Our Club’s History
The Club has seen great change over it’s 50 years, while still remaining the heart of the Pauanui Community.
Pauanui Club Sports and Recreation Club Inc.
Modern History (2002 - 2022)
2002-2011
This period commenced with a thirty year celebratory dinner. During this decade Life Membership was awarded to the following:
2002 Paul Brunton, 2007 Noel Quinn and Graeme Perry. All for their outstanding services to the Club.
The first goal of the new Board and governance structure was to restore the financial viability of the Club. A long-term plan was developed for the benefit of its members and the wider community. The Club was burdened by high level of debt and inadequate income levels and these needed to be addressed. A new membership regime was introduced along with a subscription structure which allowed a wider range of people from the Pauanui Community, including younger families to benefit from the Club. The membership subscription model was simplified to ensure our members obtained a valued experience, and a clear direction for future generations of members and the wider community.
In 2003 the Board agreed to proceed with the sale of the site that housed that Surf Club Lodge. This sale was completed.
During 2005 the Water Treatment Plant was developed on Hikuai Settlement Road and many discussions took place with TCDC regarding the disposal of the waste water from the Plant. It was eventually agreed that the waste water would be disposed at the Lakes Golf Course and preliminary discussion for use on the Pines Course (the latter never eventuated).
There were some difficult, and at times contentious decisions to sell under-utilised assets to reduce the debt risk and re-invest in key assets, such as the clubhouse and golf courses. The Board considered a proposal to reduce the problem of “out of bounds” golf balls onto adjoining properties at the Lakes Golf Course with a plan to rearrange some holes. This then provided an area of land that could be subdivided into residential sections in conjunction with a neighbouring subdivision being planned by Pauanui Pines Ltd. It was planned that the eventual proceeds would be earmarked to repay the mortgage the club owed on the Lakes Golf Course. As a result of the realigning of Holes 2, 3 and 4 at the Lakes Golf Course 4 prime real estate sections were developed and became available in 2010.
In 2008 the Gallagher Park tennis courts was identified as an asset that was deterioriating and the repair costs were considerable. TCDC were approached to purchase the land to keep the area as a recreational space but this was not accepted, so it was decided that the tennis courts would be put up for sale which caused considerable disagreement with neighbours and some members.
A Volunteers Night was introduced in 2008 to recognize volunteers within the User groups and Sub Clubs who had given exemplary service to their group. This event is still an annual event and over the next decade volunteers have become an integral part of the organization.
2009 – The Preschool was established on the land in Sheppard Avenue and a lease was agreed upon for the long-term use of the land for an early childhood education facility.
2010 - An ATM machine was installed at the Club for members. This was the first year the Motorhome parking was offered in the area adjacent to the Mini Putt.
During the latter part of this period of time there was considerable unrest and division in the community with the proposed sale of the Gallagher Park Tennis Courts. The Board of the time were put under considerable pressure and with their best intentions for the benefit of the members and future of the Club the sale went through. They were mindful of the long-term goals of the board at the commencement of the decade to relieve debt by selling underutilised assets and to reinvest in key assets. Maintenance of the Clubhouse had been neglected and membership was declining.
2012-2022
The Board were faced with increased debt, unsold sections due to a depressed property market, maintenance and refurbishment required for the Main building, golf courses and equipment. Finally, during this period after lengthy debates and several General meetings saw great improvements in the Club.
2013 the Menz Shed was formed and eventually in partnership with the Club took over the Annex as their base.
The Pauanui Community Church located at the shopping centre had been paying a nominal fee for the use of the land owned by PSRC and decided to purchase the land from the Club to ensure their security for the future generations. This was agreed upon and allowed the Community Church to progress with their future development.
In 2012 Gallagher Park was listed and sold and the first Ajax Head section was sold in 2013. With the 3 remaining sections eventually sold in 2014 the debt was reduced and the restraint on spending was eased to allow the well overdue developments to proceed. 2014 was a great year of celebration. Loans were repaid, the Main Club was refurbished and plans were in place for further development of Golf courses and the Bowling Green.
