Move mouse over image to see description.

Over the years each of the country Lodges in the Ruapehu district has developed a distinct culture of its own. Embodied in this culture is the essence and practice of the current membership combined with the customs of the past. Initially each Lodge existed to serve the needs of the men, their families, and their community. That there were a number of Lodges reflected both the population of each area, its isolated nature, and the often difficult travelling conditions which existed at the time. Fraternal organisations of necessity needed to be accessible to their members if they were to serve the purpose for which they were established. Each of the existing lodges has been a core of its community over the years and a source of companionship and support for both the members and the local people.

While many country lodge members now reside in the surrounding towns the culture of the lodges still reflects their rural history and practices. In the country lodge of today one still finds farmers, railwaymen, contractors, agricultural workers, tradesmen, and professional men working side by side. This reflects the egalitarian principals that operate in the country where one's security has always been reliant on the support of the others in the community. Despite this there are discernable differences between the individual Lodges that is reflected in the way each was established and has matured. Read each of the Lodge histories and you will see the historical background from which each one emerged to become what it is today.

However, despite each Lodge's individual personality there are common practices that all share which mean that visitors will be welcomed with a level of friendship and hospitality that is unequalled anywhere else in the country.