Bay of Plenty Zealand, with only the 11th-largest land area. The major population centres are Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane. The Bay of Plenty is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand: the regional population increased by 7.5% between 2001 and 2006, with significant growth along the coastal and western parts, and is projected to increase to 277,900 by the year 2011. Significant horticultural, forestry and tourism industries are well established in the region. However, the Bay of Plenty is the third-most economically deprived region in New Zealand, with the eastern districts being among the least economically developed in the country. However,
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has 38 local clubs under affiliated with them and three sub-unions to be part of. The Baywide competition runs for 20–21 weeks and split to four stages: The 38 clubs are split into three sub-unions, the Central, Eastern and Western Sub-Unions. There are ten clubs in the Central Bay of Plenty sub-union. There are 14 clubs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty sub-union. There are 13 clubs in the Western Bay of Plenty sub-union. Stage One runs for 6–7 weeks, clubs are put into their respective sub-unions and complete a local competition. 24 teams are put into 2 sections with