THE DIARY June 2020

SOCIAL CALENDARJuneTue 2 Snooker & Supper ClubWed 3 Bridge for BlokesTue 9 AGM Information Morning TeaWed 10 Bridge for BlokesThu 11 David Bell: Winning in a Digital

EconomyTue 16 Officers’ Club AGMWed 17 Bridge for BlokesFri 19 Member Lunch: Election 2020 -

Into the UnknownTue 23 Winter Lecture Series: West Coast

Wars with Martin HaworthWed 24 Bridge for Blokes

Fri 26 Young One’s Lunch Group

Tue 30 Snooker & Supper Club

JulyWed 1

Thu 2

Tue 7

Wed 8

Professional Womens’ Luncheon: Suzanne McFaddenBridge for BlokesOfficers’ Club Night

Northern Club AGM

Homeland Degustation Dinner with Peter Gordon ONZM Homeland Degustation Dinner with Peter Gordon ONZMBridge for Blokes

Wed 15 Bridge for BlokesWed 22 Bridge for BlokesThu 23 Dinner with Hon Judith Collins MPTue 28 Winter Lecture Series:

Stephen HoadleySnooker & Supper Club

Wed 29 Bridge for BlokesFri 31 Bankside Bar & Lounge 1st Birthday

Internationally renowned chef, restaurateur and author Peter Gordon ONZM and his partner Alastair Carruthers CNZM are collaborating with the Club to present two very special winter dinners called Homeland.  Peter, based in the UK for 31 years, is now home. The Club is very fortunate he is taking two nights off from The Sugar Club to cook with our team. The six-course tasting menu will showcase the best of NZ produce - Homeland food, cooked in Peter’s signature style, with

HOMELAND DEGUSTATION DINNERTue 7 July & Wed 8 July, 6.30 pm

National MP Judith Collins will join members for a two-course dinner to tell the candid story of her humble beginnings as the youngest daughter of Labour-voting farming parents, to almost the very top of New Zealand politics. After a successful career as a lawyer, Collins became the MP for Papakura in 2002, alongside fellow new recruit John Key. Hear from Judith what it is like to survive-and thrive-for two decades as a senior female politician.

DINNER WITH HON JUDITH COLLINS MPThursday 23 July, 6.45 pm

David is President and Co-Founder at Idea Farm Ventures (IFV), a New York-based consumer & retail venture studio. He is a tenured and chaired professor at The Wharton School where he started Wharton’s first ever course on Digital Marketing and E-Commerce. An early investor in leadingbrands including Bonobos (acquired byWalmart for $310m), Jet.com (acquiredby Walmart for $3.3b), and Warby Parker,among others. Join David, a guru of the“direct to consumer movement” to unpack

DAVID BELL: WINNING IN A DIGITAL ECONOMYThursday 11 June, 6 pm

$18.50pp includes lecture & a glass of wine.

$175pp includes a six-course dinner with matched wines.

$82.50pp included two-course dinner with wine.

The Clubhouse is now open. We thank you for your continued loyalty and support throughout the Government lockdown.

CLUB UPDATE

CLUB OPEN HOURSMonday to Friday 7 am - last entry at 9 pmSaturday Lunch 11.30 am - 4 pmSaturday Dinner 6 pm - last booking 8.45 pmSaturday Drinks & Tapas - 11:30 am - late

matching beverages. Homeland’s goal is to get NZ’s agricultural and fishing industries, artisan makers, growers and producers to get their beautiful produce in front of the kiwi consumer and add value to exports.

how businesses can be more competitive in the digital economy.

C E L E B R A T I N G 1 5 0 Y E A R S

has also seen some change in the past twelve months. I would like to especially thank Hamish Edgar and Andrew Christie for their enthusiastic and valuable contributions to our Club through their contributions to the Committee. Andrew was key to negotiations with the BNZ and assisting management with the modelling of the Bankside projections. I would like to sincerely thank our Trustees and the Committee for their support over these past two years. Every one of the Committee has put a lot of time and energy into our Club in the past year and I would like to thank you, your willingness and enthusiastic commitment to your role is appreciated. The AGM notices will be going out shortly, I look forward to seeing you at the AGM. It’s been an extraordinary two years and I have been very proud to serve you, our members as the first female President.

Titiro whakamuriKokiri whakamuaLook back and reflect so you can move forward.

