MAG-NZ launches in New Zealand

[Mom]

Main landers are here, boots, bikes and Speight’s

Welcome aboard. To coin a phrase - enjoy the ride

[fliplid]

Just a thought- I have to confess to having them occasionally Are folk more ready to join up "online" rather than do the download, print, fill out, get payment and then post off and wait route? I know personally I prefer to do it "online" cos it's easier (er, like the KR subs), and can't really be fagged (no reference to Hondas!) with all the download, print and post route.
I know that I would have difficulty in getting me sen down to the BRONZ meetings (being mid week, and earlyish in the evenings) and that's to do with work finish times and working here, there and everywhere! That's why I aint been there before, or joined to date. Possibly BRONZ need to update the joining process a bit, and that might improve their membership. As it is- and I'm definitely not knocking all their work done to date, and what will be done in the future- from following some of the past threads on subjects supported by BRONZ- some folk who post on here seem to perceive them as what might be termed "old beardys". As I have mentioned, I have never been to one of their meetings, and have only seen Les on the telly- who was doing a sterling job with the interview!
I'll get me coat!

[caseye]

For Squiggles.
At the time you were riding with the Auckland Action Group, you know how well those rdies went off and that thanks to Anne and her press contacts, we got good coverage.
It is the AAG that has now evolved into MAG-NZ.
We began as a one issue protest movement but have steadily become more and more agitated at the lack of "action" from any other quarter, so we've started MAG-NZ.
This is the initial phase, October 3rd is our first official MAG-NZ Ride, it's main purpose is to reacquaint ourselves with those who have supported our rides and actions in the past and of course to gather as many like minded individuals as we can together to once again get amongst it.
No $'s have gone to anyone person, instead to the nominated charities, MAG-NZ is forwarding the necessary documentation to become a not For Profit incorporated Society so there can be no impropririty .
Issues that we will be following up on are listed on the web site, if there are otheres you'd like to see there.
Can i suggest you add them to the site, it is after all there for everyone to have thier say and put forward ideas and suggestions.
No amount of effort unseen and behind closed doors is going to impress anyone or alay their fears as to what is and is not being done.
All I/we can tell you is that we're after as many members as we can physically muster, who want to actually ride and show thier support for our cause and their peace of mind.
To that end please forward us your 20 bucks and get on our web site and start pushing somehting. we are.

[cs363]

I should be happy about this and be reaching for my credit card to pay up. But to be honest I cringe every time I read about 'bikers' rights - now it is probably just my hang-up but I'll join in if you pass a resolution to never use the term 'biker' in anything that relates to a public statement or a issue that you expect public support from.

That phrase for anyone over 40 who does not ride, describes a bunch of rough louts out to cause mayhem. And lets face it 90% of the population don't give a flying fuck about us or our perceived rights.

Unless you are setting up presentable, well spoken individuals to be spokes-persons in the public arena you'll never get any support from Joe-public. Because that's the same Joe-public we fucked off yesterday when we passed them at speed and they shook their heads and said 'there goes a temporary New Zealander kids'.

And how come every time I meet someone new who finds out I ride a motorcycle automatically asks if it is a Harley? We should do something about that!

But I rant. I never joined BRONZ either as I watched and watched and saw nothing much happening - maybe this is what is needed - a fresh start, RIP BRONZ you had your chance time for the new kids on the block.

Fuck-it, maybe I'll pay up and see how you do - after all it is only 38c a week for the year, which is cheaper than any other aspect of my passion for motorcycling that I can think of But I expect more than a bloody badge from you.

+1 The terms 'biker' and 'cager' are two that if removed from our collective vocabulary would do much to improve our public image IMO.

[Smifffy]

It all sounds good. I like the

MAG-NZ believes there are 3 levels of action required;

* Personal;
* Local;
* National.

So other than stumping up $20, what do recommend as a personal action in the next month or two, for those of us interested?

I'm keen to know what actions are being advocated at all levels, rather than a vague "we need to do something"

Good luck with it, I can't wait to see some action.

[MSTRS:Me]

LONG LIVE KIWIBIKER.CO.NZ!!! ......the site that truly unites & informs KiwiBikers

KB is very important to a lot of people. But it is NOT a club, or lobby group, or national body that speaks for the collective or anything really - other than a website where people with an interest in bikes can yak to each other, organise get-togethers, and such like.

So do I but I haven't heard fuck all about their position on ACC levies, never mind what action they've taken.

As for being "ill informed". Go to the MNZ website and you could be forgiven for thinking the organisation was all about competition.

I wasn't going to do the us'n'them thing, but since you mention MNZ in those terms, I must agree...MNZ - who? The people that dictate to clubs who can stage race meetings? And who have a rep at every meeting to change the rules in their own handbook, if that's what suits on the day.

