Historically, this club has had an affiliation with the Tairawhiti region since the 1900s, but its inception was part of the political history of Aotearoa / New Zealand. At a time when Sir Apirana Ngata, Maui Pomare, Dr Peter Buck and Frederick Benn​​​​​​​ett, pursued political careers as representatives for Maori in 1909, originating at the Theological College at Waerenga-A-Hika, hence the strong connection to Manutuke. Together these gentlemen would influence decision making for improvement of how Maori would be treated. This political party took the name of, The Young Maori Party, YMP.

The purpose of the YMP party was to reinstate self esteem among Maori. To have such leaders as Ngata, Pomare, Bennett and Buck would set the foundation for improved relationships between Maori and Pakeha. Now, no longer a political party, the Name YMP has become synonymous with sport in the Tairawhiti district. The YMP Club is represented in RUGBY, HOCKEY and NETBALL and members of the club, are of various cultures, NOT just Maori.

The YMP Club as a Sports Club, began with the RUGBY CLUB starting in 1910, HOCKEY began in approximately 1919 and NETBALL  in 1969.

1968 Rev. Piripi Kapa approached Molly Parode to start a Netball Club in Manutuke.  With several meeting and fundraising ventures YMP Netball Club was commence in 1969.  Two teams registered for the Poverty Bay Netball Competition