Whakatāne has proudly hosted the NZ Open GLTA 2026, the second international GLTA-sanctioned tennis tournament held in New Zealand.

Delivered under the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) banner, the tournament was open to players of all backgrounds and identities, with a non-gender-based, ability-graded format that was widely praised for its fairness and enjoyment.

It was held over three days, from January 8-10, and attracted players from across New Zealand and around the world, including competitors from the United States, the Philippines, Australia and South Africa, alongside strong local, regional and Auckland representation.

Tournament director Joseph Hayes said securing official GLTA sanctioning was a significant achievement.

“Becoming an officially sanctioned GLTA tournament is a rigorous process.

“Approval sits with an international board, with leadership based offshore and limited representation in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Being accepted onto the global GLTA tour reflects a high level of trust in our ability to deliver – and it’s something Whakatāne should be very proud of.”

The tournament opened with a pōwhiri at the Whakatāne Lawn Tennis Club, setting the tone for a tournament grounded in manaakitanga, inclusion and connection.

For many international visitors, it was their first experience of a pōwhiri.

Thomas Anderson, captain of the Auckland Armadillos – Auckland’s rainbow tennis community – said the welcome immediately set the tone for the week.

“The pōwhiri was incredibly special. It made everyone feel genuinely welcomed and connected straight away. It felt like more than just a tennis tournament from the very beginning.”

Play began in challenging summer conditions, with temperatures reaching around 30 degrees each day.

Despite the heat, matches were played in great spirit, with players showing resilience, sportsmanship and a strong competitive edge throughout the tournament.

The tournament featured five divisions, ranging from open grade through to D-grade, ensuring it catered to players of all levels, from beginner/social to elite.

The finals in each division were closely contested, with winners and finalists representing a broad mix of countries, regions and playing backgrounds.

Anderson said the structure was one of the tournament’s standout features.

“Being matched purely on ability made the games more competitive and a lot more enjoyable.

“It didn’t matter your age, gender or where you were from – once you stepped on court, you were simply playing people at your level.”

On court, the tournament delivered high-quality competition across all divisions.

The open division singles title was claimed by Joshua Tuhoro, a Brisbane-based player originally from Kawerau, who was home in Aotearoa over summer and returned to the Eastern Bay to compete.

The open doubles title was taken out by Ōpōtiki’s Joseph Hayes, partnering with Auckland-based player Patrick Girard, rounding out a strong showing in the premier grade.

Beyond the open division, the tournament featured A, B, C and D grades, reflecting the depth and diversity of the field.

Organisers highlighted the strength of participation across all levels.

They received overwhelmingly positive feedback from players, with many commenting on how professionally it was run, how much they enjoyed the overall experience, and expressing eagerness to return.

Beyond the tennis, the tournament placed strong emphasis on connection, hospitality and shared experience.

One of the standout moments was the players’ dinner, hosted at the club, where the facilities were transformed into a restaurant-style setting for the evening.

Local caterers prepared a banquet-style-feast inspired by hāngī flavours and Eastern Bay delicacies, including steamed meats, raw fish in coconut cream, mussels, oysters, fried bread and other local favourites.

Samuel Calara, the division A singles winner from Victoria, Australia, said the off-court experience was just as memorable as the tennis.

“The organisation was outstanding and the atmosphere was incredible.

“The hospitality and the food were next level – people were joking they’d come back to the tournament just for the kai.”

Hayes said the event exceeded expectations, on and off the court.

“Hosting the NZ Open GLTA Whakatāne 2026 represents a significant achievement for the region, showcasing Whakatāne’s ability to deliver an international-standard sporting event while offering warmth, hospitality and a uniquely Aotearoa experience.”

He is grateful to the Whakatāne District Council, Trust Horizon and One Foundation for sponsoring the inaugural event.