A history of the development of table tennis (ping pong) in New Zealand c. 1890 – 1939 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History, Massey University, New Zealand. EMBARGOED until 12th February 2027.

Abstract

This thesis is a study of the history of table tennis (ping pong) in New Zealand from c. 1890 to 1939. Table tennis has a long history in New Zealand and was one of many sports that thrived and established an enduring foothold in the country’s sporting world during the interwar period. Its history, however, has not been extensively recorded. Moreover, scholarly literature on the history of table tennis remains scarce. The period between c. 1890 and 1939 saw table tennis become a popular sport at both recreational and competitive level. This thesis investigates what factors helped and what factors hindered the development of table tennis in New Zealand. In doing so, it also provides insights into the place of so-called “minor sports” in New Zealand’s sporting history. Through a detailed examination of local newspapers and periodicals, this thesis examines the different perceptions of table tennis within society. Beyond its characterisation as a sport, this research explores other interpretations and expressions of table tennis, particularly its uptake as a social and recreational activity within New Zealand society. Through investigating recreational forms of participation and engagement with table tennis, this thesis identifies constituencies sometimes overlooked in the current historiography of sport in New Zealand. In doing so, it provides a more complete picture of New Zealanders’ relationship with sport and sporting activities.