Probus New Zealand is turning 50, and the four clubs in Tauranga have marked the milestone with special morning tea gatherings.

They’re also on the hunt for new members with president of the Cherrywood branch, Ian Young, encouraging older residents who feel isolated to join.

“Loneliness in elderly people is a major challenge in our society,” said Young. “Unfortunately, when someone becomes lonely, they tend to withdraw even more – so we try to make our club as inviting as possible and cater for as many interests as we can.”

Probus is a social network of clubs with more than 10,000 members across New Zealand participating in meetings, activities and trips. It originated in the UK in 1965 and opened its first New Zealand chapter on Kāpiti Coast in 1974. Young said Probus is all about “fun and friendship in retirement”, and there’s local branches in Ōmokoroa, Pāpāmoa, Bethlehem and Cherrywood who continually welcome new members.

“My wife, Pat, and I had moved to Tauranga a few years earlier and were looking to meet new circles of friends,” said Young, who joined Cherrywood branch in 2019. “We went along to three meetings and liked the guest speakers they had and found the people friendly.”

With a lack of members willing to step into leadership roles, Young found himself on the committee just four months later. He’s been president four of the last five years and is backed by a hard-working committee that organises coffee meet-ups, games groups, outings and interesting guest speakers.

“Our last guest speaker gave a fascinating talk about the flight of godwits between Ōmokoroa and Alaska,” said Young.

To commemorate 50 years of Probus in New Zealand, club members around the country are holding special morning and afternoon teas, lunches, themed parties, and combined club events. In Wellington, Dr Richard Davies, the viceregal consort of New Zealand as the husband of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, hosted a High Tea at Government House.

“We offer a way to stay in contact with other people,” said Young. “Anyone who’s just retired or maybe looking for more in life is welcome to come along and see if they like us.”

For further information about the Probus Clubs of Tauranga, contact Ian Young on 0274 851305.