100th Anniversary Celebrations
20 July 2025 - Lunch at Abel Estate, Kumeu
22 July 2025 - Memorial Tree Planting, Auckland University
20 July 2025 - Lunch at Abel Estate, Kumeu
22 July 2025 - Memorial Tree Planting, Auckland University
20 July 2025 - Lunch at Abel Estate, Kumeu
Not many clubs are lucky enough to survive 100 years - and still be in an active and vibrant state.
But that is the situation the Auckland Natural History Walking Club has just celebrated, on Sunday 20th July 2025.
Not many clubs are lucky enough to survive 100 years - and still be in an active and vibrant state.
But that is the situation the Auckland Natural History Walking Club has just celebrated, on Sunday 20th July 2025.
A group of 93 people, consisting of current members, past members and special guests, gathered at Abel Estate in Kumeu to share camaraderie, many memories and a lovely lunch to mark this auspicious occasion.
The sun shone brightly out of a clear blue sky as everyone arrived between 11.30 and 12 noon, by bus and car, to be welcomed warmly into a foyer full of interesting memorabilia - first to catch the eye was a large photo on an easel of our founder, Marguerite Crookes (1898-1991), at her graduation in 1921.
Vanessa & Liz
Nearby tables held old photos, copies of Pataka (club magazines), two of Marguerite's paintings, books she had written and a beautiful oval silver tray which had been presented to her by the Auckland Botanical Society, for her many years of service.
With name tags in place and drink vouchers in hand, people then moved into the main dining room and bar area to seek out familiar faces from past walking experiences and to enjoy a good old ‘chin-wag’.
When a whistle blew at 12.30 to cut across the hubbub, the request was made for everyone to be seated so proceedings could begin.
With name tags in place and drink vouchers in hand, people then moved into the main dining room and bar area to seek out familiar faces from past walking experiences and to enjoy a good old ‘chin-wag’.
When a whistle blew at 12.30 to cut across the hubbub, the request was made for everyone to be seated so proceedings could begin.
Our President, Linda Scott, welcomed everyone to the 100th anniversary lunch, and extended a special welcome to our guests:
Guest Speaker - Ruth Lyons from Wanaka, who is Marguerite’s niece. Ruth was accompanied by her daughter Clare Baldock.
Andrew and Ruth Mitchell - Club’s Auditor and his wife, who is an ex-member of the club.
Leabourn’s Bus Company staff - General Manager Lyndon and his Mum Gail, Carol who deals with our bookings, and Dave our current friendly driver.
Guest Speaker - Ruth Lyons from Wanaka, who is Marguerite’s niece. Ruth was accompanied by her daughter Clare Baldock.
Andrew and Ruth Mitchell - Club’s Auditor and his wife, who is an ex-member of the club.
Leabourn’s Bus Company staff - General Manager Lyndon and his Mum Gail, Carol who deals with our bookings, and Dave our current friendly driver.
Out-of-towners who had made the trip to Auckland for this occasion were mentioned - Chris Rabey (Wellington), Molly Burke (Christchurch), Tina Chan (Cambridge) and Wendy Elder (Whakatane).
Some long-time members who have passed away, and others unable to attend due to ill-health, were also acknowledged.
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There was also an 80th birthday to celebrate!
Praemi Perera’s birthday coincided with the club’s 100th, so members sang a hearty Happy Birthday to this valued member who has shared her plant knowledge on so many walks. |
Thanks were then extended to Gail and Derek Nelson for our stunning 100th anniversary cake - Gail baked it, Derek decorated it - a great team effort!
Sandra in tramping gear!
Then Linda announced the MC for the day, Sandra Turner.
A few shrill whistle blasts followed, as Sandra emerged in her tramping gear, complete with wooden stick. She feigned surprise to see everyone dressed up and looking so “posh”, then embarrassment because she had worn the wrong gear. Nevertheless, she delivered the housekeeping matters, pointing out emergency exits, encouraging people to admire the cake before it was cut and urging them to write a memory on the cards provided at the tables, with the pens printed with the club name, which were kindly donated by Vanessa Cozens.
Then members were invited to approach the buffet, table by table, to partake in the sumptuous lunch supplied by Abel Estate.
