6pm Update: The 2023 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza which was due to be happening from 9am-2pm Sunday, February 12 on The Strand has now been postponed until March.

"Due to weather problems we have had to postpone the car show," says organiser Neville McKay.

"It will be held on March 12. So very sorry about this as we cannot control the weather."

After the show being stopped in its tracks by the pandemic for two years, Neville has been looking forward to the event being 'back, bigger and better than ever!”

Cyclone Gabrielle is arriving earlier than previously thought, and is expected to be hitting Northland over Saturday night.

MetService have issued its highest level of warning – a Red Warning for heavy rain for Coromandel Peninsula where 300 to 400mm of rain is expected in the ranges and Tairāwhiti Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay expecting the same numbers throughout the area.

Earlier, 2pm: The brakes were put on for two years – now, the engines are about to rev up once more as Tauranga's Car, Bike & Truck Show returns to The Strand.

The 2023 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza is happening from 9am-2pm Sunday, February 12 on The Strand – and is wheeling up a display of cars, trucks and bikes for petrol-heads to view, natter about and drool over.

After being stopped in its tracks by the pandemic for two years, organiser Neville McKay says the event is 'back, bigger and better than ever!”

This year there will be cars – from vintage models to hotrods – vintage tractors and bikes on display.

'Plus, we have some logging trucks parking up, some Thundercat boats to view – and even a heap of Speedway cars coming.

'There really is something for everyone to enjoy – and we hope to give out as many spot prizes as we can.”

Neville says his organising team has been to blessed to receive so much support from local Tauranga businesses, and business further afield too, so they can offer mystery spot prizes.

'The public who visit the extravaganza – they could just be walking along when they get a tap on the shoulder and get gifted a mystery spot prize.”

There will also be fun activities for kids, music, static displays, food stalls 'and people can grab food at all the nearby restaurants and eateries, which will be open while the event is on.”

Neville says unfortunately, due to health issues, Kenny Smith can't make it – but he's found a new special guest to appear at the show.

'I've got former Tauranga City councillor and motor racing champion Tony Christiansen coming – we call him ‘Toenails' as he has no legs but still races cars.”

Neville's two top drivers to work hard to host the extravaganza. The first is to hold an event that supports Downtown Tauranga's economy. 'Downtown Tauranga is the very reason we host this event – it brings so many people into the CBD and supports many of the surrounding businesses.”

Secondly, and just as important, is the event raises funds for St John Tauranga. Neville himself knows how valuable St John is, receiving twice-weekly visits at one stage due to ongoing post-surgery issues. 'We are very passionate about St John and I'm giving back what they've given to me.”

Public entry to the event is gold coin donation, under-fives gain free entry, and show vehicles cost $5 each including the drive. Find more at: https://www.downtowntauranga.co.nz/tauranga-auto-extravaganza