Ōtautahi Sports Association History

Māori Trade's Training

The Māori Trade Training scheme was the first of its kind in New Zealand being jointly run by the Methodist Central Mission, Ngāi Tahu elders and the Christchurch Polytechnic in 1952.

Many of our founding members were apart of the Māori Trade Training Scheme located at Rehua Marae. This provide the young men and women who came to Christchurch from all over Aotearoa the oppourtunity to learn to be painters, mechanics and carpenters with cheap accommodation in a community based, Christian atmosphere.

For more information on Maori Trade Training History Click here. 

Ōtautahi RFC

With an influx of young Maori men and women to Christchurch from around the country, a passionate group including Founder Noel Huata started recruiting for a Rugby Team.

Operating since 1969 as Otautahi Rugby Club, it was a traditional gathering place for Maori families spread across Christchurch.

For more information Click here.

Ōtautahi Sports Association

Ōtautahi Sports Association (OSA) was established in 1988 and registered as an incorporated society in July of that year. During the years as a sports club there has been a number of sporting teams associated with the club including:

• Rugby
• Netball
• Softball
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Touch Rugby
• Golden Oldies Rugby
• Hunting and Fishing

The OSA’s aim is to provide a safe and secure environment promoting sports health and recreation to the community of Otautahi. In recent years the OSA has also seen the rise in Pacific families joining the club and taking part in the sporting activities available.