Motorsport Australia is saddened by the passing of Morrie Chandler, a towering rally figure whose influence extended beyond his native New Zealand and resonated strongly within the Australian motorsport community.
Chandler’s career in the sport spanned decades, first as a competitor and later as a respected administrator and advocate.
Chandler was part of an era that helped elevate rallying in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beginning his career contesting hillclimbs with the Northern Sports Car Club, Chandler quickly rose to the role of Club President, before making his mark soon after at national level as a member of MotorSport New Zealand’s Executive Board and President from 1977 to 1998.
As a competitor, Chandler participated in the Rally of New Zealand annually from 1971 to 1983 and competed extensively in the New Zealand Rally Championship, achieving multiple top-ten finishes and class victories.
In this position, Chandler played an instrumental role in maintaining New Zealand’s position on the WRC calendar throughout the seventies and eighties, regularly also contesting the event himself.
His passion and professionalism to the sport ensured his legacy would endure long after he stepped away from competition.
Beyond the stages, Chandler played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between Australian and New Zealand rallying, fostering opportunities for drivers, teams and officials on both sides of the Tasman.
His work within rally governance helped shape the direction of the discipline, always with a focus on growth, safety and preserving the spirit of competition.
A former FIA Vice-President for sport and president of the FIA World Rally Championship Commission, Chandler played a major role in shaping international rally.
Through decades of work with the FIA, he influenced the sport’s global growth and development, earning widespread tributes for his leadership and lifelong contribution.
Those who had the privilege of working with Morrie, such as Motorsport Australia Rally Manager Alan Vaughan, remember his calm demeanour, sharp insight and unwavering enthusiasm.
“Morrie spent time in Australia as an FIA Steward and mentored many of us over the years,” Vaughan said.
“Put simply, Morrie’s contribution to motorsport on a global scale was immense, his contribution to motorsport in New Zealand continues to be incomparable and his support for the sport in Australia and Australian events never wavered.
“I was privileged to have met Morrie many times. He was a good man.”
In 1997, Chandler was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in acknowledgement of his service to New Zealand and global motorsport.
Chandler was also named President d’Honneur of MotorSport New Zealand in 1998 and awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Halberg Awards, New Zealand’s annual sports accolades, in 2018.
On behalf of Motorsport Australia, we extend our sincere condolences to Morrie’s family, friends, colleagues and the New Zealand motorsport community. He was 85.
Vale.
