New turf for old friends at Waiuku Tennis Club
One of Waiuku’s community hubs finally has a new astroturf, thanks to years of fundraising, grants and the efforts of members and friends alike.
The Waiuku Tennis Club is putting on a grand reopening to celebrate new astroturf, and invites locals to check out the club and maybe even sign up.
Life member Jonathan Taylor said the club has been a key part of his life ever since he moved to Waiuku in 1983.
He was part of an army of volunteers and club members who helped pull up the old astroturf and bundle it up for organisations to take away, saving the club some $16,000.
“It’s very much a part of the fabric of Waiuku, if you like,” Taylor said. “I am a big believer in that.”
Founded in 1907, the tennis club has seen generations of Waiuku families come and go. One of those families was Ilian Trivonov’s, who arrived in 2000 from Bulgaria.
Always an avid tennis player, there was no question about finding a club to play in, but this one quickly became his family’s connection to the community.
“I have no words to explain how welcoming the club was, and is. Everyone - adults, and kids,” Trivonov said.
“We keep connected. It’s very pleasant when you see somebody on the street, at the doctors, in the shops. We remember the good times.”
The NZ Community Trust, Lion Foundation, Waiuku Rotary Club, Foundation North* and the Teague Family made sizable donations to help buy the new turf.
You can join the celebrations, including an exhibition match and BBQ, at the Waiuku Tennis Club, 4 Racecourse Rd in Waiuku on Sunday 30th October, from 2-5pm, and if you become a member on the day you will get a free free Waiuku tennis club cap.
RSVP to waiukutennisclub@gmail.com
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below