John Courtney, President at the time along with the Board members, and a considerable number of volunteers spent many hours to undertake the major refurbishment and development of the Main Club. During this time the Club’s interior was demolished and revamped with the Restaurant moved to the northern end and the southern lounge area designated for Sub clubs and Usergroups. This caused a huge upheaval but the result was worth the pain. As a result of this major refurbishment the new look and layout created a popular venue for weddings and events. The Club Restaurant was now under new management and old equipment was upgraded and replaced in the kitchen.
A new bowling green was established alongside the Main Club but it wasn’t until 2018 that the bowling club moved their administration into the main club and even though the new green had been established it took a huge effort from volunteers and members to eventually produce a bowling green that is now considered one of the top greens in the Thames Valley.
Finally after many years of very little maintenance, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers the Golf Courses were showing improvements. New equipment was purchased and a tree removal program was set in place. For the ensuing years tree felling was included in the budget to allow the Pines Course to regenerate.
During the latter part of this decade Golf Carts were introduced for the Golf courses. At first only a couple of carts to be seen but golf carts have now become the normal for young and old alike.
The Golf shop operation has undergone several changes from a lease to now operating from the Club and a popular Café has also been included in the operation.
After many years of minor repairs and maintenance a very overdue full refurbishment of Mini Putt was undertaken in 2019 with the assistance of the Menz Shed. As a result, Mini Putt has had a resurgence in popularity with grandchildren of families that enjoyed the event from 40 years gone.
Motorhome parking with power sites has become increasingly popular from the initial development. A laundromat was installed in 2018 which has also been a favourable addition to the popular motorhome market. Looking to the future an EV Charging station was also installed at the carpark alongside the Motorhome parking.
During this decade the Club has embraced technology with new software, accounting packages, social media. There has been an increase in membership over this period. Each month social activities have been organized including a Sunday market, Wine clubs, Holiday programmes. Management has undertaken to seek major sponsorship revenue which has enabled further activities and events to be held.
During 2020 there has been negotiations with Preschool to enable them to purchase the land which has required a subdivision of the land alongside the Sheppard Avenue tennis courts. This will future proof the Preschool for future development and their security.
Following earlier surveys of members it is the intention of the present board to enhance the alfresco area on the eastern side of the Main Club. This has not been achieved in this period but will be progressed in the future.
2019 and 2020 have been tarnished with the Covid 19 Pandemic. Nationwide interruptions to people’s lives through this era has affected business and pleasure. The Club like all other businesses had to face difficult times both financially and the welfare of our members. With good management and board support the Club has survived and any major financial expenditure was put on hold during these uncertain times which included the proposed alfresco area.
John Courtney in 2016, Ian Wilkinson 2020 and Beverley Douglas 2022 received Life Membership recognition for their outstanding service to the Club during this decade.
OVERVIEW
The Club over the decades has continued to be the hub of the community providing activities and events not only for the members but for the whole Pauanui Community as was the original vision. Over time there has had to be changes made for the viability of the Club and to future proof the facilities and assets that are considered the core business.
The Club is the meeting place for all groups: Bolivia, Bridge Club, Focus, Garden Club, Golf Club, Indoor Bowls, Mahjong, Menz Shed, Outdoor Bowls, Pickle Ball, Scottish Country Dancing, Senior Net, Walking and Tramping Club, Wine Club, Bar and Restaurant, Motor Home Parking, Laundromat, Monthly fishing competition, Monthly market day, Roast and Raffle nights, Members Draws, Mid winter social events, Melbourne Cup day, Anzac Day, the Annual Summer Series for the whole town, Weddings, funerals and special events. Golf and Bowls have consolidated their membership and governance over time and hosted excellent tournaments and events.
