National Forum of Motorcycle Groups

**MAG-NZ Inc** · 6th October 2010, 19:44

Clumsy name, for something that is a step in the right direction (we hope). I am delighted to announce that MAG-NZ took part in this meeting.

Here is the press release from the meeting, MAG-NZ will post the details as soon as we receive them. We value your input, so make sure you let us know what your thoughts are

6 October 2010

National Forum of Motorcycle Groups. A meeting was held on 2 October 2010 in Petone, near Wellington to consider the concept of a national forum of motorcycling groups.

Ten national level motorcycling groups were represented and after discussion, it was agreed to develop a proposal to establish such a forum.

The proposed purpose of the forum will be to advocate for the interests of on-road motorcyclists, agree on common ground and establish good communication networks.

The proposal will be available to other motorcycling groups who may share the interests and concerns of those attending the meeting.

The groups represented at the meeting were: The Ulysses Club of New Zealand Inc.; Motorcycling New Zealand Inc. (MNZ), Women's International Motorcycling Association New Zealand Division (WIMA), Motorcycle Action Group of New Zealand Inc. (MAG-NZ), BMW Owners Register Inc. of NZ (BMWOR), Buell Riders New Zealand, Gold Wing Road Riders Assn (GWRRA), New Zealand Gold Wing Riders (Inc.), New Zealand Classic Scooter Club; and Bikers Rights Organisation New Zealand (BRONZ) (Auckland) - all of whom will be consulting their respective memberships on the forum concept.

Interested groups are encouraged to contact the above for further information.

A further meeting will be convened in early 2011 to consider feedback and further action.

Ends

**Quasievil** · 6th October 2010, 21:53

Originally Posted by MAG-NZ Inc

Gold Wing Road Riders Assn (GWRRA), New Zealand Gold Wing Riders (Inc.)

Did the "riders of gold wing NZ (ROGWNZ) " come along ?

those bastards should have been there to

oh and what about the "NZ wing of gold riders (NZWOGR)" looks like they didnt show up either ?

**admenk** · 7th October 2010, 08:05

Originally Posted by Quasievil

Did the "riders of gold wing NZ (ROGWNZ) " come along ?

those bastards should have been there to

oh and what about the "NZ wing of gold riders (NZWOGR)" looks like they didnt show up either ?

You've got to wonder how many Goldwing riders there are out there (and do they wave?)

Joking aside, well done to all those concerned. Let's all keep talking and direct our anger at Mr Smith and his mates.

**MSTRS:Me** · 7th October 2010, 08:18

Originally Posted by admenk

Let's all keep talking and direct our anger at Mr Smith and his mates.

I am glad that MAG-NZ was there. The other groups appear to have lost their anger and are happy to 'work with...'. MAG-NZ will be a reminder to them of how/why this all started, and will not let the steamroller that is Nick the Prick crush the biker spirit.

**Bald Eagle** · 7th October 2010, 10:11

Great news another National spokes body .

**rustyrobot** · 7th October 2010, 10:18

Originally Posted by Bald Eagle

Great news another National spokes body .

Are you being sarcastic? You forgot to use the sarcasm smiley

I think it makes sense to have these multiple groups which come together in a national forum. Each group can focus on what it is most passionate about and will attract those riders to it, then can come together to make decisions as a whole. Sure, it may pull a few riders out of one group to join another, but overall there should be a greater amount of riders able to join a group they identify with.

Surprised there are no adventure or off-road riders groups mentioned.

**Big Dave** · 7th October 2010, 10:45

No he's not being sarcastic per se.

This is what BRONZ was actually set up to do all those years ago. Be an umbrella group. It has resources, a small cash reserve, the legal structures and incorporation in place - but the community continues to start new groups instead of using them - as they would be welcome to do.

The Forum is needed - If it does what BRONZ is meant to do - be an umbrella group, combined voice, weight of numbers etc etc. If it does that there is no need for BRONZ - which is a shame for the few that have put in and the goals they have kicked so far. As volunteers. And the people who have already put their hands in their pockets.

Considering 12months ago it was basically only them that gave a toss.

**phill-k** · 7th October 2010, 13:30

Originally Posted by Big Dave

No he's not being sarcastic.

