When Medlands halfcourt was refreshed in early 2025 to include pickleball markings, the Aotea / Great Barrier community jumped at the opportunity to play a new sport.
The court underwent resurfacing works, and a new basketball hoop was installed. During the design process, the Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board saw this as a chance to add extra line markings to cater for an additional activity.
Pickleball is a sport that has elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s easy to learn and fun for all ages. According to Pickleball New Zealand, the number of players has been doubling annually around the country since 2019.
Local Bryce McKenzie was introduced to the sport on the mainland at “an oldies day” playing against 60+ year olds.
“I had a whole heap of fun, and it was pretty easy to pick up,” says Bryce.
He was thrilled when the markings were added to the court in Medlands, and he used it with groups of friends throughout the drier months.
To play pickleball you need a net, and special paddles and balls. Bryce owns the equipment, and has even set up a local league which is expected to return for the summer.
“About 30 people registered, aged 16 to 75,” says Bryce.
“Each week I’d get them to be paired with a different teammate, chucked into a random team and it was all going towards points. There were prizes and everything. We did dress up days and all sorts of stuff.”
While he sometimes plays in other locations, Bryce says it’s great to have custom markings at Medlands because at other spots on the island he has to mark out the pickleball court each time.
“It’s nice to just go down there, put up the net and have some hits. I’ve been enjoying it, that’s for sure.”
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