TE AWAMUTU’S MONTHLY MOTORING FEATURE, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

VINTAGE TRUCKS FOR 100TH CELEBRATIONVINTAGE TRUCKS FOR 100TH CELEBRATION

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AUTO ELECTRICALDEANE MARK

Your Local VehicleYour Local Vehicle Electrical ExpertsElectrical ExpertsAUTO ELECTRICAL EXIDE BATTERIESAUDIOBATTERIESALARMSDIAGNOSTICSAIR CONDITIONING

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Ph (07) 870 6006 - 027 222 2664

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2 TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

NEIL GOODRICKMob (027) 292 9040

ngoodrick@wilksbrooke.co.nz

GRANT WILKSMob (0274) 948 672gwilks@wilksbrooke.co.nz

www.wilksbrooke.co.nz132 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu. Phone 871 3079

WILKSBROOKE MAZDA - WAIKATO’S MAZDA FAMILY FOR OVER 30 YEARS

All come with 3 years of MAZDACAREGenuine Scheduled Servicing at no extra cost5

Terms & conditions: 1 Recommended Selling Price of $19,995 is for Mazda2 Classic with a manual transmission, includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). Mazda2 promotional pricing applies for new Mazda2 sales concluded between 1 January – 29 March 2013. 2 Recommended Selling Price of $29,995 relates to a Mazda3 GLX Automatic. Promotional pricing includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). Mazda3 promotional pricing applies for new Mazda3 sales concluded between 1 January – 29 March 2013. 3 Bonus Accessory package of Whispbar™ roof racks and 480L, 50kg Southern Extreme Roof Box valid for GH-series Mazda6 produced before September 2012 and only for sales concluded between 1 January – 29 March 2013, or while stock lasts. This bonus Accessory package includes the fi tment of roof racks and Southern Extreme Roof Box by an authorised Mazda dealer and cannot be exchanged for cash. 4 Free in-car DVD offer only valid for CX-9 vehicles produced prior to 30 September 2012 (CX9A), and for sales concluded between 1 January - 29 March 2013. Promotional pricing includes GST but excludes on road costs (ORC). 5 mazdacare Genuine Scheduled Servicing only valid for 3 years or 100,000km (whichever occurs fi rst), together with a 3 year, unlimited kilometre warranty and Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance cover. All deals exclude all other offers and are not applicable for fl eet purchases. See Wilksbrooke Mazda or go to mazda.co.nz for full terms and conditions.

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V8s going ‘green’

Race series BNT V8SuperTourers hasannounced an intention to

reduce its carbon footprint by2014 with a move to Gull Force 10fuel from the start of this season.‘‘We will move to a 10%

ethanol blended fuel this year inpreparation for going to an 85%Ethanol blend next year in part-nership with Gull New Zealand,who blend their 98 Octane Force10 fuel using ethanol producedas a by-product of the NewZealand milk industry,’’ saidMark Petch, managing directorof BNT V8 SuperTourers.‘‘While we have been using a

premium unleaded 98 octanepump fuel to date, we believe weneed to do more to help dispelthe public perception that motorracing is synonymous with loud

noise and cars causing pollution.With the support of Gull Force 10,that is easily achievable for us.‘‘Gull has taken significant

steps to support Motorsport inpromoting its ethanol-based fuel.We have made the decision tolead mainstream motorsport ona path where we strive tobecome carbon neutral, sig-nificantly reducing exhaust gaspollution from racing by 2014,’’he added.Engine tuner and V8ST tech-

nical delegate David Heedegansaid there were significant tech-nical benefits to using Gull Force10 for engines too.‘‘I have been using ethanol-

based fuels in motorsport forsome years now and recom-mended to the V8ST Board thatwe make the move to Gull Force

10 this year instead of waitinganother year to move to 85%Ethanol (E85).‘‘In my experience the

engines will benefit from runningat cooler temperatures, and bemore resistant to detonationusing Gull Force 10. When wemake the move to Gull Force Prorunning temperatures areexpected to drop even furtherand carbon monoxide levels willdrop by 10 percent. This is a bigplus for the environment andV8ST’s aims to lead by examplein going green.’’Gull New Zealand business

development and brand mana-ger Ulrik Olsen says we are veryproud to be partnering with BNTV8SuperTourers and support itslong-term vision to movetowards a cleaner form of racing.

