In a series, reporter Shawn McAvinue talks to members of Dunedin motoring clubs. For this instalment, he speaks to Tribal Nations Motorcycle Club Otago ambassador Gazza McLennan, of St Kilda.
Q: How many members do you have in Otago?
There’s about 20 – of those a dozen are full-set members – but the support crew is phenomenal. We had a function recently and had about 100 people there.
Q: What is a full-set member?
They have our patch on their back but we are definitely not a gang. We like the look because it’s a talking point.
Q: When was the club formed?
A motorbike club called the Super Maori Fullas in the Waikato launched the Riders Against Teen Suicide (Rats) ride in 2011. When the Super Maori Fullas club folded, some of its members formed Tribal Nations in 2014.
Q: Who can be members?
It’s open to everyone – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, you are more than welcome to be part of the club. There is a vetting process – we don’t take just anybody – you’ve got to know us and we have to find out a bit about you and where you live, because some of the work we do triggers certain things in certain people, like the suicide prevention stuff. It’s about looking after each other.
Q: Why did you join?
I joined for the Rats ride – it’s something close to me and my upbringing. I was surrounded by suicide growing up in Ireland. It’s a taboo subject over there, as it is here. We are here to break that taboo. Where there is darkness, we hope to bring light. We do that by bringing awareness.
Q: Any club events on the horizon?
We are doing the next Rats ride on November 14. The money raised from that will go back into the community by paying for a facilitator to provide Safe Talk suicide first aid training.
Q: What type of skills are taught?
How to see signs in people and know how to go and help that person by knowing the right questions to ask.
Q: Why are motorbikes involved in your work?
We like the noise – it attracts a lot of people. We’ve had positive feedback about our rides encouraging people to seek advice. Our message is if you’re feeling suicidal or struggling with your mental health, seek help, go see a psychiatrist.
Q: Can members ride any type of motorbike?
To join the club the bike needs to be British, European or American. You can ride a Japanese bike but you won’t be given the rocker patches to wear on the front of your jacket.
Q: Does the engine size matter? Could a Vespa-owner join?
Yeeeesss – as I say we don’t discriminate but we prefer if you can bring the noise.
Q: Are you a social club?
Very much so.
Q: I see a patch of the acronym “Faith” on your jacket. What does that stand for?
Family. Acceptance. Integrity. Trust. Honesty.
Shawn McAvinue
