The Motoring Lobby in New Zealand, 1898–1930

Abstract

This article examines how motoring organisations in New Zealand sought to influence local and national government during the first three decades of their existence. It shows that motor clubs formed alliances with other pressure groups which changed according to the issues at stake. These allies included local government bodies, urban and provincial promotional leagues, chambers of commerce, tourist organisations and representatives of other road users. Automobile associations sought to gain a favourable public image for motoring through the press, both newspapers and their own publications, as well as by self-policing and charitable activity. This article looks at the lobbying of parliamentarians regarding legislative measures that affected motorists such as roading, taxation and regulation. It concludes that motoring organisations’ demands in general received a favourable response so long as there were no major implications for government revenue.