Tell us a little about the club’s history
Tennis has been played on our beautiful tree-lined site on Green Street, St Mary’s Bay, since 1898. The Ponsonby Catholic Tennis Club was a hive of activity for many years but fell into disrepair in the mid-1950s. In 1963, three-time Auckland hard court champion Ray Keenan and five volunteers set out to revive the courts. After two years of working bees, bottle drives and raffles, the new Pompallier Lawn Tennis Club opened in October 1965. Membership grew rapidly and the club flourished, fielding interclub teams, hosting invitation tournaments, and running lively social events. Sixty years on, not much has changed - we still have five floodlit courts, a vibrant membership, and a heritage clubhouse that celebrates our proud history. Ray’s son Michael, whose name is all over the honours board, is still involved today as both a player and administrator.
What makes the club so special?
Our serene setting in the heart of St Mary’s Bay is hard to beat. Sheltered by mature pōhutukawa trees, the club offers city views with Ponsonby Road right on the doorstep. Whether you’re playing or watching with a drink in hand, it’s a wonderful place to spend a sunny afternoon. We’re also known for being very welcoming - whether you’re brand new to tennis or a seasoned competitor, you’ll fit right in. Families are at the heart of our club, with juniors making up over a third of our membership, and we offer coaching, interclub and social tennis for all ages and abilities. Oh, and we’ve been proudly sponsored by Champagne Bollinger for more than 30 years!
Are there any memberships available?
Yes — new members are always welcome. You can join online (www.pompalliertennis.co.nz), call our Club Manager on 09 376 5689, or come down on a Wednesday evening between 6–8pm to try before you buy.
When is the club open?
We’re open every day of the year from 7am to 10pm, except on Christmas Day and Good Friday.
How are you celebrating your 60th anniversary?
We’re marking the milestone with a Wimbledon-themed open day from 11am – 3pm on Sunday, 12 October, and the whole community is invited. All ages and abilities are welcome — come dressed to impress and bring your racket (or borrow one of ours) for some fun on-court activities run by our world-class coaches from Lavie Tennis Academy. If watching tennis with a drink in hand is more your style, come down and enjoy a very reasonably priced beer or glass of Bolly on our sunny deck. We’ll also be providing free barista-made Atomic coffee, Westmere sausages, and made-to-order real fruit ice cream. Plus, anyone who signs up for membership on the day will receive 20% off their first year. If you’ve been thinking about joining a tennis club or just want to check out a special part of Auckland, come and visit us between 11am and 3pm on Sunday, 12 October!
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