History of the Tauranga Vision Club

We were founded in 1991 as Tauranga Vision Probus Club.  Retirement can come too early for many people who wanted and are able to remain active.  Probus clubs were organisations for men and women who have retired from their profession or business and want to maintain a social network with others who have similar interests. Each Probus club was sponsored by a Rotary club and meet at least once a month for fellowship and to hear guest speakers. 

HISTORY OF PROBUS IN NZ

The first Probus club in the South Pacific region was the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. The club was formed in 1974 and was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paraparaumu.  The first Probus club for women in the region was the Ladies Club of St Heliers, New Zealand in 1982.  Following the advent of single gender clubs, the concept of combined gender clubs was developed. Today, there are men’s, ladies’ and combined clubs.

OUR CLUB'S HISTORY

The Tauranga Vision Club was founded in 1991 as a Probus Club with the first President being Betty Bartlett.  The club flourished in Tauranga due to the fact that Tauranga currently has a high percentage of retired folks. Due to demand several new clubs were established in the region.

Unfortunately, through not being properly registered, the ownership of the name, "Probus", in the South Pacific  was claimed by South Pacific Probus, based in Sydney. They increased the capitation fees and adopted a very dictatorial attitude. That resulted in many New Zealand Probus Clubs forming their own organisation, "Friendship NZ Inc", and our club in 2015 affiliated under the new name to become part of that registered body.  

Tauranga Vision Club has continued operating as it has done over the last quarter century, and will continue to meet and prosper into the foreseeable future. This is because of the dedication of many members led by the following club's Past Presidents, many of whom are now deceased (as noted by an * asterisk after their name).