Car Show Drives Support for Local Pukehina Community

A passion for cars and a desire to give back to the community have combined to create Pukehina’s Surf ‘n’ Sand Autorama.

The event began with a simple idea from a local plumber and gasfitter, Stu Brickland, who regularly travelled to homes, farms and businesses for work, noticing plenty of interesting cars and motorbikes in garages and driveways.

As a car enthusiast, Brickland wondered what would happen if he put a call out on Facebook to gather a few owners together for a casual show.

“I thought we might get a couple of dozen cars on a Saturday; instead, 185 vehicles turned up.”

The strong community involvement turned the event into a fundraiser aimed at supporting local organisations while bringing people together.

Proceeds from the event are divided among the beneficiaries of the Pukehina Community Charitable Trust, and in turn, each group help run the event.

This year, the Pukehina Surf Club, Volunteer Fire Brigade, Fishing Club, Youth Encounter Trust, Ōtamarākau Kindergarten, and Bowling Club are all set to benefit from the money raised at the show.

Ultimately, the funds raised go back into the growing the community through the work these groups do throughout the region.

The show faced challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, like many events and fundraisers.

They were fortunate to squeeze one show in just days before lockdown restrictions began.

Since then, the event has continued to rebuild, supported by a dedicated volunteer committee and strong backing from local businesses.

“We were pretty lucky,” said Brickland.

“We've got some really dedicated people out here at Pukehina that give me a hand to run the show.”

He said a number of their sponsors have been with them since the beginning.

“And that's going on six or seven years now. So that's a pretty cool commitment from them.”

Brickland said the event reflects the strength of small communities.

“Individually we’re pretty cool, but together we can achieve so much more,” he said.

“I've lived in a few [small communities] over my life, including the Chatham Islands, and you learn that if you don't pull together, you won't achieve as much.”

The event is about growing a stronger community together. IMAGE: Pukehina Beach Autorama

Organisers hope the show this Saturday will raise as much as $50,000 for community groups this year.

He said they’ll be super happy if they can achieve that, but any amount is a win for the community.

“The surf club need the equipment, the fire brigade needs new stuff to help us on the side of the road when we have accidents, Youth Encounter Trust help the youth of New Zealand, Kindergarten, so on and so forth,” he explained.

“They're just all good little groups doing their own little thing, and if we can help them, then that's just a real big bonus for us.”

While the cars remain the centrepiece, organisers have focused on creating a family-friendly day out for everyone.

There will be live engine fire-ups of drag cars, live music, activities for kids and a large food and craft market.

“I've been to hundreds of car shows, and I know that if it's not something for the wife and children, they're going to get bored pretty quickly and want to go home, and then Dad's got to go home too,” said Brickland.

“There'll be something for everybody in every budget.”

Stu Brickland said it's important the show has something for everyone. IMAGE: Pukehina Beach Autorama

By combining car culture, community spirit and local fundraising, Surf 'n' Sand Autorama has grown into more than just a car show; it is a celebration of what small communities can achieve when they work together.