2025 Advocacy Wrap Up
1 December 2025
Clubs across New Zealand have plenty to offer, with more than 300,000 members nationwide taking advantage of all the benefits of membership. This includes community, friendship, affordable meals, a safe place to drink responsibly and a friendly environment to enjoy gaming, TAB, entertainment and sport.
In order to maintain the best aspects of clubs, Clubs New Zealand takes on a strong advocacy role, representing our 300 clubs to ensure that the voice of clubs is heard loud and clear, standing firm on issues that directly affect our club life and community wellbeing.
Throughout the year, we have made submissions on a wide range of reforms, from taxation and not‑for‑profit sector settings to alcohol licensing laws and gaming frameworks.
In March, we joined Ashton Wheelans in responding to IRD’s Taxation and the Not‑for‑Profit Sector discussion document. In May, we spoke to the Sale and Supply Amendment Bill at select committee, defending the right of clubs to operate responsibly on key public holidays. June saw two important submissions, one on IRD’s Mutual Transactions for Associations and another on MBIE’s review of Companies Office Fees and Levies, both aimed at ensuring fair and workable regulatory settings.
In August, we addressed the Online Casino Gambling Bill at select committee, September brought our submission to the Department of Internal Affairs on the Future of EMS and Alternative Payment Technologies for Class 4 Gaming. October and November saw further advocacy, with submissions on a Parliamentary Petition and the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review. Alongside these formal processes, we have engaged directly with the Ministry of Justice to provide feedback on potential changes to club licence settings, ensuring that reforms reflect the realities of responsible club operation.
Advocacy ensures that clubs are recognised as not‑for‑profit community institutions, that gaming frameworks remain sustainable, that alcohol licensing laws are balanced, and that tax settings support rather than hinder the ability of clubs to serve their members. As Clubs New Zealand CEO, Lucy Waterreus explains: “Advocacy is about making sure the unique voice of clubs is never lost in the wider policy debate. Every reform has real‑world consequences for our members and the communities they serve. Our role is to stand firm, speak clearly, and ensure that decision makers understand that clubs are not just venues, they are vital community institutions.”
As we look ahead to 2026, our commitment remains. Clubs New Zealand will continue to champion the interests of our members, ensuring that clubs remain strong and celebrated for the role they play in building community spirit across the country.
