Maurice O'Reilly

Contrary to all expectations Maurice O’Reilly made it to middle age. The

journey was – well - interesting.

From the moment he gained paid employment, life took on meaning and

purpose. Following a meteoric rise through the Bank of New Zealand ranks

after they discovered his sales and marketing skills, he left to become self

employed at age 20. Six years of business success lead to 4 years OE

traveling through 144 countries - much of this in the company of his wife

who remains his best friend and ‘care giver’. On return to New Zealand the

couple established and operated a number of successful businesses that

were national leaders in their various field. He retired from full time work

at 52 to pursue those things that provided his most enjoyment.

Maurice has always been a competitive person. In sport, business and

social life he aims high and usually succeeds. He has been active in local

politics, business mentoring and writing humorous stories for a wide range

of publications. However, his principal love has been things mechanical.

He has flown fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, raced jet boats, been a

Search & Rescue skipper and is active in 4WD - but most of all, raced cars.

He co-founded the Bay Offroaders and is a Life Member of the 'Motorsport Bay of Plenty' Club. His principal love is single seater race cars and in

these he won the NZ Bruce McLaren Championship. Success in Classic

& Historic race cars, Porsche and touring cars have lead to an amateur

career of international endurance racing. He now competes for numerous

teams in long distance racing all over the world. In 2006 Maurice set the

New Zealand Diesel Speed Record and together with friends driving the

same car established the 24 hour Diesel distance record.

At an age when most people know better, Maurice is planning a number

of challenges that will provide pleasure and satisfaction for many more

years.