Squash New Zealand are recruiting for two new roles

Squash in New Zealand has a new 2021-24 Strategic Direction, We are Squash New Zealand – Poipatu Aotearoa.   We have recently restructured and can announce two new roles that we are recruiting for who will form key members of a new team to grow the game of squash and support and add value to our clubs. 

 Our revised purpose is to support our clubs to be vibrant and sustainable, to inspire New Zealanders through telling our amazing squash stories, and continue to enhance the health and happiness of our communities via playing squash and a sense of belonging to our clubs.  Both roles will report to the Chief Executive, Coach Development Leader and National Development and Operations Manager. 

History of the New Zealand Squash Championships

Amazingly, until this year Wellington had only hosted the senior national championship once, in 1971. The Devonport Naval Base (1934 and 1939) had staged the event more often!

Cities that have hosted the nationals: Auckland (20), Palmerston North (13), Timaru (11), Christchurch (10), Hamilton (9), Hawke’s Bay (5), Whakatane, New Plymouth (both 3), Oamaru, Invercargill, Nelson (all 2), Masterton, Wellington, Dunedin (all 1). 

Draws for the Oliver Sport New Zealand Squash Championship are out!

The Oliver Sport New Zealand Squash Championship are just around the corner, kicking off in two weeks!

Defending champions take home the silverware at the Cousins Shield & Mitchell Cup

The long weekend saw teams from around the country compete for the prestigious Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup. Last years event was cancelled due to Covid-19 so teams were extra hungry this year!

Superchamps Eligibility Cut off - 11th June

Superchamps is coming around quick! An important reminder, that you must be on your clubs grading list on the 11th June in order to be eligible to compete for your club

New Zealand players have moved forward in the latest PSA world squash rankings released today.

Paul Coll has remained at No 4 in the men’s rankings and Joelle King eight in the women’s but it’s the next group of players who have excelled.

National Champion Evan Williams and Australian Jessica Turnbull take home Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open Titles

If anyone doubted the determination of New Zealand men’s squash No 2 Evan Williams they would be sorely disappointed as the 31-year-old from Wellington continued to hold off all rivals for yet another PSA Challenger title, this time at the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open.

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland PSA Open - Live Streams

Tune into live action from the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland PSA Open starting the 27th of May

Barfoot & Thompson Auckland PSA Open draws intrest from over the ditch

Excitement is building in New Zealand and Australian squash with the confirmed entry list for next week’s Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Open showcasing most of the best players from each country.  

New Zealand relinquish hosting rights of 2021 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship due to coronavirus pandemic

The 2021 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship, originally scheduled to take place in Tauranga in December, will now be held in Malaysia.

Chas Evans - New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame

A huge congratulations to Chas Evans, who earlier this month officially became apart of the New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame at the awards dinner held at Hutt City, Wellington.

Oliver Sport New Zealand Squash Championships

Squash New Zealand are pleased to announce Oliver Sport as the naming sponsor for the New Zealand Championships 2021.

New Zealand Junior Open Results

The AON New Zealand Junior Open promised to bring the best New Zealand Juniors out to play, and it didn't dissapoint. With more than 125 juniors hitting the courts at Remuera Rackets Club the event was filled with fun and challenging matches. 

AON New Zealand Junior Open Highlights

Catch up on the action from the AON New Zealand Junior Open

AON New Zealand Junior Open: Preview

This weekend Remuera Rackets Club will host the prestigious AON New Zealand Junior Open. Remuera Rackets Club is one of New Zealand's biggest clubs hosting a membership total of more than 250. The club has a rich history including a record-breaking 29 Mitchell Cup (New Zealand Women's Club Teams) wins in the 60 years the event has been running.

Upcoming Squash NZ Working Groups

Are you keen to make a difference for Squash in New Zealand? 

Squash New Zealand are about to launch 4 new projects to help progress the sport going forward, and we need people who have the passion to help the sport and can add value!

End to End High Performance Pathway

An End-to-End Player Pathway has been put together to assist squash players from the beginning of a career playing the sport with a map and process of how to achieve goals and reach the potential peak of being a top squash player.

New Zealand Doubles Championships Results

The New Zealand Doubles Championships wrapped up this afternoon at SquashGym Palmerston North.

New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame Dinner

Join us in celebrating the newest member of the New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame, former top World Referee Chas Evans!

New Zealand Doubles Championships

The season is truly in full swing with the New Zealand Doubles championship starting on Friday with multiple divisions all filled with talent. The event held at Squashgym Palmerston North will be sure to bring the best doubles action out and on show.

