Star Boating Club is a Wellington based rowing club, situated on the waterfront adjacent to Whairepo Lagoon. It is the oldest rowing club in Wellington, having existed since 1866. Star is one of New Zealand's oldest active rowing clubs and sporting organisations. It is home to rowers of all ages. Its club building is classified as a "Category I" historic place by Heritage New Zealand.
History
Star Boating Club was conceived in 1866 when the country was in the midst of the New Zealand Wars and the West Coast Gold Rush. Star has its origins based in various boats including gigs, cutters and whaleboats when the owners of decided to join together and form Star Regatta Club. This name was later changed to Star Boating Club. In 1881, Star and Union Rowing Club Christchurch first instituted 'club rowing races' as they are known today. By 1903, Star's membership had blossomed to over 400 people. The club went through darker times during the Great Depression and, of course, 150 and 117 Star members shipped out to serve in World War I and II, respectively. So many members served in WWII that a 'Star Platoon' was attached to the Wellington Regiment's 'B Company'. Star members at the time included George Cooke and Lord Freyberg. Indeed, the 50th anniversary of the club itself was postponed ten years because of the advent of WWII. The club celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2016. It maintains a strong membership of Wellingtonians who still deem it an honour to wear the blue and white colours.
Building
Star Boating Club has had three club houses. Over the years, the expansion of Wellington City and the development of its shoreline necessitated the Club to move four times. The first two club houses were sheds. The first shed was near the site of the Wellington Cenotaph. In 1874 the club moved to its second shed. By 1883 the club needed to move again and it was at this point that the current building for the club was built. It was designed by club member and architect William Chatfield.
Renovation and refurbishment
As part of the redevelopment of Wellington's waterfront in 1989 the building was relocated to its current site. At this time it was also extensively refurbished. Is Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the clubhouse was earthquake-strengthened.
Between 1969 and 1973 Downstage Theatre occupied the clubrooms while the rowing club continued to operate from the ground floor. The building has been also been used for major events in Wellington, including the 1992 Fringe Festival, the 1993 Gay and Lesbian Devotion Festival, and the InternationalFestival of the Arts in 1994 and 1996.
