Canterbury’s Gretchen Pirika joins only a handful of New Zealand motorcycling women to be elected to the Board of Motorcycling New Zealand.
The launch of Motorcycling New Zealand’s (MNZ) Women’s Commission would not be complete without the acknowledgment of MNZ’s newest Board Member, Gretchen Pirika, said MNZ Women’s Commissioner Sandra Perry.
“Gretchen has been intimately involved with motorcycling for more than 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to the MNZ Board,” said Perry.
“I have been involved with motocross for many years, my husband raced, my daughter races now and I am currently secretary of the Christchurch Off-Road Motorcycle Club,” said South Island Off-road Board Member, Gretchen Pirika.
“As an MNZ Steward and Clerk of the Course, I am pretty busy in motorcycling, however I am also on the committee for the Halswell Rugby League Club.
“My payback is seeing the kids enjoying themselves – it is always good to see smiles on people’s faces at the end of the day.
“I have never been a motorcycle racer myself, and I do not have any regrets about that, I actually enjoy doing the behind-the-scenes work more – that is more my style.
“What I want to do for MNZ is to help steer riders, particularly women, in the right direction – with the support of fellow Board members this will happen.
“We would also love to see a greater number of women involved in running the sport and governance and we are working towards that too, which is exciting.
“Women can do anything – we can race motorbikes, be officials, organise events and govern the sport.
Credit: Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com