Tennis Auckland welcomes new leadership and acknowledges outgoing Board members

PHOTO: Outgoing Chair Howard Lewis

Tennis Auckland has welcomed a new Board Chair, President and two new Board members following its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 15 October 2026. The AGM also provided an opportunity to recognise outgoing leaders who have made significant contributions to tennis in Auckland.

Bill Loutit has been appointed Chair of the Tennis Auckland Board. He succeeds Howard Lewis, who steps down after 14 years of service. Anita Hawthorne will serve as Deputy Chair.

The Board also welcomes two new members, Taylor Brown and Conrad Young. They join Craig Rice, Scott Coldham, Joanna O'Connor and Nick Moyes.

Julia Sim has been appointed President of Tennis Auckland, succeeding John McGill. Simon Johnston takes on the role of Vice President.

Recognising 14 years of service: Howard Lewis

Tennis Auckland recognises the significant contribution of outgoing Chair Howard Lewis, who has served 14 years on the Board, including five as Chair.

During Howard's five years as Chair, Tennis Auckland navigated a challenging period while progressing several major projects. The organisation returned to a healthy financial balance sheet following the financial pressures of COVID-19. Auckland's international tennis tournaments continued to grow and attract excellent players and ever increasing audiences.. Funding was also secured and contracts awarded for the construction of the roof  over Centre Court.

Beyond these achievements, Howard has played an important role in maintaining strong relationships with clubs, sponsors, government agencies and other key stakeholders. Alongside running his own business, Howard devoted considerable time and energy to Tennis Auckland and the wider tennis community.

Howard's contribution to tennis extends beyond Tennis Auckland. A longstanding member and Life Member of Mission Bay Tennis Club, he has been involved in the sport as a player, administrator and volunteer for decades. His service was further recognised in 2024 when he was inducted into the International Lawn Tennis Club of New Zealand.

Tennis Auckland is grateful for his leadership, generosity and commitment over the past 14 years.

Welcoming Bill Loutit as Board Chair

Incoming Chair Bill Loutit is a Partner at Simpson Grierson, where he leads the firm's Planning & Environment National Practice Group. He has been on the Board for the last 4 years.

His experience in enabling major infrastructure and development projects will be particularly valuable as Tennis Auckland continues to invest in its facilities.

New President and Board appointments

Tennis Auckland welcomes Julia Sim as its new President, succeeding John McGill, who has completed his one-year term. We are grateful to John for the time he has given to tennis in our region over the past year and wish him all the best.

A longstanding member of Bucklands Beach Tennis Club, Julia has contributed to the sport as a player, coach and administrator. She represented Zimbabwe at the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. She also played a role in the early coaching development of British tennis player Cameron Norrie.

Simon Johnston, from Remuera Rackets Club, joins her as Vice President.

The Board also welcomes Taylor Brown, from Parnell Lawn Tennis Club, and Conrad Young, from Next Gen Auckland Domain.

Both bring professional experience across finance, strategy and governance, alongside a strong connection to tennis.

With the new appointments in place, the Board will continue its work supporting Auckland's clubs, players and wider tennis community.