Taranaki Vehicle Events Trust (TVET)
Americarna brings positive benefits to Taranaki – in addition to showcasing our province, the event brings economic, wellbeing, social and recreational outcomes that benefit our communities. The event has grown significantly since its inception in 2007 and in 2014 the Taranaki Vehicle Events Trust (TVET) was formed to support the event.
The primary role of TVET is to secure funding, through grants and sponsorship, so that all the community activities and components of Americarna are free to the public. The Trust also supports the planning of the event with a strong focus on ensuring that the Americarna “rumble” will continue for many years to come.
TVET works closely with council and community representatives throughout Taranaki to bring a family-friendly, inclusive and vibrant event that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to organise vehicle events that contribute to the well-being of the Taranaki Community.
We aim to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of Taranaki, not only within New Zealand but also on an international scale.
Our goal is to successfully host an annual event in Taranaki while actively giving back to the community by providing a completely free public event for everyone to enjoy.
TVET TRUstees
Tony Ewens
Tony was appointed as a Trustee in 2020. He is the Central Regional Manager for Citycare Water, employing over 70 staff locally that contribute to providing service to the community throughout Taranaki.
“I have a passion for American Muscle and have been involved in many sporting associations, both as competitor and in governance, with Jet boating, Muscle cars, Drag Racing and Stratford Park.”
Always a regular attendee of Americarna, “Being privileged to chair the trust, I have a desire to see Americarna continue to grow as an Iconic event for everyone in our community to benefit from and enjoy.”
Mark Robson
Mark joined the TVET board in 2019, driven by his admiration of the impact of JR and Americarna on the Taranaki community.
With over 38 years of successful ownership of a local business, Mark is a passionate and experienced businessman.
He not only owns an American vehicle but actively participates in the thriving American car scene in Taranaki. Mark’s unwavering commitment to the community, combined with his sharp business skills, makes him a valuable asset to the board.
Marilyn Davies
Marilyn was appointed as a Trustee in 2014. Marilyn is a Fellow Chartered Accountant.
Marilyn has a passion for helping make our community vibrant and creative with provision for free community participation. Americarna achieves this and more every year.
Toni Fabish-Benton
Toni has been appointed a TVET Trustee in 2023 and has a close and long standing affinity to Americarna.
As a prior Event Coordinator of the event, Toni was involved from 2008 – 2017.
Toni is a born & bred car girl and has continued to be involved in the American car scene through her involvement in several car clubs in the region.
“I am very passionate about what Americarna brings to the Taranaki community and the people who attend. They hold a special place in my heart. I love the vibrancy and energy that is created as the cars and entrants cruise around the province and park up in the towns.
I am excited about coming back and being a part of this wonderful event as a Trustee of TVET.
Bring on the fun!”.
STEVE DAY
Steve was appointed a trustee in 2024 after many years as not only a participant and sponsor of Americarna, but also a lifelong motoring and motorsport enthusiast. The opportunity to further add to this tremendous event that has four generations of faces smiling every year appealed to Steve.
Along with his wife and family, Steve is a successful businessman with over 32 years of successful business ownership and various board and trust governance experience.
If it’s got engines and wheels, Steve enjoys it, Americarna sets our whole province alive once a year, creating enjoyable, free entertainment for thousands of Taranaki citizens, and of course, the participants too, having fun in their American car while enjoying our beautiful region.
KEVIN WALSH
Born and raised a proud Taranaki man, he has dedicated his entire career to the automotive industry.
He is the owner and managing director of two companies, CSR Custom Street Rides and Walsh Auto Services, both based in Inglewood.
This year, they celebrated 30 years in business.
CSR is a Custom & Classic Restoration Rod Shop that has built numerous award-winning vehicles, many of which are frequent entrants in Americarna.
Kevin and his wife, Karen, have five children and five grandchildren, and when he’s not building cars, he loves spending time with family or cruising in their prized 1961 Chrysler New Yorker.
One of the highlights of Americarna for him is not only the new connections made with people from across the country but also the opportunity to showcase the province and share its culture with the public.
He looks forward to being part of TEVT and helping Americarna continue to thrive for Taranaki.
