Quentin Palmer and co-driver Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) have continued their consistent winning form across the 2026 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) season, taking victory in the BP Rally Taumarunui on Saturday 8 August.  

The pairing won all eight Special Stages held on gravel roads around the King Country region to build a comfortable margin of over 4 minutes.  

Second overall (but non-NIRS registered) was a welcome back to Zeal Jones and novice co-driver Finn Fenning (Subaru Impreza WRX) with Zeal returning to NZ rallying after an eight month sojourn in Japan and Finland driving for the Toyota Gazoo Rally Team.  

Third overall and second NIRS competitors home were Vanuatu’s Julien Lenglet/Fleur Pedersen (Subaru Impreza WRX) who were also awarded the Winmax Drive of the Day trophy ahead of Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) in fourth overall (and third NIRS) after a thrilling three-way shootout over the final two stages including Jackson Clendon/Katrina Renshaw (Ford Fiesta Rally4) only two seconds behind in fifth placing overall.  

“It went like clockwork,” commented Palmer.  “It’s been a good day and a privilege to win on the return of this event to the NIRS calendar.  

“The first couple of stages were a challenge with slippery conditions but after that the grip improved over the day.”  

Based in Taumarunui and promoted by South Taranaki, Taihape District and Dannevirke Car Clubs, the one-day National event consisted of eight Special Stages run over 135km’s of classic King Country public gravel roads last used in 1999 as a NZ Rally Championship round. A smaller four stage 64km Clubmans rally was also run over the afternoon loops of stages.    

The fourth round of the NIRS proved to shake up a number of the different Class title fights, particularly with those trying to topple the previous leaders.  

Darryl McManus (Toyota Vitz) has extended his lead in Class A (2WD:0-1300cc) to 35-points with rival Blair Richardson having not entered due to cambelt and engine issues.  

Andrew Lowe/Ian Barr (Toyota AE101) has also extended their lead in Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) with rivals Sam Broadbent/Matthew Broadbent (Toyota Corolla FXGT) retiring out of the event in SS2 getting stuck in mud at the side of the road.  

It’s still a close contest in Class C (1601-2000cc 2WD) despite previous leaders Khalid and Sara Mason (Ford Fiesta ST150) suffering their second mechanical retirement this season with driveline issues. Stephen Dill/Adrian Sutton (Nissan Pulsar Gti) were the only class finishers and have now jumped 10-points ahead. Adam & Jilly Fisher (Toyota Altezza RS200) retired with a damaged front shock absorber with Dale James/Kim Raggett (Ford Fiesta ST) also retiring with hydraulic troubles.  

Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer (Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo) have increased their lead from seven to 15-points in the hotly contested Class D (2WD 2000cc and over) and now lie second equal overall in the NIRS with Leong/Roa on 84 points.   Unfortunately, second placed in Class D, Phillip Broadbent/Paul Ayres (Toyota Starlet), retired in the seventh stage stuck off the road, allowing third place Dave Strong/Brianna Little (Honda Jazz RS) to move into second overall.  

In Class E (Classic 2WD), Chris Alexander/Jackson Foster (Ford Cortina) have seen their lead shrink to just two-points after retiring in SS7 with electrical problems.  This was to the advantage of Andrew Keighley/Jonathan Kane (Ford Escort Mk2) who have closed the gap with first in class on Saturday.  Brent Taylor/Dave Neill (Ford Escort Mk2), sit second equal with Keighley.  

Mason Grimmer/Leighton Spurdle (Mazda Familia 4WD) return lasted until SS4 before their throttle cable broke giving Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) the opportunity to extend their lead in Class F (4WD: 1601-1999cc) to 45-points.  

In the very competitive Class G (4WD 2001 and over) leader Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) have just a five-point gap back to Gavin & Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza) who finished sixth overall. With Julien Lenglet/Fleur Pedersen (Subaru Impreza WRX) finishing second overall (NIRS) this also saw them first home in class ahead of Leong and Feast.  

Chris Burke/Stephen Taylor (Toyota Celica GT) now have a 15-point buffer in Class I (4WD: Pre 1996) back to Shaun Wade/Haylee Wade (Mitsubishi Mirage 4WD) who also retired out of the touring to the seventh stage with an oil line issue.  

The blind category (no safety notes) of the National Rally section was won by Mike Goldsbury/Mathew Harris (Toyota Corolla DX) from Mitch Pilcher/Alex Parkin (Subaru Impreza WRX) and Mark Bradly/Matt Arthur (Datsun 1200sss) third.

The Clubman’s Rally was won by Cam McKay/Jonny Kay (Toyota Starlet).  

“The simple and efficient four stages-repeated style format combined with a central service park in the Taumarunui township was well received by the 46 strong competitors and the hundreds of spectators” commented NIRS coordinator Marty Roestenburg.  

