-
   
1993 Napier
58 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Glenn Watson
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Christine Wilson
Editor Justin Cox
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Beck

Notes:

Total AROC membership - 676
   
1994 Queenstown
59 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Adrian Gover
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Christine Wilson
Editor Justin Cox
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Beck

Notes:

"IL VENTISMO" - 20th Anniversary.  AGM votes to adopt the new AROC logo.  Total AROC membership - 681
   
1995 Auckland
32 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Adrian Gover
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Christine Wilson
Editor Justin Cox
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Peter Beck

Notes:

200th Edition of the 'ALFA News' is published in July. Fees raised to $40
   
1996 Lower Hutt
39 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Adrian Gover
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Stephen Wilson
Editor Rory McClelland
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

-
   
1997 Blenheim
44 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Adrian Gover
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Stephen Wilson
Editor Rory McClelland
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

Total AROC membership - 548
   
1998 Rotorua
36 AROC members present
   
President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Michelle Andrews
Editor Rory McClelland
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

 AROC NZ web site opens and then lies dormant until 2001. Total AROC membership - 546.  Fees raised to $45.
   
1999 Bulls
 25th AGM
84 members signed the register
   
President Don Bradley - elected
Past President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Michelle Andrews
Editor Rory McClelland
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

 New amendment passed to allow drivers and enthusiasts of Alfa Romeo vehicles to qualify for membership of AROC. Persons who joined and had Alfas can still retain membership.
AROC award to John Burrell.
Burnt Piston award to Chris Townsend.
Biella Tirante award to Jill & Maurice McCarthy.
   
2000 Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, Christchurch
 26th AGM
52 members signed the register
   
President Don Bradley
Past President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Michelle Andrews
Editor Sue Coatham
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

 Bruce & Bridget Stewart awarded life membership.
   
2001 Napier
 27th AGM
75 members signed the register
   
President Don Bradley
Past President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Michelle Andrews
Editor Sue Coatham
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

Membership stands at 650 members.
AROC award to John Anstice
Burnt Piston award to Clive Conland and his daughter.
Biella Tirante Merit award to Wendy Galloway.

 
2002 Mt Maunganui
 28th AGM
74 members signed the register
   
President Don Bradley
Past President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Graham & Joan Hilder
Club Shop Murray Campbell
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

Membership stands at 595 members.
AROC award to John Cornelius.
Burnt Piston award to Clive Conland.
Biella Tirante Merit award to Don Bradley.

 
2003 Dunedin
 29th AGM
63 members signed the register
   
President Don Bradley
Past President Bruce Stewart
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Graham & Joan Hilder
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Jason Butterfield

Notes:

Vote of thanks to Murray Campbell for 22 years as Club Shop Manager.
AROC award to John & Mary McTavish.
Burnt Piston award to Leyton Tremain.
Biella Tirante merit award to Peter Wildbore & Michelle Andrews.

 
2004 Masterton
 30th AGM
76 members signed the register
   
President John Cornelius - Elected
Past President Don Bradley
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Graham & Joan Hilder
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at 575 members.
AROC award presented to George Louie.
Burnt Piston award to Stephen Martin.
Biella Tirante merit award to Mary Cornelius.

 
2005 Wairakei Resort
 31st AGM
65 members signed the register
   
President John Cornelius
Vice President John McTavish - elected
Past President Don Bradley
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer David Rhodes
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at 581 members.
AROC award presented to Bob & Margaret Hurring.
Burnt Piston award to Robin Simpson.
Biella Tirante merit award to Graham & Joan Hilder.

 
2006 Blenheim
 32nd AGM
58 members signed the register
   
President John Cornelius
Vice President John McTavish
Past President Don Bradley
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer Glenn Watson
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at 565 members.
David Rhodes thanked for being Treasurer since 1983.
AROC award presented to Ross & Christine Bulling.
Burnt Piston award to Ken Garlick.
Biella Tirante merit award to Arthur Vowles.
   
2007 Rotorua
 33rd AGM
71 members signed the register
   
President John Cornelius
Vice President John McTavish
Past President Don Bradley
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer Glenn Watson
Membership Secretary Mary Cornelius
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at 560 members.
Don Bradley given life membership.
AROC award presented to Bruce & Bridget Stewart.
Burnt Piston award to Tony Morgan & Sharyn Martin.
Biella Tirante merit award to Lane McPhail.
   
2008 Wanganui
 34th AGM
48 members signed the register
   
President John McTavish - elected
Vice President John Anstice - elected
Past President John Cornelius
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer Glenn Watson
Membership Secretary Margaret Kelly - elected
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at 571 members.
AROC award presented to John Anstice.
Burnt Piston award to Kevin & Anne Leabourn.
Biella Tirante merit award to Glenn Watson.

 
2009 Greymouth
 35th AGM
?? members signed the register
   
President John McTavish
Vice President John Anstice
Past President John Cornelius
Secretary Wendy Galloway
Treasurer Glenn Watson
Membership Secretary Margaret Kelly
Editor Les Singh
Club Shop George Louie
MANZ Rep Arthur Vowles
Web Site Manager Fiona Harrison

Notes:

Membership stands at ??? members.
Biella Tirante merit award to Fiona Harrison.
AROC award presented to Keith and Jeanette Howie.
Burnt Piston award to David and Lyn Rhodes.


 
   

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