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Live sport on SN this weekendFrom an idea to a museum: Mike Pero’s tribute to John Britten
Sport Nation • November 12th, 2026 6:00 am
Mike Pero with Sport Nation host Mark Stafford | Photo: Jake Corlet
Mike Pero was the voice behind establishing a base to celebrate the life of legendary New Zealand motorcycle engineer John Britten, and soon after, Britten Museum was born and has since drawn fans from around the world.
Pero, a six-time New Zealand motorcycle road racing champion felt Britton's remarkable story deserved to be celebrated, especially after he died of cancer in 1995.
“I met John in the 90s, obviously well before he passed away and I loved what he was doing and got to know him," he told Sport Nation Afternoons.
“So it was about 18 months ago I approached Kirsteen, his wife, and suggested that I think this is worthy of paying a tribute to John who's been an inspiration for so many Kiwis and people around the world.
“She was initially very hesitant because she's heard this one before, but I persisted and eventually got there after a year of meetings and coffee.
“I had four weeks to throw it together. I'd secured the building right in the centre of Christchurch City and I had this vision."
Mike Pero and Mark Stafford at the Britten Museum in Christchurch | Photo: Jake Corlet
Pero said he had self-funded the project to get it off the ground, and that the museum is not intended to make a profit.
“I tipped all the money to get this off the ground so there's no debt and we're not here to make money.
“It's not for profit. Everyone that works here are volunteers, including myself, so just got a great bunch of guys and a shout out to the team for the mere fact that they turn up every day and they just do it because they love John.
“The goal is to inspire future generations, to educate the young people today that are coming through all about setting goals, meeting deadlines, having the tenacity to do what John did.”
Listen to the full interview below:
