High-profile businessman Mike Pero, MNZ’s new patron.

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Copied from the MNZ web site.

High-profile businessman Mike Pero has been made Motorcycling New Zealand’s newest patron.

Mike Pero says he is honoured to be recognised by Motorcycling New Zealand as a Patron after years of being a motorcycle enthusiast.

“Motorcycling’s been in my blood since I was a teenager. In fact, I did my time as a motorcycle mechanic back in the early 1980s,” he says.

“Over the last 10 years I’ve been more involved in car racing, but I really did cut my teeth in motorcycle racing.”

Mike Pero has been known in more recent years as the face of the mortgage broking business. He established Mike Pero Mortgages in 1990, building the company into a national organisation which has become the leading arranger of home loans in New Zealand.

While he has stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business, he remains a Director of the company, and is still involved in marketing and promotion of the Mike Pero Mortgages’ brand.

Motorcycling New Zealand Inc. is the body which administers the sport in this country. Mike Pero’s appointment was announced at the association’s annual conference in Wellington over the weekend.

Motorcycling New Zealand President Jim Tuckerman says Mike Pero’s status as patron is particularly timely.

“The challenge for any sport today is to stay vital and relevant. That’s exactly what Mike has done throughout his business career and it’s what he brings to the sport, too.”

Mike Pero was six-times New Zealand Motorcycle Road Race Champion, winning 350cc, 400cc and 500cc national titles in the early 1980s.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Top show I say!

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

Yep, got be honest I only knew about his 4 wheel exploits I didnt know he was so accomplised on 2!

Well done for stepping up Mike

[CHOPPA]

What is he doing? What is a patron? Is that anything like a promoter?

[rustic101]

Bugger me!!! Was not aware he ever raced or rode on our side of life (2 wheels)

[Maido]

What is he doing? What is a patron? Is that anything like a promoter?

I believe that the patrons job is to give thousands of dollars to people who ride BMW's, looks like your lucky day chop lol!

[R6_kid:Me]

What is he doing? What is a patron? Is that anything like a promoter?

I thought the same thing but figured someone would answer it in an informative post, or someone else would ask the question. From what I've read elsewhere it would appear that he will most likely fulfill a role where he gives guidance or consultation on how to help them run the show better - in this case probably when it comes to things like fundraising and Nationals level events planning and associated marketing, given that this is where his experience lies.

[Pussy]

I went to Nelson Aviation College in early 1987 with Mike. He flew for Mt Cook Airlines for a while, too. He is a good bloke!

[CHOPPA]

Mike Pero BMW team sounds better....

[EJK]

He was my idol during my High School Economics class.

Good on him!

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

I think they form a sort of figure head role, a public face to the organisation. I dont think there is any money involved. Although I hear he is keen to see three year old R1's'do well

[roadracingoldfart]

Yep, got be honest I only knew about his 4 wheel exploits I didnt know he was so accomplised on 2!

Well done for stepping up Mike

Yer , him and his brother Ian used to come from the S.I and kick a few buts , they were always great guys and very acomplised on proddy bikes.

Paul.

[Billy]

Yer , him and his brother Ian used to come from the S.I and kick a few buts , they were always great guys and very acomplised on proddy bikes.

Paul.

Actually Paul,You sell them both short there,Mike was a very accomplished GP rider as well,In fact him,Bruce Woodley and Neil Smith were joint lap record holders (1.13.8)at Manfeild from 1981 through too the early nineties,Set on TZ350Fs and Ian and his business partner started up and ran the Formula extreme series in Australia very successfully until they were bought out by the ARRC

[roadracingoldfart]

Actually Paul,You sell them both short there,Mike was a very accomplished GP rider as well,In fact him,Bruce Woodley and Neil Smith were joint lap record holders (1.13.8)at Manfeild from 1981 through too the early nineties,Set on TZ350Fs and Ian and his business partner started up and ran the Formula extreme series in Australia very successfully until they were bought out by the ARRC

Lol , i forgot he rode the GP bikes , Whod of thought someone as young as me compared to you would forget details like that , thanks for the reminder old chap .
The main thing i remember is him never been seen again after the start , i was well behind him and the front guys .
Its a bit like Brent Jones and the like , we all forget the guys that excelled without the help of tele and the internet to put them in our faces like they do now.

Paul.

[roogazza]

Actually Paul,You sell them both short there,Mike was a very accomplished GP rider as well,In fact him,Bruce Woodley and Neil Smith were joint lap record holders (1.13.8)at Manfeild from 1981 through too the early nineties,Set on TZ350Fs and Ian and his business partner started up and ran the Formula extreme series in Australia very successfully until they were bought out by the ARRC

Yes Billy, I first came across him as a fresh faced 17 yr old in 410 in 1976, both brothers were very professional in their approach to racing (proved in business later). G.