GENERAL SERVICING

WOFs • REPAIRS

TUNES • TYRES

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29 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu. Tel: 07 872 0017 A/H: Shaune Carruthers - Branch Manager 0275 65 65 65

A/H: Craig Dove - Vehicle Sales 021 034 2775

Waikato Toyota

*The advertised RSPs apply to the models shown, subject to stock availability and purchased and delivered prior to30 April 2013. Benefi t offer available 01 January – 30 toyota.co.nz April 2013. On road costs (including the initial WOF) are not included. For full terms and conditions visit our website.

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TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 3

Big SUV on offer from Holden

BY DEAN TAYLOR

Holden’s new seven-seatfull-size SUV, based onthe Colorado utility

platform, is now on sale.I drove the top-of-the-

range Holden Colorado 7 LTZfrom Rosetown Holden — abig, roomy SUV.Along with its seven-seat

accommodation, key attri-butes are its high-torqueturbocharged diesel engine, a3000kg braked trailer towingcapacity and a five-star Ancapsafety rating.The 2.8-litre four-cylinder

Duramax diesel is paired witha six-speed Active Selectautomatic transmission onboth entry level LT andpremium LTZ models,delivering and easy 132kW ofpower and 470Nm of torque.Official combined cycle fuelconsumption is 9.4 litres for100km.Changes to the ute plat-

form were made to improvecomfort for passengers.Both models share an

independent double wish-bone front suspension, butthe Colorado 7 has a five-linklive axle rear suspension con-figuration with coil springsrather than the leaf-springs.Passengers in the second

and third rows benefit fromroof-mounted air-conditioningcontrols with four air vents.The Colorado has a leather

wrap steering wheel,Bluetooth connectivity, USBand auxiliary inputs for thesix-speaker audio system anda multi-function steering

wheel.Additional interior

features of the LTZ modelinclude leather seat trim, asix-way electric adjustable

driver’s seat, eight-speakeraudio system with amplifier,single-zone climate control,chrome interior door handlesand gear shifter and gloss

grey centre-stack mouldings.Exterior features on the

LTZ are 18-inch alloy wheels,projector headlamps, LED tail-lamps, front fog-lights,

chrome side-windowmouldings, body-coloureddoor handles and power fold-ing side mirrors with side-turnsignal.

Buses pass test

Whatever other worries come withthe start of a new school yearWaikato children, parents and

schools can rest easier knowing theregion’s school buses have been pre-inspected by police.

The Commercial Vehicle InvestigationUnit (CVIU) carried out checks on 192buses throughout the Waikato and Bay ofPlenty during January.

CVIU area manager Senior SergeantLex Soepnel said most companies weresound operations, but the pre-schoolchecks were a timely reminder to busi-nesses about the standards required.

‘‘Because of the number and age ofpassengers travelling on school buses,any steps we can take to reduce the risk ofa crash are worthwhile.

‘‘By checking the maintenance of thesevehicles before school starts, we can workwith bus companies to ensure the safety ofthe region’s young people on their way toand from school.’’

As part of its focus on preventativepolicing, the unit visited 12 companies tocheck school buses were up to standard.

Although 72 faults were found, MrSoepnel said most of these were relativelyminor such as loose but not dangerousseating, missing emergency exit signs andmissing or expired fire extinguishers.

Companies were informed of thedefects so these could be fixed beforebuses began their school runs.

‘‘It is not about waving a big stick at thebus companies. It’s about helping themmaintain safe fleets — mechanically and interms of health and safety.’’

Police are also being proactive aboutroad safety around schools, applying a 4kph speed limit tolerance during the peakbefore and after school periods.

‘‘On average 240 child pedestrians ayear are killed or injured during the schoolterms. Lower speed limits near schoolsduring peak drop-off and pick-up times aimto reduce this number.

‘‘Even at 50 kph, most drivers will travel20m before they react and get their foot tothe brake pedal. Overall, it will take 41m —nearly half a football field — to stop.’’

