Who make everything possible!
Tennis South Canterbury Incorporated is a non-profit regional sporting organisation that fosters and promotes the game of tennis in the South Canterbury region. TSC’s purpose is to enable and promote quality tennis experiences at every level. There are 7 clubs affiliated to Tennis South Canterbury: Albury Tennis Club, Claremont Tennis Club, Highfield Tennis Club, Hilton Geraldine Tennis Club, Temuka Tennis Club, Tennis South Canterbury Masters, Wai-iti Tennis Club.
Our headquarters is the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre, 27 Benvenue Ave, Timaru – a magnificent venue with magical views from the Pavilion over Caroline Bay. There are 14 outdoor Synpave & Plexipave courts all are floodlit.
The courts and facilities (including the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre Pavilion) are available for hire at most times, 7 days a week. Click here to Book a court.
Connor Brosnahan
I have been a tennis coach/instructor since 2013. I grew up in Ashburton and was taught to play tennis at the age of five by my dad, Tony, who is also a coach and referee. I went on to represent Mid Canterbury and Canterbury Country.
After leaving high school, I worked for a security company during New Zealand summers and as a tennis coach in England during the Northern Hemisphere summers. In 2018/2019 and 2024 Summer, I was based at the Jonathan Markson Academy of Tennis hosted by Oxford University.
I have completed the Tennis NZ junior development course, which is ITF Level 1 certification, that includes Cardio Tennis and XPress Programmes.
I have been working as a tennis coach in Europe and New Zealand for over 10 years.
Peter Burt
I come from a strong background in Policing, management and leadership, specifically crime investigation over 21 years and ended my policing career as the Officer in Charge of the South Canterbury CIB as the senior Crime manager.
I have served overseas with the United Nations, leading an international Investigation team in East Timor which comminated in elections that saw the Timorese gain their independence.
I am a fourth term Timaru District Councilor and have worked in my community across numerous roles and functions over the last 30 years, in governance and as a professional trustee and director on a number of organisations. Most notably as a Trustee on the C-Bay Trust, where as part of five very motivated and community connected individuals, we raised $6.5m towards the construction of the Aquatic Center. I have led the Aroraki Sports Persons Charitable Trust (ASPECT) for 16 years, raising many thousands of dollars for our local athletes, through grants and scholarships, suppling many of our Commonwealth and Olympic medalists through their journeys to success.
I have been involved in sports coaching, administration, and management for many years, so my move to Tennis South Canterbury, taking up the role as GM aligns with my philosophy of community involvement and the ability to utilise my skills and experience within the sports environment.
Anna Telfer
Appointed in 2022, as office administrator, I look after the Junior side of Tennis in SC.
Originally from Southland and grown up with playing Tennis as a youngster and I continue to play casually on a regular basis. Having lived in the UK for over 12 years and worked for Tennis Scotland for 3 years in the early 2000s.
I now reside in St Andrews on a lifestyle block with my partner and 3 boys, who also play regular tennis in South Canterbury.
TSC Board Members
Greg Coutts
Ferg Hazlett
Nicky Donkers
Nicky was born in Geraldine and grew up on a farm at Geraldine Flat, so knows the Geraldine wider South Canterbury area/community well. After a period at university (Food and Sport Science) and working away, she returned in 1995 and worked/consulted for Barker Fruit Processors (Barker’s) for 29 years.
She was also an active Tennis player while growing up in Geraldine representing both Temuka/Geraldine and South Canterbury at the representative level and then playing for Southern and Central Districts at national teams events over several years. She also represented the Manawatu and Hawkes Bay at representative level.
She is a serving board member of the Bidwill Hospital Trust, Geraldine.nz (ex-Chair), Peel Forest Outdoor Pursuits Trust (Chair), Tennis South Canterbury, the Geraldine Licensing Trust (Chair), Aorangi Veterinary Services (Advisory Chair) and an independent director of the NZ Dairy Dessert Company. She is also a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Nicky fully supports Tennis as a sport being woven into the Timaru District Council Long-Term Plan Well-being pillars and PARS (TDC Play, Active Recreation and Sport Strategy).
Irene Emond
Involved in tennis one way or other since old enough to lift a racquet. Played club and regional representative tennis as a junior for Northland. Resumed club and representative tennis when moving to Oamaru in 1988. Had committee, club captain, president, deputy-president, senior rep selector roles in North Otago. Also ran the very popular womens mid-week tournament at the grass courts for around 5 years. Started playing club tennis for Wai-iti and supported Pleasant Point club for a few years around 2000. Joined Tennis SC board around 2010. Still playing club, tournament and vets tennis.
Mark Offen
Tony Zwies
Daniela Zavallone
I recently joined the Tennis South Canterbury Board in 2023 with the primary goal of enhancing tennis in South Canterbury by actively participating and promoting our fantastic facilities, programmes, and coaches throughout the South Island. Although I only began playing tennis two years ago, I’m absolutely loving it!
Born and raised in Italy, I was a gymnast from a very young age, a swimmer, and a professional volleyball player for over 30 years.
I’m a member and committee member of both Wai-iti Tennis Club and Highfield Tennis Club. I joined two clubs because I believe each one offers something unique, with a diverse range of players and plenty of fun!
Tennis is fantastic for fitness and socialising, and it’s a sport you can enjoy for life.
I’m an IT Manager and Web Developer, as well as the mother of a seven-year-old daughter who plays tennis regularly.