Growing The Love of Tennis Across our region
Tennis South Canterbury is passionate about creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to discover, enjoy, and thrive through tennis. From a child's first swing of a racquet to social players, competitive athletes, and lifelong members of our tennis community, we're here to help make tennis accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
As the regional governing body for tennis in South Canterbury, we work alongside our affiliated clubs, coaches, volunteers, schools, and community partners to grow participation, develop players, support quality coaching, and strengthen the future of tennis throughout our region.
Our purpose is simple: to grow the love of tennis and encourage participation. Our vision is even bigger: enriching lives through tennis. Every programme we deliver, every event we host, and every investment we make is focused on building a stronger, more connected tennis community for generations to come.
#Our Clubs
Our Affiliated Clubs.
Today, Tennis South Canterbury proudly supports seven affiliated clubs across the region:
- Albury Tennis Club
- Claremont Tennis Club
- Highfield Tennis Club
- Hilton Geraldine Tennis Club
- Temuka Tennis Club
- Tennis South Canterbury Masters
- Wai-iti Tennis Club
Together, these clubs provide opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to play, compete, learn, volunteer, and belong.
Our home is the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre in Timaru, featuring 14 floodlit Synpave and Plexipave courts overlooking Caroline Bay. The venue is the hub of tennis in South Canterbury, hosting tournaments, coaching programmes, community events, and is also available for court and function hire throughout the year.
Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time, returning to the game, or looking to compete, we'd love to welcome you to the Tennis South Canterbury community.
#Our Staff
Meet Our Team
Behind every programme, event, and initiative is a passionate team dedicated to growing tennis and supporting our clubs and community across South Canterbury.
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. From 2018 to 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.
#Our Board
Meet Our Board Members
Our volunteer Board brings together a diverse range of skills and experience, united by a shared passion for growing tennis in South Canterbury.
Greg Coutts
Chairman
Member of Management committee 1998-2007 including President 2001-2007
Life member 2019.
Greg has been a tennis player for long time and Wai-iti Tennis Club Member.
Semi retired after a career holding various roles in rural servicing industry, now focusing only on the chairman role at Tennis South Canterbury, working very closely with Peter Burt.
Ferg Hazlett
Board Member & Patron
Ferg Hazlett has dedicated a lifetime to growing and strengthening tennis in South Canterbury. A passionate player, administrator, fundraiser, and leader, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s tennis community, including the redevelopment of the Trust Aoraki Tennis Centre and helping bring the Davis Cup to Timaru in 2000.
A Life Member and Patron of Tennis South Canterbury, and former President of Tennis New Zealand, Ferg continues to support the organisation with decades of experience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to growing tennis for future generations.
Irene Emond
Board Member
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.
Nicky Donkers
Board Member
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).
Mark Offen
Board Member
Born and bred South Cantabrian Involved with tennis most of my life Real soft spot for Country tennis and junior coaching Qualified Club Professional Tennis Coach Diploma Sport Studies (Otago University) 31 years NZ Police. Left in 2016 at the rank of Senior Seargent
Phil Williams
Board Member
Phil brings valuable experience in governance, operations, and tennis to the Tennis South Canterbury Board. Passionate about supporting local clubs and growing the game, he is committed to helping build a strong and sustainable future for tennis across South Canterbury.
Tony Zwies
Board Member
I grew up in Browns, Southland, where I first discovered tennis at my local primary school. After moving to South Canterbury more than 15 years ago, I joined Highfield Tennis Club and have enjoyed being part of the region’s tennis community ever since.
As a board member, I’m passionate about growing the game across South Canterbury by supporting quality programmes, events, coaching, and opportunities for players of all ages and abilities. Outside of tennis, I run a graphic and web design business and enjoy getting out on court with my four children as they discover the game themselves.
#Our Strategic Direction
Building the Future of Tennis
Our Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening clubs, increasing participation, and creating a sustainable future for tennis across South Canterbury.
