The paddles are up and the paperwork is done as City Dragons Tāmaki Makaurau officially becomes an Incorporated Society under City Dragons Aotearoa. For a grassroots club built on community, laughter and a shared love of dragon boating, this moment lands with pride.

How it started

City Dragons came to life in 2021, when two crews, Komodos and Harewa Taniwha, teamed up after the pandemic. Both had the same values and the same stubborn belief that dragon boating should be competitive and fun.

Founders Holly Claeys and Chris Stone rolled their sleeves up and got to work building a club where people would feel welcome and supported.

"From day one, we wanted City Dragons to feel like a home for people." says Holly. "A place to turn up, be yourself, work hard and be supported. The club has grown because people feel welcome and part of something."

From two crews to one family

Fast-forward to today and City Dragons has 38 paddlers, with 24 returning members this season, a number any sports club would be proud of.

People join because they want to give dragon boating a go. They stay because they find commitment without ego, real friendships, a lot of laughs and just enough fierce competitiveness to keep it spicy on race day.

"Every season we set goals, we train with intention and we get better together," says Chris, founder and Coach. "The growth has been huge in numbers, and in confidence and skill. Watching paddlers push themselves and back each other is the best part of coaching this team."

What incorporation means for City Dragons

For a club that started with nothing but enthusiasm and a few keen paddlers, incorporation is a big step up. It gives the team stability, clear structure and confidence for the future. Decisions are shared, finances are accountable, and the workload doesn’t fall on one or two people, it belongs to the whole crew.

This structure protects the culture that keeps people coming back: fairness, transparency, and a club where everyone gets a say in where things go next.

“It gives us a strong foundation and shared ownership,” says Chairman Andrew Buxton. “Our members care about this club, and incorporation helps us protect it.”

The team steering the waka

• Chairman - Andrew Buxton

• Secretary - Lucy Reid

• Treasurer - Naeroa Pullen

• Founding members and coaches: Holly Claeys & Chris Stone

What’s next

With incorporation locked in, City Dragons heads into the 2025–26 season with momentum, confidence and a crew that enjoys working hard as much as they enjoy being together. The club welcomes both beginners and experienced paddlers, anyone who wants to train hard, race hard and be part of a supportive, energetic team.

About City Dragons

City Dragons Tāmaki Makaurau is a proudly diverse dragon boat club based in Auckland. Formed in 2021, the club has built a strong reputation for effort, teamwork, and loud sideline support. The team competes in regional and national events and is committed to growing the sport across Aotearoa.