Changes to New Zealand Junior Nationals

Balance is Better is an evidence-based philosophy that is shaping the way we look at youth sport in New Zealand. Balance is Better is all about putting the participant first and focussing on their needs; it is around maximising participation and skill development.

To ensure Squash New Zealand is listening to the research and doing what is best for our young children playing Squash, the following decisions have been made for the New Zealand Junior National Individual Championships 2021.

Squash New Zealand AGM - 31st of March 2021

Join us for our Squash New Zealand Virtual AGM at 3pm on the 31st of March 2021. To express your intrest contact admin@squashnz.co.nz

Squash New Zealand Request for Proposal

Squash New Zealand is seeking proposals from organisations for the supply and implementation of a squash administration solution called Squash Connect.

Kerikeri Squash Club So Close, But So Far Away After Arson

It’s been four and a half long years since squash in Northland suffered its greatest loss, when the Kerikeri  Squash Club had its facility extensively damaged beyond repair by arson. Now the club is close to building something new which they can be proud of, but there’s a funding shortfall.

Changes to the Squash New Zealand Grading List

The Grading Review committee spent 2020 working to address issues that had been raised by the Squash Community with the current grading system.

The aim of the review was to ensure we can maintain a grading system that accurately reflects a player’s level. 

Senior Nationals Update

Squash New Zealand are excited to announce some minor changes to the premier senior squash event.

After talking to stakeholders present at the event, we are sure this will enhance the excitement around the premier Squash Event in New Zealand. The event which has been known as the New Zealand Senior Nationals, will be renamed to represent the high quality of squash being played in New Zealand.

Opportunity to join the Squash New Zealand Board

Are you passionate about our sport? Want to help shape the future of squash?

Barfoot & Thompson PSA Summer Series Returns in 2021

Squash Auckland and Squash NZ are proud to announce that the Barfoot & Thompson PSA Summer Series will be back for a second season in 2021.  The series had a successful debut earlier this year with capacity tournaments hosted at the Henderson Squash Club, Eden Epsom Tennis & Squash Club, North Shore Squash Club, and Royal Oak Racquets Club.  The same clubs will again have hosting duties, each holding an Open tournament which will have various levels of PSA (Professional Squash Association) status attracting top players from around the country to compete for lucrative world ranking points. 

AON New Zealand Junior Open Entries Open

Entries are now open for the AON New Zealand Junior Open!

Changes to the Squash New Zealand Board

Last month David Hawes announced he was stepping down as Chairman of Squash New Zealand. David will continue to work on the board and will focus on areas that will assist in taking the sport forward.

The board thanks David for his time as chair and look forward to continuing to work with David in the coming months.

Susie Simcock Memorial Service

The squash fraternity are all invited to attend this Memorial Service which will celebrate Susie’s significant contribution to New Zealand and World squash.The service will take place at 2pm on the 26th of November at St Mary's in Holy Trinity, Parnell.

New Zealand Secondary Schools Host Expression of Interest

The NZ Secondary School Squash Championships is New Zealand’s single largest squash event, usually hosting over 50 teams over a three-day period. The event allows school aged players, from elite level down to beginners, to experience a national level event in a fun team environment. While this event caters to elite players, the priority of this event is to encourage participation from new players/schools, and to ensure every team enjoys participating.

Top Seeds Triumph For National Squash Titles

A couple of first-time triumphs for the top seeds at the 2020 New Zealand National Squash Championships in Auckland.

Emma Millar has her eyes on the Mitchell Rosebowl

The New Zealand Squash Nationals are traditionally held in the middle of the winter months and have top 10 ranked Paul Coll and Joelle King adding to their current total of five and eight titles respectively.

Evan Williams targets National Squash Championships title

The 2020 New Zealand National Squash Championships are set to be the most open for a number of years as a result Paul Coll and Joelle King not being able to return home to compete due to Covid-19 restrictions and travel difficulties.

That doesn’t make the tournament weaker, in fact it’s the strongest for some time with so many players looking to take the coveted title.

Welcome from CEO Martin Dowson

Welcome squash community

Club Support Series - Participant experience and engagement

Squash New Zealand are happy to share with clubs the Club Support series final chapter : Participant Experience and Engagement

National Referee Awards

Nominations are now open for the National Referee Awards !