A few shrill whistle blasts followed, as Sandra emerged in her tramping gear, complete with wooden stick. She feigned surprise to see everyone dressed up and looking so “posh”, then embarrassment because she had worn the wrong gear. Nevertheless, she delivered the housekeeping matters, pointing out emergency exits, encouraging people to admire the cake before it was cut and urging them to write a memory on the cards provided at the tables, with the pens printed with the club name, which were kindly donated by Vanessa Cozens.
Then members were invited to approach the buffet, table by table, to partake in the sumptuous lunch supplied by Abel Estate.
Amidst the clatter of cutlery on plates was a steady hum of conversation, as diners caught up with those seated nearby.
During this time, MC Sandra (back in “posh” clothes like everyone else) shared the first of several “Snippets” from the past. This collection of memories was from the 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary in 1975, featuring a newspaper article, and marvelling at trip costs of $1 - $2 for a walk, $18 for an overnight trip and $65 for a long weekend. Sandra also pointed out that Marguerite was still involved in the club she started 50 years earlier and had written a letter to the club, a copy of which features in the latest Pataka magazine.
During this time, MC Sandra (back in “posh” clothes like everyone else) shared the first of several “Snippets” from the past. This collection of memories was from the 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary in 1975, featuring a newspaper article, and marvelling at trip costs of $1 - $2 for a walk, $18 for an overnight trip and $65 for a long weekend. Sandra also pointed out that Marguerite was still involved in the club she started 50 years earlier and had written a letter to the club, a copy of which features in the latest Pataka magazine.
A short time later, the second “Snippets” item was delivered and consisted of members’ memories that had been recorded, on green paper leaves, at the time of the 90th anniversary celebrations at Soljan’s in Kumeu. Some entertaining stories amongst them!
Ruth Lyons - Marguerite's Niece
Next, it was announced that Ruth Lyons - our special guest - would cut the 100th anniversary cake. This was a special moment for Ruth, as there was a photo on the table of her Aunt Marguerite cutting the 40th anniversary cake (in frock and hat), so she felt a strong connection with both her aunt and the history of the club.
Following this, Ruth spoke to us all, expressing her gratitude and excitement at being “tracked down” to be part of our special celebration and to represent her Aunt Marguerite. She described the young Marguerite Crookes to us, imparting a sense of what an amazing woman she had been and just how much she had achieved in her lifetime. Not only did she gain a BA at a fairly young age, but went on to attain an MA in English and Botany at Auckland University. She then lectured in Botany at the University and took her young students on field trips to the Waitakere Ranges, which led to the early beginnings of our club. In fact, Marguerite was so active in the Waitakeres bush that a track was named after her, the Marguerite Track, which our club has walked on many occasions. Sadly, it is one of the tracks that has recently been permanently closed as DOC does not have the funds to continue maintaining all the tracks in that area.
Following this, Ruth spoke to us all, expressing her gratitude and excitement at being “tracked down” to be part of our special celebration and to represent her Aunt Marguerite. She described the young Marguerite Crookes to us, imparting a sense of what an amazing woman she had been and just how much she had achieved in her lifetime. Not only did she gain a BA at a fairly young age, but went on to attain an MA in English and Botany at Auckland University. She then lectured in Botany at the University and took her young students on field trips to the Waitakere Ranges, which led to the early beginnings of our club. In fact, Marguerite was so active in the Waitakeres bush that a track was named after her, the Marguerite Track, which our club has walked on many occasions. Sadly, it is one of the tracks that has recently been permanently closed as DOC does not have the funds to continue maintaining all the tracks in that area.
Ruth went on to tell us that Marguerite wrote many articles for a couple of newspapers on various native plants and these articles were then published in a book called “Plant Life in Maoriland - a Botanist’s Note Book”, when Marguerite was only 28 years old. She subsequently wrote about New Zealand ferns, which went on to have six editions.
And then there was her painting, she dabbled in every medium and even illustrated some of her articles with plant drawings. And she was a potter, and she tried her hand at carving - Ruth has a small carved desk and chair which were a gift from her aunt.
