New Plymouth RSA closes its doors after 90 years

As owners of the NPDRSA's clubrooms, we were advised this morning that as a result of the club's insolvency the Executive Committee of the NPDRSA in a meeting last night made the unanimous decision to cease trading as at midnight on Monday 8th February 2010.

We were not present at the meeting, nor were we aware it was taking place. The resulting actions taken by the Executive Committee were done without any consultation with ourselves or the Members.

We wish to stress that the decision to close the Club's doors after 90 years of trading had nothing to do with our recent attempted negatiations with the NPDRSA and we were not involved in the decision in any way.

We understand that in addition to the Executive Committee the meeting was attended by Dr Stephen Clarke, CEO of the RNZRSA.

435 Devon Limited deeply regrets that this action has been taken when as recently as 29 July 2009 in a joint Press Release issued by 435 Devon Limited and the NPDRSA, then President of the NPDRSA Mr Graham Lowe said

I am very excited about what I have seen and learned about today†said Mr Lowe “it is clear that the Crow brothers (435 Devon Limited) have committed considerable resources and are making good progress with their plans for the future of the site†he said. “I am reassured that they remain as fully committed as ever to preserving the RSA's presence here for the future and that what they are planning for the site offers great opportunities for the RSA's increased and ongoing viability in the region. Our future is looking brighter than it has for a long time“ he said.

In spite of the events of the past 24 hours, 435 Devon Limited remain fully committed to the site as the home of the RSA in New Plymouth and hope to be able to work with the Club to find a way forward that will see the Club re-open at the site in the near future. Whatever else happens, we believe it is of paramount important that the returned and services people of New Plymouth continue to have a home on the property in accordance with their wishes and will be doing everything we can to see that happen.

Steve Crow 021-430 675
David Crow 022-0460 511