History of Tauranga Petanque

Petanque in Tauranga started when James Blockley placed an advert in the local paper and rang those who replied to invite them to play in Memorial Park in August 1994.

By November they had established a 'proper' shell terrain at Kulim Park by making a submission to Tauranga DIstrict Council. They had a favourable reception to their request even though they had no money.

In May 1995 Petanque Tauranga was formed as a club and an extension to the original terrain was approved and constructed with Council's help but also much hard work by the members taking all the rubbish out of the shells they were provided with.

Another terrain was established at Memorial Park and the club played alternate days at the two terrains.

The club also played regularly at Mills Reef who had a fabulous terrain which unfortunately was turned into gardens. Mills Reef also sponsored the logo on the club shirts.

In 2003 a new club was formed to accommodate differing needs of the players. This was the Bay of Plenty Petanque Club.

In 2005 Tauranga City Council provided a new terrain at Cliff Rd with use of storage and the club rooms there from the old tennis club, to be shared with the Remote Control Car Club and not for exclusive use by either. The two petanque clubs were encouraged to amalgamate to use this facility albeit with the proviso it was a temporary fix.

In 2006 a new club was formed consisting of the two Tauranga clubs then in operation. The Tauranga Bay of Plenty Association Inc became so in April that same year.

Now we are established at Club Mt Maunganui in Kawaka St with our new terrain accessible via Tawa Street, near the corner of Matai Street, which we hope lots of folk can enjoy.