About our organisation
Squash Auckland is the regional sports organisation for squash in the greater Auckland region. Our vision is inspiring and enabling Aucklanders to play squash the way they want to. Our mission is to engage with and enable clubs, commercial and community facilities to deliver a great squash experience to the Auckland community.
World Squash Day 2021 is getting closer with the sport in New Zealand keen to show it has plenty of depth and community spirit on and off the court.
Over 80 squash juniors from around the country will take the court this week for the South Island Junior Age Groups which are being held this Thursday-Saturday at Burnside Squash Club.
The age grades range from, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 in both boys and girls and will feature a wide range of players from those relatively new to tournament play to others who have PSA World Senior Rankings.
Squash New Zealand are conducting a review of our Competition Framework to ensure squash events are reflecting the latest research on participation in sport, particularly youth participation. We want to ensure the events are attractive to the whole squash community. This is a great opportunity to consider each event and assess whether it remains relevance and to recommend whether an amendment, replacement or removal is warranted.
There’s plenty of talent lining up for the Liquorland Howick Open, a PSA Squash Challenger event for men and women with players ranked inside the top 150 world rankings.
What an incredible weekend of top Junior Squash talent at the 2021 North Island Junior Age Group Championship!
Around 120 squash players will be descending on New Plymouth this week for the North Island Junior Age Group Squash Championships to be held at Kawaroa Park Squash Club.
There is some real talent involved with players from around the country including a number who have PSA international world senior rankings .
A renewed positivity and way forward for squash in New Zealand, as the sport looks towards its future with a unified approach led by the 2021-24 Strategic Direction, We are Squash New Zealand – Poipātū Aotearoa.
Due to the Covid-19 alert in the Wellington region, Squash NZ in partnership with Squash Wellington and Hutt City Squash Club have decided in the interests of the sport and players it is best we postpone the Oliver Sport NZ Championships until September 10-12 at the same venue Hutt City Squash Club.
More information will follow.
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.
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).
The Oliver Sport New Zealand Squash Championship are just around the corner, kicking off in two weeks!
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 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
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.
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.
Tune into live action from the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland PSA Open starting the 27th of May
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.
The 2021 WSF Men’s World Team Squash Championship, originally scheduled to take place in Tauranga in December, will now be held in Malaysia.
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.
Squash New Zealand are pleased to announce Oliver Sport as the naming sponsor for the New Zealand Championships 2021.
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.
Catch up on the action from the AON New Zealand Junior Open
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.
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!
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.
The New Zealand Doubles Championships wrapped up this afternoon at SquashGym Palmerston North.
Join us in celebrating the newest member of the New Zealand Squash Hall of Fame, former top World Referee Chas Evans!
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.
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.
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 is seeking proposals from organisations for the supply and implementation of a squash administration solution called Squash Connect.
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.
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.
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.
Are you passionate about our sport? Want to help shape the future of squash?
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.
Entries are now open for the AON New Zealand Junior Open!
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.
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.
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.
A couple of first-time triumphs for the top seeds at the 2020 New Zealand National Squash Championships in Auckland.
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.
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 squash community
Squash New Zealand are happy to share with clubs the Club Support series final chapter : Participant Experience and Engagement
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
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
Squash New Zealand has appointed two new board members, Shiree Hart and Dame Susan Devoy.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Jamie Tong, Chief Executive, last week confirmed his resignation to the Squash New Zealand Board.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Squash New Zealand has appointed 2 new board members who bring an exciting edge to our already established board members.
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.
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.
The COVID-19 epidemic continues to spread through New Zealand and has already put a halt on the majority of squash activity.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entries are now open for the World Masters Championships.
Where: Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre
When: 24th – 26th April
Enter Here: https://squashnz.formstack.com/forms/nzjo
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.
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.
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.
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.
