Rise From The Ashes Fundraiser

We are fundraising to rebuild our beloved Pony Club following the fire in February this year.

The Waiheke Island Pony Club, a beloved community hub -51 years strong was devastated by a tragic fire destroying the club rooms, hay storage and tack shed.

This club has been a vital part of our island's fabric, offering a safe space for children and adults alike to bond with their horses, learn valuable skills, and create lasting memories.

Join us for the silent auction and place bids on the incredible items donated by our generous supporters. Your participation will directly contribute to the club's rebuilding efforts.

The Waiheke Island Pony Club has always been more than just a riding school. It is a place where children learn responsibility, where friendships are formed, and where our community comes together. Rebuilding the club is not just about restoring physical structures; it's about preserving the spirit and resilience of our island community.

Even if you cannot bid, you can still help by sharing this page with your network. The more people we reach, the greater our chances of reaching our fundraising goal.

A brief history of our 50 year old club
1972 - Mr and Mrs Dan and Ann Healey started the Putiki Bay Pony Club.

According to Mr Healey leaflets were handed out to ferry passengers inviting members, and alighting passengers were greeted with hand held signs appealing for Instructors. There was no shortage of riders but the Putiki Bay Pony Club had to be closed down as instructors were hard to find. Mr Healey handed the balance of funds, about $45 and 2 cups over to the new Pony Club formed in 1973 with the condition that his remaining members be allowed to join it without paying a fee.

1973
Extract from the minutes of a meeting held at the Area School on April 10th ’73 called to consider the formation of a Pony Club.

Present: Mrs Kawabe, Mrs Carnarvon, Mrs Ericstead, Miss S. Dean, Mrs Carey, Mrs McNab, Mr Lammond, Mr Glover, Mr B. Storey.

Mr Lammond acted as Chairman and Mrs McNab as Secretary. Another meeting was decided upon of all interested parties to be held on April 29th. A notice was placed in the local paper announcing that a club was to be formed; a letter was sent to the Council askind for assistance in providing a ground. A letter was also sent to the NZ Pony Clubs Association enquiring about affiliation and seeking advice on the formation of a Pony Club. A few simple rules about riding gear and equipment were drawn up.

April 29 ’73 meeting – There was enough support and the Club should go ahead.

First Rally May 6th 1973 at the Country Club Ground – Onetangi

A July ’73 meeting set the annual subs and decided that the Clubs name be:- The Waiheke Island Pony Club

The Club colours were a mustard shirt with brown tie and cardigan/pullover.

It was decided to apply to the Pony Club Assoc. for affiliation.

Also decided was to use the Country Club ground as headquarters but the Country Club insisted that all Pony Club members must be financial members of their club.

Council were approached and gave permission to use a 3 acre area designated for the cemetery, this then was the Clubs first real ground.

1973 ended with a decision to tender for a vacant block of rather derelict land in Blackpool that was owned by the Council. Clearing the land, erecting a perimeter fence was required and the Club offered $100 a year rent.

Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer at this time were Mr Carnarvon, Mrs McNab and Mrs McElrea.
1974
In January 1974 the Club occupied the Blackpool Reserve. It was hoped that the Council would formally grant a lease.

Grazing rules were made, including a rather amazing one: That all applicants for grazing must have attended 25 rallies in the year.

3rd February ’74 – First Gymkhana

Competitors were:

Erica Kawabe, Fiona Poppelwell, Adrian Meyer, Claudia Goreham, Sonia Gunn, Denise Stevens, Fiona McNab, Laureen Burgess, Cyril Carnarvon, Jason Gunn, Angela Bolton, Amanda Popplewell, Penny Carey, Judy Lennon.

In July ’74 all rallies and grazing were suspended as the grounds were in a poor state and the beach front needed fencing. It seems Jill and Nick Parker held the Club together during this period.