From the Squash New Zealand website, history section:

On 23 November 1919 Herbert N (‘Doggie’) Watson wrote from Palmerston North to his kiwi friend D.H Riddiford, then in England, on a series of matters, including sport. He penned the letter having just returned from the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch where he had sailed by boat. He said he ‘did not turn a hair on the trip” thanks to having previously got rid of his ‘inside fat’ by strenuous squash playing. 

This letter is in the 1998 publication ‘I Was There’ a recording of dramatic first hand accounts of New Zealand history.  So is established possibly the first reference to squash being played in New Zealand, as it is known that Herbert Watson had his own private court at his home in Palmerston North.

It wasn’t until the 1930’s however, that the sport began to evolve on a broader base, and Palmerston North was very much a centre of this growth. 

The club opened in 1936.  Not even Wellington had a court until years later.  From early on in its history, PNSC became an instigator and organiser of key national events.  The year after opening it hosted the National Championships, and has since held 19 National Championship titles by our greatest players including Allen Johns, Don Mochan, Charlie Waugh, Trevor Johnston, Don Burmiester, Val Biss and Nancy New.

The club also hosted New Zealand’s first international event against Australia in 1953.  The establishment of Interclub can also be traced back to the club’s efforts at promoting the new sport to the country.  It was against the Hamilton Club, then a men only affair.  Our team travelled by train, and on arrival were met and taken for whisky and milk for breakfast.  The good old days!

For many years the club was the base for the New Zealand Squash Association, reflecting the leadership role the club played.  Roy Haddon, affectionately know as The Messiah of New Zealand Squash, held the position of Secretary to the Association for some 21 years.  In recognition of his services to the sport he was elected a Life Member of the Association in 1966.  He finished his duties in 1971, and as evidence of his dedication to the game, died at the courts in 1975.

Peak membership was achieved in the mid 80’s when the game was at its height of popularity.  PNSC then boasted over 800 members.  Numbers dropped away in the nineties as gymnasiums offered convenient alternatives for keeping in shape, but this trend has recently been reversed as a result of innovative refurbishments and options for membership.  The club now is in fine shape, and won the New Zealand Squash Club of the Year in 2000 and 2002.

The club is proud of a rich history of personalities, success, and of the development of the game in New Zealand.