A Rotorua rugby league club is locked in a protracted dispute with the local council over access to its abandoned clubhouse, a situation stemming from a 2017 internal feud that fractured the organization. Central Pride Rugby League Club is seeking to revitalize the facility at Linton Park East Reserve, but progress is stalled by legal complexities and a history of acrimony.
The origins of the impasse date back to 2017, when a dispute within Central Rugby League Club led to a split, according to a 2019 ruling by the Sports Tribunal of Modern Zealand. The tribunal later found that the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League’s suspension of the original club’s committee was an “egregious breach of natural justice,” ordering their reinstatement and awarding the club $4500 in costs. Following the tribunal’s decision, a separate entity, Central Pride, was formed in 2019 to encompass junior, youth, and senior rugby league programs.
Despite the formation of Central Pride, access to the traditional clubhouse remains unresolved. Club president Jason Walker expressed frustration with the lack of progress, stating, “It should be sorted after all this time. It just seems like a waste to let the building sit there and deteriorate, possibly to the point it has to be knocked over.” Walker envisions the refurbished clubhouse as a community hub, offering a positive outlet for young people. “For a lot of younger men, being involved gives them a way to gain away from difficult backgrounds, to let out frustrations and talk things through with others,” he said.
Ernie Walker, a former president of the original club who played senior rugby league until age 70, echoed the call for action. He believes Central Pride should be granted access to the facility, emphasizing the necessitate to provide sporting opportunities for local youth. He recounted personally ejecting squatters from the building on two occasions, highlighting the deteriorating state of the property.
Complicating matters, Central Rugby League Club was briefly dissolved by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies in May 2023 due to a period of inactivity. However, the dissolution was revoked earlier this month after the club submitted financial statements covering 2021 to 2024, demonstrating ongoing operations. Jason Walker expressed surprise at this development, noting that the original club had not fielded a team since the 2017-18 season and had auctioned off equipment – raising $16,732 in September 2021 – to generate funds.
Walker has engaged with Rotorua Lakes Council, including Mayor Tania Tapsell, proposing a plan in 2024 to transform the clubhouse into a “thriving marae and community hub.” He described the process as “bloody hopeless.” Tapsell acknowledged receiving inquiries from club members and encouraged continued engagement, but cited ongoing legal proceedings as a barrier to progress. She stated that the council supports opportunities for sports facilities and hopes the issue can be resolved “as soon as possible.”
Former Central Rugby League Club president Kerry Mason, who resigned in 2019 but is currently listed as the club’s treasurer, alleges that the council has imposed excessive rates, building warrants, and licensing costs, contributing to the club’s financial difficulties. He claims the clubhouse has suffered recent vandalism, with broken doors and windows, and that requests for improved lighting to deter further damage have been ignored. Mason declined to comment on the future of the clubhouse or the impact on the community.
According to Alex Wilson, community experience group manager for Rotorua Lakes Council, the future of the building remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings. “Until Here’s completed, we are unable to take any steps or make decisions regarding the building, or comment on individual parties or potential future arrangements,” she said. The council maintains the surrounding reserve and has taken steps to secure the unoccupied building.
