NOVEMBER 18, 2009: Motorcycling New Zealand now has a new stewards commissioner.
He is grade four steward Del Morgan, replacing Warren New, who resigned from the post after Motorcycling New Zealand's AGM in May.
The 70-year-old Morgan, a family man with five daughters, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, is a retired former Government worker and parts manager from the Nelson area, although he now lives in Reefton, near Greymouth.
"The way I see the job is to make things easier for the riders. I feel there is an appalling ignorance from many of them about what the rules mean and why they are there. There is also a certain lack of understanding from many of our stewards," he said. "I simply want to improve that situation.
"We need to make things work for the riders … that is the most important thing.
"I fully intend to be getting out and about to as many motorcycle events as I can. I have been involved in the sport for many years -- my wife and I are both life members of the Nelson Motorcycle Club -- and I've been involved in the past in racing motocross, enduro and cross-country events. I have also raced quads at the speedway.
"I support Motorcycling New Zealand's efforts to communicate with the various regional councils over issues of noise and dust. That's where the councils turn against the sport. Injury rates at trail rides are also a concern of mine."
Words by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com