The Whakatāne Camera Club welcomes enquiries
from photographers of all levels.

Hey There

We have an active Club with members who range in ability from beginners to experienced enthusiasts and professionals with a wealth of photographic knowledge. The aim of the club is to promote photography and to improve the photographic skills of its members in a friendly and supportive environment. We hold monthly competitions, occasional workshops, and have access to salons and events organised by our parent body the Photographic Society of New Zealand.

The Whakatāne Camera Club meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the Fletcher Cole Hall at 15 McGarvey Rd, Whakatāne. Our meeting will be deferred to the following Tuesday if it falls on a public holiday. In Summer we also meet every third Tuesday of the month for a less formal get together and outings. All are welcome.

Our History

It is believed that The Whakatāne and District Camera Club started after the end of the Second World War, probably using cameras brought back by ex-servicemen.

In 1953, club member Doctor Fletcher Cole offered land and building materials for the erection of a clubroom. This came to fruition over the next few years with the Car Club and Cine Club coming on board. It was officially registered as an Incorporated Society in 1956. In 1959 a trust was established for the administration of the property and hall with four trustees representing; The Whakatāne and District Camera Club, the Philatelic Society, the Car Club, and the Cine Club.

The Car Club and Cine Club have long since folded and today the Fletcher Cole Hall on McGarvey Road remains the shared clubrooms of the Whakatane Camera Club and Philatelic Society.