Go MAG I say. Although I too think they should advocate better training and would be better off not mentioning the 2007 wire rope barrier incident.

And why not? Freak it may have been. But as WRB's form more and more of NZ's barrier system, this kind of outcome for motorcyclists will become 'common'. We don't want that to happen. Try as we, or anyone else, may, motorcyclists are going to fall off their bikes for any number of reasons. Where they fall off in relation to roadside hazards or safety systems will be instrumental in how serious their injuries are.
NZTA continue to remove trees (for instance) that are close to road edges, because they kill the occupants of cars that hit them. Motorcyclists should be afforded the same consideration as regards the things that hurt us.
N'est pas?
The training thing will become a reality in short order. But I don't see it being run by MAG-NZ. I see currently operating concerns being promoted on the website, with information on what to expect and where to find it. Etc...

[Mom]

+1 The terms 'biker' and 'cager' are two that if removed from our collective vocabulary would do much to imrpove our public image IMO.

It is funny how different people have different ideas about that. I am 50 years of age and I call myself a biker - always have done, but I detest the term cage or cager.

MAG-NZ will most likely use both the term Motorcyclist and the term biker to describe who we are, our members use different terms to refer to themselves too.

[NONONO]

It all sounds good. I like the

So other than stumping up $20, what do recommend as a personal action in the next month or two, for those of us interested?

I'm keen to know what actions are being advocated at all levels, rather than a vague "we need to do something"

Good luck with it, I can't wait to see some action.

Well me old cock sparrow, judging from your avatar (which you just changed lol) and sig it would seem that you would be well acquainted with action, both personal, local and national. Apply similar principles..
In a nutshell, don't "wait to SEE some action", rather, take some action.

[Mom]

It all sounds good. I like the

So other than stumping up $20, what do recommend as a personal action in the next month or two, for those of us interested?

I'm keen to know what actions are being advocated at all levels, rather than a vague "we need to do something"

Good luck with it, I can't wait to see some action.

Personally you could make sure your bike is well maintained and is up to WOF standard. You could take a bit of time next time you go out for a ride to test out your emergency braking technique deliberately, NOT because you have to. You could spend time concentrating on developing a strong "spidey"sense, and ride your bike with a wise head.

Peronally you could make sure you have signed the WRB petition (if you support it of course), and be observant about road hazards you encounter on your rides. If you do find something that poses a hazard, get onto your local council - there is a list of them on a link on the MAG-NZ website for convienience. Get on www.mag-nz.org and let us know what hazards you have encountered if they are not remedied quickly.

I could go on, but you get the idea.

[Smifffy]

Well me old cock sparrow, judging from your avatar and sig it would seem that you would be well acquainted with action, both personal, local and national. Apply similar principles..
In a nutshell, don't "wait to SEE some action", rather, take some action.

Oh I'm quite happy to take action, I was just inquiring as to whether there was a recommended course of action, in order to present a consistent, common message.

Some people might think that "action" is popping wheelies in front of the media on a protest ride, or doing a burn out on the front steps of an electorate office.

To continue your analysis of my own actions, I identified something simple that I could do in response to an issue that concerns me, and then advocated that action to others in as simple terms as possible.

In my limited experience, when someone goes to a website regarding social issues they are looking for, amongst other things, the answer to a simple question: "What can I do?"

I'm just asking for 1 example, and if it lies within my abilities I'll implement it from tomorrow.

Without such an example, I'd have to think this is still more about words than actions.

[Squiggles]

I am sorry you feel that way Steven, the events that are on the MAG-NZ website were all organised by AAG (Auckland Action Group) in fact if you read on there it clearly states we had a different name when we first started out. Is there something in particular on the website that you are not happy with, have we named you or posted a pic of you? If so, please let one of us know and we will take down the offending item immediately. We have not set out to upset anyone.

Nothing on the website, its only in the media and its more of a concern on what the future might hold for MAG-NZ (Thus the questions on how?)

[Katman]

So other than stumping up $20, what do recommend as a personal action in the next month or two, for those of us interested?

I think one of the greatest things we could do on a personal level is, if you believe in the concept of riding in a responsible manner, be vocal about it.

All too often motorcyclists turn a blind eye to displays of stupidity on bikes because they think it's not cool to say anything.

The more vocal we become about responsible riding, the more seriously we're likely to be taken when we have a grievance to air.

[NONONO]

All good..
Have you written to your local MP re the continued existence of cheese cutters?. Asked him his/her stance on ACC levies?
These may not be issues for you personally but they would be personal lvl actions.

[zeocen]

I signed up last night but can't seem to login?

[Berries]

Perhaps committee members could have a specific KB avatar. It is a bit hard telling who is who with all new yellow squares appearing. I know from the website that Mom and Fatt Max are on the committee, no idea who the others are so it is all starting to get a bit confusing.