More than a century after tennis first took root in Te Mata, a dedicated group of volunteers is bringing the community club back to life. With upgraded courts already attracting new players, attention is now turning to building membership, introducing coaching and club activities and securing its future for the next generation. We chat to Benjamin Wickers from the club.
Can you please update us on the progress of the Te Mata tennis club project?
We have been hard at work! The courts are looking amazing with the new fencing erected, plantings getting established and new astroturf installed late last year. To complete the upgrades we’re hoping to rebuild the pavilion early next year and a hitting wall is on the cards. But for now, the focus is on getting the tennis club established with memberships, a website with a booking system, club nights, and lessons for kids and adults; basically getting people playing the game.
What is a brief history of the courts and why was it so important to revive them?
The courts were first established back in 1905 and a tennis club formed shortly after. The tennis club has been an important part of the rural community both on a social and sporting level. Throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s it was at its peak with high membership numbers and regular club nights, tournaments and inter-club competitions. In the early 2000s club numbers dwindled and eventually the club ceased to exist.
As a small rural community, with no other club opportunities within the greater Whāingaroa area, we felt it was important to resurrect the courts and re-establish the club to provide a sporting opportunity to the community.
How do you see them being utilised across the local communities?
We hope to see everyone in the community using the courts. We’ll be offering men’s and women’s social tennis nights, coaching with the head coach at Hamilton Tennis Academy, Suvi, tournaments, and various other events to get the community involved with tennis. Ever since the new courts were installed, we have noticed an increase in interest and usage of the courts by the community and especially the school kids.
Although the courts will remain open for the public to use outside of school hours, we encourage anyone to join the club both to benefit from the privileges of being a member but more importantly to help cement the club’s long term sustainability.
These community projects don’t happen without a lot of effort from dedicated members. Can you highlight who has been instrumental in this process?
The project has been driven by a small committee of passionate tennis players but the support from helpers and volunteers within the Te Mata community has been amazing. They have provided time, machinery and resources when needed and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Te Mata School has also been instrumental in making this all possible. The school has graciously let us use their courts, and their support has been really special.
Do you have an event to celebrate the opening?
Yes! We’re having an open day on Sunday 18th October to celebrate the start of the season and the beginning of a new chapter at Te Mata Tennis Club. We welcome anyone to join us for the afternoon with fun activities and tennis drills for the kids, casual tennis for adults, and a sausage sizzle, snacks, and refreshments. Those interested can find us on Facebook at Te Mata Tennis Club to follow for updates.