Refereeing and referees form a critical part of the squash landscape in New Zealand. Referees from across the country at all levels donate their time and knowledge to referee squash at all levels helping to ensure a fair match for all competitors whilst getting one of the best seats in the house

Coach of the year nominations are now open

The Squash New Zealand award nominations are now open. Players, club administrators and districts are asked to nominate their coaches and to provide a description of their achievements in coaching squash. The coaching awards have been aligned to match the Squash New Zealand Coaching Framework,

New Zealand Juniors brings our young squash stars together

Over 300 matches played in a condensed three days of competition meant there was no easy road to a title as the AON New Zealand Junior Squash Nationals came to a conclusion in Christchurch.

National Squash Centre Invitational PSA

New Zealand squash players looking for some top level play will be hitting the courts this weekend in a PSA Satellite at the National Squash Centre Invitational PSA. 

The tournament contains prizemoney and carries PSA ranking points and is an ideal warm up for some players in the Junior Nationals in Christchurch early next month as well as the Senior Nationals at the beginning of November.

Kiwi squash stars Paul Coll and Joelle King return to tournament play

International squash and the PSA tour hits the court this week for the first time since March with the Manchester Open featuring defending women’s champion, Kiwi, Joelle King plus countryman, Paul Coll in the men’s draw.

Superchamps and Junior Nationals update

Following the Government announcement of the extension of both Aucklands Level 2.5 Guidelines and New Zealands Level 2 Guidelines.

Squash New Zealand is pleased to announce that Superchamps due to take place next week from the 23rd of September, will continue with additional safety measures in place.

Campbell Grayson in his own words

With his retirement from the PSA Tour one of the ‘good guys’ of the sport, Campbell Grayson was keen to pass on a message in his own humble words to those in the sport in New Zealand about his 17 years in international play. 

Campbell Grayson retires from the PSA

One of the unsung, hard-workers of New Zealand sport has called time on the professional circuit after 17 years travelling around the world.

Campbell Grayson the world No.25 ranked squash player and four-time Commonwealth Games representative has decided to hang up his competitive racquet to concentrate on coaching and family life in the United States.

Squash New Zealand welcomes incoming Chief Executive Martin Dowson

The Squash New Zealand Board are delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Dowson to the position of Chief Executive. Martin has been actively involved with Squash for 30 years across two districts and 3 clubs and is currently Vice President of Browns Bay Racquet Club in Auckland. He has participated in the last 3 New Zealand Master events so is no stranger to our game having a deep understanding from grassroots through to high performance.

His current position is General Manager, High Performance Sport New Zealand. He is stepping down from that role to pursue this leadership role in a sport he is passionate about.

Squash Player Magazine New Issue - Farewell Raneem

The new issue of Squash Player Magazine is now available to read for all New Zealand Squash members. This months issue includes a special article 'Remembering Susie'. Some kind words from former WSF Chief Executive Ted Wallbutton, who recalls his time with his great friend and colleague Susie Simcock.

The magazine has also complied a range of other stories as seen below by the Squash Player Magazine release:

New date for New Zealand Senior Nationals

We are pleased to announce that the New Zealand Senior Nationals 2020 will be going ahead between October 30th and 1st November.

The event will still be held at North Shore Squash Club.

New Zealand Senior Nationals Update

As many of you will be aware the Prime Minister and Director General of Health announced tonight that Auckland will be remaining in level 3 for the next 12 days until 26th August. Due to this announcement we are left with no choice but to postpone this event whilst we explore opportunities for rescheduling. If you have any questions please contact deanna@squashnz.co.nz

New Squash New Zealand Board members

Squash New Zealand has appointed two new board members, Shiree Hart and Dame Susan Devoy.

Squash New Zealand Coaching Framework and Online Learning Platform

Squash New Zealand is excited to launch our refreshed coaching framework and Online Learning Platform. The framework has been developed in collaboration with our Coaches Advisory Group with input from Sport New Zealand. It describes the various coaching communities and the development opportunities associated with them.The framework introduces a blended learning environment which combines self-paced online modules with practical on court modules. To bring this learning environment to life Squash New Zealand has partnered with the Tarn Group to provide coaches with an online learning platform.

The online learning platform will provide coaches with access to online modules and resources related to the players they coach. We are pleased to announce that today this has gone live with three Foundation modules and resources. Further modules will be progressively added. Head over to our new coaching webpage to access view the framework and access the online learning platform.  

Squash New Zealand and Squash Player Magazine Partnership

Squash New Zealand are excited to announce our partnership with Squash Player Magazine. The partnership will allow squash players in New Zealand the opportunity to read the latest electronic version of Squash Player Magazine at no cost. 

Squash Player Magazine have been covering Squash since 1971 and the current issue features none other than New Zealand Number #1 and World #5 Paul Coll.

