Automotive industry helps raise $200,000 for Camp Quality

15 June, 2015

The sixth annual Camp Quality Dinner and Auction held on Wednesday, June 10, was hosted by John Andrew Ford and Mazda, and saw the more than 260 guests in attendance raising a total of $200,000 for Camp Quality New Zealand.

In attendance on the night — and vigorously bidding on the range of 25 major auction, and 45 silent auction, items — were a cross section of the motoring industry, including motoring personalities, vehicle distributors and suppliers, publishers, and enthusiasts. Alongside Parkside Media’s donation of New Zealand Classic Car and NZV8 books, and ten one-year subscriptions to a magazine of the winner’s choice, the range of major auction items included a Hampton Downs track experience, Highlands Motorsport Park track experience, which also included flights and accommodation, dinner at Botswana Butchery with Greg Murphy, a KTM motorcycle, a trip for two to Tahiti, including flights and accommodation, Bledisloe Cup tickets, and guitars signed by BB King and Eric Clapton.

Executive Director of AHG Motor Group Bronte Howson summed up the success of the night. “It is amazing what we can achieve when we aim to do some good each day, look what happens when we do it together.”

Camp Quality is a non-profit, volunteer organization providing a support programme for children living with cancer that is all about hope for the future.

Image: Camp Quality volunteer Neerali Parbhu

Ayrburn Classic Car Festival

The Ayrburn Classic Car Festival will take place on the scenic grounds of the Ayrburn Winery in Arrowtown, Queenstown Lakes District, on Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March 2025, coinciding with Otago Anniversary Weekend. Set to become New Zealand’s premier classic car event, this festival promises to be reminiscent of some of the most prestigious motoring events globally, thanks to its stunning location and world-class execution.
Chosen for its breathtaking views and lively atmosphere, Ayrburn Winery adds a unique dimension to the experience, offering visitors not just a car show but an immersive day out. A celebration of motoring heritage set against the spectacular backdrop of one of New Zealand’s finest estates, the festival will showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of New Zealand’s automotive industry.
Prestige and classic car owners are invited to participate in this inaugural event. If you own a special vehicle and wish to be part of this landmark festival, please contact the event team to secure your spot.

The ultimate journey – 1959 Cadillac Commercial

An indication of where some of the money went is in the skilled, painstaking workmanship of David Wilkens, who told me he spent a considerable number of the total of 800 hours in removing all the small dents from the chrome work. About 60 per cent of the body eventually required rust removal or replacement, A new 6.2-litre Chevrolet LS3 crate motor with 317kW (431hp) has replaced the Chev 350, which replaced the original Cadillac 390ci V8. Suspension, brakes, wheels, and tyres were all upgraded, adding to the cost.
David says working on the Cadillac was a labour of love for him and his crew. It took three men to manoeuvre the grille, proving what Simon says about everything on Colin being big.