Big changes for Mangawhai Probus Club

Mangawhai Probus Club has joined other Probus clubs from around the country and broken away from its affiliation with Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL).

The Probus name came from the UK, set up by Rotary as a social club for retirees. The name has been used in New Zealand for over 40 years and retired people have enjoyed the fun, friendship and fellowship of these clubs.

Probus clubs in New Zealand and Australia have been affiliated to Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL), however, clubs in New Zealand felt uncomfortable as PSPL moved to a more commercial model, demanding membership lists, contact details and personal information.

The Probus organisation within New Zealand has been through an upheaval over the last few years. In 2004 a group investigated breaking away from PSPL and forming Probus NZ Inc. While they were not successful at that time, another attempt was made in 2014. A steering group was formed and in March of that year Probus NZ Inc was registered with the New Zealand Companies Office.

Things changed when PSPL acquired the NZ trademark rights to the name Probus. Those clubs not affiliated to PSPL were threatened with legal action if they continued to use the Probus name.

In New Zealand there are now two choices of affiliation and the Mangawhai club voted at its March AGM to align with Rebus NZ Inc and will now be known as Mangawhai Combined Rebus Club.

The club has been in existence for around 23 years continues to meet on every third Thursday of the month to enjoy the company of members and carry out the same activities they did as a Probus Club. It is only the name that has changed and now the club is pleased to be affiliated to a New Zealand-based organisation.

Following the March AGM 70 members of the club had a very enjoyable barbecue picnic under umbrellas at Riverside Holiday Park, Mangawhai.

■ Mangawhai Probus meets every third Thursday in the month at the Senior Citizens Hall, Fagan Place, Mangawhai at 2pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. Contact 431 5777.