NZ Māori Tennis – 99th Year Celebration Tournament
Despite a few weather challenges, the NZ Māori Tennis Tournament proved to be a huge success in its 99th year.
Hosted here in Rotorua late last year, the championships carry a legacy that stretches back almost a century. In Easter 1926, during the Māori Championships held in Rotorua, Sir Apirana Ngata and his close friends Tai Mitchell, Pei Te Hurinui Jones and Tukere Te Anga came together to write a constitution that formed the inaugural New Zealand Māori Lawn Tennis Association.
The tournament brought together more than 200 participants across all age groups, including players in their eighties. With a mix of competitive and social events, it was a strong showcase of participation and connection across generations.
That first national tournament was a milestone moment, bringing together the best players from across the country. Even with elimination rounds held in each district, an impressive 94 players competed in the men’s singles event in 1926.
Rotorua Trust Deputy Chairperson Mike Keefe attended 2025 tournament, which was made even more special by the presence of Rotorua’s own Wimbledon legend, Ruia Morrison.
A photograph gifted to the Trust features Dame Ruia Morrison, a true Rotorua sporting icon. Growing up locally, Ruia went on to become the first New Zealand woman and the first Māori person to play at Wimbledon in 1957 and is still regarded as one of Aotearoa’s greatest tennis players of all time.
Rotorua Trust was pleased to support the tournament – a great celebration of sport, community and tradition.
Pictured left to right: Dick and Desirae Garrett (Chair, NZ Māori Tennis), Mike Keefe, and Leonie and Geoff Kaye (2025 organisers).