Ruth was thanked by Sandra for her illuminating talk about Marguerite, then there was another group of “Snippets” - this time it was made up of members’ memories from the 95th anniversary, held at the Milford Cruising Club. Following that, a selection of dessert items were set out on all the tables, along with slices of the anniversary cake, and tea & coffee were available at a refreshment station beside the buffet.
 Molly B.
Once everyone had satisfied their sweet craving, we enjoyed hearing some more “Snippets” from the 95th, before listening to 3 speakers from our club - Chris Rabey, from Welington, who joined at 26yrs old and has been a member for an astonishing 49 years, followed by Sharleen Bishop and Molly Burke, both of whom have had a big involvement in the club, held various offices and organised and led many walks. |
Sharleen & Linda
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Their three talks all had some common themes, such as the camaraderie of the club, the interesting places the club takes it’s members to walk, the facts learned about flora and fauna, and the fun involved in the weekends away.
These speakers were thanked by MC Sandra and a final group of “Snippets” from the 95th memory book were shared, before Linda, the club's current President, was invited to speak again.
These speakers were thanked by MC Sandra and a final group of “Snippets” from the 95th memory book were shared, before Linda, the club's current President, was invited to speak again.
Linda spoke of the Pataka magazine - how old copies, including a "special 40th anniversary" edition had been discovered in the archives while preparing for this event, and how the idea was formed to prepare a "100th anniversary edition" as a gift for all the members at the celebration lunch.
As the Club Secretary wrote in 1958 - For the Natural History Club, "PATAKA" will contain the rich treasury of experiences accruing to members from their excursions into the bush or the sea-shore. This knowledge will be stored and used, not only by present members, but also by future members who may wish to benefit from the past activities of the Club. So "PATAKA" will add to the already high mana of the Club, and it will become a storehouse which, with the passage of time, will be full to overflowing.
Linda compiled a wonderful 100th edition Pataka, with articles from the past along with more recent information and lots of photos - indeed, a storehouse of treasures for now and the future.
Linda went on to thank Ruth for joining us today, and for her very significant contributions to the occasion. We were delighted to have somebody with us who "knew" Marguerite sharing in this special celebration.
As the Club Secretary wrote in 1958 - For the Natural History Club, "PATAKA" will contain the rich treasury of experiences accruing to members from their excursions into the bush or the sea-shore. This knowledge will be stored and used, not only by present members, but also by future members who may wish to benefit from the past activities of the Club. So "PATAKA" will add to the already high mana of the Club, and it will become a storehouse which, with the passage of time, will be full to overflowing.
Linda compiled a wonderful 100th edition Pataka, with articles from the past along with more recent information and lots of photos - indeed, a storehouse of treasures for now and the future.
Linda went on to thank Ruth for joining us today, and for her very significant contributions to the occasion. We were delighted to have somebody with us who "knew" Marguerite sharing in this special celebration.
Sandra offered heartfelt thanks to several people who had helped with the success of this day - Katherine Chiu the photographer, our 3 speakers, Derek and Gail (the cake makers), Leabourn Bus Co. for past service and support, and Abel Estate our host today. And to all the past and present members who came to participate in this day, making it so memorable.
Sandra then gave a special vote of thanks to Linda, who had undertaken a huge load of responsibility and work to make the 100th happen.
In particular, in 3 areas, her persistence and determination created great results. These were in finding a relative of Marguerite’s to join us at our 100th birthday, in compiling and printing a 100th edition of Pataka, and in organising a permanent memorial to Marguerite - which will be completed next Tuesday with a tree planting at the Auckland University.
In particular, in 3 areas, her persistence and determination created great results. These were in finding a relative of Marguerite’s to join us at our 100th birthday, in compiling and printing a 100th edition of Pataka, and in organising a permanent memorial to Marguerite - which will be completed next Tuesday with a tree planting at the Auckland University.
We were all then invited to walk out onto the driveway for a group photo, ably taken by Katherine Chiu - standing on a chair! This produced a lovely anniversary photo of a very happy group of members of the Auckland Natural History Walking Club.