Victoria Carter ONZMPresident

Upcoming AGMLast month I alluded to the work the committee had done around the rules. In mid 2019 a deeper analysis of the age of our membership along with the impact on the long-term viability of the Club based on existing rules was begun. There are some peculiarities like the age of retirement which are no longer appropriate in 2020.This work fed into the strategy day. It’s been a long time since the rules around membership have been reviewed. In particular the Committee looked at the rules that seemed to benefit certain groups unfairly relative to the bulk of the membership.For example, Rule 26 was arrived at when the age of retirement and government superannuation was 60 years old. New Zealand doesn’t officially have a retirement age however superannuation is paid when people reach 65. The Committee’s view is that the current Rule 26 which sets out the criteria for Senior Membership is out of step with modern society and increasing life spans. As we know people are living and working for longer. There will be many individuals in this category who still work in the city full-time but are now paying a substantially reduced subscription ¼ of the ordinary subscription. Nearly 600 members are classified as senior, that is, “over 60.” We discovered the greatest revenue loss is from over 70’s membership of which we have a large number. This is a most unusual and inequitable rule particularly when we are all living longer. And it is unsustainable for the Club.Looking forward there is a large upcoming baby boomer bubble, some 200 members are aged 55-59. This will have a

June 2020

the fire. It was wonderful to see so many members enjoying this new initiative.COVID-19 has without doubt impacted the Club. We have been closed during one of our more busy periods. It has resulted in a significant loss to our future revenue streams not just from the food and beverage offering but because overnight we saw a dramatic cancelation of forward bookings for corporate functions and accommodation.

As a result we are looking at the business and reviewing all aspects of the operation to reset it for a new business model. The CEO has commenced work on this and members will be advised of the outcomes once these are finalised.It will no doubt take some time for the Club, the city and the country to recover from this.

Last month I mentioned the work the committee had done around the rules. The Membership sub-committee began a more thorough piece of work on the age of members and the impact on the club if nothing changed based on the existing rules. There is a more detailed explanation in this newsletter on the actions the Committee have supported.Making these necessary changes is a sensible strategy to prepare for the future. It will make the Club stronger and also ensure we can continue to make improvements to our Clubhouse as well as to the quality of service and experience for members.Since all these pieces of work from the Strategy Day were initiated the country was thrust into a state of emergency as we tried to contain COVID-19. At the time of writing we are still trying to understand the impact this is going to have on the Club and its activities. It does however make these initiatives even more relevant and important to ensure a strong and successful Club.This is my last newsletter editorial as President; the last two years have gone so very fast. I want to begin by thanking our Chief Executive, Michael Shah, for the way he has re-energised our Club and as a result, and members have commented on this to me, we are seeing a new professionalism in many aspects of the Club. At this AGM there will be a change of guard. The Committee

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Welcome back to the Club. It is so good to be open again and see people enjoying our facilities. It has been a difficult time for so many people. As I write this, last night I enjoyed my first Saturday night dinner in the Bankside Bar and Bistro. The dining tables were full and others were enjoying being around

serious impact on the profitability of the Club. The revenue lost from the present rules is a significant number per annum.This seems inequitable relative to the Ordinary membership. We are therefore proposing at the AGM to remove completely the 25% subscription and align the 50% subscription to the age when superannuation is paid.However, we appreciate that this could have a serious implication for some members already in this category. So, recognising the potential financial impact on those current Senior Members of any subscription category change, the Committee is proposing to “ringfence” the existing senior membership such that they retain their current reduced subscription. Another rule change is to rectify other anomalies, like the ‘Waiheke’ rule. Members residing on one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf were considered ‘country members.’ As we know many people choose to live on Waiheke and it is faster to get to the City than those who live 40 kilometres away and are classed as Ordinary members. This only affects a few members but it is an inconsistency that made sense to remove with these other changes.Making these changes to the rules is a strategy that will ensure the long-term viability of the Club. It is never enjoyable changing rules like this but it is also a sensible strategy to prepare for the future.It will make the Club stronger and also ensure we continue to make improvements to the quality of service and experience for members.

We will be holding an information morning tea on June 9 at 11 am at the Club if you wish to attend please RSVP here or to eimear@northernclub.co.nz.

WINTER LECTURE SERIES: WEST COAST WARS

In early 1860, the New Zealand Government bought a block of land at Waitara, whose ownership was in dispute. This single event was the catalyst for ten years of war between Māori and the New Zealand Government in the North Island. This lecture covers three major events in the Taranaki region. Firstly the two Taranaki Wars, including the siege of New Plymouth. Secondly the development of the Hauhau movement and land confiscation in South Taranaki. The lecture ends with the compelling story of one of the great Māori military leaders of New Zealand’s early colonial history, Titokowaru.