Squash New Zealand is looking for its next CEO

Squash New Zealand is currently searching for it’s next CEO to help drive the sport to new heights.

Squash New Zealand (Squash NZ) is the national governing body for squash in New Zealand. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for players to enjoy squash at all levels by leading, developing and promoting squash throughout New Zealand. Over 18,000 members play squash in over 200 clubs and schools across the country, and many more play on a casual basis.

Club Support Series

Coming off the informative webinar series ran by Squash NZ over the lockdown period. We are pleased to announce an upcoming 3-part club support series. The series will run from 3 topics, including a video and live webinar for each. We hope that all club representatives can hop on board and are helped by the information we wish to share.

The structure will allow participants to break down the video content and work together to share ideas and outcomes that best suit clubs.

Opportunity to join the Squash NZ Board

Are you passionate about our sport? Want to help shape the future of squash?

Squash New Zealand is currently seeking to appoint two new board members to help provide strategic vision and leadership on the Squash New Zealand Board.

Squash New Zealand Upcoming Events

Given the recent uncertainty that Covid-19 placed on a number of Squash events. Squash New Zealand are happy to confirm the dates for the below events. We are excited to be able to bring squash back to the competitive stage.

AON New Zealand Junior Nationals Individuals and Teams

Squash New Zealand are pleased to announce that the AON New Zealand Junior Nationals Individuals and Teams will be going ahead for 2020!

The event will be held at the Christchurch Squash Club on thier recently opened 8-court squash complex!

Squash New Zealand CEO moving on

Jamie Tong, Chief Executive, last week confirmed his resignation to the Squash New Zealand Board. 

Celebrating the life of Susie Simcock

Squash New Zealand joins the wider sporting community in celebrating the achievements of Susie Simcock who, following a short illness, passed away late last week.

A long-time member of Remuera Rackets Club, Susie has left an enduring impact not only on squash, but on the whole of sport in New Zealand.  Her inspirational contributions to squash included being elected the WSF's first, and only, woman President after serving as Vice-President for the previous seven years. On completing her maximum term of office in October 2002 she was appointed Emeritus President.

New Zealand Senior National Individual Championships

Squash New Zealand are excited to announce that the New Zealand Senior National Individual Championships is confirmed for the 28th – 30th August. The event will be held at North Shore Squash club, and we can’t wait to see New Zealand’s best in action.

Entries close August 3rd so get in quick! So you don’t miss out!To enter: https://squashnz.formstack.com/forms/nzsn2020

Squash NZ Events update

As New Zealand has now moved into level 2 and the playing of Squash can resume, we have established an events timeline that will keep you up-to-date as decisions are being made – This can be found here: Squash NZ Events Timeline

Club Update : May 2nd 2020

Firstly, I hope that everyone is ok in lockdown and as much as possible, making the most of some quiet time in your bubbles. This update covers the following:

What Alert Levels 3 and 2 mean for clubs Club support toolkits Online club forums Affiliation fees

Update on NZ Senior Teams and NZ Senior Individuals

Due to the impacts of covid-19; including funding being frozen, travel restrictions and players unable to currently take the court, it is with regret that New Zealand Senior Teams, due to be held at Hutt City, Wellington on the 28th-30th August have been officially cancelled for 2020.

The call has also been made to postpone New Zealand Senior Individual Championships on the 26th – 28th June, due to be held at North Shore Squash Club. We aim to hold this event from August onwards and an update will be provided on this following further government announcements – travel will play a major factor in this decision as well as player training time.

Home Advantage - Sky Sport Next

Check out Paul Coll and your other favourite sporting personalities as they take you through a number of challenges and pro-tips in the new YouTube series, Home Advantage, available on Sky Sport Next.

New Squash NZ Board members

Squash New Zealand has appointed 2 new board members who bring an exciting edge to our already established board members.

WSF World Junior Championship Cancellation

Unfortunate news for the squash world that due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the WSF (World Squash Federation) and Squash Australia have regretfully agreed to cancel the WSF World Junior Championships that had been scheduled to take place in July 2020 on the Gold Coast.

Cousins Shield and Mitchell Cup announcement

The Covid-19 epidemic has taken the world by storm, and squash has been no exception to that. While we aim to offer all the best squash opportunities and competitions, we are currently facing unprecedented times.

Covid-19 - The impact on squash - 23rd March

The COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread through New Zealand and has already put a halt on the majority of squash activity.

