LAKE PUPUKE TENNIS CLUB

The Club, formerly known as Pupuke Tennis Club, was formed in 1934.

On Hurstmere Road in those days the Roberts family went sailing and the Armitages, Matthews, Partridges, Gauntletts, McKinlays, Coldicuts and Griffiths all played tennis.

It occupies part of the northern end of Taharoto Park, Takapuna. The site is owned by North Shore City Council and is provided to the Club at no cost and no rates. All improvements on the property have been funded by members over the period of 74 years.

Under great hardship the hall was built in 1949 with a loan of £400. Postwar shortages meant that the concrete blocks were made by hand on site. All work was done by members in their leisure time.

Several years ago, the Club embarked on several large improvements to its facilities – this included total replacement of Court 5, with improved drainage etc. As well, the Club added a much needed facility, a pavilion between the 2 levels of the grounds. This was built by way of Club fund raising, working bees, and a grant from the ASB Trust. It was opened by Life Member, Lionel Medland, and named the Collins Family Pavilion, in recognition of 3 generations of Collins family, who have played and assisted the Club over many years. Along with the resurfacing of all courts and lights on 4 of them, the next major project will see a complete renovation of its front entranceway.

The Club is fortunate to have a number of senior members, many of whom have been members of the Club for more than 30 years.

Our most famous club member was a Mr John Pring who was club champ in 1955 and 56. His skills took him on to be New Zealands top referee.