Hawke’s Bay auto extravaganza raises $20k for region’s ambulances

Neville McKay above the 2026 Repco Hawke's Bay Auto Extravaganza at Tōmoana Showgrounds on Easter Sunday. Photo / Paul Taylor

A collection of cars and other vehicles has raised nearly $20,000 to train St John volunteers across Hawke’s Bay.

The third annual Repco Hawke’s Bay Auto Extravaganza was held at Hastings’ Tōmoana Showgrounds on Easter Sunday.

On Monday morning, organiser Neville McKay was still calculating how many cars were on display and how many people attended.

“But it’s double to what we had last year,” he said.

He expected it to double again in 2027.

McKay said the event’s highlights included “being piped on” at the opening ceremony by local bagpiper Kieran Chisnall, ride-on lawnmower racing and two-person hovercraft “racing around” the showgrounds.

Hovercraft riders only had to pay a gold coin for a turn.

“We had quite a queue of people wanting to take a ride. Next year we’re looking at racing hovercrafts.”

McKay said it was also great having Hastings Deputy Mayor Michael Fowler and former mayor Sandra Hazlehurst at the event.

A 1950s Pontiac Chieftain at the 2026 Repco Hawke's Bay Auto Extravaganza. Photo / Paul Taylor

But the stars of the show were the cars.

Some of McKay’s favourites included a Maserati, a purple Triumph Stag convertible and the cars of Hawke’s Bay Holden Cruzers.

“Everyone came out of the woodwork for it and enjoyed the day,” he said.

The event raised about $20,000 for Hato Hone St John.

A 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air at the 2026 Repco Hawke's Bay Auto Extravaganza. Photo / Paul Taylor

McKay said the money would go towards training cadets and making improvements to the service “from Mahia to Dannevirke”.

“All the money stays in the area, and that’s the stipulation I made.”

McKay could be seen wearing a blond wig around the showgrounds to honour his friend Zoran, who died from pancreatic cancer.

Neville McKay in his blond wig honouring his friend Zoran at the 2026 Repco Hawke's Bay Auto Extravaganza.

“I told his brother in Texas I’d be wearing it.”

McKay said the extravaganza wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers, particularly Hana Whaanga and the Roaming Chrome HB Club.

“We’re already planning for next year,” McKay said.