RobiNZ Personal Blog

Modern 'cars' aren't safer for those outside them

A mention in David Slack's (brilliant) More than Feilding Substack led me to an opinion piece by Auckland (National) List MP Paul Goldsmith opposing reducing speed limits 'because cars are safer' and he included the Auckland CBD in his argument. I wrote to him... Sent: Saturday, 6 May 2023 16:19 To: [email protected] Subject: Cars are not safer, for pedestrians Hi Paul, Take issue with your 'cars are safer' and citing reducing CBD speed limits in Auckland as an example of poor policing in this recent NZ Herald article: "Auckland Transport has proposed the entire area of the CBD inside... Read more →

Going green: Electric, Hybrid or...?

"Big Car" (currently a Tesla owner) wonders if pure electric cars are a fad and if there is a better answer.... I wonder if the current technology pure electric is transitional but also don't think hybrid is the answer either. If you so rarely need the ICE component just buy an electric and rent an ICE car when you need range rather than carry the complication and mass of a generator? But I also wonder about the ecological impact of scrappage replacing ICE for electric. NZ power is pretty green, ~80% renewable, so if you can grid charge source isn't... Read more →

A Fiat 132!

The first Fiat I drove, back in the late 70s, was a 132. A very rare sight now in New Zealand, anywhere, so had to snap this when I saw one (the white saloon in the background) this morning when I stopped at the pharmacy on the way to work. It was a newer model, but there is no way I'd ever see our family 132 on the road again... Read more →

My last Car?*

I just cancelled my print subscription to Car (magazine U.K.). I have been buying it monthly, one way or another, since February 1979. It was probably the Fiat 131 Racing on the cover which first got 13-year-old Robin’s attention, but the contents had me hooked. ** It's not because of their product, more than physical delivery has been so erratic and have lost interest in what the motoring industry has become. I don't care about dull SUVs, Utes, yet another iteration of Porsche 911 or overcooked overweight cars, both ICE and electric, which are irrelevant to what I like about... Read more →

NZTA 'Road to Zero' advert crashes?

Noticed something odd in a NZTA 'Road to Zero' ad (below). It shows a car on the highway in perfect weather swerving to miss a possum (you shouldn't), losing control and crashing into the roadside barrier. The odd part is at 0:00:38 police appear and claim credit for 'keep[ing] your speed nice and safe around here'. They haven't, he just crashed! It's bizarre, they should be arresting the driver. What's the message? Read more →

Commuting on my new 'free' Tern folding bike

A new job in the central city meant having to think about commuting. Bit of a novelty after ten months of choosing when I travelled! Driving and Parkable Parkable Shared Parking Application I drove for a couple of weeks, while settling in, and used a Kiwi parking share app to avoid making the likes of Wilsons Parking richer. Driving takes about 50-60 minutes and my route, following GPS traffic suggestions, does not use the motorway. Parkable makes parking easy and (more) affordable. While you can book long term, week or more, parking on Parkable I just used the daily casual... Read more →

Otematata to Oamaru | Time Out 2021-22 Otematata Oamaru Drive

Time to farewell Lake Escape Apartment, that last, last, last, look to check you haven't left anything behind... Another lovely Benmore morning. I drove the road ridden yesterday, along Lake Aviemore, heading for an Oamaru overnight stop. Scars of the incredible geological forces that shape this land are evident. Back to Kurow I hadn't had any breakfast, for a good reason as driving past Waitaki Braids. Parked the Bravo next to a younger (supposedly a class smaller, but is it?) sibling, a Fiat Punto! This cute customer dog was eagerly greeting every arrival. Waitaki Braids take French Toast and Coffee... Read more →

Gearing up for Time Out 2021-22

I have most of the gear I need, if not all I want, but will get a few things extra. My travels are going to be a mix of 4-12 day regional visits driving to a hub, then day or overnight cycles, returning home in between. Although some of the trails will require DOC hut stays I haven't planned on any camping as don't like it. Accommodation need not be luxurious unless you consider a proper bed and hot shower luxury. The other consideration is survival; particularly as some of the riding will be solo. The driving bits The drive... Read more →

The Bravo Brochure meets a Bravo

I have a weekly search running on TradeMe (NZ's local on-line trading site) for "Bravo HGT". Because they are rare here, anywhere, it usually returns only parts common to other Fiat models. Recently something different popped up: Fiat Bravo Brochure 1996 40 pages + gatefolds, superbly illustrated. Covers full range including HGT. Mint condition. I bid, won (of one), and it arrived on Friday. It was as good as described, a nice accessory for the car which it was selling. Read more →

Vale Murray Walker OBE

Although best known for his iconic race commentary I'll also remember Murray's tales of his day job, advertising/marketing, outside of motorsport as well. His autobiography is well worth a read. I was privileged to be at the 2001 Melbourne kick-off to his farewell year, although he remained active long after that official 'retirement', and see his joy in response to deafening applause and a standing ovation from the entire crowd in the pre-race parade of drivers. There is no better way to remember him than a recap of this podcast from April 2019: F1: Beyond The Grid 1000th race special... Read more →