The Early Years
It is simply not possible to talk about the inception and growth of organised tennis in New Zealand without mention of the Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis Club. Auckland, Christchurch and Napier became the dominating centres for lawn tennis following it's introduction in the late 1870's and of the three, Napier (represented by the Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis Club) has the most impressive record of initaive and enterprise. Not only did it hold the first open tournament in the country, it also held the first recognised New Zealand championships which prompted the formation of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association with headquarters in Napier.
The first records of club tennis in NZ appear around the early 1880's in Christchurch and Dunedin and so by 1884 a small group of Napier enthusiasts led by Mr Frank Logan (first Club President) pull together to form the H.B.L.T C. with temporary grounds being found at Farndon Park, Clive. The reasons for chosen grounds being so far outside Napier are not recorded but is is likely that time and expense where the deciding factors. Farndon was already flat parkland and easily adaptable for the use of lawn tennis. Those courts at Farndon gave so much to the development of lawn tennis in this country, hosting no less than three New Zealand championships but the inconvenience of being so far from Napier would compel the club to relocate to a smaller site on Lambton Road (Hospital Hill) sometime between 1895-1899.
The first records of club tennis in NZ appear around the early 1880's in Christchurch and Dunedin and so by 1884 a small group of Napier enthusiasts led by Mr Frank Logan (first Club President) pull together to form the H.B.L.T C. with temporary grounds being found at Farndon Park, Clive. The reasons for chosen grounds being so far outside Napier are not recorded but is is likely that time and expense where the deciding factors. Farndon was already flat parkland and easily adaptable for the use of lawn tennis. Those courts at Farndon gave so much to the development of lawn tennis in this country, hosting no less than three New Zealand championships but the inconvenience of being so far from Napier would compel the club to relocate to a smaller site on Lambton Road (Hospital Hill) sometime between 1895-1899.
Mr. F Logan - Founder and First President - H.B.L.T.C
With the sport expanding rapidly, the 4 court site at Lambton Road couldn't meet demand and so a freehold site of about an acre was aquired at Jull Street to where the club moved in 1909 having laid down 6 courts and erecting a new pavillion. An ajoining section was then purchased in 1910 with provision for a further 2 courts. The club would remain at Jull Street until 1936 despite a proposal to relocate again some ten years into it's tenure. Noteably, during this time, the club would take steps to secure it's legal standing by becoming Incorporated in 1926. Whilst the grounds at Jull Street enjoyed some of the best tournaments in the club's history, attracting the country's leading players, they would mostly be remembered for being the club's home at the time of the earthquake in February 1931. All eight courts were badly damaged but with financial aid from the NZ Lawn Tennis Association the club endeavored to have them all restored for the season opening of October 1931.
The Move to Marewa
Whilst the earthquake was tragic in many ways for the local community it did have the effect of raising the land level around Napier, creating the ground on which the club now stands. Constant applications for membership over and above the numbers permitted by the club rules, in line with the limitations of court space at Jull Street, had moved the club's committee to find more spacious grounds as far back as 1920. It had come close to securing land in the the Harbour Ward in 1922 but the negotiations fell through and so the club would have to lie in wait until Napier Borough Council were in a position to lease off sections of the newly reclaimed land that was named Marewa. The club put in their tender for 5 and a quarter acres, enough space for a 20 courts and a new clubhouse. Securing the land was the easy bit. The problem was they were unable to put any money toward development of it until the grounds at Jull Street were sold and a cash sale would mean giving up the land immediately afterward. When the grounds at Jull Street were sold in April 1936, the club had barely six months to develop the newly acquired land at Marewa form 4 feet high wild grassland to 20 court lawn tennis facility.
Excellent work from the club's groundsmen and the blessing of an exceedingly mild winter would allow for the courts to be formed and opened in time for the new season. On 7th November 1936 the new grounds were officially opened with 20 grass courts set out in two rows (13 at the rear, 7 in front) with a provision for a "centre court" in front of the pavilion that had enough boundry space to accomodate some 1200 spectators, in temporary erected stands, for tournament finals and exhibition matches. Of course, further progression of the site including perimeter fencing with sheltering trees, roadworks and the proposed swimming pool would all take years to complete but a generously spacious club with excellent facilities and tremendous potential was in place. Sadly, that potential was never fully realised as the the war was just around the corner. The club was forced into recess and the land given over to grazing. Come the end of the war, some of the land was sold off to raise the funds required to get the club up and running again. Only 10 grass courts would be relaid and that swimming pool was never developed.
