Staff common room

A delightful club for University staff and PhD candidates. Members enjoy discounts, facilities, a subsidised bar, and event invitations at Old Government House.

About the club

Established to help promote collegiality and social interaction among University staff and PhD candidates, members can enjoy the friendly service and range of food and beverages at the  Buttery Bar and café.

The Staff Common Room Club has been located in Old Government House since 1971.

Club notices

Old Government House opening hours
Summer break: Old Government House, including the bar and café, is closed from 21 December, reopening Monday 13 January 2025. The Member's Lounge is closed from Monday 16 December for renovations, reopening Monday 13 January 2025.

Standard hours: The bar is open from 12pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday, and from 12pm to 9pm on Fridays. The café is open from 8am to 2pm Monday to Friday serving hot and cold drinks and cabinet food. Both the bar and kitchen are open on Friday evenings. Chips, pizza and more are available from 4pm - 6.30pm.

Membership
Staff who pay for membership by payroll deductions are automatically renewed. If you are a PhD student, or if you paid your subscription by a one-off cash payment, you will need to re-join the Staff Common Room for 2025. Membership renewal forms are now available at the bar, or you can print off a membership form below and bring it in.

Jazz night
On the last Thursday of each month be entertainined by fabulous School of Music Jazz musicians. Cool music with hot chips.

Functions
Did you know that Old Government House can be hired as a function venue by SCR members?  A stylish and roomy venue for your next wedding or birthday perhaps? Talk to Val the Club Manager for details.

Membership benefits

Club members and their guests enjoy access to a comfortable dining experience, exclusive bar facilities, and a relaxed environment situated on picturesque University grounds.

As a club member, you’re entitled to:

  • Subsidised café and bar
  • Billiards room
  • Reading lounge
  • Meeting rooms

Discounted venue hire

Club members can also take advantage of discounted venue hire rates, should you wish to hire rooms for private functions such as weddings, anniversaries, or informal meetings.

For more information please visit Old Government House room hire.

Social functions

The Staff Common Room Club hosts a number of social functions each year, including wine tastings, whisky tastings, and Strawberry and Champagne socials.

We can also cater for private functions, from 10 to 200 guests.

Who can join?

Please note: The Staff Common Room Club reserves the right to limit the number of approved Society applications at any time.

Membership costs

Membership type Cost
(per calendar year)		 Payment options
Academic staff

$115
  • Fortnightly salary deduction ($4.33 per fortnight)
  • Cash/credit card/EFTPOS
Professional staff

$57.50
  • Fortnightly salary deduction ($2.21 per fortnight)
  • Cash/credit card/EFTPOS
PhD candidates $28.75
  • Cash/credit card/EFTPOS
Other members $115
  • Cash/credit card/EFTPOS

Application forms

If you’d like to apply for membership, please download, complete, and return one of the application forms below:

Opening hours

The café is available to all staff members, with club members enjoying subsidised prices. Bar facilities are for members and guests only.

Café

  • Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm (kitchen closes at 2pm)

The Buttery Bar

  • Monday to Thursday, 12pm-3pm and 3.30pm-7pm
  • Friday 12pm-9pm

Contact

For more information about membership, the club or Old Government House, please contact:

Club Manager
Staff Common Room
Old Government House
Email: scr-manager@auckland.ac.nz

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