The Channel team love getting out around the Shore, talking to local characters who love where they live. This month, Nikki Davidson met up with one of Milford's sporty residents Shelley Bryce about what she loves about Shore life...

What do you love most about living in Milford?

I love that it’s a lovely community. We are close to the beach the lake and the mall and the local schools.

How long have you lived here? 

I have lived in Milford for six years.

What activities or organisations are you involved with? Why are you passionate about this? 

I am the head coach of Milford Tennis Club. I have always been passionate about tennis as it has been my life since I was 10 years old. I am lucky to work in a profession I love.

What else might you be involved with if you had more time? 

If I had more time, I would love to help out at our local school on the PTA.

Tell us about a place that is a secret gem in Milford? 

I think the Milford Tennis Club is our secret gem. It's a lovely tennis club right in the heart of Milford and is currently the biggest tennis club in New Zealand. It's a good environment for the kids to grow up in and a good way to meet new people from the community.

Do you have a favourite local event that you look forward to each year? 

I love the Takapuna Food and Wine Festival. It's a fun day out and a lot of the community are there to support the event.

If you could change one aspect about your suburb what would it be? 

Milford would love a good bistro.

Who would you most like to have as a neighbour and why? 

It would be amazing to live next door to Rafael Nadal. He is my favourite athlete and I would love to live next to him.

Footnote: The tennis club has been planning the development of a new club house over the past four years and is hopeful that funding will shortly be in place to provide a modern and attractive facility for club members and the local community.