Members can look back over the 50 years history with a great deal of satisfaction from what has been achieved, with memories of many happy sporting and social occasions and a promised future of a strong Club made possible by outstanding generosity and volunteer efforts. The Hopper Family, the Presidents, Committees and Boards over the years along with the Management and staff together with the dedicated volunteers, should look back with pride at what has been achieved to maintain the Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club.
On 2nd January, 1972 approximately 150 section owners met and agreed on the formation of a Club at Pauanui.
- An excerpt taken from ‘Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club Inc. - Thirty Year History (1972 - 2002) ’
Pauanui Club Sports and Recreation Club Inc.
Thirty Year History (1972 - 2002)
Published in 2002 with Contributions by I B Hopper, P Clark and J McDougall
PRE CLUB FORMATION
The first sale of sections in Pauanui, by Pauanui Ocean Beach Resort Ltd, was in October 1968 when 53 lots sold in the first 2 weeks. These were half in McCall Ave and half in the Dunlop Drive area. The following October, 100 lots were developed and sold in a very short time. These were in Courtney Place, Lowe Park Lane, part of Pauanui Boulevard and part of Vista Paku. By October 1970 Prescott Place, McCormack Place, Given Grove, Hobson Place and Kennedy Park Drive had been developed, 176 sections in all. These were all sold in 6 weeks. By then The Pines Golf Course was completed and well in use. The Airfield was extended to full width and well utilised. Kennedy Park was completed with a 500 yard running track, four tennis courts plus a cricket pitch, all in use.
Social gatherings and dances were held in the Pauanui Ocean Beach Resort Ltd. Works Mess Room, (now the "Annex"), along with many visits by Mercury Bay Aero Club for flying competitions and stopovers. At this stage Company Works moved to the new building erected for the workshop and the two aircraft, DAU & BZT. This building being much larger became the venue for socials with only hay bales for seating. These socials were highly successful and the venue became affectionately known as the "Hangar".
At this stage P.O.B.R. Ltd. looked after all these facilities. The Golf course ran on an honesty system with minimal returns making it obvious that there was a need to establish effective management. Jim Brittenden offered to take on the Golf Course and duly established control. At the same time P.O.B.R. Ltd. asked the question "now what about the other activities?" P.O.B.R. Ltd. met with Jim Brittenden and discussed many proposals. After much deliberation the idea of a one all-embracing Club eventuated. Jim Brittenden organised the meetings that followed and set the way ahead to establish what was to become the "Pauanui Club".
To establish a good foundation, support was needed. Trying to solicit membership voluntarily was always difficult. P.O.B.R. Ltd. proposed prepaying membership as part of its sale strategy if property ownership was to be a condition of membership. Residents of the property would then be "associates". This was duly accepted and negotiations proceeded for the Club to purchase a site. The question was where to establish? Sites looked at were where the retirement village is now, the vacant areas in the centre of The Pines Golf Course, and Kennedy Park. Eventually the idea that P.O.B.R Ltd. vacate the Hangar and Works yard site and re-establish to the south of the airfield came into effect, therefore making that area available for the development of the "Club".
This area was surveyed into two blocks to assist the Club in raising finance. The car parks were constructed and the Bowling Green completed. The Company credited from the newly formed Club sufficient memberships at $200 to cover the purchase of this land, the original Mess Room/Hangar, Bowling Green and associated parking area, equating to "a gift" of approx $60,000 at the time.
HISTORY
As early as 1970 some residents were expressing concern as to whether the continued development of Pauanui would create factional interests. This could fracture what was fast becoming a community, which mixed well together due to their common interest in preserving Pauanui as a peaceful and restful place, which all the family could enjoy. It was from these people that the idea of a Pauanui Club was generated. This was seen as a means of preserving the mutual interests of property owners, and also to serve as a common meeting ground for families.
These discussions led to the late Jim Brittenden, (affectionately know as "Brit"), in August 1971, approaching the following to be co-sponsors:
A J Spraggon, W W Williams, G S Robinson, P A Clark, T Tuck, F C Hart, G A Poulgrain, N Mortimer, J D Rose, I Wylds, R Gibbons, C Parsons, K Deal, R Balm, W S Hopper, A Carr, Mrs M C Scott & I B Hopper.
