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History
Tennis has a proud history in Northland. From early club courts in the 1900s to today’s regional programmes and modern facilities, we’ve been part of the community for over a century.
Key Milestones:
- 1924: Founded
- 1971: Registered as an Incorporated Society as "The Northland Lawn Tennis Association" and affiliated to Tennis NZ
- 1971: Establishment of Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park
- 1996: Changed name to "Tennis Northland Incorporated"
- 2008: Tennis Northland Affiliated to Tennis Northern Region
- 2012: Established the Thomas Neale Charitable Trust
- 2013: Tennis Northland transferred the ownership of Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park over to the Thomas Neale Charitable Trust
- 2025: Tennis Northland became a Regional Tennis Northland directly affiliated to Tennis NZ (no longer under Tennis Northern Region)
- 2025: Thomas Neale Charitable Trust transferred the ownership of Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park back to Tennis Northland
Autobiography: "From Matarau to Melbourne: How recognition and encouragement of natural talent, with timely opportunities, belief, determination and perseverance brought happiness and success"
From Matarau to Melbourne is a heartfelt and detailed autobiography by Maureen Rusk (née McKegg), chronicling her journey from a young girl hitting balls against a garage wall in rural Matarau, Northland, to representing New Zealand in tennis on the international stage, including at the Australian Junior Championships in Melbourne.
Her passion for tennis emerged early, nurtured by a supportive family and community. Despite limited resources, her natural talent, love of the game, and unwavering determination propelled her through local club competitions, school tournaments, and regional events. She documents her steady climb through junior tennis ranks - capturing titles, facing challenges, and forming lifelong connections, including with future tennis champions.
Central to Maureen’s story is the vital role her parents played - especially her father, Tom McKegg, a committed coach and administrator in the local tennis scene. While addressing criticism that she was pushed too hard, Maureen offers a moving defense of her parents’ support and the deep joy she found in playing.
The book details her selection for the New Zealand Wilson Cup team and the thrilling experience of touring the South Island and Australia in 1964–65, competing in top-level national and international events. Her vivid diary-style recollections bring to life both the on-court excitement and the personal growth that came from travel, team camaraderie, and competition.
Beyond sport, the autobiography is a reflection on family, resilience, and the lifelong value of discipline, persistence, and community encouragement. It is also a record of a golden era in Northland tennis, featuring many names and clubs integral to the region’s history.