NZ Herald reports Avondale RSA bar closure

On 3 July 2026, the NZ Herald published a story by journalist Imogene Bedford reporting that Avondale RSA’s bar on Rosebank Road would close on 31 July 2026.

Read the article on nzherald.co.nz

What the article reported

• The club’s executive confirmed the closure after a review of the club’s finances, supported by independent advice.

• The review found the bar had not covered its own costs in recent years. In the year to March 2025, the bar had sales of $242,790 and wage costs of $174,458, before stock and overheads.

• The club’s net deficit for that year was $476,229.

• The club has surrendered the bar’s gaming licence. Gaming had brought in about $3.65 million for the club between 2016 and 2025.

• Then-president Gaye Mantell said: “Every dollar spent propping up a loss-making bar is a dollar taken from the reserves our founding members built for the welfare of veterans.”

• The club said the closure was not the end of the club, but a return to its founding purpose of supporting veterans, honouring service and serving the local community.

• The article said members would elect a new executive committee at the annual general meeting on 19 July 2026.

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.