Reference: The Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club official history and souvenir booklet, 1936
Reference: The Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club official history and souvenir booklet, 1936
Development at Marewa and the Introduction of Squash
The focus of the 1950’s was to increase membership and make improvements to the 10 grass court site and its pavilion. Membership rose to a level where it was not uncommon to have over 80 attending the weekly Saturday afternoon club play. This positive sign would spur the committee of 1962 to sign a new formal lease arrangement with land owners, Napier Harbour Board, securing the future of the club at Marewa. However, come the mid 60’s, Napier City Council were looking to develop new sporting facilities at Onekawa Park and one of the sports being touted was tennis. The Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club was approached to consider moving. After considerable debate at the club, a special general meeting was held with membership voting resulting in a tie requiring that then president, Mr Bob Fullerton, pass the casting vote. He voted for the club to stay at Marewa. When the council finally completed the courts in 1966 some members would depart the club to form a new one at Onekawa Park. Another membership drive was required.
A development committee was formed, ably led by new president Mr David Sewell, where it was decided to introduce the fast growing sport of the time, squash, into the club’s activities and in 1969 two new squash courts were constructed at the rear of the existing pavilion. Squash membership grew so rapidly that, in 1972, a third squash court was added to the facility. In 1973 a garage was built to house the various lawn mowers and other grounds equipment that were required to maintain the tennis courts. It was at this time that removal of some of the boundary hedges commenced, replacing them with permanent materials. Utilising voluntary club member labour, this took many years to complete.
The development committee hadn’t finished yet and in 1976 construction of new changing rooms, with toilets and showers, adjoining a concrete viewing deck overlooking the tennis courts was undertaken. This freed up space in the original pavilion for redevelopment and in 1977 - 78 this older building was completely renovated inside resulting in an expanded lounge area with floor to ceiling windows and doors looking out to the tennis courts, a new kitchen, upgraded bar facilities and an administration office. At this time the Napier City Council granted the club extended hours of play.
A development committee was formed, ably led by new president Mr David Sewell, where it was decided to introduce the fast growing sport of the time, squash, into the club’s activities and in 1969 two new squash courts were constructed at the rear of the existing pavilion. Squash membership grew so rapidly that, in 1972, a third squash court was added to the facility. In 1973 a garage was built to house the various lawn mowers and other grounds equipment that were required to maintain the tennis courts. It was at this time that removal of some of the boundary hedges commenced, replacing them with permanent materials. Utilising voluntary club member labour, this took many years to complete.
The development committee hadn’t finished yet and in 1976 construction of new changing rooms, with toilets and showers, adjoining a concrete viewing deck overlooking the tennis courts was undertaken. This freed up space in the original pavilion for redevelopment and in 1977 - 78 this older building was completely renovated inside resulting in an expanded lounge area with floor to ceiling windows and doors looking out to the tennis courts, a new kitchen, upgraded bar facilities and an administration office. At this time the Napier City Council granted the club extended hours of play.
Synthetic Turf and the Introducion of Pétanque
Development was not over and the next project was not far away. The executive, now led by the president Mrs Joy McMullen investigated the need to replace the grass turf courts. In 1983 the first two synthetic grass courts were established replacing the grass turf on courts 4 & 5. Playing tennis all year round was now possible and becoming so popular that, a few years later in 1987, the club saw the conversion of the remaining three front courts. At the same time a tennis volley-board and concrete practice area was constructed on the grass area outside the court fencing adjacent to court 5. Court maintenance expenditure had dropped markedly with these moves so in 1993 funds were raised and the remaining five grass turf tennis courts (the back bay) were also converted to a synthetic surface. Now that all tennis courts were off a synthetic surface nature, the club was able to dispose of a substantial amount of equipment that had been needed to maintain the grass turf courts.
In 1991 the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash Club (the name being changed in 1987 to better reflect activity at the club) was granted a ‘Club Liquor Licence’ under the new government regulations. At the same time the club appointed a paid part-time club administrator / bar-manager. A first for any tennis or squash club in Hawkes Bay. This position expanded over the years into a full-time position and includes almost all the administration activities of the club, reducing the workload required by the elected volunteers of the executive and committee.
By 1997 a group of members had discovered the French sport of Petanque and using members labour they constructed the first lime-sand terrain at the western end of the clubhouse. Once again, this new sport generated an increase in membership such that by the year 2000 a second terrain was added, allowing 9 pistes to be used for games and tournaments.
In 1991 the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash Club (the name being changed in 1987 to better reflect activity at the club) was granted a ‘Club Liquor Licence’ under the new government regulations. At the same time the club appointed a paid part-time club administrator / bar-manager. A first for any tennis or squash club in Hawkes Bay. This position expanded over the years into a full-time position and includes almost all the administration activities of the club, reducing the workload required by the elected volunteers of the executive and committee.
By 1997 a group of members had discovered the French sport of Petanque and using members labour they constructed the first lime-sand terrain at the western end of the clubhouse. Once again, this new sport generated an increase in membership such that by the year 2000 a second terrain was added, allowing 9 pistes to be used for games and tournaments.
