Earlier this year, we bid farewell to Andrew Murphy and his family as they moved to Perth and we welcomed back Philip Macey who has been with the project from it’s inception.

During the day, Philip is a Director at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, and in his spare time, you’ll find him involved with a variety of boards in our community or with all things Motorsport.

If you wish to reach out to Phil, do not hesitate to contact him on his email: chairman@stratfordpark.co.nz

In April over 250 vehicles packed into the Stratford Park A&P Showgrounds for our second MotorFest event.  Despite the rain putting a damper on the day, fun was had by all with the live band, the popular Sound Off Competition & Military Displays - complete with a mock battle, the Stratford Fire Service demonstration, the great food and loads of other attractions.

This was a great fundraiser for Motorsports and we send out a huge thank you to all the volunteers who came along and worked on the day.

Special thanks to our sponsors Max Pennington Auto City, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway, Pirtek, Wesley House & Rehabilition Centre, Redneck Fabrications, the Taranaki Daily News, Dickson’s Service Centre, Chemz, More FM, Presco Hire and to all of the local Taranaki businesses who came on board to sponsor various elements on the day.

Equestrian

While it has been a bit quiet on the update front, our committee have been heads down working hard to get our project moving. A portion of the land purchased by Stratford A&P has been earmarked to relocate the equestrian offerings - is a key step to enable the overall Stratford Park project. The creation of a dedicated equestrian area allows current shared areas to in turn be dedicated to specific events such as A&P and Motorsport.

There are some key milestones that have been achieved by the Equestrian group, setting us up for development:

- QEII established – protecting the pockets of native bush on the site (with permission to ride through tracks in these areas included)

- Geotechnical assessment – giving assurance we can build where we are planning

- Layout and design created, breakdown of phases for development

- Initial quotes received

- Presenting and meeting with local agencies and funders

- Identifying and working to secure relevant consents

In the background, the team are also in the progress of forming a Charitable Trust to manage the build and operation of the facility. They have also given input to the Taranaki Equestrian Facilities Plan and continue to contribute at a regional level – it is essential that we ensure we a part of a complementary network of facilities across Taranaki, both for today and into the future.

The first phase of build is essentially planned as ‘lift-and-shift’ while improving the quality of the surfaces. The current plan includes a 70 by 30 metre and an 80 by 90 metre all-weather arena, as well as parking, yarding, on-site grazing and options to cover everything else that needs to compliment these facilities.

There is lots of work still be done and a lot of irons in the fire, but the groundwork is behind us now and the future is bright!

Emily Perrin

Congratulations Mike and Helen Cameron

Recently Mike and Helen competed in the South Island New Zealand Rally Championship again this year. (NZRC) competing in the Historic Class, which is specifically for cars over 25years old and in their original condition. Their  ‘L1L EVO’ is a 1977 Mitsubishi Lancer which was built in 2006 for the seven day Silver Fern Rally.

Their year began in April at the Central Machine Hire Otago Rally, based in Dunedin.  This team had unfinished business from last years attempt, after the car didn’t make it across the water as the Ferries were cancelled, due to bad weather.

Of the 115 starters, they came 78th overall and 2nd in the Historic Class. Although they had a couple of scares, they managed to come home dent free after two days of rallying, with little to be done before heading back to the South Island for Round Two in Timaru.

The South Canterbury Hydraulics South Canterbury Rally was a single day event on Sat 11th May. Brilliant weather made for dusty stages with very ‘Heavy Metal’ in the Forest Stage. Helen says they managed to ‘tip toe’ through that stage and were one of a few who didn’t get a puncture.  Of the 68 starters, we finished in 56th place and again dent free and 2nd in Class.

Mike and Helen have left their truck and L1L EVO in Timaru until the Southern Lights Rally to be held in Invercargill on Sat 22nd June.  Invercargill has been added to the National Rally Championship for the first time after many years. Then they will have a hiatus for two months before the final three North Island rounds begin in September.

The pair send their special thanks to their sponsors.