ROSETOWN HOLDENCorner Churchill & Mahoe St • Te Awamutu • Ph (07) 871 5143A/h: • Stu Tervit (07) 871 4700, 0274 827 856 • John Hare (07) 871 3794, 0274 427 856 • Allan Paterson (07) 871 3956, 0274 427 853. Email: tmlsales@xtra.co.nz

OPEN 7 DAYS INCLUDING SUNDAYS

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Introducing the ALL NEW COLORADO 7

- A genuine seven seater- 5 Star Safety- Rear park assist/rear view camera- 470Nm of torque/132kW- Climate air/weather/bluetooth- 3000kg towing rating braked

$62,900+ORC

TEST DRIVE TODAYPRICED FROM

Fleet discounts available to private GST registered clients and limited liability companies.

As big on adventure as New Zealand itself

GST INCL.

4 CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 CHRISTMAS SUPPLEMENT, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 5

South Island ‘tiki tour’ a treat for petrolheads

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MG at Arrowtown (above) and Thunderbird at Clyde (right).

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STAR of the show at Wanaka Warbirds and Wheels Collection is undoubtedly the 1934 Duesenberg Model J originally ownedby Hollywood actress Carole Lombard. The car is one of only a handful of its kind believed to be outside the United Statesand the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. It was displayed on a turntable — and looked fantastic from every angle.

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PROJECT CAR: 1934 K5 Lincoln Passenger Con-vertible Sedan 414ci V12 which cost $US5,600 new.A Ford V8 Sedan cost $US585.

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(RIGHT) LINCOLN Continental,T-Bird, Stingray and Ford Road-ster in one shot - COOL!

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(LEFT) PACKARD collection was stun-ning - here’s a 1932 Twin Six Dual CowlModel 905 Sports Phaeton with a 445ciV12. Below is the bonnet emblem on a

Our now annual ‘tiki tour’ beforeChristmas took me and Robyn toQueenstown last year and a

great cruise around that beautifulregion.Always on the lookout for some

DriveBy material, I was rapt to find

plenty to look at — whether it beclassic cars parked up in historicvillages or the excellent WanakaWarbirds and Wheels Collection.We didn’t have time for some of the

other attractions — so that’s anothertrip.

410 Bond Road, Te AwamutuPH 871 5069 • FAX 871 4069

TONY FABISH PANELWORKS

TO NY FAB I S H His years of experience ensure

your vehicle is fully repaired back to factory specifi cations

• State of the Art Autorobot Chassis Alignment System• Your local Smith & Smith Autoglass service centre • Repair small chips and cracks in your car windscreen

• Vero • AA • SIS • AMP • Axiom • Lumley Insurance • Tower Insurance • Farmers Mutual Group • AMI Insurance • NZI Insurance • State insurance

A RECOMMENDED REPAIRER FOR

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Had an Accident Had an Accident Need a Tow Truck Need a Tow Truck Need a Courtesy CarNeed a Courtesy CarWindscreen Windscreen Chipped or BrokenChipped or Broken

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WHAREPAPA SOUTH - Phone: 872 2560 Fax: 872 2570

PHONE FRANK OR STU TODAY - 07 872 2560

Your bike service specialistsROAD BIKES - FARM BIKES - DIRT BIKES

We also service cars, trucks and tractors

Tyres ......................... Cars, Tractors, Trucks

W.O.F. ................................... While you wait

Exhausts ...................Repair or replacement

Clutch and Brake Repairs and overhauls

TYRES FITTEDWHILE YOU WAIT!FREE coffee at Bryce’s Cafe while we fi t your tyres

NEW CEMB K22 Motorcycle Wheel Balancer - the most accurate machine available!• TYRES - all brands available

• Servicing• Rebuilds• WOF• Parts & Accessories

$50 +GST HOURLY RATE

CHEAPEST IN THE WAIKATO!

406 Alexandra Street TE AWAMUTU ph 870 2535Visit our website – www.fairviewmotors.co.nzGrant McConnachie a/h 871 4578 m 027 485 4987 Carolyn Pitcon m 027 264 9512

Now, what can do for you?

2003 FORD FPVPURSUIT UTEBuild No. 81, limited edition

On the spot finance available. *Lending criteria applies.

TE AWAMUTUTE AWAMUTU

2010 FORD RANGER WILDTRACKTop of the range, low kms

$42,990

2006 SUZUKI SWIFT59,000 kms, auto. alloys

$14,450

2007 FORDFALCON XR6Seduce in colour, low kms

$19,990

2007 HOLDENRODEO LX3.0 diesel, alloys, towbar

$21,990

2006 FORD TERRITORY GHIAFull leather, towbar, low kms

$25,990

2006 NISSAN NAVARA STXAutomatic, tow bar, Tuffdeck

$25,990

2007 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER LSAct quick! Outrageous deal!