“The rally organising committee did a fabulous job and the marketing and promotion team really lifted the bar for regional rallies in Te ika a Maui. We are grateful for the support from Ruapehu District Council, Ngati Haua Iwi, local business, community groups, residents and the Taumarunui Cosmopolitan Club which was incredible. After a 26-year hiatus, we hope rallying will return to the mighty King Country again in the not too distant future.”  

The fifth and penultimate Round of the NIRS moves to Whakatane as part of the Battery Town Rally Bay of Plenty (NZRC) on Saturday 31 October 2026.  

The 2026 North Island Rally Series acknowledges and thanks these partners for their support: Hawkeswood Mining, Semog, Pure Quality Construction, Paddon Racing Group, iSignit, Ngatea Panelbeaters and Online Contractors.

Kiwi rally stars Hayden Paddon and John Kennard have been offered the exciting opportunity to contest WRC Rally Paraguay with Hyundai Motorsport.  

When WRC ueno Rally del Paraguay gets underway on 27 August, it will be 2839 days since Paddon’s last appearance on gravel in the top WRC class. That event was 2018 Rally Australia where he finished second for Hyundai with co-driver Seb Marshall.  

Making this event even more special is the opportunity to return to top level rallying in the continent where Paddon and Kennard made history, with their victory in the 2016 WRC Argentina Rally, as the only New Zealanders to ever win a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.  

Paddon is understandably excited to finally get a chance in the Hyundai i20 Rally1 car on gravel, just a week after he contests Rally Hawke’s Bay at home with Jared Hudson as his co-driver.  

“It was never in the initial plan this year; the original contract was for the three tarmac rallies,” he explains. “Obviously we’ve been pushing to have that opportunity on gravel. It’s where we feel comfortable and where I think things are going to happen and click a little bit easier.  

“It’s a privilege to have this opportunity and to return to South America where there’s some pretty fond memories of ten years ago. Obviously it’s a different country, different stages, but similar kind of vibe. We’re going into the rally in the supporting role, as before, but with nothing to lose and under no illusion how tough a rally it will be because there’s no substitute for seat time at this level. Ten years ago we were driving these cars most weeks, now it’s four times a year with some short test days.”  

Before the 27-30 August event, the Kiwis get one day testing in the Hyundai i20 Rally 1 on gravel.  

A large group of Kiwi rally fans will be travelling to Paraguay to support Paddon and Kennard.  

Based in the city of Encarnación, near the Argentina border, the event promises a mix of smooth red-earth stages and trickier technical sections through dense vegetation. While the surface is mostly soft and fast, deep ruts and sudden surface changes are expected to keep drivers guessing across the weekend.  

PRG appreciates the support of their partners including Hyundai New Zealand, Caltex Havoline Oil, Mitre 10 Trade, Winmax Brake Pads, Bar’s Bugs, EROAD, Ben Nevis Station, Wipertech, Design Windows, MITO, Repco, Machinery House, King Gee, KiwiFibre, TrialLite, Hankook, Z Energy, Blaster and Signbiz.

The 2026 Hawkeswood Mining North Island Rally Series (NIRS) returns to Ruapehu after 26 years as the BP Rally Taumarunui takes place next Saturday 8 August 2026.  

The one-day event will see the return of overall points leader Quentin Palmer/Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) as competitors, volunteers, sponsors and spectators will come together to celebrate the return of rallying to the roads and communities that make this region so special.  

“It’s a local event for us so I know most of the roads,” commented Palmer.  “I’m hoping to win being a local, but first we have got to finish.”   This has been a key to the success they have been enjoying also competing in the national rally championship.   “We’re learnt heaps this season,” said Palmer.  “It’s a first for us competing in the South Island and adjusting to their fast roads, certainly a great learning curve.”  

Based in Taumarunui, the one-day event consists of 140km of classic King Country public gravel roads last used in 1999 as a NZ Rally Championship round.  Promoted by South Taranaki, Taihape District and Dannevirke Car Clubs, the event will have a National permit for its eight Special Stages while the four afternoon stages will also run with a Clubman's permit.  

Palmer and co-driver Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) have been the pair to beat this season having won the first two rounds.  

Even with missing the Taranaki Tarmac Rally third round of the NIRS due to NZ Rally Championship commitments, they have an 18-point gap back to Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer (Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo) with Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) eight-points behind and just five ahead of Gavin & Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza).  

All current Class leaders will be part of the 46-car field.    

Darryl McManus (Toyota Vitz) is likely to extend his lead in Class A (0-1300cc 2WD) with rival Blair Richardson having not entered due to engine issues.  

