Club History

How Spinnaker was established

In 1989, the Kapi-Mana Speakeasy Toastmasters Club based in Tawa decided that it was time to consider the establishment of a second club in the Porirua area, and in the following year, four members of Kapi-Mana: David Knight, Brian Greaves, Gillian Cross and Tony Cross formed the establishment committee for the new club.

First meeting held in 1990

The first public demonstration meeting was held at the Bradey Room on 1 May 1990. With the help of many members from Clubs within the Wellington area, several demonstration meetings were held. Interest in the new club was high, and a sufficient number of members to charter a new club (20) had signed up within four meetings.

Chartering of club

After several successful meetings, the Spinnaker Speakeasy Toastmasters Club was eventually chartered on 18 September 1990, with Brian Greaves as the Charter President.

Club name decided

The name “Spinnaker” reflects the area covered by the club, which includes those communities bounded by Camborne, Paremata, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay, Pauatahanui, Papakowhai and of course, Whitby. The “Speakeasy” part of the name was dropped in 2001 in line with current club naming trends.

Club achievements

Spinnaker has achieved Distinguished Club status twice, Select Distinguished Club eight times and President’s Distinguished Club for the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Toastmasters years, achieving 9 or 10 goals in the Distinguished Club Programme.

Check out Spinnaker’s progress in the current year’s programme on the Toastmasters International website.

Happy 30th birthday, Spinnaker Club!

September 2020 marks the month Spinnaker Toastmasters Club turns 30!

To celebrate this milestone, President Gary arranged for a special cake to be made by club member Megan. Everyone enjoyed the cake during supper at our meeting on 1 September 2020!

Spinnaker celebrates 20th anniversary

Spinnaker celebrated its 20th anniversary on Tuesday 7 December 2010 with a special evening of guest speakers and the club’s annual prize-giving award ceremony.