Publication: ph11042012

Men’s clubs say they are continuing to flourish despite tough economic times.

And while kiwis have more choices in how they use their leisure time, clubs in Porirua, and Johnsonville say people are still flocking to join up.

“Our club is not finding it extraordinarily difficult to attract new members,” says Johnsonville Club president Bob Tait. “Membership growth is steady.”

While most members are in the older age bracket, Mr Tait says his club is trying to target under-40s. “Our philosophy is that the club exists for the benefit of members. We’re a community club where the community is welcome.”

He says the club has a wide variety of groups – such as golf, indoor bowls and snooker – to cater for the differing interests of its membership of close to 1000. Its main income earners are its bars, gaming machines, restaurant and function room.

The Johnsonville Club was called the Johnsonville Men’s Club until it changed its name in 1993.  Mr Tait says the men-only days are well in the past, with women now making up 35% of its members. “We’re family and community oriented. We offer a very, very safe environment for everyone.”

Porirua Club president John Hearps says his club is doing “very well, very nicely”. “We’re certainly getting new members. Our finances are very good.”

But that was not the case six years ago. “The club was just about to be shut down. I got together the finance committee and told them this is it. We have to do something.”

They decided to drop all joining fees and limited annual subscriptions to $20. “This made a big difference.’

Mr Hearps says the club largely promotes itself by word of mouth and has held open days to encourage prospective members. “It’s amazing the number of people in Porirua who didn’t even know we existed.”

He says the club’s 3000-plus members are attracted by the wide range of activities available to them. “We’re involved in almost every sport in the area. Our activities range from rugby to playing cards. We cater for every age group.”

Mr Hearps says one of the most popular groups is the mid-weekers. “They’re mostly retirees who meet every Thursday. They go on trips and do all sorts of things. It’s an excellent thing.”

He says Porirua Club has had women members since the 1970s.