Those selected were a mix of local residents and property owners from Auckland, Hamilton, Thames, Rotorua and Hikuai. These co-sponsors arranged a meeting in the Hanger for 24th October 1971, for property owners. Over 100 attended, with J D Rose as Chairman and J Brittenden filling the role of Secretary. The aim of the meeting was to gain an indication of the feelings of property owners towards the formation of a Club, catering for all activities both sporting and social, all ages and sexes. It was also discussed as to whether ultimately it should apply for a charter. The gathering was unanimous. As a result of this enthusiasm it was decided to elect a steering committee to investigate all facets of such a Club and included K Deal, I D Armstrong, W W Williams, F C Hart, N P Mortimer and A J Spraggon.
THE FIRST 10 YEARS
1972-1981
This 10 year period was characterised by the establishment of the Main Club, formation of sub clubs, the unique support and generosity by P.O.B.R. Ltd. and the Hopper family, outstanding volunteer efforts and rapid membership increase.
At this stage Pauanui consisted of the area from The Glade to Dunlop Drive, on the harbour side of Vista Paku, and from Courtney Place to the Airtels Motel, on the south side of Vista Paku, Easdale Place, Wilton Smith Avenue and Claxton Avenue had come on the market in October 1971. The Pauanui development was designed to end at the airstrip, so it was almost fully sub-divided. The areas south of the airstrip came later. Sheppard Avenue was the main road in. After several meetings the steering committee called a meeting of property owners and on 2nd January 1972 approximately 150 section owners met in the Hangar and agreed on the formation of a Club at Pauanui.
The following were elected as an organising committee to investigate ways and means of bringing the Club into existence:
K W J Deal - Chairman
C J Parsons - Deputy Chairman
P A Clark - Secretary
J A Brittenden - Deputy Secretary
I D Armstrong, MJ Donnelly, J Heaven, W Linn, Miss M Brown, F Easdale, I B Hopper, B Ray, G Richardson, A J Spraggon, Mrs S Rose and Mr Brittenden was approved Publicity Officer.
Regular meetings were held; questionnaires were forwarded to property owners regarding their wishes as to the activities of the Club, plans drawn and possible locations for the buildings sought. The area in Kennedy Park Drive, where the Retirement Village is situated, was a logical choice, and the erection of a Surf Club pavilion was the main priority.
Easter 1972 saw the next positive stage: a further public meeting of residents approved the set of Rules devised by the Committee and agreed that incorporation of the Club should proceed immediately. Over 80 families signed the formal request that the Club be incorporated. At the same time the rate of family subscription of $15.00 was agreed with a $200 entrance fee "credited" to the Club by P.O.B.R. Ltd for section ownership.
The Club moved rapidly to build the Surf Pavilion. The aims and objectives of the Club could not have been put into practice were it not for three elements:
The most generous offer of Pauanui Ocean Beach Resort Ltd to deed to the Club four and a half acres of land, the hangar, bowling green, mess hall, plus road access and parking area, to the total value (in 1971) of $60,000 in exchange for the right to allow purchasers of their sections to join the Club with a prepaid Entrance Fee from part of the sale price.
The large numbers of then residents who not only willingly paid the first year's subscription without any return in the way of facilities, but also uplifted debentures to ensure a sound start to the Club.
The use of income derived from the revenue producing Sub-Clubs, as a means of extending other Club activities.
A brief review of the aims expressed at meetings of the original committee not only illustrates why the sequence in development has been followed, but also quite clearly states what the prime purpose of the Club is. These are from various meetings and do not necessarily follow any order of importance:
"The club should act as a central point for all interests of the community and to do this must cater for all of each family"
"To enable every family to participate, subscriptions for the parent Club, should be held to the lowest possible level".
