Who We Are
Friendship New Zealand Incorporated (FNZI). is a welcoming social organisation for people living in New Zealand who are retired, semi-retired or soon-to-retire. It aims to stimulate thought, interest and participation in activities at a time of life when it is easy to lose interest and engagement. Typically members first join when they are newly retired, but not exclusively. We encourage people who are not yet retired to consider joining. There are no age restrictions. If you feel at home with us we welcome you to stay with us. We have active members from their 50s to their 90s. As long as you feel you want to be engaged with us, we will keep a place for you.
If you are partly or wholly retired, man or woman,
FNZI may be a great option for you. We'd love you to join us.
Do Friendship Clubs vary in type?
Today, in New Zealand there are clubs with both men and women members ( called Combined Clubs) but there are also single-sex clubs both those for women only or or men only. There is a good chance that you will find a club to suit your preference nearby. Clubs also vary in their degree of formality and the range of activities they offer their members.
Do you have to be retired to join our Clubs?
No, it is not a requirement that you must have retired to be a member. However, since almost all of our clubs in New Zealand have their main meeting in the daytime (and most in the mornings) it might be difficult for a person still working to get to the monthly meeting.
Do you pay to belong to an FNZI Club?
Most Clubs charge an annual subscription to cover the costs of room hire, vouchers for outside speakers and morning tea. A recent survey across the country gave a range from $20 to $60 a year. The setting of the membership subscription is the responsibility of the local FNZI Club so there is fairly wide variation. Clubs also vary in the extent to which their outings are self-funded by participants or subsidised by Club funds of external funding agencies.
Do Clubs all have the word “Friendship” in their name?
No. While many do, the choice of Club name is a matter for the local Club. What the Clubs have in common is their affiliation to Friendship New Zealand (FNZI) and their commitment to the ethos of providing FRIENDSHIP FELLOWSHIP AND FUN for their members.
