Motorsport: Smoke rises in motorcycle row

A bitter dispute is threatening to tear apart New Zealand motorcycle racing's governing body.

Long-time motorcycle racing stalwart Jim Tuckerman became president of Motorcycle New Zealand as a result of apathy from the voting members.

And his abrupt "my way or the highway" approach is ruffling feathers. He describes his management style as robust and uncompromising, and all for the good of the sport.

"The president and board of Motorcycling New Zealand have a plan and are reviewing Motorcycling New Zealand's operational structure," Tuckerman told the Weekend Herald.

He believes he received a mandate for this plan at the body's annual meeting in May.

It appears this has some members, a life patron, and observers of the sport up in arms and serious allegations have been levelled at Tuckerman about what the critics see as his heavy-handed approach.

Chief among the concerns is a complaint to MNZ chief executive Paul Pavletich by broadcaster Ray Whitham claiming that Tuckerman threatened to punch him at the Battle of the Streets race meeting at Paeroa in February.

Whitham had complained about the lack of media coverage of some of the superbike rounds.

Tuckerman rejected Whitham's allegation, saying: "Mr Whitham is not a member of MNZ and as a result MNZ can't see how him complaining to the board has any effect."

Former president Kevin McCleary - also a MNZ life member and patron - has asked to have the president and board removed through a vote of no confidence.

"Mr Tuckerman and the board are managing by confrontation, and I find it disappointing that MNZ has come to this with the things he's done and is doing," said McCleary.

"It's shameful what he's done and it's sad because it was a good organisation. I'm very close to getting the 15 clubs needed to force the issue and I'd rather do it sooner than later."

In response, Tuckerman said McCleary lacked the grassroots support needed to take the matter further.

Chief among McCleary's concerns is an alleged conflict of interest over the Telesport television company - of which Tuckerman is a shareholder - which has been given the contract to televise this year's New Zealand Superbike championship. The contract was not put out to tender.

Tuckerman rejected this in a formal statement from the president and the board: "Mr Jim Tuckerman registered his conflict of interest at our first meeting. He has not been involved in any discussions, decisions or processes regarding road racing television contracts."

Asked about differences of opinion with Pavletich, Tuckerman refused to be drawn on Pavletich's continuing role as chief executive.

"I'm not in the position to discuss Mr Pavletich's employment with a third party," he said.

"I'm not at liberty to talk about it as there's an employment hearing due in the next few weeks."

Of the 5398 MNZ members eligible to vote for a new president, only 332 did so. More than 300 voted for Tuckerman.