Celebrating 50 Years in New Zealand

In November 2024, we will be celebrating 50 years since the establishment of Probus in New Zealand.

The Kapiti Coast Probus Club was the first Club formed in New Zealand and in fact the southern hemisphere on 4 November 1974 and is still thriving today with over 110 members that meet monthly and participate in a wide variety of outings and activities including wine appreciation, movies, walking, travel and even a book club.

A working group of enthusiastic volunteers from Clubs in both the North and South Island has been convened to assist with celebrating this significant milestone. We are encouraging all Probus Clubs in New Zealand and Australia to celebrate this golden anniversary during their November meeting. To mark the 50-year occasion meaningfully, perhaps a Clubs could host a lunch, a special morning tea or a regional event with a special focus on your Probus history.

A range of initiatives are being considered to commemorate the 50^th anniversary in New Zealand in 2024 which will be outlined on this page throughout the year.

Anniversary Logo

A logo specifically designed for our milestone year has been created for your use. We encourage all Clubs to spread the word on this milestone year by using this logo on all your communications, newsletters and websites. The logo can be downloaded here.

Media Release

Using the media release below, your Club can craft its own story to share with local media. The media release can be downloaded here.

Certificate of Appreciation

Recognise members who have devoted their time and effort to support Probus Fun and Friendship within your Club with a special 50th Anniversary Certificate. The certificate can be downloaded here.

Promotional Resources

A range of promotional resources to use in your newsletters or on social media can be downloaded by clicking on the links below:

Social media image

Newsletter

Lighting of Landmarks

A number of landmarks across the country will be illuminated to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Probus in New Zealand. Please see the full list below of landmarks being lit up for 2024.

Limited Edition Pen and Keyring Gift Set

These limited edition 50th anniversary pen and key ring gift set can be purchased until stock runs out. Great for presentation to members or guest speakers.

The cost of the gift set is $9.50 each plus postage ($14 for 1-5 sets, $18.50 – 6-10 sets, $23 – 11 – 15 gift , $28 – 16+ sets).

To order please visit the online shop in the Probus administration section, scan the QR code or email [email protected].

Government House

In Wellington, His Excellency, Dr Richard Davies is hosting a High Tea at Government House that will be attended by New Zealand Probus Club Presidents and Probus Membership Representatives. We are grateful for this special opportunity that recognises the positive influence and value that Probus has in the community.

Commemorative Book

To mark 50 years of Probus in New Zealand, we intend to produce a number of outputs including a book, podcasts, slideshows, videos, articles and promotional items.
 
We hope to gather material from every Probus Club that highlights the key elements of the first 50 years of Probus in New Zealand and celebrate what Probus is today.

The material sought includes milestone historical events; interesting anecdotes; examples of novel activities; community engagement and amazing Probians. In particular, we want to gather stories from city and urban Clubs as a contrast to provincial or rural clubs to demonstrate the diversity of Probus across New Zealand.

All New Zealand Clubs have been invited to submit material for inclusion in this publication including recorded details of it’s history or where articles have been published about unique or novel events.

The publication will also feature celebrations held in October and November 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary and is anticipated it will become available in early 2025.

Planning Committee Members: PSPL Representative Member/Director Margaret Drake, PDC Liz Smith, PDC Robin Johansen, PDC Derek Lang, Member Peter Cullen, and PSPL Community Engagement Manager Monika Prasad.