Winner of the 2011 Autobiography Category - NZ Book Month

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 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 travelling through 146 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 n 4WD - but most of all, raced cars.  He co-founded the Bay Offroaders and is a Life Member of the Tauranga Mount Motorsport Club.  His principal love is single seater race cars and in these he won the Bruce McLaren Championship.  Success in Classic & Historic race cars, Porcshe 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.