A History Of Maori Tennis : He Hitori O Te Tenehi Maori

Description

Aotearoa MÃÂori Tennis celebrated its 80th Championships by producing a book on the history of MÃÂori Tennis. It provides a window to a wonderful past, and to colourful characters like Sir Maui Pomare and Paraire Tomoana. The culminating point of this history is in the exploits of two of our greatest champions, Ruia Morrison-Davy and Kelly Evernden - two who've achieved the very highest by playing at Wimbledon. More recently, other women like Shelley Stephens, Rewa Hudson andLeanne Baker, have continued the tradition of Maori tennis, achieving world rankings on the international stage. The story of tennis is a social statement in itself of our colonial past. Complying with the requirements and etiquette of the times (white apparel and longs) and the exclusion of playing with their Pakeha counterparts were social barriers that existed even in this sport. It led to the establishment of the New Zealand Maori Lawn Tennis Association in 1926 under the guidance of Sir Apirana Agata, the 'father of Maori tennis'. The book profiles all who have contributed to Maori tennis, either as players or administrators.