This is what BRONZ was actually set up to do all those years ago. Be an umbrella group. It has resources, a small cash reserve, the legal structures and incorporation in place - but the community continues to start new groups instead of using them - as they would be welcome to do.

The Forum is needed - If it does what BRONZ is meant to do - be an umbrella group, representative, unifying voice, weight of numbers etc etc. If it does that there is no need for BRONZ - which is a shame for the few that have put in and the goals they have kicked so far. As volunteers. And the people who have already put their hands in their pockets.

Considering 12months ago it was basically only them that gave a toss.

Totally agree Dave, this was Bronz's role. shame those that felt Bronz didn't represent the views of the many didn't work within Bronz to bring about change.
Like confucius say many small farts in small bottles smell only a little, all farts in big bottle also make loud noise and peoples sit up and notice.

**Maha** · 7th October 2010, 13:41

Originally Posted by Big Dave

No he's not being sarcastic.

This is what BRONZ was actually set up to do all those years ago. Be an umbrella group. It has resources, a small cash reserve, the legal structures and incorporation in place - but the community continues to start new groups instead of using them - as they would be welcome to do.

The Forum is needed - If it does what BRONZ is meant to do - be an umbrella group, representative, unifying voice, weight of numbers etc etc. If it does that there is no need for BRONZ - which is a shame for the few that have put in and the goals they have kicked so far. As volunteers. And the people who have already put their hands in their pockets.

Considering 12months ago it was basically only them that gave a toss.

Basically being the operative word here, thousands actually gave a toss if the truth be known.
Bronz seized the moment (without a doubt) but failed to capitalize on it and failed to keep the momentum going. There would be no need for a National Group if in fact Bronz (as you say) were an umbrella group. That scenario will never happen. Not now.

**Genestho** · 7th October 2010, 14:01

Great stuff, well overdue!! Top effort to ALL involved!!

**MSTRS:Me** · 7th October 2010, 14:12

What's the point of sniping at each other? BRONZ may have been 'first', and may have had the right approach in it's formative years. But motorcycle issues have moved to a whole new level, and recent months would seem to indicate that BRONZ wasn't keeping pace. That's not a criticism of the entity, but of it's member support.
Wheels DO get re-invented.

**Genestho** · 7th October 2010, 14:45

Originally Posted by MSTRS

What's the point of sniping at each other? BRONZ may have been 'first', and may have had the right approach in it's formative years. But motorcycle issues have moved to a whole new level, and recent months would seem to indicate that BRONZ wasn't keeping pace. That's not a criticism of the entity, but of it's member support.
Wheels DO get re-invented.

BRONZ has a significant part to play.

When you lobby - often the groups you are lobbying against are quite large - their viewpoint and representation will overshadow smaller groups - which is where a National Forum of smaller groups sharing information, and communication to the masses is really important.

Also I think alot of people need to realise - lobbying for what you want does not magically happen.

It is long hard slog, it eats into your life, weekends, nights, in the middle of holidays - for as long as it does.

It involves networking, researching, marketing, media, legalise, understanding political procedures, reviews, laws, data analysis, meetings, consultations and constant organisation. (That's just a few jobs off the top of my head)

To truly get your head around this takes time and experience in the saddle.

Lobbying itself is usually only a small part of an organisations work.

So I can relate to the work and fortitude shown by BRONZ.

I hope you will all work well together, best wishes.

**Big Dave** · 7th October 2010, 14:53

No sour grapes here anne. just stating what I have observed.

There is no point to having two organisations doing the same 'umbrella' thing. Pick one and be done. No clingage from me.

But where does that leave Les and Stoney et al?

I was actually pointing to the fact that before the change of government the interested parties fitted at a card table.

**MSTRS:Me** · 7th October 2010, 14:56

Yep. Except BRONZ seems to have become 'just another group of motorcyclists', rather than the mouthpiece of the other groups...
I guess the hope of this National Federation is that it will be THE mouthpiece of all the disparate groups, populated by representatives from each, without being an entity in it's own right.

**Bald Eagle** · 7th October 2010, 15:03

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Yep. Except BRONZ seems to have become 'just another group of motorcyclists', rather than the mouthpiece of the other groups...
I guess the hope of this National Federation is that it will be THE mouthpiece of all the disparate groups, populated by representatives from each, without being an entity in it's own right.

I sincerely hope you are right , and that a truly representative organisation arises. Good luck with that.