Let’s go Glasgoooo... and let’s goooo Team NZ!

The 2026 Commonwealth Games are officially underway in Glasgow, and for the bowls community, there’s plenty to celebrate.

In a streamlined Games featuring just 10 sports, bowls and para bowls have proudly retained their place on the programme – a powerful acknowledgement of the sport’s enduring value, inclusivity and global appeal.

For New Zealand, the Commonwealth Games have long been a stage where our bowlers have shone alongside the world’s best. From historic medal moments to fierce rivalries with nations such as Australia, Scotland and England, the Games continue to showcase the precision, strategy and excitement that make bowls such a compelling sport to watch.

And what a way to begin the Games! The opening bowls match featured New Zealand’s Shannon McIlroy in the Men’s Singles against Auckland’s rising young star, Liam Hill, representing Tonga. Congratulations to Shannon on securing the first win of the campaign and getting New Zealand off to a flying start and well done Liam.

The Women’s Pairs team of Selina Goddard and Katelyn Inch also began their campaign in winning fashion, securing a victory in their opening match – way to go, ladies!

Sinners storm to the top

Winterclub launched in style over the weekend, with several teams making a strong early statement across the opening two rounds.

The St Heliers Sinners emerged as the standout performers in Section Four, claiming maximum rink points and an impressive +67 differential to sit atop the standings after week one. In Section Two, Carlton Cornwall Tui (+40), Howick Nurse Sharks (+39) and MABC Lions (+34) also enjoyed perfect starts, collecting four rink points each.

Howick Hammerheads showcased their scoring firepower with two commanding victories, defeating Point Chevalier 52–9 and Maraetai 50–11. But Maraetai had their moment too, with their B Team edging the Hammerheads 25–22 in a thrilling contest.

Section One remains wide open, with Pringle Park Thunder holding a narrow lead on 3.5 rink points, while four teams sit close behind on three points. Sections Three and Four are also finely balanced, setting up an intriguing second weekend of competition.

Week two will see play move to a new set of host clubs, including a special milestone for Maraetai. The club will host its first-ever Bowls Auckland event, marking an exciting chapter in its growing involvement in the wider bowls community.

With plenty of rink points still up for grabs, Winterclub is shaping up to be a fiercely contested competition.

👉 Read the full recap

Howick carpark closure

Bowlers attending Winter Coaching or Winterclub at Howick this weekend are advised that the club’s carpark will be completely closed from this weekend for up to three weeks or more, subject to weather conditions.

Please note that car park access from both Selwyn Road and Sale Street will be closed during this time.

We encourage all players and visitors to allow extra time for parking and make alternative parking arrangements where possible.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Howick Youth Nights launches

By Claire Orr

Howick’s inaugural Youth Nights got off to a fantastic start on Tuesday evening, with a small but enthusiastic group of young bowlers bringing plenty of energy to the green.

The session welcomed participants from Year 6 through to university age, offering a fun and engaging introduction to bowls for many first-time players. With games, coaching, and lots of laughter, the evening highlighted just how exciting the sport can be for the next generation.

A huge thank you goes to the dedicated volunteers who helped make the night such a success. Their support, encouragement, and passion for bowls created a warm and welcoming environment for everyone involved.

With such a positive start, we’re excited to see Youth Night continue to grow and welcome even more young bowlers in the weeks ahead.

Exciting Opportunity to Partner with Bowls Auckland

Bowls Auckland is seeking like-minded partners who want to make a meaningful impact while connecting with one of Auckland’s fastest-growing sporting communities.

Our partnerships are built around two key objectives:

• Creating even better experiences and opportunities for the bowls community.
• Providing businesses with valuable brand exposure and genuine connections across Auckland.

Thanks to the incredible work of our clubs, bowls is experiencing strong growth, with membership, casual participation and youth engagement all continuing to increase.

Whether you're interested in supporting a premier event, a community initiative, or becoming a wider Bowls Auckland partner, we can tailor a partnership package to suit your objectives.

If you'd like to explore how your business can partner with Bowls Auckland, please contact Dean Bartlett at dean@bowlsauckland.co.nz

Together, we can keep the game rolling.

Let's celebrate the Volunteers Who Go the Extra End!
Bowls clubs wouldn’t be the same without dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes. 

Do you know someone who is...
✅ A club hero who goes the extra end, no matter the task
✅ A good sort whose energy and commitment inspire others
✅ A local legend making a real impact on or off the green

👉Here's where you can nominate your Extra End Hero today!