WIMA stands for “Women’s International Motorcycle Association” and is a club for women motorcyclists, run by women motorcyclists.
All events are open to any rider and the association does not require you to attend a certain number of events before joining or participate in a set number of events each year, just come along, join and meet the girls.
WIMA offers something for all women with an interest in motorcycles, including learners, backseat riders, commuters, light riders, off-roaders, touring motorcycles, racers, fair weather riders, year-round riders, and even armchair enthusiasts. Whichever category you belong to, you will be welcome at WIMA.
Members ride a variety of bikes, ranging from cruisers, sport bikes, touring bikes, dual purpose bikes, motorcycles, motorcycles and scooters – you name it, someone rides it.
WIMA’s goal is 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 motorcycling. Whether you are a passenger, a rider, someone in training, or a rider with many miles under your belt, WIMA welcomes all.
In 1952, WIMA found its way to New Zealand, initially as a satellite unit of the Australian branch. Audrey Henderson (who still lives in Rotorua and is now a life member) coordinated the New Zealand side. Initially, the membership was small and correspondence was the only form of communication.
WIMA in its current form came about when interest in New Zealand was revived in 1984 after several women read an article in the Australian Post about renewed interest in the Australian Division.
Letters to Australian Captain Linda Butterstone saw the relaunch of WIMA in Auckland under the leadership of Sandra Taylor. The first newsletter was published in November 1984.
Kristen Miles took over as captain in 1986 and together with 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 nationwide.
Written and telephone correspondence continues to be the main form of contact between members from region to region. The national magazine is published monthly and consists of member contributions that include rally and ride descriptions, mechanical hints, news of local and national events, and recommended sources of motorcycle gear designed with women riders in mind. The magazine often reproduces interesting articles from the Internet, as well as pointers to interesting websites worth visiting.
