Tennis: Pride in her club leads to award

Herora Brown, of the Hastings Tennis and Squash Club, was named volunteer of the year at the National Tennis Awards in Christchurch. Photo / Duncan Brown

Herora Brown is an ace on and off the court.

The Hastings Tennis and Squash Club treasurer was recently honoured as volunteer of the year at the National Tennis Awards in Christchurch.

The ever humble Brown is quick to praise other volunteers within the organisation although there is no doubting her special contribution to the club for over a decade.

Brown was at a loss to explain her win.

"Maybe it's because there is a great sense of pride in representing this club and we are not apologetic about that."

She said she was blessed to have so many "amazing volunteers" to call on.

"As volunteers we do it for the love of the code. It's my passion that drives me."

Club president Ray Fyfe said Brown took care of a lot of the behind-the-scenes grind that most club members took for granted.

"Not only does she collate all the books for the club to present to the auditor, she is the on-call go to person for all things tennis," he said.

"She gives her time freely and has been known to dip into her own pocket to make things fun and meaningful, especially for our junior members.

"It would be very hard to function without her."

Her vibrant personality was infectious among the junior members of the club who saw her as a "mother figure".

"She gives 100 per cent all the time and never without a smile," Fyfe said.

Brown has also been credited with uniting the historically divided squash and tennis players.

There was no shortage of talented tennis players in the region, she said.

"We harness the sort of talent that will be playing tennis well into later life and will likely return to give back to the club where they got their start.

"Any potential professionals would be encouraged to join a more elite club."

She is also heavily involved in Hawke's Bay golf, the Brain Injury Association and the Stuart Centre, all on a voluntary basis.

"I love the camaraderie of the sport. The all-ages aspect and varying ability ... love that a younger, fitter, faster player can be beaten by an older, wiser one."

Brown's selflessness has been transferred to the next generation. Daughter Hinewai is already dedicating countless hours to the club. A handy athlete, Hinewai said she was proud of her mum, whom she saw as a role model.