Clubs New Zealand has today released its 2026 Election
Manifesto, calling on all political parties to recognise
community clubs as an important part of New Zealand’s social
infrastructure.
The manifesto, Strong Clubs, Strong
Communities, sets out five priorities for the next
Government.
- Modernise alcohol licensing settings
for community clubs - Secure the future of community
gaming - Protect not-for-profit clubs and their tax
status - Make volunteer governance
sustainable - Develop a national community club and
volunteer strategy
Clubs New Zealand Chief
Executive Lucy Waterreus says community clubs provide much
more than hospitality.
“Clubs are places where people
connect, volunteer, participate in sport and recreation,
support local causes and build lasting community
relationships.
“They are not-for-profit, largely
governed by volunteers, and any surpluses are reinvested
into facilities, activities and services for members and
their communities.
“However, many of the laws and
regulatory settings affecting clubs do not reflect how
modern community clubs operate. Increasing compliance
requirements, pressure on volunteers and uncertainty around
future funding are making it harder for clubs to focus on
serving their communities.”
The manifesto calls for
practical changes, including reform of alcohol licensing
rules affecting club visitors, better alignment of financial
reporting requirements, protection of appropriate tax
settings for genuine not-for-profit clubs, and greater
support for volunteer governance.
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It also calls for a
national strategy focused on the long-term sustainability of
community clubs and volunteering.
“New Zealand’s clubs
serve around 300,000 people in communities across the
country, says Ms Waterreus.
“We want to work
constructively with all political parties to ensure clubs
remain strong, sustainable and relevant for future
generations.
“When clubs thrive, communities
thrive.”
The full Clubs New Zealand 2026 Election
Manifesto can be found here – https://www.clubsnz.org.nz/assets/News_Article_Docs/Clubs-New-Zealand-Election-Manifesto_2026.pdf
About:
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.
