This week, some have been reunited at a celebration of The Trusts’ 50th Jubilee.
Former and current members gathered to honour the milestone and share memories, in Henderson, Auckland.
Guests savoured watching the slideshow of photographs spanning a half-century. Speakers highlighted milestones from The Trusts’ long legacy of supporting the West. Among them was Portage Licensing Trust foundation member Janet Clews who remained an elected trustee, apart from one term, for 47 years until 2022. Janet recited her own poem to the delighted audience.
It all began 50 years ago when the Portage Licensing Trust first met at the administration office building of Auckland Council and the Waitākere Licensing Trust held their initial meeting at Waitemata City Council chambers in Greys Avenue, Auckland.
The Portage Licensing Trust’s inaugural trustees were Janet Clews, Brian Black, Merv Dunn, Ralph Maxwell, Ewen Wainscott, Frank Knipe, John Currie, Mike Daly, Jack Elder, and Rev Robert Mills.
Founding members of the Waitākere Licensing Trust were Bruce Coker, Reg Davies, Colin Kruse, Noel Murray, George Holborrow, Ken Carter, and Jack Smyth.