Whakatāne Lawn Tennis Club’s ace new lights

Patrons using the Whakatāne Lawn Tennis Club courts will soon have enhanced night-time playing conditions and lower power costs thanks to a $121,888 grant from Trust Horizon.

Funding was sought by Whakatāne Lawn Tennis Club Incorporated to replace the existing halogen overhead lights with energy-efficient LED lighting. Equipment suppliers, Lumosa New Zealand, report a kilowatt usage saving of approximately 52 per cent following the installation of LED lighting.

Not only will the new lights use less energy, but they will provide improved lighting quality for matches during dark winter evenings and long summer nights.

Club Sponsorship Coordinator, Gilbert Dawson, says the upgrade is a way to give back to the community via the club.

“Whakatāne Tennis Club is grateful to Trust Horizon for granting us the funds to upgrade our existing night lights and provide a much better tennis experience for club members and the community who want to get out and hit a ball.”

The club has a membership of over 300 people, including a strong junior cohort, and offers a variety of social and competitive tennis events.

“Our Business House competition held during the summer months is always booked out and this is primarily held after work, so the new, brighter lighting will be a huge benefit,” says Dawson.

The courts are available for use by the general public as well as members. “We’re proud to lend our support to elevate a community asset that both club members and the wider public will be able to enjoy,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, David Bulley.

“The modern lighting will add playing hours to the courts, keep people active and healthy, and enable locals to have a social or competitive hit-out all year round. We’re also pleased to be able to support the club’s transition to a more energy-efficient alternative.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon community funding here.