Strapped Te Puke RSA looks at merger

The Tauranga RSA in Greerton has a solid membership of 3500. Photo / File

Talks have started for a possible merger between the Te Puke RSA and Te Puke Club as tougher drink/drive laws and a changing social environment bite into revenues.

A Bay of Plenty Times investigation has revealed a generally confident outlook by the Western Bay of Plenty's six RSAs, with only Te Puke contemplating a shift.

"Trading is down but we are hanging on," Te Puke RSA president Colin Peake said.

The investigation was sparked by Rotorua RSA closing its doors today after 99 years. Ongoing losses meant it could no longer operate in its current form and several options to merge with other clubs were being investigated.

Te Puke's membership was stable at 461 members, but like other RSAs, regulars only comprised 10 to 12 per cent of the financial members.

Mr Peake said if amalgamation went ahead, the RSA would move into the Te Puke Club which was now based in the bowling club. The membership of both clubs have agreed to preliminary talks, with Mr Peake expecting amalgamation to happen in about two years if members approved.

The Western Bay's other RSAs were more confident about their futures even though bar revenues had been hit by drink/drive changes. "We are in good heart," Tauranga RSA secretary manager Graham Howard said.

Membership of the modern club in Greerton Village now stood at about 3500 - 1000 more than the days when the club was at its old premises next to Tauranga Hospital. "We will show a healthy profit."

Mount Maunganui RSA, the country's biggest RSA with nearly 5000 members, was also operating successfully. General manager Peter Moss said the restaurant was very popular and the club had other revenue streams including a doctors surgery and physio. They were debt free, unlike some other clubs that were being financially exposed from falling revenues.

The Western Bay's other big RSA at Waihi Beach had 3000 members. Secretary manager Bob Firth described the club as "pumping", saying it was about location, location and location. The club has panoramic views, with bowling greens.

Katikati RSA's secretary/treasurer Murray Rutherfurd said they were going well and had no concerns. The club secured its future nearly 40 years ago by expanding to create a Citizens Club as well, with a combined membership of 800.

Waihi RSA manager Barry Smith said liquor law changes had made a difference but they were not going backwards. It was the only licensed club in Waihi and had over 700 members. However where they used to have 30 to 40 in the bar by 4.30pm, 20 was now considered as good if nothing else was happening in the club.

RSA numbers
Western Bay RSA clubs' total membership: 13,460
Regulars who are the backbone of clubs: 1340 to 1600
Biggest club: Mount Maunganui with 5000 members

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