Coronavirus Squash NZ Update - 19th March 2020

In line with the increasing preventative measures in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and our collective responsibility to the wider squash community, Squash New Zealand and the 11 squash districts have suspended all National and District run events/competitions/training squads until May 1st effective immediately.  It is strongly advised that clubs follow this lead and suspend all club events and competitions until the same date May 1st effective immediately.

AON New Zealand Junior Open update - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The global impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) is having a significant impact on people’s travel plans and the delivery of large sporting events. To this end, Squash NZ have been monitoring the developments daily, and we are taking advice from the Sporting Community, Government and the Ministry of Health regarding large gatherings.

Recently, all PSA World Tour and PSA Challenger Tour events have been suspended and the Oceania Junior Championships and Trans-Tasman Test Match series scheduled to occur in April, have been postponed until a later date (Earliest possible rescheduled date is December 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

With the number of Coronavirus cases increasing worldwide, and containment measures increasing Squash New Zealand recommends the following precautions in an effort to help keep the wider squash community safe.

Leung and Harrison Take Out Auckland Open Titles

After a remarkable comeback victory in his semifinal, Wellington squash player Evan Williams couldn’t continue his winning run in the final of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open at the North Shore Squash Club.

Williams, 30, had a scored a comeback from two sets and 1-7 down to win his semifinal over Tang Ming Hong (Hong Kong) but was beaten in straight games by Leung 11-2, 11-8, 1-4 for the PSA Challenger title at the North Shore Squash Club.   The tournament second seed and New Zealand’s third ranked men’s player wasn’t allowed by his Hong Kong opponent and tournament top seed Henry Leung to get into the match, with Leung controlling the court and not giving Williams any free points making him work hard in every rally in front of the large crowd.

Trans-Tasman team confirmed

A strong team containing players from almost the full length of New Zealand has been confirmed for the Executive Travel New Zealand junior Trans-Tasman Squash Test Series.

The best of squash hits Eden Epsom

The Barfoot and Thompson Summer Squash Series is bringing out some of the best in the sport from New Zealand and beyond.

In the two events so far there have now been four different title winners.

Mixed results for Kiwi top seeds at Henderson

The first tournament of the Barfoot and Thompson Summer Series was completed at the Henderson Squash Club with mixed results for the Kiwi top seeds.

NZSSA coaching opportunities

The NZ Secondary Schools Squash Association is looking for two motivated coaches to join the management team to travel to Brisbane in August 2020 for the annual Trans-Tasman Secondary Schools Competition.

A great draw has been confirmed for the men’s Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Squash Open with three players ranked within the top 100 in the world and five different nationalities taking part.

The tournament to be held at the North Shore Squash Club 5-8 March is worth US$6,000 for the men’s tournament and a women’s Satellite will also be played at the same time.

Squash NZ is calling for expressions of interests for National Team coaches

We are looking for coaches to create a high-performance environment that is cohesive, inclusive, supports growth and produces athletes capable of learning and succeeding on the world stage as per the goals of the high-performance mission.

WSF World Masters Championships - Entries Open!!!

Entries are now open for the World Masters Championships.

Entries are now open for the AON New Zealand Junior Open 2020!!!

Where: Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre

When: 24th – 26th April

Enter Here: https://squashnz.formstack.com/forms/nzjo

Top squash will be coming to New Zealand as Wayne Werder is handed the flag for the staging of the next WSF Men's World Teams Championship to be staged in Tauranga in 2021.

Werder had the flag passed to him at the recent tournement in Washinton DC, won by Egypt and where New Zealand finished fifth.

From left in photo; WSF CEO, William Louis-Marie, Wayne Werder, Anthony Lanier from Squash On Fire and far right WSF Vice President Peter Lasusa.

The New Zealand men’s squash team has secured their best finish in 20 years with a 5th placing at the world championships in Washington DC today.

After the disappointment of losing their Pool match to Scotland which knocked them out of a semfinals place they then rattled off wins in their following contests including a win over Australia, Spain and finally Germany.

New Zealand’s Paul Coll has fallen short at the World Squash Championships final, in Doha, Qatar losing to Egypt’s world No.3 Tarek Momen (Egypt) in straight games.

Momen was appearing in back-to-back World Championship finals after falling to world No.1 Ali Farag in the previous tournament and displayed a masterclass of attacking squash saw him draw World No.5 Coll into the front of the court time and time again to power into a two-game lead.

A strong New Zealand men’s squash team has been confirmed for the world championships in Washington DC in December this year

The team has three players at their career high rankings with Paul Coll No.5 in the world, Campbell Grayson, 31 and Lwamba Chilese at 160. The fourth member of the team is Evan Williams from Wellington who is ranked 104.