Back in April, to tease the MotorFest event, Helen, Mike & Tracey, our Project Manager met with the More FM crew, Ken & Anna, and Mike took them both for a blat over the Gravel Sprint Track.  Both of them enjoyed the experience so much and were proudly able to tick that one off their bucket list!

Back in April, to tease the MotorFest event, Helen, Mike & Tracey, our Project Manager met with the More FM crew, Ken & Anna, and Mike took them both for a blat over the Gravel Sprint Track.  Both of them enjoyed the experience so much and were proudly able to tick that one off their bucket list!

Earlier this year, the Stratford Park Motorsport Complex had the opportunity to secure the purchase of some of the safety barriers from Pukehohe Raceway.  These are approximately 4m x 1m concrete barriers with a mesh guard placed on the top and we are giving you the opportunity to secure one as permanent signage for your business for just $1000 + GST.

Although the circuit on the Motorsport Complex has not commenced as yet, they will be used around the park and now is your chance to grab a bargain, as they certainly won’t be at that price once the complex is up and running.

To purchase one, simply head online to our website on the link below or alternatively, give Tracey, our Project Manager a call on 027 305 6467 or email her at projectmanager@stratfordpark.co.nz

A Scary Night & More at A&P

The Stratford A&P Assn ran a series of very successful Fright Nights over recent months with hundreds in attendance.  From the terrifying Hospital Scene to the horrific Circus, the startling Nursery to the vast range of fright night characters that wandered around, more than a few were scared senseless over the course of the evenings.

A great team of volunteers worked tirelessly to create the amazing sets in the older cattle sheds, making it a night to not forget.

May each year, brings about the Taranaki Regional Council riparian pop-up nursery at the showground's, an A&P fundraiser project.  This year with a total of 31,000 plants the receiving and distribution of the plants flowed well, with great team effort from the A&P volunteers and good comradeship with the local farmers.  A&P also purchase riparian plants and have commenced planting of the waterway and QEII block.

A&P have also hosted horse events over the last couple of months, Have A Go Fun Day and High Points Series. Each day was successful with good horse entries and everyone enjoying their day.

The A&P farm maize had a great harvest this year.

We’re making progress

Over the recent months, the Stratford Park Board and various sub committees have been working on a variety of elements with the Steer Co.

The project continues to move forward with the completion of many elements:

• The noise modelling, wet land review & Geotech has been completed and many of these elements have been shared with internal groups.
• The Environmental and Cultural Impact assessments are planned for the near future.
• Branding has been completed with new logos designed for the Equestrian, A&P Showgrounds and Motorsports Complex.
• The website has been upgraded and we have the ability to add to this as we see fit.  We have had branded Gazebos, flags, rack cards, business cards, pull ups and polo shirts all completed and are being used at a variety of events.
• Signage for the Park has been erected along the main road and this gives us the opportunity to additionally advertise events held on the grounds.
• We have submitted to the Stratford District Council long term plan and discussion continues with both Waka Kotahi and Kiwi Rail on roading options for the Park.
• We have met with Carl Bates MP around the project and new fast track                    consent’s process.
• The Motorsport Group is fundraising through the sales of signage to fund barrier purchases from Pukekohe Raceway and recently the group hosted, with the assistance of the A&P, the MotorFest event for 2024.  Unfortunately, this event was another wet day, and now discussions will happen about possibly moving                                    the event date.
• The Equestrian group have secured sponsorship to create their operating entity (Charitable Trust) with Govett Quilliam and the development of this trust is underway.  An additional Trustee will be found to join this Trust.

The strategy for the remainder of the year for the Stratford Park Board is:

-          Assist in the long term plan for Speedway

-          Assist in the development of A&P infrastructure & land use

-          Develop a plan for the A&P Debt

-          Confirm land ownership/allocation of surplus land

-          Review Park MOU and determine any amendments required to remain relevant

Coming up, we will be holding a meeting with our stakeholders to update you more on the project.  Do look out for an invitation coming your way soon to join us.