R.W. Bro SJ (Selwyn) Cooper

RW Bro. Selwyn was born in Taumarunui, in the King Country. He was one of the early post-war baby boomers and was brought up with 3 siblings on a small mixed dairy, sheep & beef farm a few miles to the west of the town ( with the Whanganui River part of the farm boundary).

This region was a recreational mecca for growing lads, with many recreational hours spent canoeing (often swimming to recover a make-shift raft or boat), tramping and mountaineering activities.  These were often part of a heavy involvement in scouting, including the attainment of the Queen Scout Award.

Following primary & secondary education at local schools, a move north to Auckland for tertiary education at University & Technical Institute seeking an accountancy qualification, was undertaken. This was duly attained and in later years was supplemented with qualification and membership of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & a Postgraduate Diploma in Corporate Management.

Practical work experience was obtained working for two Chartered Accountants. This was soon overtaken with a longer-term career in the dairy industry. Positions held included that of Accountant, Company Secretary, Financial Controller & General Manager, spanning a period of some 30 years.

Whilst employed by The East Tamaki Co-operative Dairy Company, several Freemasons of notable distinction were instrumental in raising RW Bro Cooper's interest in the Craft.  The Company boasted many members affiliated to different Lodges over the years, until it was integrated into the wider industry amalgamation in the 90’s. Members of the craft included MW Bro Ken Norton, (an electrical contractor), RW Bro Sam Schofield (PDepGM) General Manager until retirement in 1983, along with VW Bro Bert Wolfenden, (Cream Products Manager) & VW Bro Tam Lowen (Transport Manager).  All could be seen from time to time in possession of a “Blue Book”, silently speaking to themselves. W.Bro Quinn Cole (PGD) was Chairman of Directors of the company for over 20 years.

As part of a commitment to the dairy industry, RW Bro Cooper also served on a number of industry committees, notably as a Trustee and Director of the Dairy Industry Superannuation Fund for 12 years until retirement in 2003.

Industry rationalisation in the 90’s eventually saw the demise of the innovative East Tamaki Dairy Company of South Auckland.  Its location within an expanded residential area, the introduction of the provisions of the Resource Management Act, changes with technology and an increasing economic scale of milk volume required to remain competitive resulted in the closure of the various processing plants in 1997.

RW Bro Cooper’s Masonic resume notes that he was initiated into Papakura Lodge
# 56 in October 1987.  Some 9 years later, after holding every Office leading to the attainment of King Solomon’s chair, he was installed as Master in 1996. Other Offices held within the District included Secretary of the South Auckland Masonic Charitable Trust and Secretary & Director of the Duke Street Masonic Building complex.

Following a term of Office as Master of the Lodge, in mid 1997 the Office of Grand Secretary became vacant.  With the task of preparing the East Tamaki Dairy Company for liquidation completed, RW Bro. Cooper applied for this position and was appointed to hold Office until his retirement in February 2003.  This appointment took him away from South Auckland to Wellington for 7 years until returning to Manurewa in 2004.

During his term of Office as Grand Secretary, a new administrative structure was proposed and following the majority acceptance by Brethren of Lodges, this was introduced to the Craft in November 2000.  Freemasonry in its organisational format was dissected and repositioned as per its current structure in NZ, three Divisions with respective Districts aligned to a Division.
As with any reorganization the change management caused a certain level of misapprehension, particularly as there was some reluctance to move away from the perceived position of comfort and customs.  Nothing is constant and so the majority of Brethren in the late 90’s saw an immediate need for Freemasonry to reposition itself to meet the challenges of the 21st century.  Further structural change was approved in 2008.

RW Bro Selwyn is well supported by his spouse Jan and their 3 children. Over the years he has served a number of community interests such as being on School Committees, holding position of Treasurer, being Scoutmaster on three different occasions at various locations in the upper North Island, as well as having an interest in community benevolence.

Recreational interests, now more in the past, have included tramping (all of the North Island mountains), skiing & fishing. Today things are much more passive, as he is a keen supporter of many sports and has an onlooker role involving the interests of Grandchildren (4 Grandsons), and of course Freemasonry tends to account for much of the leisure time.

The ongoing challenges of Freemasonry require a Divisional Grand Master to apply his administrative skills in the encouraging of Brethren and the success of their Lodge. There is a need to focus on development of a greater public awareness of Freemasons, and the part they play as a valued charitable support provider within the community.  Within respective Lodges, there is also a need to improve standards of Lodge education, longer term planning, provision for suitable & conducive refectory amenities, and maintenance as to standards of ceremony and a social interaction by Brethren with their spouse, partner and families. The active participation, co-operation and support of all Brethren is a vital ingredient in order to attain goals as required over coming years