"That all activities should operate on the basis that the user pays, i.e. that members should not be 'taxed' for provision of facilities they did not desire to use"
"That all Sub-Club finances be banked and grouped with the parent Club, so that resources are available for the provision and support in the initial stages of such service clubs as may be needed examples are the Youth Club and Surf Club"
"That the committee of the Club be broadly representative of all sections of property owners in Pauanui and be therefore capable of speaking with Local Bodies and the like on behalf of residents, and thus avoid the possible fractional groups which could only serve to disrupt the community"
In keeping with its aims and objectives, the Committee proceeded with the building of the Surf Pavilion before the real planning of the Club Lounge was undertaken. In the meantime the Golf (now Bowls) pavilion construction was being considered. At this stage property owners and families were the only members of the Club - this was the requirement until 1987.
Frank Easdale, P.O.B.R. Ltd. Town Planner, who laid out Pauanui, was responsible for the overall layout of the Club Lounge whilst Ian Hopper oversaw the planning and construction of all buildings. Murray McLean was responsible for organising all the interior decorating and ensuring everything was ready for the opening. Peter Clark, then ANZ Bank Manager, Thames, arranged a $65,000 loan for the construction, while many members took up debentures.
The contract was let to Viv McNabb Ltd of Tairua and the lounge was built and officially opened on Boxing Day, 26th December 1973, when the membership was nearly 600. A ticket system operated and it was several years before a charter was established. Arch Lipanovic was appointed as the first Secretary/Manager for a brief period but real stability was provided by Jim Borlase who held the position of Manager from 1974-1982. Volunteer committees were constantly changing, but the decision to form a four person Executive working with Jim, responsible to the General Committee, provided permanence in a period of rapid expansion. The Pines Golf Course was leased from P.O.B.R. Ltd. and thanks to the efforts of Jim Brittenden a very strong sub club started to emerge. The Youth committee was also very active with a wide range of activities organised for the younger family members. The well attended Tennis Club was centred on the Kennedy Park Courts, (leased from T.C.D.C.), while a very keen group of enthusiasts ran the Boating division. A Cricket club using Kennedy Park had solid support. Although a bowling green was provided and used on a green fee basis, no official sub club was formed until 1983.
A Flying Club was established in 1974, along with the Play Centre registered as a sub club. The Bridge Club was formed in 1977 while 1978 was a boom year with the Indoor Bowls, Scottish Country Dancing and Badminton Clubs forming. There were demands for a Squash Court but other buildings had financial priority, due to insufficient support to make Squash available. There was a strong liaison with the Hikuai School and Pauanui Fire Brigade who made use of the Club lounge and the Hangar. Anzac Day Parades also made use of the Club facility. Highlights of the Christmas holidays were the sports and carnival days established by P.O.B.R. Ltd. and subsequently linked to the Clubs programme.
On the development side in 1973 a quiet room was established with a Library, Cribbage sets and Chess Boards available for members use. In 1974 Put'n'Putt was built by P.O.B.R. Ltd. and since that time has produced an excellent source of revenue for the Club. In 1975 the Golf/Bowls pavilion was completed and further extensions were made to the Club lounge. 1977 saw the kitchen upgraded and a caterer appointed. The first colour TV was purchased in 1976 and a billiard table was bought to replace one on loan. In October 1977 P.O.B.R.'s generosity continued with the deeding of the Pines Golf Course to the Club to the value of the water reticulation system only, in exchange for prepaid entry fees for issue to future purchasers of sections.
The Community Church was built in 1979 on land donated by P.O.B.R. Ltd. together with a grant of $10,000, on the unique stipulation that the Pauanui Club would own and administer the land and building. With strong fund-raising support from the local residents, the Church was dedicated in October 1980. The Stained glass window representing the topography of the Coromandel Ranges, with various panels depicting the flora, fauna and gold mining was commissioned by Mrs Edith Hopper, (mother to the Hopper brothers). In May 1980 detailed plans were tabled for the development of the Club but it was not until 1988 that these were completed.