The Modern Era
Now entering a new century, the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis (& Squash) Club had been in existence for over 125 years. To recap slightly, the suburb of Marewa was originally under water until the 1931 earthquake in Napier raised a large land mass above sea level, resulting in a massive expansion of the city. Most of this new land area had become a lease arrangement with the Napier Harbour Board, including the site of the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club. In 2005 the lease was due for renewal and would be increased to such a level it would have been unsustainable for the club to continue on the Marewa site. Negotiations were held between the club executives, the city council and harbour board, the result being that the Napier City Council acquired the land and converted it to recreational reserve. In January 2006, the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club signed an ‘Agreement to Lease’ the Marewa site allowing the club exclusive use of the site for a smaller annual lease fee whilst retaining ownership of the improvements the club had undertaken.
In 2005, with Mr Paul McAuley as the president, it was decided to provide floodlighting to the tennis courts. With the lease now secured, plans could be actioned. Six light towers were installed, each fitted with four lamps to illuminate the front five courts, allowing for play into the evenings. A large timber deck was added to the front of the pavilion allowing greater spectator viewing over tennis court number 1.
Since the clubs beginning, both tennis and squash coaching had been undertaken by numerous dedicated club members who had volunteered their time and knowledge to teach new and existing players how to play, enjoy and improve their skill levels. However, 2010 saw the appointment of the first full-time professional tennis coach at the club. The result was an increase in the number of tennis lessons as well as a variety of other activities including special training programs, allowing many younger members to progress further to higher honours, some to scholarships at universities in USA. Another benefit of this move was the establishment of a small retail shop providing specialised sporting equipment and re-stringing service to the racket sports fraternity in Hawkes Bay.
The next major advance in tennis court surfaces was Plexicushion. Its essentially a hard under surface with a thick cushion coating applied over the top. This product is now used extensively around world and is evident in a number of major tournaments, notably in Auckland and Melbourne. In 2016 the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club would convert court number 1 to this new technology. The first in Hawke's Bay to adopt it. It proved extremely popular such that in 2019 court number 2 was similarly converted.
Now under the charge of President Mike Willis, the club follows its commitment to developent and improvement. Interior lounge / bar and changing rooms have been remodelled and redecorated with further improvements in progress. Outdoor seating areas have been upgraded. Energy efficient lighting and heating has been installed . Security fencing and gates were constructed early in 2022, just before the Covid pandemic forced the closure of the club for many weeks and exterior painting of the building was completed in 2023. Funding is currently being put in place for updated LED tennis lighting.
2024 marks 140 years of existence for Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash Club Incorporated.
Compiled by John Harkness with considerable assistance from Robin Johnson.
In 2005, with Mr Paul McAuley as the president, it was decided to provide floodlighting to the tennis courts. With the lease now secured, plans could be actioned. Six light towers were installed, each fitted with four lamps to illuminate the front five courts, allowing for play into the evenings. A large timber deck was added to the front of the pavilion allowing greater spectator viewing over tennis court number 1.
Since the clubs beginning, both tennis and squash coaching had been undertaken by numerous dedicated club members who had volunteered their time and knowledge to teach new and existing players how to play, enjoy and improve their skill levels. However, 2010 saw the appointment of the first full-time professional tennis coach at the club. The result was an increase in the number of tennis lessons as well as a variety of other activities including special training programs, allowing many younger members to progress further to higher honours, some to scholarships at universities in USA. Another benefit of this move was the establishment of a small retail shop providing specialised sporting equipment and re-stringing service to the racket sports fraternity in Hawkes Bay.
The next major advance in tennis court surfaces was Plexicushion. Its essentially a hard under surface with a thick cushion coating applied over the top. This product is now used extensively around world and is evident in a number of major tournaments, notably in Auckland and Melbourne. In 2016 the Hawkes Bay Lawn Tennis Club would convert court number 1 to this new technology. The first in Hawke's Bay to adopt it. It proved extremely popular such that in 2019 court number 2 was similarly converted.
Now under the charge of President Mike Willis, the club follows its commitment to developent and improvement. Interior lounge / bar and changing rooms have been remodelled and redecorated with further improvements in progress. Outdoor seating areas have been upgraded. Energy efficient lighting and heating has been installed . Security fencing and gates were constructed early in 2022, just before the Covid pandemic forced the closure of the club for many weeks and exterior painting of the building was completed in 2023. Funding is currently being put in place for updated LED tennis lighting.
2024 marks 140 years of existence for Hawke's Bay Lawn Tennis & Squash Club Incorporated.
Compiled by John Harkness with considerable assistance from Robin Johnson.