$19,990

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$29,990

1937 Super 8ConvertibleVictoria.

Motorhome and caravan show growingL

ong regarded as the best Motor-home Show in New Zealand, theCamper Care New Zealand Motor-

home and Caravan Show, to be held atClaudelands Event Centre in Hamiltonfrom 1-3 March 2013, promises todeliver even more to see and do.There is a real buzz of excitement

around the growth of the Show with theexciting inclusion of the new Claude-lands Event Centre Arena as part of theShows expansion, offering another2600m2 of exhibition space in additionto the high quality indoor spaces, asseen in previous years. On top of this,the new conference area will also beused for many of the events accessoryexhibitors.‘‘We feel very fortunate to be able to

utilise all the high class facilities thatClaudelands Event Centre has to offer,and see the growth of the Show asexciting for not only the industry, but

providing so much more for visitors tosee’’ says Michele Connell, managingdirector of Classic Events. Outdoors,there will be even more grass areaavailable, displaying the latest inmotorhomes and caravans. This will beadjacent to approx. 4700 squaremetres of paved area, making it easy toget around and view all exhibits.The Show also sees the return of an

outdoor food court, offering tra-ditional favourites from previousyears and catering for all tastes. Thisis coupled with a large double cafeinside, meaning no matter what theweather; visitors will be able to dine incomfort.For those looking for some fresh

ideas on how to cook in a small spacewhile on the road, the ‘Inspiration inthe Kitchen’ cooking classes aredesigned for those with little spaceand wanting to make use of that BBQ.

The popular Trail-lite SeminarSeries is also back, providing usefulinformation for any Motorhome or

Caravan owner on how to maxi-mise your time on the road.Michele went on to say, ‘‘Along

with a huge variety of Motorhomeand Caravan manufacturers,importers and dealers — many ofthem using the Show to unveilnew product lines — there willalso be a wide array of all thelatest in outdoor adventure acces-sories. Whether you are lookingfor a new TV, camping gear, orthat special item to make life

away from home complete . . . itwill all be there under one roof,held over three days to give youplenty of time to take it all in.’’

■ Tickets for the Camper CareNZ Motorhome and CaravanShow will be available from thegate each day from only $15, withkids under 16 free and a popularmultiday pass for $20.For more information visitwww.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz

6 TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 201390

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16 HUIPUTEA DRIVE, OTOROHANGAPHONE 07 873 8066Merv Carr 027 333 1942 or Kelly Meads 027 633 1942

Visit www.jimwrightnissan.co.nz

WHEEL ALIGNMENTSnow available at TML!

HUNTER WHEELALIGNMENT SYSTEM

is the latest technology available andallows our NZQA qualifi ed technicians

to provide the best possible service.

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For the safety of your vehicle and to maximise the life of your tyres we recommend a wheel alignment every 15,000km. For many modern vehicles perfect wheel alignment is essential for correct functioning of your car’s ESP system.

For ALL your vehicle servicerequirements see TML today!

TE AWAMUTU MOTORS LTDSERVICE DEPARTMENTPHONE 870 1362 - DIRECT LINEMon-Fri 8.00am-5.00pm, Sat 9.00am-1.00pm.CHURCHILL STREET, TE AWAMUTU

TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013 790

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BIKE & RIDE ON SERVICINGBIKE & RIDE ON SERVICING• FARM • TRAIL • ROAD

Farm Machinery Centrewww.norwood.co.nz/teawamutu

TELEPHONE HAMILTON TOLL FREE 859 OHAUPO ROAD FACSIMILE 07 872 0232 07 849 6000 TE AWAMUTU 07 871 8190

We at Norwood have been servicing all brands of bikes for the last 20 years

OUR TRAINED TECHNICIANS

will go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction.

