Early beginnings

[memories forever]

the 1950s & 60s. The beginnings of serious bodybuilding in NZ. How many can recall bodybuilders from that era many of whom trained at the Auckland YMCA before Clive Green arrived on the scene and way before Les mills ventured into the gym industry. Names such as Mr NZ Ron Tanner who was really one of the founding fathers of NZ bodybuilding and someone rarely mentioned today.I remember Tim Lau a Mr Auckland in the 60s who trained at the Y a man of huge proportions for those pre steroid days. Never found out what happened to Tim after those years. Bob Bruce was aother who came to NZ from Australia and enjoyed some success before returning to Australia. Those really were fledgling years in many respects. Someone should write a book on those early years.

[Gym rat]

That is a very good idea memories forever That would be a great book to read with the history of this sport in NZ plus it woul be worth buying as well.That 's if someone out there dose write a book on the history of this sport hear in NZ.

[i_lift_2]

Tim Lau , history as i know married in 1970 and settled down with his new family and competed up to his 50s last comp maybe 1982.

I have many fond memories of him competing, and we have mostof his heavy trophies and a collection of photos from that era . 8)

[Matrix]

I worked there for several years and they have an anniversary book at/around reception.

Not sure but there maybe some references of those pioneers in that book?

Next time im there ill have a look.

[i_lift_2]

Yes i know the book , going by memory there was no mention of body building. Shame tho. Wish an old video would surface of these men competing.wishful thinking . 8)

[doubledworks]

My name is Garth. I am the eldest grandson of the late Ron Tanner.

As far as I am aware there are no body building videos featuring Ronald Ian Tanner, born 31st January 1920.

Ron held a number of titles, Mr New Zealand 1962 and Mr South Pacific 1962 with the last being in 1964.

I am in the process of gathering together some photos which have been missing for a number of years. I will be asking around to see what else I can dig up, ie video's etc.

Ron did write one book however it is on the war, not bodybuilding.

With a bit of luck that will be available online around the end of this year for those that would like their own piece of Ron.

Any interest shown in the purchasing of "The Trigger and The Finger" 2006 written by Tanner, Ronald Ian. (Regtl No 282850, 27 Machine Gun Infantry Battalion 2nd NZEF WWII) can be directed to me personally by emailing garth@doubledworks.co.nz

[doubledworks]

the 1950s & 60s. The beginnings of serious bodybuilding in NZ. How many can recall bodybuilders from that era many of whom trained at the Auckland YMCA before Clive Green arrived on the scene and way before Les mills ventured into the gym industry. Names such as Mr NZ Ron Tanner who was really one of the founding fathers of NZ bodybuilding and someone rarely mentioned today.I remember Tim Lau a Mr Auckland in the 60s who trained at the Y a man of huge proportions for those pre steroid days. Never found out what happened to Tim after those years. Bob Bruce was aother who came to NZ from Australia and enjoyed some success before returning to Australia. Those really were fledgling years in many respects. Someone should write a book on those early years.

Don Oliver was a dear friend of Ron Tanner and while researching today I came across his book. You can read the first chapter here and or if you want to purchase it, feel free to contact them anytime.

http://www.donoliver.co.nz/index.asp?pageID=2145825920

[Beef]

the 1950s & 60s. The beginnings of serious bodybuilding in NZ. How many can recall bodybuilders from that era many of whom trained at the Auckland YMCA before Clive Green arrived on the scene and way before Les mills ventured into the gym industry. Names such as Mr NZ Ron Tanner who was really one of the founding fathers of NZ bodybuilding and someone rarely mentioned today.I remember Tim Lau a Mr Auckland in the 60s who trained at the Y a man of huge proportions for those pre steroid days. Never found out what happened to Tim after those years. Bob Bruce was aother who came to NZ from Australia and enjoyed some success before returning to Australia. Those really were fledgling years in many respects. Someone should write a book on those early years.

Don Oliver was a dear friend of Ron Tanner and while researching today I came across his book. You can read the first chapter here and or if you want to purchase it, feel free to contact them anytime.

http://www.donoliver.co.nz/index.asp?pageID=2145825920

why are you constantly asking people if they want to purchase stuff?