Flett Open launches for 1–5s

A brand-new event is headlining the Bowls Auckland calendar this November and it's built especially for 1-5s.

The Flett Open will bring together 64 teams from across New Zealand for two days of competition, a format that keeps every team playing meaningful matches throughout the weekend and a $5,000 in prize money.

Named in honour of John Flett OBE, whose vision helped establish coaching and playing opportunities for new bowlers nationwide, the tournament celebrates his lasting contribution to the sport while creating a major event for today's emerging players.

Open to 1–5 Year players from any Bowls New Zealand-affiliated club, teams can be any combination, provided all four players represent the same club.

Entries: $200 per team
Dates: 21–22 November 2026
Field: Limited to 64 teams

Gather your four, mark the dates and be ready when entries open

👉 Read more

Highlights from the Bowls Auckland 113th AGM

A crowd of nearly 60 people representing 26 clubs, alongside Bowls Auckland Board Members, Life Members and management team packed into Mt Eden Bowls on Saturday 25 July for the AGM.

Along with normal proceedings there were several highlights.

John Slater was newly appointed to the Board along with returning members Rikki Swannell and Tere Brunton. John has an incredible governance CV previously holding trustee positions at Bruce Pulman Trust, Foundation North, Newmarket Business Association, and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).

A new honorary Life Membership was awarded to Allan Smith for his 20 plus years’ service to bowls in Auckland. Many will know Allan from his contribution at Blockhouse Bay where he served on the Board for 21 years (2002 to 2023) often in key roles such as president or treasurer. Allan also had wider influence in roles such as Trustee on Blue Waters Community Trust for 20 years, the Rawhiti Fund Committee, Auckland Bowling Coaching Association, and was instrumental in the delivery of the Trusts New Zealand Open.

Marlene Castle was recognised following her recent induction into the World Bowls Hall of Fame. Marlene enjoyed an outstanding international career, representing New Zealand at four Commonwealth Games, where she won three medals, and at four World Bowls Championships, where she claimed a further four medals.

The AGM was a fitting celebration of leadership, service and excellence within our bowls community. Congratulations to those recognised and thank you to everyone who attended and continues to contribute to the success of bowls in Auckland. Together, we look forward to building on another successful year as we continue to keep the game rolling.

Winterclub battles the elements

Rain, resilience and plenty of club spirit – Week Two of Winterclub delivered all three.

While the weather disrupted play across much of Auckland, bowlers still made the most of the weekend, with covered greens ensuring Section 2 completed a full programme and several teams making important moves up the standings. Elsewhere, abandoned rounds mean the race for playoff places remains wide open heading into the final weeks of section play.

Off the green, hosting clubs showcased Winterclub at its best, with warm hospitality, great camaraderie and plenty of hot food and drinks helping players take the winter conditions in their stride.

With sunshine currently forecast for this Sunday, an exciting finish to section play awaits.

👉 Read the full recap

The NZ Team keep the game rolling with a strong session on the greens.

• Men’s Pairs: Ali Forsyth & Tony Grantham win against a dangerous Tonga team 2–0.
• Women’s Singles: Tayla Bruce had an awesome start to her day, defeating Botswana 2–0.
• Men’s B6-B8 Para Pairs: Kurt Smith & Mark Noble play an epic tie breaker to win 2-1 against Scotland.
• Women's B6-B8 Para Pairs: Julie McConnell's debut at 67 🩵

Image Source: The NZ Team

👉 Read World Bowls daily wrap ups 

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!