Andrew Lowe/Ian Barr (Toyota AE101) took over the lead in Class B (2WD 1301-1600cc) at the last round after previous Class leaders Sam Broadbent/Matthew Broadbent (Toyota Corolla FXGT) decided not to enter.  For this event the Broadbents will be back on the start line.  

It’s still a close contest in Class C (1601-2000cc 2WD).  Khalid Mason/Sara Mason (Ford Fiesta ST150) were set to extend their lead at the last round, but a late retirement means they are just ten-points ahead of Stephen Dill/Adrian Sutton (Nissan Pulsar Gti) with Dale James/Kim Raggett (Ford Fiesta ST) also in striking distance 16-points behind the leaders.  

Tony Differ/Jayson Stringer (Mitsubishi Lancer EX Turbo) have just a seven-point lead in the hotly contested Class D (2000cc and over 2WD).  Second placed Phillip Broadbent (Toyota Starlet) will have Paul Ayres back in the co-driver’s seat for the round with third place Dave Strong/Brianna Little (Honda Jazz RS) just three-points adrift.  

In Class E (Classic 2WD), Chris Alexander/Jackson Foster (Ford Cortina) have a commanding 17-point advantage over Andrew Keighley/Jonathan Kane (Ford Escort Mk2) who has Brent Taylor/Dave Neill (Ford Escort Mk2) just five-points behind in third.    

Mason Grimmer/Leighton Spurdle (Mazda Familia 4WD) are back and will give Quentin Palmer and Noel Moloney (Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo) a run for their money in both Class F (4WD: 1601-1999cc) standings and the overall result.  

“Mason will be the one for us to watch in his pocket-rocket,” commented Palmer.  

Just two-points separate Class G (2001 and over 4WD) leader Carlin Leong/Nathan Roa (Subaru Impreza WRX) and Gavin & Hamish Feast (Subaru Impreza).  Throw in the mix Mitch Pilcher/Alex Parkin (Subaru Impreza) who was the first NIRS competitor home in the recently held SBT Group Taranaki Tarmac Rally.  

Despite finishing behind Shaun Wade/Haylee Wade (Mitsubishi Mirage 4WD) in the Taranaki Tarmac Rally, Chris Burke/Stephen Taylor (Toyota Celica GT) have a five-point buffer in Class I (Pre 1996 4WD).  

The first car starts from the Taumarunui Cosmopolitan Club carpark, Katarina St, Service Park at 08:15, and is expected to finish at (approx.) 16:15 at the final control located back at the Start.  

The 2026 North Island Rally Series acknowledges and thanks these partners for their support: Hawkeswood Mining, Semog, Pure Quality Construction, Paddon Racing Group, iSignit, Ngatea Panelbeaters and Online Contractors.

Jack Stokes has won the Barry Robinson Memorial Rally Southland to extend his lead in the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship to seven points at the midway point of the year.

Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) got better throughout the day and pulled clear of title rival Jack Hawkeswood in the afternoon stages to claim his second career win by 24.7 seconds.

Hawkeswood led early in his Vertu Equipment Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 before a couple of scary moments when the rain came down around lunchtime. He took a more conservative approach in the afternoon but lost time to Stokes.

Robbie Stokes (Stokes Motorsport Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) struggled for confidence early in the day after a couple of off road excursions at the last event, before getting into his work and securing a podium finish.

Quentin Palmer (Skoda Fabia Rally2 evo) was fourth to again take a solid haul of points and maintain third in the standings at the three South Island events that make up the six round series.

Ari Pettigrew (Porsche 911 WRC) was once again first 2WD car and fifth overall in another impressive showing.

He led home Dave Strong (Honda Jazz RS) and Tim Mackersy (Ford Fiesta Rally4) in the Open 2WD class.

Deane Buist (Ford Escort RS1800) took a third straight win in the Classics class ahead of Ben Harding (Mazda RX7 Group B) and Southland local Paul Cross (Toyota Corolla AE86).

Pat Norris safely brought home his Toyota Corolla to win the Historic class, surviving an getting stuck off the road in the first stage.

Thomas Paul (Subaru Impreza H6) held off Harri Silcock (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6) in a thrilling battle that decided Rally Challenge 4WD by just 2.1 seconds.

James McIver (Subaru Impreza H6) completed the podium.

Rory Lawn (Toyota Starlet) pipped Josh Silcock (Ford Fiesta R2) on the final stage of the rally for the second consecutive event to win Rally Challenge 2WD by 2.3 seconds.

Paul, McIver and Kevin Laird completed the Group A Challenge podium.

The series moves to the North Island next month with a return of the Hawke’s Bay Rally on Saturday August 22.

Hayden Paddon/Jared Hudson won the overall rally in the recently re-built PRG Hyundai i20N Rally2 with a clean sweep of all seven high-speed stages, in what was Paddon's first rally this year both in New Zealand and on gravel.