2019 Programme

The 25th NZ Mini Nationals (MiniNats) will be hosted by the Tauranga Mini Owners' Club Inc over Labour Weekend (25-27 October 2019). This year is also the 60th anniversary of the worldwide release of the Mini and our programme will include multiple opportunities to celebrate this iconic brand.

Participation in activities is open to registered entrants of the 2019 Mini Nationals. Click here to register.

Registrations closed on 20th October 2019.

Public are welcome to come and see the best Mini has to offer on Saturday morning at the Show & Shine competition, Cliff Road Carpark - vote for Eves People's Choice to win prizes and stop by the Rocker Cover Racing competition. On Sunday, be at Te Puke Quarry Road for the Hillclimb (all day), watch the Funkhana at Cliff Road in the morning and play "Spot the Mini" as they tour around the region throughout the weekend.

The 2019 MiniNats programme is below. Things can change so check back here often to see the latest information. You must register as a driver to compete in the events marked with an * below.

NB: Some activities overlap. Click here for Activity Schedule Grid.

Click here to download 2019 Mini Nationals Info Booklet.

Friday 25th October
4:00-10:00pm - Registration check in, Meet & Greet, Clipper Lounge, Hotel Armitage, cash bar.
6:00-8:00pm - Hillclimb scrutineering, PF Automotive, Unit 7, 95 Birch Ave, Judea. Click here to register your interest for this event.
7:30-9:30pm - Presidents' meeting, Harbour View Room, Hotel Armitage (maximum 2 people from each club).

Saturday 26th October
7:30am-midday - Show and Shine*, 29 Cliff Road, Tauranga. Cars to arrive 7:30-8am. Judging starts at 8:30am. No trailer parking on site. Long term trailer parking may be available on request. Rocker cover racing starts 10:15am.
9:00am-midday - Public are welcome to attend and vote for "Eves People's Choice" (and win prizes).

10:00am-11:00am - Rocker Cover Racing, 29 Cliff Road, Tauranga. Mini engine rocker (valve) covers fitted with four wheels, race against others down a wooden ramp. Click here for Regulations.

1:00-4:00pm - Navigation Tour*. Compulsory drivers' briefing starts 1pm, BOP VCC Clubrooms 29 Cliff Road, Tauranga. This is not your traditional Navigation Tour, be prepared to have fun and put your thinking caps on. Tour commences from Show & Shine venue and will take about 3 hours.
4:30pm+ - Meet for drinks, Clipper Lounge, Hotel Armitage.
7:30-11:30pm - Mini 60th Birthday party, Hotel Armitage, cash bar open from 4:30pm, finger food from around 8:30pm. Registered attendees will enjoy an informal, fun evening celebrating Mini’s 60th birthday, supported by MINI NZ. Bookings essential.

Sunday 27th October
8:00am-5:00pm - HillClimb*, Te Puke Quarry Road (tarmac). This event is run by MotorSport BOP. Click here to register your interest for this event. Compulsory driver's briefing time to be confirmed by MotorSport BOP. Keep an eye out here for updates. Public are welcome to watch.
9:00am-midday - Funkhana*, 29 Cliff Road, Tauranga. End time is approximate only. This is a low-speed, skill-based activity. We will do our best to accommodate those who wish to enter both Funkhana and Regional Sightseeing Tour. Public are welcome to watch.
1:00-4:00pm - Tauranga Regional Sightseeing Tour. Compulsory drivers' briefing at 1pm. It is anticipated that the Regional Sightseeing Tour will take approximately 3 hours. Departure venue TBC.
4:30pm+ - Meet for drinks, Clipper Lounge, Hotel Armitage.
6:00-8:00pm - Dinner, Washington Room, Hotel Armitage. Bookings are essential and numbers are strictly limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
8:00-11:30pm - Awards and Prizegiving, Washington Room, Hotel Armitage.

Click here for list of Activities and Fees.

Registrations closed 20th October.

Click here for 2019 Mini Nationals Terms & Conditions.

Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th October
Keen to stay on in the Bay after the Mini Nationals weekend? For those who would like to stay on in the Bay of Plenty we will arrange regional day trips to places of interest. Billet opportunities may also be available. Please indicate your interest in these day trips and billeting option when you book your driver registration, birthday party or dinner tickets.

Accommodation & Ferry Crossings
Venue for check-in and evening events is the Hotel Armitage, Tauranga where we have negotiated accommodation deals to include cooked breakfast for 2 and full flexibility i.e. no pre-payment required and you can modify or cancel your booking up to 48 hours in advance. Please note that prepaid non-refundable rates may also be available. If you haven't already, we recommend you secure accommodation early to avoid disappointment - quote discount code MINI60 when booking online or phone venue direct on 07 578 9119.

We have also secured discounted rates for Cook Strait ferry crossings. Click here for more information.

Thanks to our Sponsors
The Mini Nationals are not possible without generous assistance from organisations that provide funding, venues and prizes. We are very grateful to our major sponsors:

The 2019 Mini Nationals organisation team consists of Tauranga Mini Owners Club committee and club members namely Gayle Hardie (Chair), Hanna Peters (Secretary), Tim Sinclair (Treasurer), Alan Webb, Ash Rolston, Dean Crow, Deidre Rennie, Greg Sutton, Lisa Ford, Rosemary Ozich. Feel free to contact us if you have any queries.