One of the saddest times in this period was the death of Jim Brittenden in September 1977. Jim had produced comprehensive and far reaching plans for the future of the Club and he was rewarded with a Life Membership in January of that year. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the Club, the entrance street to the Club was named Brittenden Place, where a memorial tree and plaque still remain.
The most frustrating aspect of this growth period was the restriction placed on the Club by the Liquor Licensing Authority. This limited membership numbers, children and under 20's in the lounge, bar hours, ticket systems etc. and it was not until December 1979 that the Commission granted a Charter Licence, still with severe limitations.
Despite the growing pains of the first 10 years the Club had truly satisfied the objectives of the founders. Many members had enjoyed the social and sporting aspects of this community based centre and the multiple successes were celebrated at a Ball held on Saturday 21st November 1981.
THE ROLLER COASTER PERIOD
1982 - 1991
These ten years featured a dramatic increase in memberships, Club facilities strained to the limit, massive resignations following the share market crash, removal of the membership clause linking property ownership, reduction in the entrance fee from $500 to $50 and eventually major building additions. Administration problems plagued the first five years when five managers came and went. Fortunately Mrs Shirley Robertson, who had been appointed Office Secretary in 1979, provided the continuity until her retirement in 1988. Mrs Jeanne Edgecombe and Mrs Jewel Hughes then joined the staff with Jeanne serving for seven years while Jewel is still today the Membership and Board Secretary. The Club was particularly fortunate to obtain the services of Paul Brunton as resident Treasurer from 1986 - 1992 and his professional input was a vital stabilising factor in this hectic financial period.
In 1983 the Club adult membership reached the maximum of 2250 allowed under the licensing laws and an extension to 2750 was granted. Unfortunately the boom in sales by P.O.B.R. Ltd. accelerated to such an extent that new property owners were denied membership of the Club and a waiting list with a holding fee was introduced. The Rules of the Club were altered to allow spouses to resign from the Main Club but be able to play in Sub clubs. The expected resignation of these women members was to provide elimination of the waiting list for males. The transfer of membership rights on the sale of a section was also removed. The share market crash of 1987 heralded a drastic fall in membership with the Club losing over 1000 members by 1989. The entrance fee was dropped from $500 to $50 despite the fact that P.O.B.R Ltd. still held hundreds of $500 entrance fees which had been purchased with the transfer of assets but the decline continued and the financial input from P.O.B.R. Ltd. from the sale of sections was negated by this decision. In 1982 the Pauanui Youth Club membership reached a peak of 1028 members. To celebrate their success, additions were made to the hanger. Toilets, kitchenette and storage rooms were installed and the building was renamed the Recreation Centre. A loan of $50,000 from the ANZ Bank Ltd. was secured to pay for the amenities and to extend the dining room and office, while also providing for a cotula bowling green. In the same year the Surf Club Lodge, for much needed accommodation, was completed.
In December 1984 the Lakes Golf Course, developed by P.O.B.R. Ltd. and later leased to the Club, was officially opened. In the same year the Gallagher Park and Sheppard Avenue Tennis Courts, together with surrounding land were deeded to the Club in exchange for $100,000 worth of Entrance fees (200 x $500). Maurice Edgecombe, in 1985, was appointed as Greenkeeper.
In 1988 Mrs Kath Hopper was awarded Life Membership in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Social activities of the Main Club and the Boating division.
Despite the membership and financial problems of 1988, the sub clubs remained strong and the Main Club provided regular Social activities, exciting Christmas programmes and continued as the heart of Pauanui. Two gaming machines introduced as the forerunners of the great increase in revenue, produced in the late 90's.
