Waiau Pa Hockey Club Inc is a hockey club on Clarks Beach Road in Waiau Pā, in the Franklin district south of Auckland. It has a 4.5 rating on Google and a website.
A good hockey club is welcoming to beginners, with friendly coaches, well-kept turf or fields and a mix of junior and adult teams. In New Zealand, winter hockey seasons usually run from about April to August, with weekly games and midweek training, so ask about registration, fees, team grades and what is included, such as a shirt or insurance. When choosing a club, find out whether there are development programmes for young children, whether adults can join as beginners and how teams are formed. Regulars know that shin guards and a mouthguard are essential, that a stick can be borrowed or bought second-hand to start and that volunteers, parents and sideline supporters keep a club running, so helping with canteen, coaching or scoring is part of it. Dress for wet, cold weather, bring water and check the website for draws and any weather cancellations.
For families in Waiau Pā and the Franklin district, Waiau Pa Hockey Club on Clarks Beach Road is a local club to join.