ELECTION 2020: INTO THE UNKNOWN

Just 90 days from the election, political commentators Ben Thomas and Neale Jones share their insights with Club members on how the parties and their leaders are placed, and what to expect, from a campaign dramatically changed by COVID-19. As for the last three elections, we expect an entertaining session and a full house. Ben Thomas is a public relations consultant and lobbyist in Auckland. He is former press secretary to the Attorney-General in the John Key-led National government, and a former political editor of the National Business Review. Neale was Chief of Staff for Opposition  Leaders  Andrew Little and Jacinda Ardern before also becoming a PR consultant and lobbyist. 

PROFESSIONAL WOMENS’ LUNCHEON WITHSUZANNE MCFADDEN

MELBOURNE SAVAGE CLUB: UP FOR A GAME OF CHESS?Members of the Melbourne Savage Club chess club have been playing chess online amongst themselves during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The chess club members have enquired if any Northern Club members would be interested to partake in a game or two with them.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity please email Eimear.

Suzanne McFadden is among New Zealand’s most accomplished sports writers. After a year at the Bay of Plenty Times, Suzanne joined the New Zealand Herald in 1987, where she became the first woman to be on the previously all-male sport department. She covered the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and three successive America’s Cup campaigns. Join Suzanne as she discusses her journey in closing the gap of women’s sports in mainstream media.

Wednesday 1 July, 1 - 2 pm

$35pp includes lunch without wine or $44pp includes lunch with wine.

Tuesday 23 June, 6 pm

$18.50pp includes lecture and a glass of wine.

Friday 19 June, 12.45 pm

$45pp includes one-course lunch with wine.

C E L E B R A T I N G 1 5 0 Y E A R S

Image: Samuel Hartnett

Saturdays at Bankside

DINING

We are pleased to extend Club hours to Saturday lunch and dinner in Bankside Bistro and Bar & Lounge. Members are able to make lunch bookings from 11.30 am - 4 pm and dinner bookings from 6 pm - late. You are also able to enjoy drinks and the tapas menu from 11.30 am to close.

Your safety is our concern. All service is to be seated, spaced, and with a single server. We require that anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms or feels unwell to stay home or self-isolate as appropriate. To help us monitor those entering and exiting the Club, we are using one entry point. To access the Club on Saturdays please enter via Bankside Carpark, controlled via intercom.

Want to bring the kids? Families are welcome to dine for lunch in Bankside on Saturdays. Although we do require children under 10 years to finish dining before 5 pm. Bookings are essential and we do ask for member to please advise us if they are bringing children in advance.

A high standard of behaviour is expected at all times, children’s enjoyment should not adversely impact on any other member’s experience of the Club. There are plenty of items on the current menu to suit young children, or the Kitchen can assist with smaller portions and special requirements, subject to availability. As applies for any guest, the hosting member is responsible for adherence to dress code and behavioural standards.

Have you been trying to conquer sourdough but not quite got the outcome you were hoping for? No need to fret, the kitchen is excited to announce their new initiative, the Northern Club Larder. Freshly baked loafs, hand made dressings, sweet sauces and tea break bites available for order. The team have been careful to consider the dietary restrictions of many members, with a large range of gluten free, nut free and dairy free products.

For those that have been into the Club recently, you may have also eyed our fresh bread stand in reception. Members are able to pick up a fresh ciabatta or sourdough loaf Tuesday through Saturday for $5. To ensure you do not miss out on the daily selection, it is best to place your order online before 3pm, for next day pick-up. Stuck for a sweet treat? Spoil yourself with a pre-made bottle of Pastry Chef Hayley’s Salted Caramel Sauce or

NORTHERN CLUB LARDER

ART: JOHN PARKERLooking for an easy dinner option?Choose from our selection of pre-made meals. Each meal  lasts for five days from pick-up in the fridge or can be frozen for later enjoyment. Portions are based per individual.

Spaghetti Bolognese $12.50 NF DF

Thai Green Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice $14.00 NF DF GF

Braised Lamb Shank with Blue Cheese Mash$18.50 NF GF

Spinach, Ricotta & Pumpkin Lasagne $12.50 NF VG

Coconut Pumpkin Soup $8.00 NF GF V

Seafood Chowder$8.00 NF

Meals will be charged to your Club account. To download an order form click here, or visit northernclub.co.nz/nc-meals-at-home.

