About WIMA

A Brief New Zealand History...

WIMA aims to promote and encourage women in motorcycling, regardless of interest or level of participation WIMA provides a network of friends and support for women from all walks of life who share a common interest in motorbikes. Whether you're a pillion, a racer, a learner or a long time rider with many miles under her belt, WIMA welcomes all.

Our members range from teenagers embarking on a life time on two wheels to older women who have decided to join in on a hobby that their partners/friends enjoy.

WIMA began its life in the USA. In the early 1950s its founding member, Louise Scherbyn, took the club international and by 1952 WIMA found its way to New Zealand, initially as a satellite division of the Australian branch. Audrey Henderson (who still lives in Rotorua and is now a Life Member) co-ordinated the New Zealand side. To begin with, membership was diminutive, and correspondence was the only form of communication.

WIMA in it's present form came about when interest in NZ was revived in 1984 after several women read an article in the Australian Post about a resurgence of interest in the Australian Division.

Letters to the Australian captain, Linda Bootherstone saw WIMA restarting in Auckland under the Captaincy of Sandra Taylor. The first newsletter went out in November 1984, amounting to 4 pages - containing introductions from Sandra, Anne, Kristen Miles and Lesley Walker.

Kristen Miles took over Captaincy in 1986 and together with the then Editor Lesley Walker, they put together the first WIMA NZ rally in November of that year.Today WIMA New Zealand has 9 contact points and over 500 members nation-wide.
Written and telephone correspondence continues to be the main form of contact between members from region to region. A national magazine is published monthly and is made up of members' contributions, which include write-ups on rallies and rides, mechanical tips, news of local and national events and recommended sources for motorcycle gear designed with the Women motorcyclist in mind. Articles of interest from the internet are often reproduced in the magazine also, as well as pointers to interesting web sites to visit.

Support for Charities

WIMA actively supports many charities, most of them family based. The NZ Breast Cancer Foundation is now recognised nationally as our main beneficiary and WIMA organises an annual ride called the Pink Ribbon Ride held in conjunction with the Pink Ribbon Day Appeal every October.

Various Areas also actively support the Women's Refuge, St John's Ambulance and Neo Natal Units of their local hospitals. Prior to the Pink Ribbon Motorcycle Ride the Women's Refuge was the main beneficiary with the Linen Run Motorcyle Ride which ran from 1990 to 2004 held in conjunction with Women's Refuge National Appeal week every July.

Support and donations from the wider motorcycling community have increased over the years, as has general public interest in the event. As publicity has increased, many non-motorcyclists have expressed their support generously, at times providing boot-loads of linen and goods for Women's Refuge as they turn up to watch the spectacular sight of masses of motorcyclists riding off from their designated starting point.

The Rally

The first WIMA Rally was held in 1986, at Tatum Park, south of Levin. There were many misconceptions about WIMA and many people had a look to see if it was really "GIRLS ONLY"... it wasn't of course and a great weekend was had by all.

The relaxed atmosphere provided a major contrast to many other New Zealand motorcycle rallies and has continued to be a popular element to every WIMA Rally. Currently the National Rally is held at Camp Rangi Woods in the Manawatu's Pohangina Valley.

The site is surrounded by a Totara forest with many walks in and around it. The facilities include cabins, toilets and showers as well as a large hall and kitchen for all to meet and relax in. Friday night is spent relaxing around a log fire in the hall, while during the day Wood Pigeons make a visit to see what's going on. In keeping with the unique nature of the event, the games are typically different. The handbag toss is hotly contested by males and females alike!

Annual Grog Meetings and Mid Winter Swims are also highly enjoyable social events, with members coming from all over New Zealand to relax over good food and wine, and tell tall tales!

Rider skills

Other events organised by WIMA include race track fun days and "survival days" which provide women with opportunities to boost their motorcycle skills.

Our last Fun Day at Centennial Park Raceway in Taupo was arranged so that everyone was able to enjoy the race track in a relaxed and non-threatening environment. The day was divided into slow, medium, and fast sessions ... oh, and a blokes' one so partners and friends didn't feel left out! Our Captain, an experienced racer, showed participants in the 'slow' class around the track so they could see and experience for themselves how to take a good line through the corners. Survival Days are a great opportunity for budding riders to learn and for more experienced riders to polish up on their own skills.

Our first, also held at the Taupo track, featured demonstration bikes provided by motorcycle dealerships, a maintenance course, products displays and both rider learning and training.

Area Groups

WIMA New Zealand membership is grouped into 9 regional areas around the country. All admin and central communication is co-ordinated through the national WIMA NZ executive. Each region is free to independently organise its own local events around its members' preferences - monthly meetings, day rides and video nights are amongst some of the events that feature.

To encourage closer interaction on a national basis, more and more areas are linking up with their neighbours for social get-togethers, such as wine trails, mini-bike racing and hot pool visits. WIMA is run by Women, for Women, but our events are open to all: members and non members, young and old, male and female, so... Come ride with us!

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