TECHNICIANS: LOU BROWN &DUNCAN RENNIE(SERVICE MANAGER)

2 WHEELERS, 4 WHEELERS – RIDE ONSALL MAKES & MODELS

Comeback for MirageReturn of Mitsubishi’s iconc hatchback

One of Mitsubishi’s fav-ourite models from lastCentury — the Mirage

— is about to make a come-back for the 21st century.First seen here in 1978,

and a staunch family favour-ite in the 80s and 90s, over51,000 Kiwi drivers hadchosen the iconic hatchback.It sold more than five

million units in 160 differentcountries.It was spacious, func-

tional, affordable, fun todrive, and had quirky, butembraceable innovations,such as its one-out-of-the-boxSuper Shift twin-lever trans-mission.Now a new strikingly

styled five-door, five-seat Mir-age i s due in dea le rshowrooms soon.The Mirage designers’

ambition was to recapture thedriving enjoyment and throw-it-all-in-the-back functionalitythat so endeared the car to

Kiwi drivers, while addingmassive leaps in safety andgreen technology, such as its4.6l/100km fuel economy (thebest in the ‘small autohatchback’ class) from thenew three cylinder 1.2 litreSmartMIVEC engine.The newcomer is packed

with features that earlyowners could scarcely havedreamed of — Bluetooth con-nectivity, active stability con-trol, keyless entry, electricpower steering, ABS, trans-mission that had no gearbox,fingertip audio controls, all-round airbags and hill startassist.One early Mirage inno-

vation remains unchanged:the very practical 60:40 split-folding rear seat that givesyou the flexibility to use everybit of available space.The generation 6 Mirage,

just a handspan shorter inlength than the Colt itsucceeds, hits the scales at

under 900kg, about 160kgless than Colt.The designers made free

use of strong-but-light high-tensile steel to shed weightalmost everywhere, helpingdeliver remarkably healthyfue l economy andco r respond ing l y l owunhealthy carbon dioxideemissions, under 106 g/km.It’s also a crucial element

in Mi t sub i sh i ’ s R ISE(reinforced impact safety evo-lution) body design, absorb-ing and dispersing impactforces in a collision from anydirection, while the sixairbags stand ready to inflatein milliseconds to protectdriver and passengers.The Mirage has achieved

the highest safety rating pos-sible — a 5 Star ANCAP.There are two Mirage

models, LS and GLS, andseven colours — plus Dia-mond Advantage new car war-ranty.

INGHAM MITSUBISHITe AwamutuArawata Street, Te Awamutu (next to Mobil) PHONE 07 871 5630

A/H Trevor Hose 021 298 4271 - Mike Gibson 027 574 6253 www.inghamdriven.com

* See www.mmnz.co.nz/asx/13my for full terms and conditions. Advertised price applies to the ASX 2WD LS. Price excludes On Road Costsof up to $750 which include Registration, WoF and a full tank of fuel. Over available until November 30th or while stocks last.**4WD models start from $39,960+ORC

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Playing ball with ASX

New 2013 Mitsubishi ASX models havemore features — for less.The company has released the facelift

model with darker sills and lower bumper togive it a smoother look, softer front grillewith new foglights, revised rear end andtaillights and a wider rear track.Also on the upgrade list are a smaller

steering wheel with revised controls, re-mapped CVT for better acceleration andrevisions to make the good ride and handlingeven better.Importantly towing ratings for both diesel

and petrol variants has been increased.The inside also gets chrome door

mouldings and titanium coloured centredash panel.A full colour display display, touch screen

audio system has been added, which islinked to the reversion camera for a largerview behind the vehicle.Alloy wheels are fitted to the 2WD LS

model instead of steel wheels as previously.The diesel model also has improved fuel

economy — now 5.7l/100km, and a corres-ponding drop in emissions.

Mitsubishi Outlander high on medium sized SUV safety listVolvo may be viewed as thepinnacle of car safety — and itis true it’s XC60 scores highest

in the Euro NCAP with 36.53points.But that is for one modelonly — while the entire range of

Mitsubishi Outlander has alsoscored 5 stars with 35.58points.

8 TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

GREAT DEALS IN KIHIKIHIGREAT DEALS IN KIHIKIHI

41 Lyon Street, Kihikihi Ph: 07 871 8183 Mob: 0275 025 025 Email: townandcountry@clear.net.nz

$12995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

$8995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

$11995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

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$5995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

$4995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

$6995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

View our stock at: www.townandcountrymotors.co.nz

2003 Holden CommodoreVY Model in Silver metallic with

Club Sport body kit, tintsand 18” Rims.3.8Ltr V6 and

AutomaticTransmission.

$11995OR NO DEPOSIT FINANCE AVAILABLE

2002 Ford Falcon AU series 3 in Barossa Red. 2 Owners.

Smooth 4Ltr Engineand Automatic.

