THE capital’s first rowing crews raced in pink and white.
This year the Wellington Rowing Club revived the traditional racing colours to celebrate its 125th anniversary, and is launching a limited edition book on its history this weekend.
Club member Michael Grace has been gathering information from archives and personal interviews, and after three years his resulting book is a rich tapestry of the club’s history, full of anecdotes from members, features on striking local figures, and quirky stories about the city.
Writing the book was a labour of love, and Grace’s only prior historical writing experience was posting articles on the club’s website. 
“In New Zealand rowing was an integral part in the early development of the colony. In every city, and Wellington was no exception, the successes of their rowing crews was seen as an indicator of the progress, and superiority, of their citizens,” says Grace.
He tells the story of The Independent newspaper’s 1860s rowing crew, who would row out to meet ships arriving into Wellington to get stories before rival newspapers.
“Depending heavily on newspaper files from England, The Independent maintained its own rowing boats and crews in constant readiness to meet incoming ships. The crew was established by the staff of The Independent newspaper,” states an excerpt from Grace’s book. “The progressive improvement of Wellington’s port meant news from ‘home’ (England) began to be delivered more promptly, and the need to maintain oarsmen to meet the incoming ships soon disappeared.”
The book takes an intimate look beyond just sport, into the lives and times of the people who formed Wellington.
The book’s title, The Dolly Varden Legacy: the History of the Wellington Rowing Club comes from the first boat to arrive in New Zealand with sliding seats.
“The boat was said to be named after the fashionable hats worn by ladies during that period, and there was a women’s costume by that name,” says Grace.
Although the Rowing Club was founded in 1871, the Dolly Varden was later damaged, and the club closed in 1880. This means its origins are actually older than the 125 years, which are counted from 1885 when it was revived by James Stewart, a prominent sawmill owner.
This date kicked off a history of having to work hard to keep the club alive.
Grace says its livelihood was threatened numerous times during its existence. The club’s longevity is due to the determination of many men and women.
And while the club was originally located where the old St John’s Ambulance building now sits, reclamation of land along Wellington’s waterfront meant it had to move. This transforming environment continues to be a threat.
The latest concern is dealing with developments of the Maori waka house next door.
 “The Wharewaka will compete for venue hire, which is a major part of keeping us afloat,” says Grace.
Despite this, he is sure the club will enjoy another eventful 125 years in the current location.
The Wellington Rowing Club 125-year anniversary, The Wellington Rowing Club, May 14-16. The Dolly Varden Legacy: the History of the Wellington Rowing Club book launch, 11.30am-1pm, The Wellington Rowing Club, May 15.