Trampolines in New Zealand!

Members of the Bonham family:
L-R: Phillip Bonham (aged 10), Jim and Jack (twins, aged 21)
and Peter (aged 13 years).

During the early 1950s, Jack Bonham, brought the first trampoline to New Zealand and helped grow the sport of trampolining throughout the Southern Hemisphere.

Jack Bonham, a New Zealand native, was already active in gymnastics, rugby and diving when he met George Nissen, and learned about the new sport of trampolining. He soon became a Sales Representative to New Zealand, for the Nissen Trampoline Company, and immediately began introducing trampolining into local schools.

Demonstration of the trampoline at Seddon Memorial Technical College;
the first New Zealand School to introduce trampolining.

Physical Education Master, H.P. Leeves, (Seddon Memorial Technical College) was quoted as considering the new addition a “great asset in the promotion of all-around physical fitness. Not only does it exercise and develop every part of the body, it relaxes the nervous system, promotes confidence and body control and is a great thrill to people of all ages.” (Nissen News, 10/15/1957)

While Bonham served as General Secretary of the Auckland YMCA for 20 years, he helped establish the New Zealand Gymnastics Association and taught gymnastics and trampoline for many years before moving to Hawaii. In 1968, Bonham developed the gymnastics program at the University of Hawaii, and continued coaching there until 1973. In addition, during this time, he recruited and coached Australian trampolinist Billy Popiwenko, who won the 1971 AAU National Trampoline Championships.

On a personal note, in 1957, Bonham was selected “Father of the Year” by the Father’s Day Council of Auckland, New Zealand. Bonham’s advice to fathers is to spend as much time as they can with their families, especially when the children are very young.

This wonderful video of the Bonham family is included in a "short" that played in the movie theaters during the 1960's. Featured in the film are: Jack C. Bonham, Phillip (10 years old), twins Jim & Jack (21 years old) and Peter (13 years old).

CLICK HERE for the video on YouTube

Thank you Jack Bonham, for your many contributions to trampoline history!

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Title image: Nissen News (10/15/1957)