Arataki Sports Club celebrates 50 years

Arataki taking on Tauranga Sports in the Premier Division back in April 2016. Photo: Supplied/Sunlive.

The Arataki community will finally celebrate the Arataki Sports Club's 50th jubilee this Saturday, August 20.

Established in 1971, the Arataki Sports club has been a proud cornerstone of the Arataki community for 50 years.

There was no true single founder of the club, says lifetime club member Diane Bennett.

'It was the dedicated and passionate people of Arataki coming together.

'A meeting was held at the Golden Sands Motor Camp to discuss the formation of a rugby club in the Arataki area [in 1971]…it was local community who came to that meeting to talk about it and it kind of started the whole sports club idea.”

'The first ever senior rugby team was in 1973…and netball saw its first season in 1982.”

'The club has had very successful women's rugby and rugby league team over the years.

'One of the memorable things was in 2000 when the Colts [rugby team] won the Baywide competition – that was really special.”

She also makes special mention of the club's strong netball team in 2005, which had a winning streak in the local Harbourside and Baywide competitions.

'The senior rugby team continues to play in local competitions with dedicated and loyal members of the Arataki community. Junior rugby has always been a strong point from those beginning years and today, 50 years later, are still going strong with 13 teams participating in local competitions.”

Arataki women's rugby team took a 22-12 win in against Waikite in the 2014 competition final at Arataki Park. Photo: Supplied/SunLive.

After Covid restrictions put a hitch in celebrations last year, the community will celebrate with a whanau day filled with food, music, entertainment and fun.

A commemorative stone will be blessed and planted at the club's garden in honour of the club's jubilee.

'I just want to congratulate and acknowledge everyone who's been involved,” says Diane.

'Especially those who were in the early beginning of it in the early-1970s… and to thank those now who continue the legacy – we're here for the future of Arataki.”

The Arataki Senior Rugby Team was one of the first teams for the club, and their legacy continues after 50 years. Photo: supplied.

Arataki in action over the years. Photos: SunLive.

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