Campbell & McLinden Crack the Singles

The Shade Systems Champion of Champions Singles certainly lived up to the billing, serving up a weekend packed with quality bowls, tense finishes and standout performances across both draws.

In the women’s event, Royal Oak’s Lesley McLinden proved calm under pressure, navigating a tough path to the title with wins over several strong contenders before edging Carlton Cornwall’s Helen Blick in a high-quality final. Blick had been in superb touch all weekend, including a dramatic semi-final escape against rising talent Hannah Dawson that went all the way to a 20-all shootout.

The men’s final delivered the matchup many had hoped for, with Howick's Steve Campbell taking on Royal Oak's Mike Galloway. After falling short in their previous singles encounters, Campbell turned the tables in style, producing a composed display to claim his first centre title. His fast start proved crucial, and once he built momentum, there was no slowing him down.

A huge weekend of bowls, plenty of big moments, and a few stories still being talked about around the greens this week.

👉Read our full recap

Fours frenzy this weekend!

The Shade Systems Champ of Champs Fours roll into action this weekend, with club champion quartets from across Auckland chasing centre glory in what shapes as a blockbuster couple of days on the greens.

There’s no shortage of storylines either; defending women’s champs Aggie Motu, Jessie Macaw and Kimberley Hemingway return with Jo Cheng joining the line-up, while fresh-off-the-title Lesley McLinden backs up after last weekend’s Singles success looking for another big result in Bridge Park colours.

In the men’s draw, there’s quality everywhere you look, with names like Adam Blucher, Kevin Morris, Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki, Billy Fulton, Mike Galloway and Steve Campbell all in the hunt. With experienced campaigners, rising talent and plenty of form sides in the mix, this one feels wide open.

It all gets underway Saturday, with finals set for Sunday afternoon and if last weekend was anything to go by, expect plenty of drama and top-quality bowls along the way.

👉Read full preview
👉Follow results here

Shelter for Generations

Shade Systems is a proudly New Zealand-owned company providing enrichment and wellbeing through the creation of premium outdoor shade and shelter solutions across New Zealand. Guided by our mission, “Shelter for Generations,” we design, manufacture, install and maintain custom-built structures that help people gather, connect, learn, play and enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

From community spaces, civic areas, town centres, parks and playgrounds to sports courts, sidelines and spectator areas, our turnkey solutions are designed to enhance comfort, safety and year-round usability. Whether supporting community events, school assemblies, club training or weekend games, we create all-weather spaces that bring people together and help communities enjoy the outdoors in comfort, safety and style. With 270 years of combined expertise, we’re committed to quality, safety and sustainability in every project we deliver.

👉Visit Shade Systems website for more info

Family Roll Ups – Roll In & Join the Fun! 

Over two exciting weekends, the Shade Systems Champion of Champions Series is about more than just top-class bowls – it’s also about opening the gates, turning up the fun, and welcoming the wider community to come and give bowls a go.

Alongside the Shade Systems Champ of Champs Triples at Royal Oak Bowls on Saturday 6 June, and the Champ of Champs Mixed Pairs at New Lynn Bowls on Saturday 13 June, we’ll be hosting two FREE Family Day Roll Ups…and everyone is invited.

Whether you’ve never picked up a bowl before, used to play years ago, or are simply looking for a fun afternoon out with whānau, friends and kids, this is the perfect chance to come along and have a go.

There’ll be games, face painting, giveaways, a good old-fashioned sausage sizzle, and plenty of laughs and good vibes throughout the afternoon.

So mark the dates, bring the kids, round up your mates, and join us for two fantastic community days celebrating bowls.

Help spread the word, we’d love to see you there!  

👉More details here

Hammerheads make their mark

There was plenty to celebrate for the Howick Hammerheads at last weekend’s Auckland 1–5 Triples, with the club demonstrating just how much strength and depth is building through its emerging ranks.

In the women’s event, the quality was high from the opening round, with Howick’s Lea Hooper leading her side to a thrilling one-shot win over fancied Royal Oak. Carlton Cornwall’s Tania O’Leary skipped the only unbeaten qualifying team, but it was Royal Oak and Howick who battled through to the final at Remuera. With plenty of support gathering greenside, Howick held firm in a close contest to secure the title 20–17.

The men’s field was stacked with standout performances and nail-biting finishes throughout Sunday’s post-section play. Ōtāhuhu Railway, Mt Albert, Pt Chevalier and Howick all impressed on their run to the semi-finals, but it was David Weir’s Howick trio who rose to the occasion under the lights. Facing an in-form Ōtāhuhu Railway side, the Hammerheads delivered a commanding display to claim the title 25–10.

A memorable weekend for Howick, and another strong reminder of the growing talent and competitive depth in Auckland’s 1–5 scene.

👉Read 1-5 Triples recap
👉Follow results here

Roof Raiser in Papatoetoe!

A huge milestone for Bowls Papatoetoe was officially celebrated this week with the opening of its impressive new covered green and it’s fair to say the club has entered a bold new era.

Complete with new lighting and a fresh carpet, the facility now stands as one of the region’s premier bowling venues and another major boost for the Auckland bowls network. The project came together through a strong partnership between Kolmar, Auckland Council, Bowls Auckland and the club itself, with the aim of creating a community asset that will serve generations to come.

The venue is already hitting the ground running too. Their King’s Birthday Weekend Tournament has sold out, and the club is also set to host the upcoming 0–5 Year Winter Programme. Safe to say, bowlers will want to get organised early for future events!

Another key moment from the opening was the lighting project becoming the very first facility upgrade completed through the Bowls Auckland Club Investment Fund, backed by the Bowls Auckland Foundation, a significant step forward for supporting club development across the region.

👉Read full story

WinterClub is Calling… Rally the Troops!

WinterClub 2026 entries are officially open, and it’s time to round up your teammates, and prepare for one of the most social and spirited competitions on the Auckland calendar.

The ever-popular Bonus Fours format returns, bringing plenty of strategy, momentum swings, and scoreboards that can change in a hurry. With eight players per side across two Fours teams, WinterClub delivers the perfect mix of competition, connection, and winter bowls fun.

Played across four weekends from Saturday 19 July, with Finals Day on Sunday 9 August, each playing day features two rounds starting at 9.30am and 12.15pm.

Clubs should also keep an eye on their inboxes, with important updates sent this week around the new event payment process. The new system allows either immediate credit card payment or an “Enter Now, Pay Later” option, helping secure entries instantly while making administration smoother for everyone.

And for players? Now’s the time to stay close to your club selectors, team managers, and club organisers… because nobody wants to miss the WinterClub call-up.

👉Entries are now open

The celebration of our bowls community is just around the corner, with ticket sales now officially open for the 2026 Bowls Auckland Annual Awards Luncheon.

Join us as we recognise the amazing people and clubs whose passion, dedication, and contribution help make our sport so special. From outstanding performances on the green to the volunteers and club initiatives working tirelessly behind the scenes, this is an opportunity to celebrate the very best of bowls across Auckland.

📅 Date: Sunday, 5 July 2026
📍 Venue: Royal Oak Bowls,146 Selwyn Street, Onehunga