Cora Wilson
TTNZ Launches First Nationwide Women & Girls Initiative
For the first time, Table Tennis New Zealand is delivering a nationwide Women & Girls initiative, bringing together 14 associations across Aotearoa to celebrate International Women's Day.
This is an important step for our sport. It reflects a shared commitment to grow female participation and to create welcoming spaces where women and girls feel confident to give table tennis a go.
Marissa Wang
We are proud to have the following 14 associations on board:
- Otago
- Hawke’s Bay
- Waikato
- Northland
- South Canterbury
- Nelson
- Manawatu
- Wellington
- Whanganui
- Waitemata
- Counties Manukau
- Marlborough
- Canterbury
- Southland
Jacqui Wood
Creating Welcoming Opportunities
Jacqui Wood, Project Co-ordinator of the Women & Girls event at Marlborough Table Tennis, says the reason for getting involved is clear.
“Women and Girls are currently underrepresented in the table tennis community. Our association is excited to join the nationwide Women and Girls Have-A-Go initiative and work to build this part of our community by creating fun opportunities to try out and share our sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.”
For Marlborough, aligning with International Women’s Day is also about recognition.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for our association to recognise and celebrate the amazing contribution of women and girls in our table tennis community. A chance to acknowledge their impact as players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and supporters, to thank them for the role they play in shaping our association and culture.”
Participants can expect a relaxed and enjoyable session.
“We will tailor our programme to suit numbers and skill levels on the day, but participants can expect to learn new skills, participate in some fun games, meet new people, and have fun with friends while getting in a bit of exercise.”
Anna King
Looking Ahead
While this nationwide initiative is a significant first, it is also part of a longer journey.
Anna King, President of Table Tennis Nelson, believes lasting growth requires focus and commitment.
“In my view, growing women’s participation in table tennis nationally starts with having a clear plan and real commitment at a regional level.”
She believes progress begins at grassroots level.
“It’s really important to build it from the grassroots up.”
Anna also highlights the importance of representation across the sport.
“It’s important to open up and promote opportunities for women to become coaches, officials, and volunteers so they’re represented across all parts of the sport.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to see more women and girls regularly attending trainings and competitions, stronger female representation in teams and tournaments, dedicated programmes that are sustainable and well supported, and more women stepping confidently into coaching and leadership roles.
Crystal Huang
A United Commitment
This nationwide initiative would not be possible without the commitment of our member associations. The 14 associations who have come on board have shown strong leadership and a clear willingness to support the growth of women and girls in our sport.
Their support aligns with TTNZ’s vision to grow participation, strengthen pathways and build a more inclusive table tennis community.
By marking International Women’s Day and delivering these sessions locally, our associations are taking real action to increase female participation across New Zealand.
This is a shared effort, led by our associations, and supported nationally by TTNZ.