The idea of the Arataki Bears was spoken about at the Arataki Sports Club 50th Jubilee. The Arataki Bears Rugby League were established in 2022 under Arataki Sports Club, founded by a group of rugby league enthusiasts, the Bears quickly became known for their passion and commitment to building something special in the local community.
In 2023, after many hurdles the Bears made a big move by affiliating to the Turangi Dambusters. This partnership enabled the Bears to play in the BOPDRL Premiership competition, giving them a solid foundation for growth. The Bears became the only premier rugby league team in Tauranga. This was a huge achievement for the club, showing that they were here to compete with the best.
In 2024, the Bears then affiliated with the Ngongotaha Chiefs to be closer to home, another strong club in the area. This partnership made the Bears one of only two premier teams in Tauranga, further boosting their presence and influence in the local rugby league scene. It was clear that Tauranga was becoming a hotbed for top-tier rugby league. The Bears took another exciting step forward by launching their women’s rugby league team. This was a big moment for the club as they continued to break new ground, not just in men’s rugby league, but in creating opportunities for women to shine in the sport as well.
2024 was a year to remember for the Arataki Bears – they won the Premiership! After a standout season, the men’s proved their worth and came out on top, taking the championship. This victory was a massive achievement for the club and a testament to the hard work and determination that had gone into building the Bears into what they are today.
From starting out in 2022 to winning the Premiership in 2024, the Arataki Bears have come a long way in a short time. With strong partnerships, including with the Turangi Dambusters and Ngongotaha Chiefs, and the addition of a women’s team, the Bears are now a dominant force in Tauranga’s rugby league scene. They’ve set the bar high, and with their eyes on the future, there’s no doubt that the Arataki Bears will continue to be a big name in rugby league for years to come.
In 2023, after many hurdles the Bears made a big move by affiliating to the Turangi Dambusters. This partnership enabled the Bears to play in the BOPDRL Premiership competition, giving them a solid foundation for growth. The Bears became the only premier rugby league team in Tauranga. This was a huge achievement for the club, showing that they were here to compete with the best.
In 2024, the Bears then affiliated with the Ngongotaha Chiefs to be closer to home, another strong club in the area. This partnership made the Bears one of only two premier teams in Tauranga, further boosting their presence and influence in the local rugby league scene. It was clear that Tauranga was becoming a hotbed for top-tier rugby league. The Bears took another exciting step forward by launching their women’s rugby league team. This was a big moment for the club as they continued to break new ground, not just in men’s rugby league, but in creating opportunities for women to shine in the sport as well.
2024 was a year to remember for the Arataki Bears – they won the Premiership! After a standout season, the men’s proved their worth and came out on top, taking the championship. This victory was a massive achievement for the club and a testament to the hard work and determination that had gone into building the Bears into what they are today.
From starting out in 2022 to winning the Premiership in 2024, the Arataki Bears have come a long way in a short time. With strong partnerships, including with the Turangi Dambusters and Ngongotaha Chiefs, and the addition of a women’s team, the Bears are now a dominant force in Tauranga’s rugby league scene. They’ve set the bar high, and with their eyes on the future, there’s no doubt that the Arataki Bears will continue to be a big name in rugby league for years to come.