Harold Mason - President 2020 - 2021 

Harold was born in Westport, in 1943.   He and Betty were married in 1968.  They have two children and five grandchildren.

Their happy marriage was the result of Betty leaving New Zealand,  by ship, for her OE to the UK and Europe two weeks after her 21st in 1965 and Harold following ten months later. They have travelled extensively ever since.

Harold continues his story...

"I completed my education to UE level in Christchurch and in 1959 I was employed by "The Press" as a cadet photojournalist.  After completing the cadetship I started my own New Brighton photographic studio in 1965 during the district's 12 hour Saturday shopping hey-day. 

I became a member of the professional body, gained an Associateship and became national president in 1974.  

I have been self employed ever since (except for a short period in the boating industry when we moved to Nelson. However I subsequently returned to commercial and advertising photography).

The 24/7 work lifestyle led to the purchase of a 17ft RyanCraft and the start of a fifty year involvement with Coastguard New Zealand; starting in Lyttelton, where I gained a Boat Master certificate.  

Betty and I  moved to Nelson in 1984 and I joined Nelson Coastguard, becoming involved in the purchase and importing from the UK of the first ‘Sealord Rescue vessel' and the building of the Marine Rescue Centre near the Yacht Club.  

I was elected national president of Coastguard New Zealand in 1996 and served two years.  

In 2001 I was awarded Life Membership of Coastguard New Zealand. 

Having been a past Jaycee in Christchurch and Rotarian in Nelson, I joined the Stoke/Tahunanui Men’s Club in June of 2011.  My year as president was dominated by Covid-19 and Lockdowns.  This resulted in the committee starting a process of phoning all members on a regular basis.  Country driving in conjunction with Trafalgar Probus was introduced.  Block bookings made for the light entertainment Operatunity shows followed by dinner proved popular attracting 25 to 30 members and partners per show.  

The mindset of people who join service and social clubs is a positive one, but in our club, (in my opinion), it is exceptional.   The friendliness and enthusiasm experienced at monthly meetings, committee meetings, weekly activities and trips away, has been the highlight of my time in the Stoke/Tahunanui Men’s Club."