About the Club
Discover the essence, history, mission, and values of our exceptional club
History
In 1962, Jolyon Firth read about Toastmasters in a Rydge's Journal and decided such an organisation would be of benefit to a number of Aucklanders. An inaugural meeting was held on November 12, 1962. A motion was put that a Club be formed; this was carried unanimously.
The Charter Party was held at the Gourmet Restaurant, Shortland Street, Friday 26 April 1963. The Charter oration and presentation was made by the Honourable R. M. Algie, Speaker, New Zealand House of Representatives. Auckland Toastmasters Club, was born.
In its impressive 60-year journey, the club has attained international acclaim, with two distinguished members, John Fauvel and Len Jury, achieving the esteemed position of International President. This exclusive office has been held by only a handful of Toastmasters outside the United States throughout the organization's history, highlighting the club's exceptional achievements and contributions.
In 2023, Auckland Toastmasters Club celebrated its 60th anniversary. Some of the past club presidents were present during the meeting
Our Mission
When the Toastmasters Club was formed, we had an unwritten agenda for the goals the club was to achieve; goals which were at the core of the thinking of the key people who led its formation.
These were, essentially:
That each member must retain their own personal individuality, that is their initiative, and not have it compromised or re-moulded by the requirements of the manual; while at the same time gaining from it the best that the Toastmasters standards offer
That each member would retain their personal speaking style and personality;
That the club would develop its own distinctive culture;
That we would open new clubs as fast as members were available.
As they say, the rest is history.
The Club has its principal goals firmly rooted in better LISTENING, THINKING and SPEAKING.
In the Community
Many of the Members of Auckland Toastmasters Club have been active in public speaking outside the club and have been involved in launching other Toastmasters Clubs such as AM (Breakfast Club), Aotearoa, Roskill, Heritage, Advance, City of Sails, Toast of Broadway and Varsity.
Past club member Michael Moka spoke at a TEDx event, which can be viewed on Youtube.Â
The club has been known to train notable groups such as the Auckland Blues.