The Poverty Bay Club is in Gisborne, New Zealand. Since its formation in 1874 the Poverty Bay Club and its buildings have weathered many social and environmental storms including four fires, three earthquakes, and the introduction of women into its inner folds.

A fine example of late Nineteenth Century provincial architecture, the Poverty Bay Club building is an intrinsically valuable landmark in New Zealand’s most eastern city. The building, erected in 1898 is the work of noted local architect William Peter Finneran.

The Gentleman’s Club itself was formed by Dr William Nesbitt, an Irishman, a doctor, a coroner and Gisborne’s Resident Magistrate.

For over 120 years, the Poverty Bay Club membership swelled and shrank in size reflecting the events of the day. It is interesting to note women were not allowed to become members until 1988.

The Churchill Room was built in the fifties and named after Sir Winston Churchill, born the same year that the club was founded. The Club still has a copy of a handwritten letter from Sir Churchill himself.

The PBC is now open to the public with the hope that food, drink, music and pleasure will imbue all those who come…..

For more information or to organise a tour of the building please click on the contact us button at the left of this page.