NZ Herald feature on the future of RSA clubs, including Avondale RSA

NZ Herald feature on the future of RSA clubs, including Avondale RSA

13 May 2026

On 13 May 2026, the NZ Herald published a feature by senior writer David Fisher about the financial pressure on RSA clubs around New Zealand. It looked at three clubs in transition: Papanui RSA in Christchurch, Mount Maunganui RSA and Avondale RSA.

Read the article on nzherald.co.nz. It's a Herald Premium article, so you may need a subscription.

What the article reported about Avondale RSA

• The Herald reviewed the club's published accounts and reported that membership had fallen over the past three years.

• It reported that hospitality and gaming income had been under pressure for some years.

• It reported that members had voted to allow the Executive to investigate the possibility of joining with New Lynn RSA.

• The article's findings about poppy funds related to Papanui RSA, not Avondale RSA.

Where things are now

• Bar and hospitality trading at the club closed on 31 July 2026.

• The Futures Sub-Committee is considering options for the club's future. No decisions have been made, and members will hear about any decision first.

Support for veterans and their families

Welfare support is available through Veterans' Affairs NZ on 0800 483 8372 (veteransaffairs.mil.nz) or your local District RSA.