Sports turf apprentice off to Wimbledon

2 April 2026

Primary ITO apprentice Tawera Tito is embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime – joining the Wimbledon 2026 grounds team to prepare the courts for the prestigious tennis tournament kicking off in London, in June.

Tawera, 25, recently completed the Level 3 component of his New Zealand Apprenticeship in Sports Turf with Primary ITO. He is employed at Mexted Sports Turf, who look after council-run sports grounds and parks across the Wellington region. They also work nationwide, with previous projects including Eden Park turf replacement and a new wicket and outfield at Hagley Oval.

As a keen sportsman and golfer, Tawera went door knocking around golf courses looking for his first job in sports turf. His perseverance paid off when he contacted Mexteds, where he has now worked for almost two years. In March 2025 Tawera signed up to the Primary ITO apprenticeship.

“Before I started the job, I didn’t know how much detail went into sports turf preparation,” Tawera says. “I thought it was just mowing the grass and then you’re done. Far from it, and that’s been my biggest learning I think.”

A typical summer week for Tawera involves preparing cricket pitches and keeping sports fields in top condition ready for weekend sports. From grass mowing, to rolling turf, fertilising and irrigation set up, each employee at Mexteds has the responsibility of looking after different sports grounds and pitches to keep them ready for action. 

“Mexteds are a really good company to work for and are always offering to help with my study where I need it,” Tawera says. “Jason (Primary ITO Training Adviser) meets up with us regularly to see how we’re going and to make sure we’re on track. My main goal is to finish my Level 4 and get qualified.”

It was Tawera’s boss who spotted the Wimbledon job vacancy online.

“My boss knew I played tennis as well and said I should apply. I sent in my CV and cover letter and was offered an interview with the head groundsman over Teams. A few days later they emailed offering me the job! It was a shock, it all happened so quickly.”

Tawera, with Primary ITO Training Adviser Jason Foster (left) and Mexted's Contract Supervisor Josh Dewar (right)

Tawera heads over to London in early April for six months. He says his whānau, friends and workmates are very excited for him.

“Mum and Dad are booking a trip to come and visit while I’m over there.”

As part of the Wimbledon grounds team, Tawera will help to prepare and maintain the tennis courts leading up to and during the 2026 Championships, taking place from Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July. Nine tonnes of grass seed is used each year, with all courts re-lined, rolled and mown daily during The Championships. The team will be looking after eighteen grass courts, twenty grass practice courts and eight American Clay courts.

Mexteds’ General Manager Shane Maddren says Tawera has been a great addition to their sports turf maintenance crew in the Hutt valley over the last two years.

“He came to us with no previous experience, but under the guidance of our senior staff and backed by his Primary ITO apprenticeship studies, he’s been quick to pick up on the many skills of a groundsman, preparing great cricket wickets and keeping his parks looking good."

“In the last few months, he’s been promoted to looking after all the sports parks in Wainuiomata, including the premier fields at William Jones Park. That’s a real vote of confidence, and he’s earned it.

“Tawera is one of those quiet people who gets on with the work and is always willing to pitch in when someone needs a hand. Wimbledon is going to be an incredible experience for him, and we look forward to hearing all about it on his return.”

Primary ITO Training Adviser Jason Foster, presents Tawera with his Level 3 Certificate

Primary ITO Training Adviser Jason Foster says Tawera is a bright young guy who will do well in the industry. 

“It’s been a pleasure supporting him through his Level 3 training and I look forward to signing him up to the Level 4 component of his apprenticeship when he gets back.”

Find more information about the New Zealand Certificate or Apprenticeship in Sports Turf on our website here.

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