New MNZ President & Board get nice letter from MIA

The MIA (Motor Industry Association) Motorcycle Group have written to the new MNZ president congratulating him and the board on their progress after receiving a 'First 100 days report"  from new President MNZ Jim Tuckerman in September - a first for MNZ in public consultancy.

The letter reads as follows and is a clear message that the MIA see value in the direction of MNZ:-

22 October 2009

Jim Tuckerman

President

Motorcycling New Zealand

P O Box 253

Huntly

Dear Jim,

On 28 November 2008 our members met with Motorcycling New Zealand President Sandra Perry, CEO Paul Pavletich, executive Trevor Heaphy and Vicky Simm to discuss concerns our members had with the direction MNZ seemed to be heading. There has been no follow up from MNZ to the matters raised by our members at that November meeting.

We then met with yourself, the current President, on 18 September 2009 to be briefed on MNZ's "100 day report".

At the September meeting our members were refreshed by the likely changes that hopefully will provoke MNZ to move in the right direction to become more proactive for the Clubs and give consideration to industry issues.

We believe dynamic change is necessary to provide better value for money and reward effort on the part of all members and event organizers; whether it is for racing, sport or recreational member’s enjoyment and safety.

Our group notes the changes and direction being undertaken by you and the Board and they are to be applauded, as in the current environment a management change and positive action is what is needed. We do not think the proposed changes, thus far, are bad.

MNZ has to change and react to member needs and desires, and also balance the direction of change for the good of all members. This may mean some changes that members won’t like initially, and some that they will welcome. Time is the key to allowing the proper balance to be achieved.

The MNZ constitution gives a President and Board tenure of sufficient time to allow it to act and govern. Previous MNZ board members need to give the new board the same amount of time they themselves have enjoyed in the past - so the new board can achieve what seems to be sensible and valid goals. If they are not allowed this time then MNZ will never work as a cohesive body for the benefit of clubs and members alike.

The attitude and behavior of the new President has been a matter of great speculation by many I am sure. From our perspective, we have seen a marked change and professionalism in your actions and methods, which should be welcomed by the members. You and the Board should now be allowed to put this experience to good use, without the worry of emotive reaction.

Our group has offered you two pieces of advice - which you have acknowledged as being valid and will pursue – they are:

• Listen to and cater for the members and Clubs. Work alongside them and offer encouragement and guidance to improve event standards.

• Provide for both more recreation activities, and sporting events.

Our member’s observations when dealing with yourself over the past years, has been that you have a strong conviction to ensure motorcycling growth.

The many suggestions and ideas that you and the new board have, to improve the quality and consistency of standards at all events, will benefit each of the sporting codes. Every year needs to see progress in improved standards, and not just be a repeat of last year. Regardless of how good it was - it can always improve.

The members of our MIA Motorcycle Group, representing motorcycle manufacturers who distribute in New Zealand, unanimously offer full support to you and MNZ in the quest to change and improve MNZ. We look forward to your ‘200 day’ and full year reports.

If a piece of sage advice is appropriate, it is that all MNZ members need to give their new president and board a chance, and offer their full support.

Yours Sincerely

Bill Grice

Chairman

Motorcycle Group

Motor Industry Association