Serving Up Success: NZCT Boosts Table Tennis in Manawatu!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Table Tennis Manawatu a grant of $15,000 for new nets and playing tables, enabling the club to upgrade aging equipment and continue providing high-quality training, competitions, and participation opportunities for local players.

Chairperson Scott Finlayson says, " Our mission is to grow table tennis playing numbers in the Manawatu region. Reliable, competition-grade tables help us support both grassroots development and high-performance pathways, giving players a positive first experience and encouraging long-term participation."

Table Tennis Manawatu doesn’t have a permanent facility, so tables are set up and stored after every session, which accelerates wear and tear. The club’s 15-year-old tables were used five days a week by over 2,000 local players, plus representative players from outside the district. Replacing them was essential to continue operating effectively.

The new tables will allow the club to keep offering inclusive, accessible opportunities for young players, foster growth in both participation and performance, and maintain Manawatu’s contribution to national table tennis development. With this grant, the club can continue hosting tournaments, events, and training sessions to introduce new members to the sport.

Junior player Henry Giles says, "I'm really excited about the new tables! They'll make training and competitions even better for everyone involved."

Participant and parent Oscar Lau adds, "We're really stoked about these new tables. They'll make a huge difference to both our training sessions and competitions."

Coaching supporter Kerry McGeehan says, "A capital investment in new tables will be a huge boost for table tennis players in the Manawatu and surrounding areas."

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges says, “We know how important local sports organisations like Table Tennis Manawatu are for improving kids and adults physical and mental health. We’re proud to support them with this grant, made possible through our responsible gambling partnerships with our Manawatu-based venues."