Porsche Club of NZ celebrates 50th anniversary in Napier this week 

The Porsche Club of NZ has hit the 50 year mark. And it is celebrating with a four-day gathering in Napier this week, from March 19-23. Some 120 Porsche vehicles and 250 enthusiasts from across the country will be there to celebrate, as will Porsche Ambassador Mark Webber. 

The Porsche Club of New Zealand was formed in 1975 and over five decades, it has grown to include 960 members nationwide. It is officially recognised as an Approved Club of Porsche AG.  

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Four-Day celebration in Napier

The festivities begin on Wednesday, March 19, when club members from across New Zealand will arrive in convoy.  Highlights of the week include 

• A parade through Napier on Saturday, March 22, led by Mark Webber in a Porsche Carrera GT 
• Public display at the Napier Soundshell following the parade 
• Motorsport-themed activities for driving enthusiasts 
• Formal and informal gatherings at premium local venues 

Make-A-Wish Connection 

Porsche New Zealand has extended a special invitation to 11-year-old Oliver “Ollie” Elgar through its partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ollie, a Hawke’s Bay local living with Cystic Fibrosis, will experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the special passenger in the Carrera GT driven by Mark Webber himself. 

“In 2024, Porsche New Zealand proudly supported three wishes, contributing to Porsche’s global goal of granting 356 dreams – a number inspired by our first model, the Porsche 356,” said Greg Clarke, General Manager of Porsche New Zealand. “While Ollie’s main wish for an All Blacks experience will be fulfilled later this year, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to offer him this extraordinary Porsche experience in his hometown.” 

Public Display

Following Saturday’s parade, the public is invited to join the celebration at the Napier Soundshell from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, where all participating Porsches will be on display.  

The festivities will culminate in a formal Gala Dinner on Saturday evening at the War Memorial Centre, featuring addresses from Christoph Ridder of Porsche AG, Greg Clarke of Porsche New Zealand, and Porsche Club President Ashley Powell.