What the Building Trust Gave
Sustainability of the building is maintained through the monies paid by todays members for the enjoyment and benefit of themselves and future generations of Rowers.
Setting up the original building trust
Sustainability of the building is maintained through the monies paid by todays members for the enjoyment and benefit of themselves and future generations of Rowers.
Each year the Club made capital contributions to the Fund by settling cash surpluses in the Trust. Those funds were derived from the proceeds of boat rack rentals received from associated schools and from annual Building Fund Levies contributed by Club Members.
The funds, together with compounding interest, were held in Trust and were made available to the Club, upon application from the Committee, for Clubhouse related capital expenditure projects.
In 2014 the Trustees made the first distribution to the Club and when the fund was terminated in 2021, an aggregate of $99,532 had been distributed to the Club all being from the interest accrued of the capital fund.
In June 2021 the Trust was terminated and the final balance of funds, $397,572 was transferred to The Auckland Rowing Club (Inc.). Every active member and affiliate of The Club contributes to the Building Fund through annual subscription of $50 per person which hasn't increased since inception of the fund.
What the original intentions of the trust were
The new addition and extension to the Clubhouse was built between 2002 - 2003 and was funded by:
- A Grant from the ASB Bank Community Trust
- King's College purchasing the right to occupy two bays upstairs in the new Clubhouse.
- Generous Donations from Club members in cash and in kind (materials and services) and general fund raising projects.
Upon completion of the building project, The Club was in a fortunate position to have surplus Building Fund monies of $102,500. As these funds were raised specifically for Clubhouse development, the Committee put forward a proposal to The Club that this surplus should be set aside from general funds and be held separately for the sole benefit of the Club in its promotion of the amateur sport of rowing through the maintenance and preservation of the Clubhouse.
At the 2008 Annual General Meeting the Club resolved to establish The ARC Building Fund Trust with a capital settlement of $102,500. Pursuant to the Club’s Constitution, Trustees were selected from the Club’s membership and Craig Ashby (Chairman), Alistair Dryden and Peter Jansen were appointed. Roy Shepherd was appointed Secretary/Treasurer. Management of the funds commenced in October, 2008.
Building History
The Clubhouse Through the Ages
Stage 1, 1969 - 1971
The ARC Boathouse in all its incarnations, has been the major asset and spiritual home of Auckland Rowing since 1869.
The club is dependent on a boathouse to safely store delicate and expensive equipment, and the ability to preserve and develop this capital asset over time has been a cornerstone in the ARC’s longevity. The original Boathouse was on Queens Wharf at the bottom of Queen Street. Over time the boathouse has moved East, first to Mechanics Bay, then until 1968, to the Landings at Okahu Bay.
The move from Okahu Bay in 1968 left the club homeless for a period until the new 3 bay shed was built at it’s new home in Mt Wellington in 1971. Club labour was used to build some aspects of the Tom Flood designed building, including the forming of the ramp. The extent of the build was three bays for boats, and mens ablution block with weight pit.
Stage 2 of Building - 1977
Two story Lounge added above changing room with temporary kitchen and toilet. Boatshed remained as a 3 bay boathouse.
1976 the clubhouse was extended to house a club lounge, the extent being from gym entry to front of lounge.
Gibson O’Connor , being past members, built the extension at discounted price of $30,000 which club members fundraised for. 1977 Mt Welling Council and The Club laid the ashphalt forecourt. Club members finished casting the concrete ramp.
In 1978 both Tom Flood and Gibson O'Connor waived the outstanding balance of their accounts due to the success of The Club at that seasons National Championships.
Stage 3, 1981
Club Labour built extension to Lounge to provide Gym. This addition extended the 1977 extension to the present interior staircase.
1981 Roger Giese built and installed the structure for an extension of the lounge to the line of the toilet block which Club members clad . The original Tom Flood design wasn’t fully realised until the rebuild in 2001.
The internal staircase leading into the Gymnasium was built by the club giving two access inot he upstairs area.
This new addition gave The members access to another gym area as well as maintaining the Lounge for Social occassions.
Stage 4, 2002
Demolition of 3 Bay boat shed, rebuild boatshed 4 Bays wide x 2 stories high, remove balconies and enclose lounge and gym with curtain wall.
Through prudent voluntary Project Management, a nett residue of $100,000 was surplus at the completion of a building which as largely built by monetary and product donations as well as physical and time donations.
Roy Shepherd was the prudent gate keeper of funds ensuring that monies were received and paid in time. Alistair Dryden was the inspiration and the person with foresight to have the re-build done as well as being a major donor.
Peter Jansen, Michael Smyth and Craig Ashby were instrumental in soliciting significant donations and grants to rebuild the Boathouse and increase its size by more than 200%, greatly increasing the number of rowers who could be accommodated at the club.