Our family moved to Auckland and Western very quickly became a key part of all our lives. From the moment we turned up to our first games, we couldn't have felt more welcomed and a part of the Western family. We got involved in most areas of the club, from juniors to Masters, social to competitive, coaching, on the committee and always loved a sunny day on the balcony having a chat with the many legends of the club. Western is such a fun, family friendly and supportive club, we wouldn't dream of playing for anyone else in Auckland

Hola, bueno les cuento que mi experiencia en Western hockey club fue muy buena y la gente es muy calida y social a la vez, desde que arrive a este pais siempre tube mucho apoyo de todas las personas tanto en lo afectivo como en lo laboral, es como una gran familia. Tambien encontre que es un pais que le encanta tomar cervezas despues de los partidos y asi seguir con la parte social entre los equipos y a la ves seguir disfrutando de otros partidos.

Hello! I can tell you that my experience at Western Hockey Club was amazing and the people are very warm and social at the same time. Since arriving in the country I have always had a lot of support from everyone both emotionally and professionally; it is like a big family. I also found that it's a country that loves to have beers after the games and thus continue with the social part between teams while at the same time continuing to enjoying other games

When I moved to New Zealand in 2018, I joined Western Districts Hockey Club within my first week, and it quickly became a second home. The club’s welcoming atmosphere played a huge role in my decision to play for the Prem team for six consecutive seasons. What stood out to me was the club's commitment to going above and beyond for its members, and the camaraderie that developed as a result. From day one, I met some incredible people who became lifelong mates—friends I know I can count on for many years to come. Together, over the years we built a team who could compete, as well as a great group of people who supported each other both on and off the field.

Western is een erg gezellige club, waar goed hockey wordt gespeeld. Wat ik vooral leuk vind aan Western is het internatiale karakter; zoals je hierboven ziet komen onze spelers overal vandaan. Western is verder een club waar ze wel een pintje lusten, dus dat is natuurlijk ook altijd mooi. Als je meer wil weten over hockeyen in Nieuw Zeeland, stuur ons dan gerust een email en we helpen je verder!

Western is a very friendly club, where good hockey is played. What I especially like about Western is the international character; as you can see above, with players coming from all over. Western is also a club where they like a pint, so that is always nice. If you want to know more about hockey in New Zealand, feel free to send them an email and they're happy to help you further!

I joined Western when I arrived in Auckland in September 2023. I was living in Avondale and Auckland Hockey emailed the nearest club on my behalf to get me sorted. Loretta Augustin added me to her own family team for the summer 7's. Phil Augustin then invited me to play Master's and were super helpful in getting me set up to play. I had moved from Ireland with no hockey equipment and had tonnes of offers to help me out and keep the costs of starting fresh down. The club atmosphere in my home club pales in comparison to that of Western who've made me feel like I've been there a decade since the start. I now live elsewhere in Auckland and while other clubs would be easier to get to, Western has provided a welcome atmosphere that's given me more than enough reason to stay.

I first played for Western in 1995 whilst enjoying my University summer holidays. I found the club to be extremely social and very similar to the hockey clubs in England. I enjoyed the hockey and the Western "family" so much that I decided to return in 1996 for a second season. In 2002 I moved permanently to NZ and found that the Western tradition of work hard, play hard had not changed and would thoroughly recommend the club to any hockey player of any ability.