TTNZ is proud to announce that Te Manawa Table Tennis Association has officially become an affiliated member of Table Tennis New Zealand, effective from 1 July 2026.

The affiliation marks a significant milestone for the sport and is the first new association to affiliate with TTNZ in a decade.

Te Manawa Table Tennis Association has been established to support players, clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers, and communities across Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Taupō, and the central plateau, following the disaffiliation of the North Taranaki and Bay of Plenty associations.

TTNZ CEO, Izania Downie said the affiliation was an important and exciting development for table tennis in New Zealand.

"We are delighted to welcome Te Manawa Table Tennis Association to the TTNZ family. Starting a new association takes vision, leadership, and a lot of hard work, and it is wonderful to see that commitment being invested into the future of table tennis in this region.

We are excited to begin this journey with the Te Manawa team and look forward to seeing the positive impact Te Manawa will have on the sport and the communities it serves."

The Te Manawa Table Tennis steering group said the affiliation represents an exciting new chapter for the region.

"This is a significant and exciting milestone for table tennis in the central North Island. We have always believed in the power of table tennis to bring people and communities together and establishing lifelong friendships.

We know there is a strong table tennis community across Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Taupō, and the central plateau, and we believe there is enormous potential for further growth. Te Manawa has been established to support clubs, develop opportunities for players, and bring people together through our sport.

This is an exciting challenge, and one that our team is fully committed to. We look forward to working with TTNZ and our local communities to build a positive and sustainable future for table tennis across the region."

TTNZ Board Chair Chris Arthur welcomed the addition of Te Manawa to the national table tennis community.

"The establishment of Te Manawa is an important moment for our sport. Strong regional associations are at the heart of table tennis in New Zealand, and this new association will help ensure players and clubs in the central North Island have the support and opportunities they deserve.

It is particularly exciting to welcome the first new association to affiliate with TTNZ in around ten years. We commend the leadership and dedication that has gone into making this possible and look forward to seeing the positive impact Te Manawa will have throughout its region."

The affiliation strengthens TTNZ's national network and reinforces its commitment to supporting thriving table tennis communities throughout New Zealand.

TTNZ looks forward to working alongside the Te Manawa team as they help create new opportunities for participation, competition, coaching, volunteering, and community connection across the central North Island.

Please join us in welcoming Te Manawa Table Tennis Association to the TTNZ family.