11 September 2026
Pickleball pivot Facing a drop in membership, Katikati Tennis Club has found a way to futureproof its existence. Behind the scenes, committee members Graeme Thomsom and Patrick Thorp, pictured, have been part of a sub-committee tasked with strengthening their club.
“We decided that, as our tennis numbers were declining, putting in pickleball was a way of reinvigorating the club, ensuring it remains financially secure and to just keep the club alive.” Within 12 months the club secured $286,000 in grants and its own fundraising
to undertake a redevelopment of the facility to include pickleball as a dual offering. The project, which will include replacing and extending the clubhouse deck, began last month and will be complete by Christmas. Two tennis courts will transform into eight pickleball courts, and four original tennis
courts will remain. “However, we’ll have a combined court among the new courts – that will be able to be used for tennis or pickleball, depending on what people want to use it for on the day,” Thorp said. Read more on page 3. Photo / Merle Cave
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