NGONGOTAHA - OUR HISTORY:

Prior to 1923, friendly games of Rugby were played at Ngongotaha until two local store keepers presented The Te Awahou Rugby Union Shield and four teams played in this competition, Ngongotaha being one of these teams.

1929 was the first year Ngongotaha Rugby Club was registered with the Rotorua Rugby Union and played a number of years before going into recess. It restarted after the conclusion of World War II. The club fielded mainly junior teams through until 1956 when again it went into recess, but 1959 saw the club restart with the junior teams.

In 1964 the club gained senior status and won the championship the following year. The club continued to develop until 1971 when it amalgamated with Western Heights High School Old Boys, thus becoming Ngongotaha WHHS Old Boys Rugby Club. This was a major turning point and before long the clubs strength began to show through in all the grades and 1975 was the start of the clubs championship successes under its new name.

From the mid 1970’s through to the late 1990’s the club has enjoyed many championship achievements and its prowess was well known throughout the Bay of Plenty.

The 21st century signaled the beginning of difficult times ahead for the club. We had to sell our Hall Road clubrooms where we hosted many local and international guests. Our club began operating out of the local hotel which was fine for our senior club, but not conducive for our juniors whose numbers began to dwindle. Our next move was to the local soccer club which should have been of benefit to both clubs but unfortunately, this relationship broke down. The 2004 season saw the relegation of our Premier Rugby team to Division One which is where we currently remain.

In 2005 we needed to swing the momentum, so a name change was considered to be a good starting point. Hence we are now known as Ngongotaha Sports & Community Association Inc. Also, our life members wanted our original colours of white and maroon reinstated. A partnership with Ngongotaha Bowling Club was initiated, allowing us the use of their facilities. They have allowed us to convert their old clubrooms into two changing rooms and showers and this is the first time ever we have had these facilities on the field. This has been operating now for four years very successfully for both clubs.

The club has had instant success with these initiatives and is building to put itself back to it's previous highs.

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