Perfect good valuefor money

tow Vehicle.

9090841AA

2000 Subaru WRX2Ltr Turbo 5 Speed manual AWD Hatch.

A little Rocket that looksand sounds the part!

Body Kit,18” Rims &

Big Bore exaust.

2005 Subaru Legacy B42ltr Turbo 5 Speed manual. A fantastic

look in Atlantic Blue Pearl.18” Advanti Alloy

Rims & new tyres.Big Bore Exhaust

& Tints.

2003 Volkswagen BeetleLovely example in refl ex silver

on TSW Alloys. 4 Air Bagsand ABS Brakes.

Powered by a 2Ltrengine andAutomatic.

2001 Holden Vectra GL2.2Ltr 5 Speed manual Sedan.

Very smart in Gold onalloy rims.Fitted with

handy Tow Bar.Fresh WOF& Service.

2000 Mazda MPV7 Seat wagon in bright Red.

2.5Ltr V6 and Automatictransmission.

Dual Air Bags.ABS Brakes.

Air Conditioning.Kihikihi Special!

1998 Mazda MPV 4X4A very handy Multi Purpose

vehicle. 7 seats, 4WDand a Tow Bar!

2.5 Diesel Turbo.This is a

must view!

2004 Holden Commodore SV6VZ model in Phantom Black.

3.6Ltr Alloy Tec V6 & Automaticwith tip-tronic option.

1 owner vehiclewith great

service history.

My pride and joy 1966 TKBedford Fire Engine

DB140213DB08A

SENIOR Station Officer Lex Soepnel with his 1996 TK Bedford Fire Engine, which served in Te Awamutu from 1968 until the late1980s, alongside one of the new appliances, a Type 3 Scania.

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(LEFT) TK BEDFORD (left) inpride of place in the TeAwamutu Volunteer Fire Bri-gade fleet line-up and (right)in its original livery.

If every boy’s dream is to bea fireman and drive a fireengine, then Lex Soepnel

must be the happiest manalive.The Te Awamutu volunteer

firefighter has given 33 yearsto his communities — fiveyears at Taumaranui and 28years volunteer service to TeAwamutu.Senior Station Officer

Soepnel is no stranger to theDriveBy pages either.In July 2010 he featured in

the special edition to cel-ebrate 50 years of the FordFalcon, with his two classicFalcons — the 1998 EL FalconXR6 and 4.9 litre V8 1982 XDFalcon S Pack.But his ‘new’ classic is

quite different — it’s a 1966TK Bedford Fire Appliance.He blames the purchase on

being heavily involved inplanning for the Te AwamutuFire Brigade centenary.Members were on the look-

out for former Te Awamutuappliances to be part of lastSaturday’s Open Day display.The Brigade’s Social Club

owns, maintains and regularly

brings out the 1934 FordsonV8, which was in service until1981.Two former appliance, still

in service on the Coromandel,were part of the display.A 1979 V8 diesel Dodge

RG15 now used by theKuaotunu Rural Fire Forcewas in service here from 1980until the early 2000s and‘Stumpy’ — the short wheelbase 1982 International 610A— came down from the Ken-nedy Bay Rural Fire Force.Mr Soepnel’s Bedford was

located at Fonterra’s Lichfieldplant where it had been partof their Industrial Fire Bri-gade.The Bedford had been

retired about a year beforeand Fonterra was looking todispose of it, so Mr Soepnelbought it.The TK had been in service

in Te Awamutu from 1968 untilthe late 1980s. It continuedservice with other brigadesbefore being sold to Fonterra.The truck was brought

back to Te Awamutu andformer volunteer firefighterGreg Irwin, who had worked

on the Bedford, set aboutgetting the mechanicals up-to-scratch.

Mr Soepnel says once hehad finished the Bedford flewthrough hits inspection andwas once again road legal.He had Paul Barnett of

Novika to get the paintworklooking its best and ShaneWard of CH Allen took care ofthe aging upholstery.The TK took its place in the

vintage line-up on Saturdayand, with other ex-Te Awa-mutu appliances, broughtback a few memories forformer and long-serving mem-

bers.Mr Soepnel says he’s not

really sure what to do with theappliance now — it doesn’ttake the place of his other

classics — but now that she islooking original and in goodorder he is keen to ensure itstays in that original con-dition.