History

The Patumahoe Rugby Club was established in 1886 and is one of the oldest rugby clubs in New Zealand and the very first club established in the Counties Manukau region.

From humble beginnings over 130 years ago, through its share of heartbreak and glory days, the Patumahoe Rugby Club has been the centrepiece of the local community.

The staunchly rural club has succeeded with a family-oriented outlook throughout its proud history and celebrated their 125 year anniversary in 2011 in typical fashion.

One and a quarter centuries earlier a group of young men from settler families began organising rugby matches in the Mauku/Patumahoe region – little did they know quite what they were starting. The Patumahoe Rugby Club would go on to produce many a top footy player, it would win Counties Manukau club championships and provide the social camaraderie and community spirit that has helped forge the area ahead.

The town is said to have acquired its name when the leader of a local Maori chief ordered to strike or cut down (in Maori “patu”) a sacred Mahoe tree to prevent it being desecrated by advancing British soldiers. The tree in question was said to have stood on the rise known later as Membrey’s Hill across from the hotel. No name could be more apt when you consider the strength and spirit of the community and the club that it is so proud of.