The 2NZEF Club started in 1949 as a breakaway from the RSA. WW2 veterans, families and friends gathered to socialize in a room above the current Hannah's shoe store in Gisborne. They became part of a nationwide 2ndNZEF association. In the late 60's to the 80's they moved to a Lena Rurus house where the current EIT is. After much fundraising, in 1983, they purchased the land and building which is where it now stands at 333 Palmerston Road.