Are Social Clubs Still Around? A 2025 Look at Community Groups

Quick Takeaways

• Social clubs are alive, but most now operate either digitally, in hybrid formats, or as niche interest groups.
• Traditional venues like city halls and pubs still host clubs, yet platforms such as Meetup and Facebook Groups dominate new memberships.
• Hybrid clubs blend in‑person gatherings with online events, attracting younger members who value flexibility.
• Joining a club today often starts with a quick web search, a smartphone app, or a local community bulletin.
• If you want to launch a club, focus on a clear purpose, low‑cost meeting spaces, and a strong online presence.

What "social clubs" actually mean today

When you hear the term social clubs a group of people who meet regularly to share a common interest or activity, you might picture a gentlemen’s smoking room or a ladies’ knitting circle from the 1950s. In 2025 the definition has stretched. The core idea-people gathering for fun, learning, or networking-remains, but the settings, tools, and membership models have shifted dramatically.

The current landscape of community groups

According to the latest community‑engagement survey from the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development, over 73% of adults have participated in at least one community group any organized association of residents, hobbyists, or professionals in the past year. Of those, 42% say they joined through a digital platform rather than a flyer on a community board.

Key trends shaping the scene include:

• Digitisation: Platforms like Meetup a web service that helps people create and join local events and Facebook Groups now act as the front doors for many clubs.
• Hybrid formats: Clubs schedule a monthly in‑person meet‑up and supplement it with Zoom webinars or Discord chats.
• Micro‑niche focus: Instead of broad “book clubs”, you’ll find “Eco‑fiction readers” or “Vintage camera repair circles”.
• Co‑working spaces as venues: Many clubs rent a desk or meeting room in shared workspaces, cutting costs and attracting professionals.

How clubs have adapted to the digital age

Traditional clubs used to rely on paper newsletters, bulletin‑board flyers, and word‑of‑mouth. Today, digital platforms serve three core functions:

1. Discovery: Search engines and app algorithms surface clubs based on location and interest.
2. Communication: Email newsletters have been replaced by Slack channels, WhatsApp groups, or private Discord servers.
3. Event hosting: Hybrid clubs use tools like Zoom video‑conferencing service for webinars and Eventbrite ticketing and event‑management platform for ticketed gatherings.

   These tools have lowered the barrier to entry. A group can start with a free Discord server and a monthly meet‑up at a local café, then scale up as membership grows.

   Where to find modern social clubs

   If you’re wondering where to look, start with these tried‑and‑true sources:

   • Online directories: Meetup, Facebook Groups, and Nextdoor let you filter by city, hobby, and meeting frequency.
   • Local libraries and community centres: Many still host bulletin boards and calendar listings.
   • Universities and polytechnics: Alumni networks and student societies often open their doors to the public.
   • Co‑working spaces: Companies like BizDojo and The Hive post weekly calendars of resident clubs.

   In Auckland alone, a quick search on Meetup reveals more than 250 active groups ranging from “Auckland Urban Foragers” to “Retro Gaming Night”.

   Traditional vs. Modern Clubs - A Side‑by‑Side Look

   Traditional vs. Modern Social Clubs (2025)

   Aspect	Traditional Clubs	Modern Clubs
   Meeting venue	Physical locations only - pubs, halls, schools	Hybrid: physical venue + virtual rooms
   Member recruitment	Flyers, word‑of‑mouth, newspaper ads	Online platforms, social media, SEO
   Communication	Paper newsletters, phone trees	Slack, Discord, email newsletters
   Cost structure	Annual dues, venue rental fees	Low‑cost digital tools, pay‑as‑you‑go venues
   Demographic focus	Often age‑segmented (e.g., seniors)	Broad, but niche interest‑driven
   Flexibility	Fixed schedule, limited to local members	Monthly in‑person + optional online events

   Notice how the modern model leans heavily on digital infrastructure, yet still respects the value of face‑to‑face interaction.

   

   How to start or revive a social club in 2025

   Got a passion you want to share? Here’s a simple checklist that works for any niche:

   1. Define the purpose. Write a one‑sentence mission, e.g., “Connecting Auckland cyclists who love vintage bikes.”
   2. Choose a name and brand. Keep it short, searchable, and unique.
   3. Set up a digital hub. Create a free Discord community chat platform server or a private Facebook Group.
   4. Pick a low‑cost venue. Coffee shops, library rooms, or co‑working spaces often allow free use for small groups.
   5. Schedule a launch event. Combine a short in‑person meet‑up with a live‑stream on YouTube.
   6. Promote. Post on Meetup, share in local newsletters, and ask members to invite friends.
   7. Collect feedback. Use Google Forms after the first few meetings to refine format and topics.

   Funding can be as simple as a modest membership fee a regular contribution from each member of $5‑$10 per month, or you can apply for a community grant through local councils.

   Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

   • Over‑reliance on one channel. If you only use Facebook, an algorithm change can cripple visibility. Keep an email list as backup.
   • Vague purpose. Without a clear focus, members drift and attendance drops. Re‑visit the mission quarterly.
   • Neglecting in‑person value. Hybrid clubs that skip physical meet‑ups lose the bonding moments that keep people coming back.
   • Unclear leadership. Assign a rotating facilitator or create a small board to share duties.

   Future outlook - what’s next for social clubs?

   Looking ahead, three forces will shape clubs over the next five years:

   1. AI‑driven matchmaking. Tools like ClubAI a hypothetical AI that suggests clubs based on user interests (currently in beta) will personalize discovery.
   2. Micro‑venue pop‑ups. Temporary spaces in malls or parks, booked via apps, will let clubs meet without long‑term leases.
   3. Sustainability focus. Clubs will increasingly embed eco‑friendly practices-digital handouts, carbon‑offset travel, and community service projects.

   In short, clubs aren’t disappearing; they’re evolving to fit a more connected, flexible world.

   Frequently Asked Questions

   Are there still traditional social clubs that meet in person only?

   Yes. Many heritage groups-like historical societies, bridge clubs, and senior hobby circles-still meet exclusively in physical locations. They often rely on community‑center bulletin boards and local newspapers for recruitment.

   What’s the best platform to find a club in Auckland?

   Meetup.com tops the list for Auckland, followed by Facebook Groups and the city’s official community‑events portal. A quick search by neighbourhood and interest usually returns several active options.

   How can I keep costs low when starting a club?

   Use free digital tools (Discord, Google Forms), partner with a local café for a no‑charge meeting space, and collect a modest voluntary contribution instead of mandatory dues.

   Do hybrid clubs require technical expertise?

   Basic skills are enough-setting up a Zoom link or a Discord channel is straightforward. Many clubs designate a tech‑savvy volunteer as the online host, spreading the workload.

   What legal steps should I take when forming a club?

   Registering as an incorporated society with the New Zealand Companies Office provides a formal structure and liability protection. It also opens up eligibility for community grants.