Club History

Our Beginnings – 1909

The club originated at Manurewa Central School before land was made available in Hall Road, now known as Halver Road, by local estate owner Percy Neild. He generously donated part of his property for use by local sporting groups, including bowls, croquet and tennis.

Facilities in those early years were modest. The club's first pavilion was a tent, which was later replaced by a corrugated iron shelter built by willing club members and volunteers.

A New Home – 1964

In 1964, following the amalgamation of Manukau City Council and Manurewa Council, the land occupied by the sporting groups was required by the Council and the clubs were relocated.

On 16 September 1964, Manurewa Tennis Club moved to the corner of Weymouth Road and Selwyn Avenue. The club paid $100 in removal costs for its building, which at the time had neither power nor water.

The Move to Russell Road – 1973

Another major change came in 1973 when the Southmall area was sold for redevelopment. Manukau City Council made land available to the club on the Clendon Estate at Russell Road, establishing what would become the club's permanent home.

Tenders were called for the purchase and removal of the old building, while Manukau City Council constructed six asphalt tennis courts at the new site.

The Russell Road facility officially opened on 23 September 1973.

Building the Clubhouse – 1974

In 1974, quotes were sought for the construction of a new clubhouse. The building was eventually completed for a little over $10,000.

Tennis Auckland and Manukau City Council funded 50% of the cost, with the club funding the remaining 50% through an interest-free loan from Manukau City Council, which was repaid over the following 15 years.

That same year, Manurewa Tennis Club became an incorporated society, formally registering on 13 September 1974.

At that time, the facilities were shared with Manurewa Netball. In 1976, the club purchased its Common Seal.

Improving the Courts – 1988 to 2000

The club continued to improve its facilities as membership and tennis developed.

In 1988, the Council resurfaced the courts and addressed drainage problems that had been causing damage to the playing surfaces. At the same time, the club funded the installation of floodlights, allowing tennis to be played into the evening.

Despite the improvements, surface irregularities continued to affect the courts. In 1992, the club made the significant decision to resurface them with Plexipave. The project was funded by the club with support from Manukau City Council through a small interest-free loan.

Further development took place from 1999 to 2000, with Courts 4, 5 and 6 upgraded along with improvements to the clubhouse. The work was completed in November 2000 and officially celebrated with an opening ceremony on 26 November 2000.

Celebrating 100 Years – 2008–2009

In preparation for the club's centenary in 2009, another major programme of improvements was undertaken in 2008.

The courts were resurfaced and improvements were made to the court perimeter and clubhouse fencing, ensuring the facilities were ready to celebrate an important milestone — 100 years of Manurewa Tennis Club.

In the years that followed, Manurewa Tennis Club continued to develop as a community-focused tennis club, welcoming juniors, seniors, social players and competitive Interclub players.

The club has continued investing in its courts, lighting and facilities while strengthening its connection with the wider Manurewa community.

A major step in this development was the refurbishment of the club's six courts and installation of modern LED floodlighting, improving the playing experience and supporting greater use of the facility throughout the year.