The early start is designed to take maximum advantage of the many strong players who reside in the city in tertiary term time. Tennis Otago has made allowance for players affiliated through clubs in other regions, and the package has proved attractive. After Labour Weekend, the President's Cup will be played before the championship resumes in late February.
The men's competition has impressive strength in all the top positions and a greater depth than in the recent past.
John McGlashan, last year's runner-up, is again well in contention. Paddy Ou, last season named most improved player, will be backed up by Korean student Kyu Kim, ex-pupil Oliver Reid, Carlos Reid and nationally-ranked junior Mitchell Sizemore.
Defending champion Eastern Harbour has the same squad, led by Aucklander Aaron Hicks and Tauranga student Campbell Higgins. South Otago No 1 Ryan Eggers will provide depth along with Mike Smith and Angus Milne. Veteran Phil Mirfin will add doubles strength when needed.
All-student team Cosy Dell won two years ago and will look to overcome the disappointment of losing last season's semifinal. It has named Nelson-based brothers Alex and Hamish Low, along with James Leggett (Marlborough), Chris McKegg and George Milne, both Wellington, and Aucklander Lance Green.
Taieri has recruited North Harbour player Sam Poulter and Wanganui's Taylor Quirk. This frees up Andrew Mitchell to play away from the top position. Matt Foo will give even more depth and veteran doubles specialists Darryl Paterson, and later, Jeff Elliotte may also make appearances.
Balmacewen has struggled in recent years, but the addition of professional coach Shaun Paringatai helps that club. Others named are George Alexander, Will Bourne, Matt McCutcheon and Tino Bryant-Tokalau.
Canterbury player Paddy Nolan, another who has concentrated on coaching, is a welcome addition to Mornington-Roslyn. It has also gained three North Otago representatives in Albert Hailes, Jeremy Ferguson and Josh Dalziel to back up regulars Henry Hailes and Adam Williams.
The women's competition lacks the depth of the men and will feature teams of two to avoid diluting the status of the premier grade.
St Clair has two teams, having recruited Otago doubles champion Debbie Stevens, Georgia Rooney, of Nelson, and former Tasmanian Emma Hilder for the Gold team, while Rebecca Dellaway will travel from North Otago to join last season's finalists, Scarlett Cuthill and Jessika Brass, in the Blue team.
Last season's winner Eastern Harbour will return with Georgia Hume, who will also travel to play interclub in other cities again, and Harriet Dorrington. Wanaka junior Meg Timu, who boards in Dunedin, will provide backup.
Mornington-Roslyn will again have Nicky Wallace, another North Otago representative, and Heike Cebulla-Elder, the Otago doubles titleholder. Balmacewen, also unchanged from last season, has named Jessie Stevenson, Annabelle Eckroyd and Polly Withers.