As everyone finally left the venue, after some last minute chatting, they were all given a copy of the 100th Pataka to take home, to read and keep. No-one left that day without new-found knowledge of where this great club originally came from, who was responsible for creating it and nurturing it for several decades, and what an amazing woman we have to thank for the legacy she passed on.
It was an honour to be part of the celebrations!
Many thanks to the "100th committee" (Sandra T., Marilyn, Liz, Vanessa and Linda) who pulled this special day together. Text: Sandra T. Photos: Katherine
As everyone finally left the venue, after some last minute chatting, they were all given a copy of the 100th Pataka to take home, to read and keep. No-one left that day without new-found knowledge of where this great club originally came from, who was responsible for creating it and nurturing it for several decades, and what an amazing woman we have to thank for the legacy she passed on.
It was an honour to be part of the celebrations!
Many thanks to the "100th committee" (Sandra T., Marilyn, Liz, Vanessa and Linda) who pulled this special day together. Text: Sandra T. Photos: Katherine
22 July 2025 - Memorial Tree Planting, Auckland University
Following the very successful 100th anniversary celebration and lunch at Abel Estate in Kumeu on Sunday 20th July 2025, two days later, another event was organised at Auckland University.
On another beautiful sunny day, 36 people gathered in the grounds of the University, outside the School of Biological Sciences, to plant a tree in honour of the club's founder, Botanist and University Lecturer from the 1920’s, Marguerite Winifred Crookes.
On another beautiful sunny day, 36 people gathered in the grounds of the University, outside the School of Biological Sciences, to plant a tree in honour of the club's founder, Botanist and University Lecturer from the 1920’s, Marguerite Winifred Crookes.
The University’s School of Biological Sciences, through the assistance of Cate MacInnes-Ng (Professor, School of Biological Sciences) and Jason Paulger (Grounds & Precinct Manager) kindly provided a healthy young puriri and a site to plant it, and the club provided a commemorative plaque.
Ruth Lyons
Club President, Linda Scott, said a few words of introduction, welcoming everyone to the event and giving a bit of background to how this came about. Linda welcomed Guest Speaker, Ruth Lyons, who is Marguerite’s niece, and two of her siblings - sister Dot and brother Rod, along with his wife Suzi. The University was thanked for their involvement with us on this occasion.
Then Ruth spoke about her Aunt Marguerite and how important education had been to her and all the members of the family since then. She outlined the numerous family members from several generations who have all studied at University level, in a great variety of subjects.
Ruth commented on how appropriate it was that we were planting a puriri in Marguerite’s memory, as she had been particularly fond of those trees. Ruth then proceeded to read an excerpt from Marguerite’s book, “Plant Life in Maoriland - A Botanist’s Note Book”, where the author had written about the puriri and what a pleasing tree it is.
Then Ruth spoke about her Aunt Marguerite and how important education had been to her and all the members of the family since then. She outlined the numerous family members from several generations who have all studied at University level, in a great variety of subjects.
Ruth commented on how appropriate it was that we were planting a puriri in Marguerite’s memory, as she had been particularly fond of those trees. Ruth then proceeded to read an excerpt from Marguerite’s book, “Plant Life in Maoriland - A Botanist’s Note Book”, where the author had written about the puriri and what a pleasing tree it is.
The club then heard a few words from Bruce Burns, Associate Professor at the School of Biological Sciences, who said how pleased the University was to share this occasion with the club and to provide a special place for both the tree and the memorial plaque.
Led by Linda and Ruth, club members all took a turn to move a spadeful of soil into the cavity around the puriri, to secure it in it’s new home.
Led by Linda and Ruth, club members all took a turn to move a spadeful of soil into the cavity around the puriri, to secure it in it’s new home.
Following some photos, as a record of the occasion, everyone walked over to Old Government House to enjoy a light lunch in this stunning building. This event represented an appropriate “rounding off” of the 100th anniversary proceedings and the club’s honouring of it’s founder, Marguerite Winifred Crookes. She now has a permanent memorial, right on the spot where her botanical story started all those years’ ago.
Special thanks to Praemi and Margaret B. for their assistance in pulling this special occasion together!
Text: Sandra T. Photos: Katherine
Text: Sandra T. Photos: Katherine