Leadership, Growth, Promotion and Pathways for all Pickleball players throughout Aotearoa New Zealand

Current PNZA Board Members

Name: Ange Brady

Role: Chairperson

Region: Hawke's Bay

Contact Details: ange.brady@pnza.org.nz

As the Chairperson of PNZA, Ange is proud to represent a sport that is not only growing rapidly across Aotearoa New Zealand but is also making a real difference in people’s lives.  Pickleball is much more than a game, it is a community, a connector, and a platform for wellbeing, inclusion, and lifelong enjoyment.

Ange's journey into Pickleball began in 2018 with no racquet sport background, just a curiosity and an open mind.  As a former ballet dancer, she was drawn to the balance, finesse, and strategic play the sport offers.  She believes that Pickleball brings something truly special: a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together in a spirit of fun, fitness, and friendship.

Ange brings to the PNZA Board a diverse career background and a deep passion for community sport.  These experiences have shaped her values and approach: inclusive leadership, clear strategic thinking, and a belief in sport as a vehicle for social good.

She believes that Pickleball is accessible, affordable and adaptable. It supports mental health through connection, builds confidence through participation, and teaches life skills like resilience, sportsmanship, and teamwork.  These are values she believes in, and PNZA is working to embed at every level of the sport in NZ.

As PNZA continues to grow and develop, it's important to remain focused on creating a sport where everyone can belong and thrive.  Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or already competing at the highest level, PNZA is here to serve your Pickleball needs.

Name: Jo Reynolds

Role: Treasurer

Region: Canterbury

Contact Details: jo.reynolds@pnza.org.nz

Jo Reynolds is a passionate advocate for Pickleball in New Zealand, bringing extensive experience from her career with her fostering community engagement. As a dedicated player and supporter of the sport, Jo is committed to growing the Pickleball community, locally and nationwide enhancing its presence across the country.

With a background in business development and leadership, she focuses on strategic planning and fostering partnerships to support the growth of PNZA.

Jo’s enthusiasm for Pickleball, combined with her professional expertise, makes her a valued asset to the PNZA Board.

Name: Ange Brady

Role: Secretary

Role: Hawke's Bay

Contact Details: info@pnza.org.nz

Ange is a passionate advocate for inclusive sport and community wellbeing.  A proud mother of three daughters, she brings a strong eye for detail, strategic thinking, and a wealth of diverse professional experience to the board.


Ange began her career as a qualified chef, spending a decade in the hospitality industry before transitioning into administrative roles.  She has worked across various sectors in both Australia and New Zealand and currently runs two successful businesses. Her broad career background has equipped her with leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills that serve her well in governance roles.


Her journey with Pickleball began in 2018, with no prior racquet sport experience.  As a former ballet dancer, Ange was drawn to the sport’s emphasis on finesse, coordination, and strategy qualities she values both on and off the court.


She believes Pickleball offers a unique set of benefits - a truly intergenerational sport, allowing people of all ages to participate and compete together; it contributes positively to mental health by fostering social connection and a sense of community and it remains highly accessible, with affordable equipment, low playing fees, and many venues offering loan gear.


For Ange, Pickleball is more than a game it is a powerful tool for personal development.  It cultivates teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and social confidence. Through the sport, players gain valuable life skills while enjoying fun, fitness, and friendship.


Ange is committed to supporting the growth and impact of Pickleball throughout Aotearoa, ensuring it continues to be a sport where everyone can belong and thrive.

Name: Phil Burke

Role: Board Member

Region: Otago

Contact Details: phil.burke@pnza.org.nz

Phil has always been a big fan of sport. In his younger days Phil represented his province in both tennis and hockey in his younger days and as a parent was involved in coaching various sports played by his three children but now as an empty nester Phil has taken up and become a Pickleball addict.

He firmly believes Pickleball is the “Greatest Sporting Disruptor” of our times.

I can think of no other activity, let alone sport, that provides and promotes fun, multi-levelled competitiveness, health benefits, and social integration for ALL ages, body types, and sporting ability, with the scale and reach Pickleball can achieve.”

​​​​​​​He is pleased to be part of PNZA in helping foster this great game in our communities.

