Best Club in NZ Announced - is it your local?

30 March 2026

The inaugural Clubs New Zealand Club and Community Awards have announced the country’s top-performing clubs, celebrating excellence across community spirit, engagement, gaming, food and beverage, and overall club experience. With almost 300 clubs nationwide, from working men’s clubs to sports and community clubs, competition was strong, reflecting the depth and diversity of New Zealand’s club sector.

Held on Friday 27 March in New Plymouth, the 2026 winners are:

Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club (Spirit of Club Award),
Mangere Cosmopolitan Club (Club Connect Award),
Whakatane Sport Fishing Club (Community Engagement Award),
Richmond Club (Excellence in Food & Beverage),
Petone Club (Standout Gaming Venue Award),
Glenview Club (Club Excellence Small), and
New Plymouth Club (Club Excellence Large).

Clubs New Zealand CEO Lucy Waterreus says the awards highlight the important role clubs play in their communities.

“While clubs offer many benefits, their existence is completely focused on serving their local community, whether that’s providing a friendly place for a pint, a space to play cards, share a meal, enjoy sport, or connect over memories.

“These awards were created to recognise that community spirit and to showcase the significant work clubs have committed to ensuring the continual success and growth of their clubs in the effort of ensuring club life and community engagement will live on for future generations.”

Congratulations to our seven award winners:

Spirit of Club Award: Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club & James “Jim” Reinke
Jim Reinke has been a loyal member since 1998 and for more than 25 years has embodied the true meaning of Club Spirit. He is the person who always says yes, helping at children’s Christmas parties, supporting Santa, working on Christmas Day, resetting function spaces, moving furniture, collecting stock, washing dishes, and stepping in wherever the club needs him. He also looks after people, regularly driving staff home safely after late shifts and helping members who miss the club van. His long-term commitment and humility make him a thoroughly deserving winner.

Community Engagement Award: Whakatane Sport Fishing Club
Whakatane Sport Fishing Club was recognised for Guppies on the Wharf, an initiative introducing children aged 2–10 to fishing. The first 200 participants receive a rod, reel, bait, and hands‑on guidance; a fantastic resource for families where parents may never have learned to fish themselves. Demand has exceeded capacity every year, and the addition of a weigh station in year two has added even more excitement. Driven by Vice President Mandy and supported by sponsors and volunteers, the event removes all financial barriers and strengthens family bonds, outdoor activity, and community connection.

Club Excellence Award Large: New Plymouth Club
New Plymouth Club, Taranaki’s largest social club with around 10,500 members, took out the Large Club Excellence Award. Following a major renovation and brand refresh, the club has re‑established itself as a vibrant, multi‑generational hub in the heart of the CBD. With extensive sports and activity facilities, a full hospitality offering, gaming, TAB, live entertainment, and flexible function spaces for up to 500 people, the club has become a “Perfectly Kiwi” destination for locals and visitors alike.

Excellence in Food & Beverage: Richmond Club
Richmond Club impressed judges with its exceptional, high‑volume food and beverage operation, serving 3,000–4,000 meals a week and offering 27 beers on tap alongside a polished, seasonal menu built on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With multiple People’s Choice wins and a strong hospitality reputation, it has cemented itself as one of Christchurch’s premier social destinations.

Club Connect Award: Mangere Cosmopolitan Club
Mangere Cosmopolitan Club was recognised for turning September into a highly successful fundraising month supporting Clubs New Zealand National Raffle Day, Blue September and prostate cancer awareness. With member‑donated raffles, spontaneous draws, and a final Sunday event featuring a barbeque and entertainment, the initiative generated the club’s biggest weekly turnover of the year and raised the most funds for Club Connect showcasing exceptional member engagement.

Standout Gaming Venue Award: Petone Club
Petone Club earned top honours for its well‑balanced, member‑focused gaming lounge featuring 30 modern machines, linked jackpots, and a welcoming, inclusive environment. A dedicated team of full‑time gaming attendants provides personalised service and strong support for responsible gaming, setting the club apart.

Club Excellence Award Small: Glenview Club
Glenview Club was recognised for its strong performance as a small but highly effective community hub, offering extensive facilities on its 2.5‑hectare riverside site and growing membership from around 400 to more than 600. With a clear vision for serving the rapidly developing Peacocke community, the club continues to deliver affordable amenities, sport, friendship, and a safe, family‑friendly environment.

Congratulations to all 2026 Club and Community Award winners.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact: lucy@clubsnz.com

Clubs New Zealand National Office 0800 425 827

www.clubsnz.org.nz

Clubs New Zealand Incorporated (Clubs New Zealand) is a not-for-profit, member led association representing more than 300 clubs around the country including Community Clubs, Cosmopolitan Clubs, Workingmen’s Club, Sports Clubs, and Returned Servicemen’s Associations (RSAs). Collectively our clubs employ more than 3,000 people and are a home away from home to over 300,000 club members. To find out more visit www.clubsnz.org.nz