Pukerua Bay’s first Tennis Club

Opening of the Pukerua Bay Tennis Courts, October 1922.
In February 1921 a friendly tennis match at Paekakariki included an informal “Pukerua Club” although the first Pukerua Bay Tennis Club was not formed until May 1922. In October that year the first Pukerua Bay tennis court was opened by W.H. Field M.P. in front of over 100 residents and visitors. These courts were near the corner of Pa Road and what is now State Highway 1.
The courts were built by Club members who leased the land for £1 a year from Charles Grey, land owner and enthusiastic tennis player. These courts had a reputation for great views but high winds could be a problem. By early 1923 members had built a hall which became the social centre of Pukerua Bay for dances, meetings and as a polling booth.
The courts were demolished and the hall removed in 1938 to make way for Centennial Highway – State Highway 1 and the present courts were established on the corner of Rawhiti Road and Teihana Road.

Early Pukerua Bay tennis players.

First tennis court at Pukerua Bay with the Gray Homestead in background.

Members of the first Pukerua Bay Tennis Club on the original courts near corner of Pa Road and Main Road, October 1922.

Miss Gladys Hyde’s Pukerua Bay Tennis Club membership card.
Acknowledgements
Photos Blair Collection.
Papers Past
Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Archives New Zealand.