Name: Mandy Fryer

Role: Board Member

Region: Horowhenua, Manawatū, Taranaki, Whanganui

Contact Details: mandy.fryer@pnza.org.nz

Mandy hails from Kuku, a small community just south of Levin. Kuku is the centre of my universe as this represents my Iwi-Marae-Whanau.

Mandy has three children and is the proud Nana to 9 grandchildren who support her passion for Pickleball.   They laugh and say “geez mum, you are never home – you are busier than we are as Mandy’s always off somewhere to play Pickleball!”

Mandy’s Pickleball journey started April 2023 when her cousin from USA was visiting and took her along to Palmerston North to play.  Mandy played for two hours and loved every moment; she was exercising but didn’t realise she was as she was having so much fun!

Pickleball for Mandy is more than a game it represents community.  She has met many new people that are now her Pickleball whanau, Pickleball balances her wellbeing and brings a lot of laughter and fun into her life.

Mandy has a great deal of experience with funding applications and Incorporated Societies which will enable Mandy to help PNZA with obtaining funding for Pickleball development throughout New Zealand.

Mandy is a Manager for a Government Agency for which she has worked for nearly 40 years and helping people is her passion.   Showing Manaaki/care for people has and will always be her top priority whether in the workplace or among the Pickleball fraternity.

Name: Ruben Garcia

Role: Board Member

Region: Northland

Contact Details: ruben.garcia@pnza.org.nz

Ruben Garcia is a seasoned community engagement and communications leader, currently serving as Group Manager – Community & Engagement at Far North District Council (since May 2022). He oversees a broad range of community focused services ensuring initiatives align with public needs and local values.

Holding a Master’s degree in Communication & Media Studies and a Bachelor’s in Graphic & Information Technology from Arizona State University, Ruben merges creative insight with analytical capacity. His extensive experience in communications leadership at Ashburton and Waimakariri District Councils further enriches his expertise in stakeholder relations and public engagement.

A track record of building community-centric engagement strategies aligned with regional councils, schools, iwi, and mana whenua.  Cross-sector leadership spanning local government, non-profit boards, and sports associations.

Ruben is passionate about fostering community resilience through active participation, inclusion, and connectivity. He supports data-informed governance and transparent communication, striving to ensure every voice is heard and valued in the community narrative.

Ruben’s blend of community leadership, governance expertise and board experience makes him a strategic addition to the PNZA board.

Name: Jai Grewal

Role: Board Member

Region: International Representative

Contact Details: jai.grewal@pnza.org.nz

Jai Grewal, based in Wellington, NZ, has extensive experience with Pickleball in New Zealand, Australia and USA. 

Former U.S. collegiate tennis player (Division I), Jai transitioned to Pickleball in 2019.  He has gained champion titles and enjoys podium finishes across national and international tournaments .

Active on the professional circuit, Jai frequently features in Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) and APP Tour events across the USA, Australia, and Asia. 

Captain of the Southern Stars in the 2024 & 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) Australia, a role that underscores his strategic insight and leadership on court.

Committed Pickleball advocate and coach, Jai works to elevate the sport's profile locally and regionally from grassroots outreach to professional development. Jai has hosted and instructs at international Pickleball Tours across Oceania and North America, helping grow the sport through player development programs and community engagement.

An account manager by profession, Jai balances business acumen with athletic dedication 

Jai’s blend of competitive experience, professional touring, team leadership, and coaching makes him a key asset to the Board. He brings a well-rounded perspective on both athlete development and strategic growth, ensuring Pickleball in New Zealand continues to thrive at all levels.

Name: Yi Halliday

Role: Board Member

Region: Wellington

Contact Details: yi.halliday@pnza.org.nz

Yi was introduced to Pickleball in 2018 at the Akau Tangi Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, Wellington, by Will Dewhirst.  In those days, it was a wonderful family recreational activity.  Since then, it has become a family passion with Yi’s husband Graham and son Jordan playing.  Yi has been involved in the organisation of the Wellington Cup tournaments and is a keen tournament participant.

In the few years Yi has been playing she has seen Pickleball grow exponentially and believes Pickleball will eventually become a mainstream sport in many age demographics of the country, from schools to retirement communities.