A bold move was completed in 1989 establishing a new Golf Shop, extending the Dining room and TV area, while enlarging the Billiard room. In June of 1989, a major A.G.M. was held when a recommendation was debated to purchase land between the existing bowling green and Vista Paku, to establish a second green. Bowling club memberships were increasing at such a rate that ballots were held as to who played in tournaments. A vigorous meeting saw the decision to purchase the land lost by 73 to 87 votes. In the early nineties Graeme Bell had a major positive influence on improvements to the Golf Club and the financial aspects of the Main Club. Since the Golf Shop had been moved to the Southern end of the building it was decided to provide a large sealed car park, which would cater for Golf and Main Club parking. This made it possible to build a second Bowling green on the old 24 berth car park between the Bowling green and the north end of the Main building, rather than purchasing additional land, (a saving of $160,000), or placing the green on the existing 10th golf fairway. The decision was approved in 1991 and work completed in 1994. Thanks to a lottery grant and many hours of voluntary work, the complex was opened debt free.
1990 saw the pleasing regular monthly meetings of the Garden club, Orchid club, Arts group, Handcraft and Mah Jong well attended. The granting of an Off Licence for liquor sales to members was finally achieved after 10 years of restrictive debate.
In 1991 Sub committees reporting to the Executive were instigated for Finance, Grounds, Social, Maintenance and Membership. This greatly increased the volunteer's input of expertise, ideas and efforts, as an aid to Club performance.
The 20th Anniversary Ball was celebrated in the refurbished Recreation Hall in January 1992.
CONSOLIDATION LINKED TO CHANGE
1992-2001
This ten year peroid was epitomised by rebuilding the membership numbers, returning to the original concept of properties linked to membership, relaxation of the licensing laws, improving facilities, varying the nature of the Club to respond to the changing social needs of members while bringing the financial and management structures into line with modern business practices.
ACTIVITIES
What was to become the Sports Weekend in subsequent years, was established for Golf by Air New Zealand and Team McMillan BMW in 1989, later joined as sponsors by Rogers Boat Shop/Yamaha, this grew to encompass the other sub clubs sports and has now become a feature weekend for members.
Support for the winter Jazz Festival has also grown throughout the 90's and has become an exciting day on the Club's calendar.
The Halberg Day raising funds for the Trust was introduced in 1993 and has become a pleasing occasion for golfers and out-door bowlers. The Heineken Golf Classic, which commenced in 1998, has become another successful highlight on the golfer's programme.
The Melbourne Club Extravaganza was first celebrated in 1993 with profits from the event enjoyed by many volunteer organisations in Pauanui over the last eight years.
In 1995 the organisation of snooker and billiards became a formal part of the Club by the members forming an official Sub Club.
Valiant attempts were made to establish a Croquet Club in 1996 but despite the best endeavours the venture was unsuccessful through lack of support.
A Petanque court was provided in 1997 and this has resulted in an enjoyable social sport over the years. The greatest success for Sports lovers has been the introduction of SKY television in 1998, becoming so popular that the large screen was purchased in 1999 to give improved viewing to the capacity audiences.
DEVELOPMENT
In 1993, with funding by club members and the community, Church extensions were completed and dedicated in October 1994. (The maintenance of this building has been made possible by 10 years of annual funding at the Labour Day Fair). $50,000 was expended in 1993 upgrading the Bistro kitchen while further funds were spent in refurbishing the Main Lounge during 1994. During this year a new Development Committee was established with the task of drafting plans for the future of the Club. The identification of water reticulation on the Pines Golf course was a priority and the Club received permission to install their own bores, (instead of using costly Town Supply), with considerable long term savings accruing.
1996 was rewarding for the ladies, who had lobbied long and hard, with the completion of the sorely needed sub club kitchen, additional toilets, with a sun deck and barbeque area at the north end of the Club.
Increased maintenance of all buildings was undertaken in 1997 and all equipment and machinery was placed on a sound financial replacement programme. As part of fulfilling community role, plans were commenced to establish a Skateboard Bowl Park on land owned by the Club. Working with the Community Board and T.C.D.C., (who purchased the site), this project was completed in 2000.
