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A long-standing east Auckland sports club plans to illuminate its courts thanks to a $10,000 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).
The trust has awarded the grant to Howick Tennis Club to enable it to upgrade its court lighting to energy-efficient LED lights so they’re safer and more accessible for evening play.
The club’s captain, Andrew Scott, says the new lighting will make an enormous difference to both safety and performance on the courts.
“This grant is a crucial first step to improving our facilities and will allow us to move forward with this essential upgrade.”
With the new LED lights, the club will see improved lighting quality, reduced energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs.
It will also reduce light pollution by 85 per cent a change welcomed by the club’s neighbours.
“Twilight tennis is key to introducing new members to the club,” club life member and twilight tennis convenor Jane Davis says.
“Thanks to NZCT, we can now move ahead with the project and continue providing top-quality facilities for the community.”
NZCT’s general manager of grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges, adds: “We’re delighted the funds we raise through our responsible gaming fundraising partnership with The Barrel Inn can help Howick Tennis Club light up their courts.
“It’ll increase the quantity and quality of play which is brilliant as the club grows.”
Founded in 1902, Howick Tennis Club is one of the oldest in New Zealand.
It offers six all-weather, astro-turf courts and a recently upgraded clubhouse.
The club serves about 300 members, including junior, intermediate, and senior players, and provides a welcoming environment for people of all ages and skill levels.
NZCT is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand.
In 2023/2024 it awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the arts, and cultural activities.
