Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

PADEL NEW ZEALAND

What is Padel New Zealand’s role?

Padel New Zealand is the recognised national governing body for padel in New Zealand. We are a non-profit incorporated society, affiliated with the International Padel Federation (FIP) and recognised by Sport New Zealand.
Our role includes establishing the national governance and competition structures for the sport, affiliating clubs, licensing players, maintaining the national rankings, delivering national competitions and supporting the coordinated development of padel throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

The development and operation of courts and facilities are generally undertaken by clubs and private operators. Padel New Zealand does not design, assess, certify or approve court developments, recommend particular suppliers or products, or provide project-specific infrastructure or commercial advice.

BUILDING PADEL COURTS

What are the dimensions of a court?

A standard padel court measures 20 metres × 10 metres.

Each back enclosure is 4 metres high, comprising a 3-metre glass wall with a further 1 metre of metallic fencing above. Along the sides, the enclosure consists of 3-metre-high metallic fencing. The permitted side-enclosure configurations are specified in the International Padel Federation Rules of Padel.

Additional space is required for the court structure, access, foundations, maintenance and, where applicable, lighting.

The International Padel Federation recommends a minimum ceiling height of 8 metres for new venues. For competition venues, a height of 9–12 metres is preferable.

Will I need council approval to build a padel court in New Zealand?

Padel court developments may require building consent, resource consent or other approvals, depending on the site and proposed development. Project owners should contact the relevant local council early and engage appropriately qualified planning, engineering and building professionals.

Requirements may differ for outdoor courts, covered courts and courts installed within an existing building. Padel New Zealand does not assess consenting requirements or regulatory compliance for individual projects.

Wind and environmental considerations

Outdoor court structures must be designed for the site-specific wind and environmental conditions. New Zealand requirements may differ from specifications commonly offered by overseas suppliers.

Project owners should obtain appropriate professional engineering advice before ordering a court and ensure that the proposed structure, foundations and installation are suitable for the site and comply with all applicable New Zealand requirements.

How much does it cost to build a padel court in New Zealand?

As a broad guide, developing one padel court in New Zealand may cost approximately NZ$90,000–$130,000, depending on the court system, exchange rates, freight, site conditions and installation requirements.

Indicative costs may include:

  • NZ$70,000–$100,000 for the court structure and freight

  • NZ$20,000–$30,000 for site preparation and installation

  • additional costs for engineering, consenting, lighting, access systems and other site requirements

These figures are indicative only and should not be relied upon as a project quotation. Costs can vary considerably, particularly where substantial groundworks, drainage, utilities, roofing or other supporting infrastructure are required.

A booking and access-control system may also be required for commercial facilities. Depending on the chosen system and configuration, this may represent an additional cost.

I am considering starting a club or building courts. Where do I begin?

  1. Identify a potential site. Options may include existing sports facilities, racket-sport clubs, commercial premises, car parks or undeveloped land. Local councils, landowners, commercial property agents and existing sports clubs may be useful starting points.

  2. Confirm that the proposed use is possible. Discuss the project with the property owner and review any lease conditions, restrictions on commercial activity, parking requirements and other site limitations.

  3. Speak with the local council early. Ask about planning, resource consent, building consent, noise, lighting and any other requirements that may apply to the proposed site.

  4. Obtain professional advice. Appropriately qualified planning, building and engineering professionals can help assess the site, foundations, drainage, wind conditions, access and other project requirements.

  5. Request proposals from court suppliers. Compare the complete scope of supply, including the court structure, freight, foundations, installation, lighting, warranties, replacement parts and ongoing maintenance.

  6. Confirm suitability for New Zealand conditions. Court systems manufactured overseas may not automatically meet applicable New Zealand requirements. This should be confirmed before courts are ordered or contractual commitments are made.

  7. Complete the required approvals and due diligence. The project owner is responsible for obtaining all necessary professional advice, approvals and consents before construction begins.

  8. Speak with existing facilities. Operators who have already completed court developments may be willing to share practical experience about suppliers, construction, consenting and operating a venue. See the Padel New Zealand club directory.

  9. Consider affiliation with Padel New Zealand. Clubs may affiliate while they are in development or nearing completion, allowing them to become part of the recognised national structure for padel.

  10. Prepare for venue operations. This may include selecting a booking and access system, establishing operating procedures and beginning promotion before the courts open.

Padel New Zealand provides general information only and does not assess or approve sites, designs, suppliers, engineering, construction arrangements or regulatory compliance.

Player booking system

Several booking and venue-management systems are available for padel. Where that information is available, we list the system used by each facility in the Padel New Zealand club directory.

Playtomic is a valued sponsor of Padel New Zealand, and new affiliated clubs may be eligible for discounted platform fees during their first year. Please contact us for further information.

Promoting a new club or courts

Planning for promotion should begin well before opening. Introducing local communities to padel through open days, introductory sessions, social play and beginner programmes can help build awareness and establish an initial player base.
Here are some tips on how you can promote your club.

Padel New Zealand affiliation

Once a club is in the planning stages or nearing completion, Padel New Zealand can provide information about affiliation and participation within the recognised national structure.

Affiliated clubs can access:

  • Inclusion in the national club network

  • Promotion through Padel New Zealand channels

  • Access to the sanctioned competition framework

  • Applicable benefits available through Padel New Zealand partners