A new Futures Development group was established in 1999 and many plans were studied for the Main Club building extensions. Agreement in principle was reached that any further enlargements would be in an easterly direction and to this end the No 10 hole on the Pines Golf Course was realigned.
Outside dining was in great demand and the first improvements were undertaken during 2000 with pleasurable success.
Upgrading the Put'n'Putt was prioritised and this produced increased entertainment and significant financial gains during 2000/2001.
Since purchasing The Lakes Golf Course, increased housing on the boundaries has caused danger and damage worries from errant golf balls. Some effective changes have been made to the course, but major realignment is being studied.
In 2000/2001 a private company was given permission to lease Club land for the construction of a Driving Range, which has produced a much-needed facility for members.
Upgrading of the Annex and the Recreation Centre in 2001, with a new drive-through and extended parking, will be of benefit to the many users of our facilities.
MEMBERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
The Waterways project was commenced in 1993 by Hopper Developments and with a change in directors of P.O.B.R. Ltd; pressure was placed on the Club to reconsider returning to the original concept of membership being linked to a financial interest in a Pauanui property, with the developers again contributing to an Entrance Fee (lately named a Development Levy). After considerable negotiations this became a reality in 1996.
A move by the Executive in January 1996 to lower the Main Club subscription, while increasing the Sport Sub Club's contribution, ("user pays"), was defeated by members. In June 1996 substantial changes were made to the Club's Constitution and members agreed to purchase the Lakes Golf Course from P.O.B.R. Ltd. for $620,000. (Just below Govt. valuation).
To pay for the Lakes Golf Course 10 year memberships were offered from 1st April 1997, the principal concept being that a major saving in interest would offset the cash flow lost in the 10-year period. To replace the lost cash flow, a membership drive was undertaken with a return to memberships based on land. Using an amnesty of six months, section owners who were not members were given the opportunity of joining the Club without paying a Development Levy and this produced 400 new members, taking the adult membership over 2000 for the first time since 1988. Unfortunately the 10-year membership offer was only subscribed to $200,000 and a private mortgage was obtained for the balance, leaving the Club "Asset Rich but Cash Poor."
In 1999 a Task Force consisting of Tom Armour, Ken Isles, Barrie Jones and Graeme Bell, assisted by the then general manager, was set up to look at all aspects of the Club's administration, Funding, Membership and role in the Community. A Special Meeting in April 2000 approved their recommendations, which were confirmed in a new constitution (22/10/00), basically changing the organisational structure to one of Governance and Management with an Executive Board of Directors and a Chief Executive Officer. Part of the C.E.O.'s role is fiscal reporting to a Director with responsibility of Finance. As a result the role of Treasurer was discontinued. The Club is indebted to Graeme Perry for his total dedication to this task from 1994 to 2000. Jeanne Edgecombe's contribution as Secretary/Manager for six years up to 1995 was significant, while Dan Hayden 1995/1998 and Hewitt Harrison 1998/2000 made individual input, followed by Michael Williams for one year from September 2000. Mrs Valerie Johns was appointed General Manager with effect from 5th November 2001.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The new Board have and are addressing the major tasks of criteria for membership, subscription structures and entrance fees, in an endeavour to eliminate serious inherited anomalies, while being fair to all present and prospective members. In June 2001, acting on the recommendation of the Task Force, the first elected Executive Board produced a thoroughly researched Business Plan, which will be the key blue print for the future success of the Club.
Despite the numerous changes in Constitutions, Administration, and Financial aspects, members can look back over the 30 year history with a great deal of satisfaction from what has been achieved, with memories of many happy sporting and social occasions and a promised future of a strong Club made possible by outstanding generosity and volunteer efforts beyond compare. The Hopper Family, the Presidents, The Executive members, the Managers and Staff, together with the dedicated volunteers, should look back with pride that the original objectives of the Club have been maintained. All should give thanks for the enjoyable privilege of being a member of the unique Pauanui Sports and Recreation Club Inc.