The weather apps were wrong because the weather gods were watching over Cromwell.
“Do you see those hills?” a Cromwell native asked us, pointing at the horizon. “They’re brown and dry and will be for some time. What’s happening in the North Island won’t happen here just yet—you’ll see.”
She was right.
And so the 69th NZMCA National Rally & 70th AGM came to pass with nearly perfect weather; perfect enough for the bicycle and those scenic tours, for a couple of glasses of wine at the wineries (or for Happy Hour), for endless ice-creams cones because there was a Mr. Whippy truck onsite.
It was perfect for anything else that you wanted to do, because this is the National Rally. And while there are the requisite stuff (tip: the Q&A at the AGM is riveting), it's really all about relaxing (on your own, or with old friends and people you just met), having fun and soaking up the lively traditions of a club that has been doing this for the last 70 years which makes you think, we're doing something right if we've lasted this long.
See you next year in Taupo! (Feb 25 2027 to 1st March 2027 at the Taupo Racecourse).
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2026 National Rally Convenor Neil Connelly2026 National Rally Convenor Neil Connelly -
Central Otago District Council Mayor Tamah AlleyCentral Otago District Council Mayor Tamah Alley -
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NZMCA Treasurer Arthur KeaneNZMCA Treasurer Arthur Keane -
Cutting of the 70th NZMCA birthday cake with NZMCA National Life Member Margaret Spain and NZMCA President Sharron KingCutting of the 70th NZMCA birthday cake with NZMCA National Life Member Margaret Spain and NZMCA President Sharron King -
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Vice-President Brian Stanley congratulates John Morgan who is this year's recipient of an NZMCA Life Membership for his outstanding contributions to the Association.Vice-President Brian Stanley congratulates John Morgan who is this year's recipient of an NZMCA Life Membership for his outstanding contributions to the Association. -
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President Sharron King with NZMCA LPG Adviser Lex WardPresident Sharron King with NZMCA LPG Adviser Lex Ward -
The Clutha Valley NZMCA Area team that made it happenThe Clutha Valley NZMCA Area team that made it happen -
And the flag is passed on to next year's hosts, the Lake Taupo NZMCA Area with 2027 Convenor Les Schwass (rally dates are the last week of February 2027).And the flag is passed on to next year's hosts, the Lake Taupo NZMCA Area with 2027 Convenor Les Schwass (rally dates are the last week of February 2027).
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NZMCA National Manager for Property & Policy James Imlach at his workshop for Park CustodiansNZMCA National Manager for Property & Policy James Imlach at his workshop for Park Custodians -
The Wireless Nation workshopThe Wireless Nation workshop -
The Wireless Nation standThe Wireless Nation stand -
TrailLite GroupTrailLite Group -
RV Super CentreRV Super Centre -
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One of the most popular evening entertainment, a recreation of an iconic New Zealand radio and television show, It's In The BagOne of the most popular evening entertainment, a recreation of an iconic New Zealand radio and television show, It's In The Bag -
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It's In The Bag host Arthur Keane assisted by Clare BowerIt's In The Bag host Arthur Keane assisted by Clare Bower -
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(from left): NZMCA Board Member Deb Bradley with Nelson Tasman's Mary & Jim Lafrentz(from left): NZMCA Board Member Deb Bradley with Nelson Tasman's Mary & Jim Lafrentz -
