BRIEF HISTORY OF PROBUS
Probus originated in the United Kingdom in 1965 for the purpose of providing regular opportunities for active retirees to keep their minds active, expand their interests and to enjoy the fellowship of new friends. Membership is open to anyone of good character who has had some measure of responsibility or achievement in any field of worthy endeavour.

CONCEPTION
It was a lady who came up with the notion that the needs of all people and not just male Rotarians could be met by a new Community based Club. So it was in England in 1965 and 1966 that PROBUS was conceived independently by two Rotary clubs. This new concept for retirees offered social contacts and no service constraints, using the name PROBUS from the words, professional and business. One club began with the name "Campus Club" but readily changed this when the two groups realised they were offering a similar activity. In a very short time, through the wide network of the Clubs of Rotary International, PROBUS spread through Great Britain and even across the English Channel to Europe.

NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
The first Probus Clubs formed in the South Pacific were Paraparaumu (New Zealand)in 1974 and Hunter's Hill (Australia) in 1976. Probus has filled a need for today's active retirees, so much so that the growth has been phenomenal. It is now a world-wide movement in twenty three countries.

PROBUS IN PAPAKURA
In May 1989 the Probus Club of Papakura was formed by the Rotary Club of Papakura. This was a men’s only club. Between that date and May 1995 two further Probus Clubs were formed in Papakura. They were both Ladies only clubs. To prevent confusion in May 1995 the Probus Club of Papakura changed its name to Papakura Men’s Probus Club and remains a men’s only club.