THE 2025 CONVENTION PROGRAMME IS AS FOLLOWS
Note: The times below are indicative, and some of the detail is still being finalised.
Please check for updates closer to the event.
Thursday 23rd October
N
TBC
Early Bird Registration (to be confirmed)
N
Friday 24th October
N
11:00am - 4:00pm
1.00pm - 5.00pm
From 6.00pm
Car Show set up at Central Energy Trust Arena (Fly Palmy Arena 2), 61 Pascal Street, P North.
Registration at Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North, 110 Fitzherbert Avenue.
Mix ‘n’ Mingle with platter food and refreshments at the Palmy Conference & Function Centre, 354 Main Street. (see note *1).
President’s welcome and convention announcements.
A cash bar (Cash/EftPOS/debit & credit card) will be in operation.
Finger food will be served from 7:00pm.
Registration will be re-located to this location.
N
Saturday 25th October
N
7:00am - 9:00am
9.30am
10.00am - 4.00pm
2.00pm
9.00am - 2.00pm
From 5.00pm
Completion of the Car Show set up at Fly Palmy Arena.
Car Show judges assemble for briefing and receiving judging packs.
The 46th National Mustang Car Show is open to the public.
President’s Meeting - upstairs in one of the corporate lounges at Fly Palmy Arena.
Optional Saturday excursion: ‘Cruisin' Beyond Cars: The Ultimate Bus Tour’ (see note *2).
Free time. (see note *3 for some suggestions).
N
Sunday 26th October
N
9.30am
10.00am - 2.00pm
5.30pm - 12.00am
Assembly point for Pony Car Run: (to be confirmed).
Depart for Pony Car Run around the sights of Manawatu, ending at Awapuni Racecourse for a supplied (boxed) lunch with drink, and witness the interclub battle for the Push 'n' Grunt trophy.
Awards Dinner at the Palmy Conference & Function Centre, 354 Main Street.
Evening Dress Theme: Dreams and Nightmares
Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut, doctor, princess, or matador? Or perhaps you’ve had nightmares about clowns, spiders, or skeletons? Your dreams could be another’s nightmare. The possibilities for this theme are endless.
All guests to be seated by 6pm.
A cash bar (Cash/EftPOS/debit & credit card) will be in operation.
N
Monday 27th October
N
8.00am - 11.00am
9.00am
Farewell Breakfast at the Palmy Conference & Function Centre, 354 Main Street.
Wrap up speeches from the Convenors and Presidents.
N
Referenced notes:
*1. Transport: Free shuttles will operate between the two Convention venues and our two recommended hotels. Times for these will be provided closer to the event.
Walking is also an option between the accommodation and the Palmy Conference & Function Centre, with approximate distances as follows:
● From/to Copthorne Hotel: 600m (8 minutes)
● From/to Distinction Coachman Hotel: 1000m (16 minutes)
*2. ‘Cruisin' Beyond Cars: The Ultimate Bus Tour’ offers a few hours of relaxed exploration, taking in some unique local attractions. Visit the Waireka Honey Centre, step back in time on the The Woolshed Heritage Walk, with an audio guide tour through 7 heritage houses, and soak up the festive spirit with a visit to the delightful Christmas Barn. The tour finishes at The Square, where you’ll be free to browse the shops and grab a bite to eat at your leisure.
*3. Ideas for Saturday evening:
Restaurants: All casual dining and family friendly. Book early as these will be in high demand.
1. Brew Union Brewing Co., 41 Broadway Avenue. Ph. 06 280-3146. Open 12pm-12am Fri, Sat, and 12pm-9pm Sun.
2. Lone Star, 42 The Square. Ph. 06 355 1968 Open Fri and Sat 12pm-9pm.
3. Little Savanna, 45 Princess Street. Ph. 06 358 7775. Open Fri and Sat 11.30am-9.30pm.
4. Speights Ale House, 27 Grey Street. Ph. 06 355 3482. Open Fri and Sat 11am-11pm.
There are many other options close by as well. Let your fingers do the walking before you set off.
Robertson Prestige International Speedway: Opening night of the speedway season is usually a big one at Central Energy Trust Arena, 85 Cuba Street, Palmerston North. PN Speedway haven’t yet posted details, but generally: Gates open 5:30pm. Gate 1 (Waldegrave Street), Gate 2 (Cuba Street - Bridge) and Gate 3 (Cuba Street opp Cook Street). Racing usually starts at 6:30pm.
*1. Transport: Free shuttles will operate between the two Convention venues and our two recommended hotels. Times for these will be provided closer to the event.
Walking is also an option between the accommodation and the Palmy Conference & Function Centre, with approximate distances as follows:
● From/to Copthorne Hotel: 600m (8 minutes)
● From/to Distinction Coachman Hotel: 1000m (16 minutes)
*2. ‘Cruisin' Beyond Cars: The Ultimate Bus Tour’ offers a few hours of relaxed exploration, taking in some unique local attractions. Visit the Waireka Honey Centre, step back in time on the The Woolshed Heritage Walk, with an audio guide tour through 7 heritage houses, and soak up the festive spirit with a visit to the delightful Christmas Barn. The tour finishes at The Square, where you’ll be free to browse the shops and grab a bite to eat at your leisure.
*3. Ideas for Saturday evening:
Restaurants: All casual dining and family friendly. Book early as these will be in high demand.
1. Brew Union Brewing Co., 41 Broadway Avenue. Ph. 06 280-3146. Open 12pm-12am Fri, Sat, and 12pm-9pm Sun.
2. Lone Star, 42 The Square. Ph. 06 355 1968 Open Fri and Sat 12pm-9pm.
3. Little Savanna, 45 Princess Street. Ph. 06 358 7775. Open Fri and Sat 11.30am-9.30pm.
4. Speights Ale House, 27 Grey Street. Ph. 06 355 3482. Open Fri and Sat 11am-11pm.
There are many other options close by as well. Let your fingers do the walking before you set off.
Robertson Prestige International Speedway: Opening night of the speedway season is usually a big one at Central Energy Trust Arena, 85 Cuba Street, Palmerston North. PN Speedway haven’t yet posted details, but generally: Gates open 5:30pm. Gate 1 (Waldegrave Street), Gate 2 (Cuba Street - Bridge) and Gate 3 (Cuba Street opp Cook Street). Racing usually starts at 6:30pm.
E & O E