Company Overview
Bay Rodders Tauranga kicked into life in 1966 by Terry Furness after he moved from his home town of Matamata to Mt Maunganui. He met up with locals who were into their old cars and modified V8’s and on the 8th of October 1966 a meeting was held at Terry’s place to form Tauranga’s first hotrod club. The original name of the club was going to be Eastern Bay Rod & Custom Club, but was later changed to “Bay Rodders Tauranga”. Word started to get around and more people joined, it was decided to promote the sport of Hot Rodding and give the general public a chance to view and discover what Hotrods were all about. It was decided that the first show would be held on the Easter Saturday, so members dipped into their own pockets to pay for the advertising and hiring of the Mount Maunganui Sports Dome. Sponsors for the trophies were obtained and the first Bay Rodders Mount Show was held on Easter Saturday 1967. It was well patronised and was the second ever Hot Rod Show to be held in NZ. The Mt Maunganui Easter Bay Rodder Shows became an icon and because of this it was decided to become a two day event on Easter Saturday and Sunday. These shows continued to be a major part of the rodding “must go to” calendar for approximately 12 years. Some of the early participants read like a who’s who of the early Hot Rodders in NZ. The first show was such an outstanding success, that it was decided that the first AGM should be held in the Memorial Park Hall Supper room in Tauranga on 16th October 1967. It was well attended and first real elected committee of Bay Rodders was formed. Hot Rodding in general also exploded around this time, and from the 8 or 9 clubs that were in existence in early 1967, by early 1968 there were over 25 clubs formed. Over their 40 years of existence, Bay Rodders Tauranga has been instrumental in continuing to promote Hot Rodding by their involvement in all facets of the sport, and this continues today. Today Bay Rodders is a relaxed club that is focused on club and family enjoyment for our mutual hobby … hot rod, street machines and classic cars. Our members are made up of people from many different walks of life and ages. Some of the early members are still part of the club today. Growth continues with over 80 members and more people joining each month. We are a busy club all year round with regular car runs, social events and monthly meetings. And our major events such as Winterblast, Spring St Swap meet and Nostalgia Drags which are enjoyed by not only Bay Rodders but other Hot Rod Clubs and the public.