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.

Spinnaker celebrated its 20th year in 2010, and has been Presiddent's Distinguished Club for the past ten years.

Club name decided

The name "Spinnaker" reflects the area covered by the club, which include those communities bounded by Camborne, Paremata, Plimmerton, Pukerua Bay, Pauatahanui, Papakowhai and of course, Whitby, a planned suburb named after Captain James Cook.

The "Speakeasy" part of the name was dropped in 2001 in line with current club naming trends.