About us

About Rotorua Pickleball Club

Rotorua Pickleball is a welcoming and growing community bringing people together through the fun, social and competitive game of pickleball. We cater for players of all ages and abilities, from those picking up a paddle for the first time to experienced players looking for regular games and competition. With organised play, social sessions, coaching opportunities and events, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re here to compete, keep active, meet new people or simply enjoy a great game, you’ll find a place on the court with Rotorua Pickleball.

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Play. Connect. Thrive.

Rotorua Pickleball is about belonging as much as it is about sport. Whether you are here for fitness, friendship or friendly competition, you will find your place on our courts.

Play
Fast rallies, friendly competition and sessions for every skill level. There is always a game waiting for you.
Connect
Meet people across generations and backgrounds. Our club is built on handshakes, laughter and shared courts.
Thrive
Stay active, build confidence and be part of something positive. Pickleball is good for body, mind and community.

Our story

Our club story

Rotorua Pickleball Club was founded in 2015 by Sharon Fleet, Claire Spackman, and David McNamara, making it the first pickleball club in New Zealand and the birthplace of the sport in this country.

What began as a small group of passionate players has grown into one of New Zealand's most active and welcoming pickleball communities. Today, the club is home to more than 400 members and casual players, with people of all ages and skill levels enjoying regular sessions, tournaments, social events, and competitive play.

Based at the Rotorua Badminton Hall, the club has always been about more than just pickleball. From complete beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to experienced tournament players, Rotorua Pickleball is built on the values of friendship, inclusion, sportsmanship, and community.

Over the years, the club has played a leading role in the growth of pickleball throughout New Zealand. It has hosted major tournaments, introduced new playing formats, and helped countless players discover the sport. The club continues to innovate while staying true to its roots as a welcoming place where everyone can enjoy the game.

One of the club's proudest achievements is its commitment to developing the next generation of players through its junior programme. By creating opportunities for young people to learn and play, Rotorua Pickleball is helping ensure a bright future for the sport.

Whether you're looking for social games, friendly competition, fitness, or new friendships, there's a place for you at Rotorua Pickleball Club. As we look ahead to the future, we're excited to continue growing the game and sharing the sport we love with our community.

Key Milestones

2015
Rotorua Pickleball Club founded, becoming New Zealand's first pickleball club.
2025
Celebrated 10 years of pickleball in Rotorua.
400+ players
Membership and participation continue to grow rapidly.
Junior programme launched in 2025
Supporting young players and the future of the sport.
National leadership
Hosting tournaments and helping grow pickleball throughout New Zealand.

Purpose and vision

Pickleball for everyone in Rotorua

Our vision is simple: to make pickleball the most welcoming sport in Rotorua. We want every person — regardless of age, ability or experience — to find a place on court, a friendly face and a reason to keep playing.

What we stand for

Our values

These values shape how we play, coach, organise and welcome new people.

Welcoming
Every ability and background is welcome. We make sure newcomers feel included from their very first game.
Active
Pickleball keeps us moving, laughing and connecting. We believe sport should be joyful, not intimidating.
Local
We are proud to be part of Rotorua. Our club brings people together across generations in the heart of the community.

Committee