Yi has a background in software testing and continues to work in this field whilst her recreation hours are consumed by Pickleball -either playing or helping with administration.

Name: Sam Hilow

Role: Board Member

Region: West Coast, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough

Contact Details: sam.hilow@pnza.org.nz

Sam began playing Pickleball in Santa Barbara, California about five years ago, and quickly became passionate about the sport, competing in tournaments in both the US and NZ. 

After moving to Wellington, NZ, she continued playing at the Akau Tangi Center.  In January 2022, Sam relocated to Richmond, Nelson and began offering weekly Pickleball sessions at a local tennis club, starting with just a few players. With community support and successful fundraising, they helped build six permanent outdoor courts within six months. The club now hosts 5–7 sessions per week, has nearly 100 members, and welcomes many visitors. They also organise clinics with coaches from Christchurch and are part of a newly formed player group focused on the sport's development.

Additionally, Sam has completed a referee course during the 2025 Wellington Cup.  

Name: Nigel Hughes

Role: Board Member

Region: Auckland

Contact Details: nigel.hughes@pnza.org.nz

Nigel started playing Pickleball 2023 after one of his squash buddies said he should give it a try. Nigel had retired from squash along with his buddy a few years back both with artificial hips to show for it!

Nigel took to Pickleball immediately having not only played squash but also competitive tennis and quite a bit of table tennis in his school years. He started playing socially once a week but after several months entered a small tournament held for players that had never played tournaments before. This brought back the memories of playing in squash tournaments which he loved so Nigel soon entered other tournaments that were starting up around New Zealand. Besides Auckland he played at Mount Maunganui, Rotorua and Napier.

Through playing in tournaments Nigel met those involved in Pickleball administration and at the end of 2024 Nigel took on the Auckland Representative position on the Board.

Nigel is semi-retired still undertaking project management for some of his long-term clients.  Nigel has an interest in marketing for the PNZA to develop Pickleball the way he saw Squash develop over the early years in the 1970-1980’s when the sport grew exponentially around New Zealand to a point where we had world champions in both men and women.

Name:

​​​​​​​Tony McKenna

Role: Board Member

Region: Waikato, Bay of Plenty Gisborne

Contact Details: tony.mckenna@pnza.org.nz

Tony is relatively new to Pickleball joining the Rotorua club in 2023 having been introduced to the sport by Pickleball Essentials founder Sharon Fleet. Tony confesses he has become addicted and plays anywhere he can. He also enjoys playing in other parts of the country travelling to tournaments and seeing how the sport is going in different regions. He looks forward to one day playing in a tropical destination where the wind does not blow! Being a tennis player Tony has enjoyed watching Jack Sock’s transition from tennis to Pickleball.

Tony is keen to help PNZA become a national sporting organisation within Sport NZ and assist the development of Pickleball in clubs throughout the motu.

Tony has been involved in committees through the years of both tennis and golf clubs and is currently the treasurer of the Rotorua Pickleball club and vice-president of the Rotorua Tramping and Skiing Club so brings a lot of club level experience to his role at PNZA. Tony also has many years of senior management in his professional career allowing him to bring strong communication and organisational skills to the Board.  Tony looks forward to seeing this amazing sport flourish and grow in New Zealand.

Name:

Sam Paterson 

Role: Board Member

Region: Board Appointment

Contact Details: sam.paterson@pnza.org.nz

Originally from Hamilton, Sam now lives in Hastings with his wife and young daughter, spending as much time as possible outdoors, hiking, growing food in their backyard and enjoying life! When not relaxing, he's leading a local environmental charity (Sustainable HB) where his team work across a range of projects, from healthy homes, to biodiversity restoration, waste minimisation and food rescue. A common thread through each of these projects is a strong people-first approach in which the community is brought on the journey towards genuine impact. 

Prior to this role, he spent a life passionate about sport including seven years with Badminton New Zealand. For much of this time he operated as Events Manager including, leading events from small-scale to the BWF World Tour, supporting a network of Associations to grow their capabilities and re-centring the player at the heart of the experience. He then spent time as their Community Manager, supporting Associations with anything that they required to enhance their impact. Through these roles, he gained a strong understanding of many of things required to support growth at scale and now intends to put this to work for PNZA.