It's sunny and bright, and there’s no wind, is this really Wellington? Well we are on the waterfront in ' the Best Little Capital in the world' and it is a stunning morning. We've three Rolls Royce's, a Bentley, Range Rover and a Jaguar plus two Triumph motorbikes all lined up and there are lots of oohs and aahs from Wellingtonians on their way to work. Not to mention the cavalcade of British classic cars, most of which have been with us since Auckland.
The Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown, arrives on her British Brompton bicycle, and welcomes the ralliers before joining Vicki in a sedate ' bike race' along the waterfront. Vicki rides the ladies Pashley bike complete with wicker basket. The Pashley bikes are proving so popular at the rally, they've been photographed almost as much as the Alexander Dennis bus. Incidentally, the Mayor learned to drive in a Mini.
It's hard not to be in awe of the beautiful cars old and new we have here on the waterfront and we take time out to check out the Bentley Continental. Such style and craftsmanship and this one is fitted with a NAIM audio system, another British brand. Debbie Stanton tells us about the relationship between Bentley and NAIM audio and how the well known home audio system is now an option for the Bentley.
It's that time again, pack up and move out and head to the South Island on the Interislander ferry. This time the ralliers are heading to the Alan Scott winery while the UKTI team made-up of the two Pauls and Vicki head to a session with members of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce.
The day finishes as it started in bright sunshine, Tawhirimatea the god of weather is smiling on us.
Philippa Norton
UKTI New Zealand