MEALS AT HOMEA new artwork has recently been installed in the Bankside Bistro. This work is the product of renowned ceramic artist, John Parker. John is known for his well rounded aesthetic ideal. His works all concern the drama of reactions to shape and colour and arrangement. Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading ceramic artists, John Parker has received numerous commissions and awards for his work and we are thrilled to add such a striking addition to the Club Art Collection.About the ArtistJohn Parker was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1947. After some years studying in New Zealand and London, Parker graduated with a Master of Fine Arts, Royal College of Art, London, in 1975. He returned to Auckland in 1977 where he continues to live and work. “John Parker is an artist of formidable skill, a master designer of exquisite objects of great beauty and as such, he occupies a singular place of distinction in the world of craft/object art” Elizabeth Caldwell, former Director of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Many of our members have been seriously affected by the lockdown. However those in retail and tourism have been very significantly impacted. For many, their businesses were shut entirely (and their staff were not able to work from home). They have still had to pay rent and other expenses.New Zealanders are being encouraged to support Kiwi businesses. We are a community and while we don’t usually promote business, and we are not a business club, the committee decided it was the right thing to give members the chance to support other members in these unprecedented and difficult times. Money moving around our economy is the fastest way to start the healing in our country and get us back on our feet. We hope that you will agree this is a thoughtful way for us to support each other. In recognition that we are not a business club and that these offers may only be of interest to some members we have provided a separate link to view here.

Lemon Curd. Tea break bites range from Bliss Balls, Orange & Pistachio Biscotti, Brownie to Russian Fudge.The selection of dressings available include a Caesar Dressing, Goddess Dressing, Roast Garlic Aioli Hummus, and Honey Mustard Dressing.

To view a complete list of larder offerings, prices and dietaries, click here to download an order form or visit northernclub.co.nz/nc-meals-at-home.

MEMBERS’ MARKETPLACE

IN MEMORIAM

Wednesday 17 June, 8 am or 8 pm

19 Princes Street, Auckland 1010 | PO Box 4291 Auckland 1140, New Zealand | Phone +64 9 379 4755 thenorthernclubnz | | www.northernclub.co.nz

Members’ Events: cathy@northernclub.co.nz Bookings: eimear@northernclub.co.nz Communications: elspeth@northernclub.co.nz

THE NORTHERN CLUB

NOMINEES FOR MEMBERSHIP

AROUND THE CLUB MAY

Mr Paul Smit Mr Peter Gordon ONZM David Heaney QC Dr John Edwards ONZM David Graham

Co-Directors of the Auckland Art Fair joined members

Leighton Smith hosting a thought provoking panel

James Isa’s attempt at Taai’s risotto fish cakes

Iain Rennie reviewing the 2020 Budget on Zoom

Jenny Lynch discussing her former years in print publishing

FIREWOOD

BIG BANGS AND BLACK HOLES

The Alumni Relations and Development team at the University of Auckland has kindly extended the invite to their upcoming online lectures. On 17 June, join Dr Richard Easther (HoD of Physics at the University of Auckland and former professor of Physics and Astronomy at Yale) for a talk outlining the ways that Einstein changed our ideas about space and time, and deep ideas about the expanding universe and black holes.

There is also a great selection of non-alcoholic options; the Nosmopolitan, and other fruity flavours, the White Peach & Passionfruit, Orange & Strawberry and Pineapple Sour mocktails. Of course the classics remain available. Head down to Bankside and taste these top notch creations for yourself.

Bar Manager Jin spent lockdown trialling a new cocktail menu which is now ready for all to taste. His signature Lemon Meringue Pie cocktail is perfect for those partial to a sweet tooth. If spice is more your thing, then you might enjoy warming up with a Chilli Margarita.

NEW COCKTAIL MENU

Many of the world’s social and environmental problems have defied decades of traditional attempts to eliminate them. Fortunately, there is renewed hope from a new movement of investors who are looking to align their investment capital with their heart for positive change. Dr Deb Shepherd and Jamie Newth will disucss if impact investors can lead the way towards an economy that is inclusive and sustainable.

WHY DOES IMPACT INVESTING MATTER?Wednesday 24 June, 8 am or 8 pm

Complimentary live webinar. RSVP here. Complimentary live webinar. RSVP here.

With winter eagerly moving in, the Club fires have started burning. We are on the hunt for firewood. If you have recently chopped down some trees and would appreciate someone taking the wood of your hands, our Evening Manager Jerry, would love to hear from you at jerry@northernclub.co.nz.

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND: RAISING THE BAR

Courts Discussion moderated by Fletcher Pilditch

Mary Kisler educating us on the history of animals in art

Barista Sam happy to be back making coffees for members