The sport of Touch began in the 1950's and 1960's as a training technique for Rugby League teams in Australia. The first official touch games were played in South Sydney in 1968 and a club was started that same year. The sport of Touch in New Zealand formed its first organized structure in 1975 with the initial competition being run in the Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Touch within New Zealand became a recognized sport with the establishment of Touch New Zealand in May 1986.

Analysis of the sport has highlighted that people play Touch at social and competitive levels from age 5 to 55 plus. It spans across all areas of the community and is not limited by culture, ethnic background or financial status. Touch is recognized, as a sport that is easy to coach, is non-contact, can be readily adapted to any environment, is cheap to play and acknowledges male and females as equals in their ability to compete against one another.

With the relative ease of coaching and organizing Touch, nationally, a large number of schools have incorporated Touch in New Zealand as part of their physical education curriculum. Touch NZ is working closely with a number of schools with player and coaching development.

The Portland Hunters are reigning back-to-back Unites States National Champions and have won three of the last four national championships.