In 1983 Malcolm Iversen, who had been a stalwart of the North Shore Rowing Club, and who now had a daughter at Takapuna Grammar, approached the Headmaster Jack Kelly, to seek approval to re-establish rowing as one of the school's sports. In July the club was formed with early direction given by Dudley Storey and Eric Craies of the West End Rowing Club. Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club became affiliated to West End and rowed from it's Westhaven boathouse. An old eight and four were purchased - the 'Conrad Robertson' and the 'Takapuna'.

The first few years were formative with coaching done in the main by Malcolm and Barbara Iversen, and Colleen Tonei. John Beck was the Rowing Master. Results were unspectacular, but there was a large amount of enthusiasm. Two boats soon proved insufficient and with parent support and fundraising more were bought. Third placings at the Maadi Cup began to appear using the new wonder eight, the 'Milt Conway' and in 1989 Malcolm’s crew won the girls Under 16 Eight (pictured).

The level of support continued to increase as did the membership. So now, despite the fact that the club owns four plastic eights and five plastic fours, the pressure on the equipment is as great as it ever has been, with one season at Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club, giving the boats the equivalent of five seasons of work at a rowing club.

In 1989 the club formally adopted a constitution for its management and development and in 1990 became an incorporated society, affiliating directly to the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association so that now, whenever the crews compete, it is in the distinctive blue and gold of Takapuna Grammar School. The growth and success of the club is such that Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club is now the top performing co-educational school in the North Island.

Learn more about where and when it all began, by John W Beck.