The Bay of Islands is preparing for an Italian invasion next month. More precisely, the incursion will be by Alfisti, the collective noun for a group of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts.
A large contingent of the 500-strong Alfa Romeo Owners Club will converge at Waitangi for their annual general meeting on the weekend of October 14-16.
Nearly a fifth of Alfisti registered with the club are from the Bay of Islands and club spokeswoman Dot Louie expects a strong local presence alongside the dozens of owners who will be there from other regions.
"One of our club members, John Wilson, has a 1971 GT Junior which was previously owned by Laurie Le Grice, who still lives in Kamo," she said.