Players at the 40th Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tournament. Photo / Tennis Northland
Players at the 40th Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tournament. Photo / Tennis Northland
More than 100 tennis players from Northland and beyond took part in the 40th anniversary of the Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tournament.
The two-day tournament - one of Northland’s longest‑running tennis events -was played at Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park over the weekend.
The Men’s A Grade final, where BenDonaldson and Andrew Ramsay took on Jamie Hick and Paddy Ou, was considered the standout match as it came down to a nail-biting super‑tiebreak. Donaldson and Ramsay claimed the win.
A celebration was held during the tournament to acknowledge its 40-year run and the achievements of its founder Janet Agnew.
Agnew created the event in 1987, one year on from a serious car accident left her with significant head injuries and an early prognosis that she would never play tennis again.
Her determination to stay connected to the sport led to the creation of the doubles tournament.
“I never imagined back then that we’d still be here 40 years later,” Agnew said.
“I just wanted to make something fun for people who loved tennis as much as I did. Seeing it grow, and still being able to play in it myself, means more than I can put into words.”
The tournament was renamed in 1989 from Carnival Doubles Tournament to the Janet Agnew Carnival Doubles Tournament in recognition of Agnew’s ongoing commitment to its success.
Tennis Northland general manager Brittany White said the anniversary reflected the strength of the region’s tennis community.
“Year after year, this tournament brings Northland’s tennis community together. Marking 40 years is a tribute to everyone who turns up, plays, and supports it.”
The tournament has always relied on volunteers, and several early tournament directors were acknowledged for their contribution.
Wyn and Dick Edmiston, Jean Hansen, Lyn Ferguson, and Todd Morgan were among those who guided the tournament through its formative years, giving their time freely to ensure it remained organised, welcoming, and enjoyable for all who took part.
Players Frances and Bianca Coutts share a high-five. Photo / Christine Frost
Local businesses have supported the tournament, and this year was no exception, with 40 sponsors contributing to the event.
Two foundation sponsors, Hammer Hardware Kamo and Orrs Pharmacy, were acknowledged for their 40‑year involvement, with Orrs’ recent closure prompting special recognition for their long-standing support.
This year’s major sponsors included Plexipave NZ, Next Edition Kitchens, SMW Engineering, Golden Bay, Greenfingers, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Fullers GreatSights, Lion Breweries, Kensington Fitness, and Pitstop.
Their support, alongside contributions from many other local businesses, helped create a prize table valued at more than $8000.
Player Guy De Villiers in action. Photo / Christine Frost
