All eyes on 1-5 Pairs Finals

The 1–5 Year Pairs Finals lit up Glen Eden Bowling Club on Sunday, bringing together Auckland’s up-and-coming bowlers for a top-notch showdown. The event had everything — skill, grit and a tricky breeze to keep things honest.

In the women’s division, the mother-daughter duo Lee and Nicole Singer proved unstoppable, defending their title for the second straight year. Royal Oak’s Jhanna Savov and Lynette Dixon claimed runner-up, while Rebecca Brosnan and Tracy Brayshaw (Pt Chev) shared third equal with Ōtāhuhu’s Emmalee Tomai and Christian-ly Filipo.

Ōtāhuhu also starred in the men’s, with Fraema Akaruru-Teinaki and Thomas Akaruru taking the crown over defending champs Steve Fisher and Peter McConnell. Mt Wellington’s Sam Brack and Richie Rogers and Pakuranga’s Phillip Garratt and Bob McRae rounded out the podium in third equal.

👉 Read the full wrap-up here

Pt Chev sets the pace in Week 2

After an energetic opener, the Rapid Roll Pairs stormed back into action for Week 2 — shifting undercover again after another day of heavy rain. The fast action, bold tactics, and friendly banter rolled on, making for another cracking night.

The Pt Chev Fockers proved they’re still the team to beat, stretching their lead at the top of the table with a perfect 12 points and a blistering +203 differential. Hot on their heels, the Pt Chev Scallywags remain in second on 10 points, now joined by the “HELP” trio from Howick (Estelle, Linda & Paul) who’ve crept into contention with a +17 differential.

The middle of the pack is tight, with eight teams on eight points — meaning just a few shots could flip the standings. The Howick Dragons sit fourth on +95, while Howick’s other combinations, Glendowie, the Pt Chev Cannonbowlers, and the TAT Pack are all bunched close behind.

With finals night just around the corner, the draw has set up some thrilling clashes:

🐉 Fockers vs Dragons (Round 7)
🏴‍☠️ Scallywags vs HELP (Round 8)
💥 Fockers vs Scallywags (Round 9 finale)

The Rapid Roll format has been a hit — fast, fun, and fiercely contested. With sunshine forecast for the final week, Epsom is primed for a fitting finish to what’s been an electric series.

👉 Check Week 2 Standings

Pakuranga's sparkling new green

— Michelle Brown

Pakuranga Bowling Club marked a major milestone on Saturday with the grand opening of its brand-new artificial green, a sparkling addition set to serve the club and its community for many years to come.

After a delicious lunch, guests gathered for the formalities. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Bowls Auckland Chair Ian Dee and President Helen Blick officially declaring the new green open, supported by Club President Wayne Ford and member Bob Menzies.

“It’s a green that will see many great games and even greater friendships,” said President Wayne Ford.

Ian Dee commented, “It’s pleasing to see a grant from the Rawhiti Trust being brought to life. The new green is not only beneficial to the club and its members but also for their wider community.”

Among the special guests were Adele White and Damian Light, who took time out from their busy local election day to join the celebrations.

Also in attendance were Brian Jago (President, Howick BC), Lucia Loy (President, Pakuranga Tennis), Martin Mackenzie (Bowls NZ), Adam Cherrie (Shade Systems), and Ross Galloway (Tiger Turf), alongside many of the club’s valued members. A particularly special guest was Paul Appolloni, a founding member of Pakuranga Bowling Club.

The celebrations continued on the new surface with an exhibition match between long-standing and Life Members Murray Dixon and Tere Brunton. Their close, entertaining game was met with warm applause from the crowd.

The day was filled with smiles, sunshine, and a strong sense of community spirit — a proud moment in the club’s history.

Step up your game with EPAC!

Are you ready to take your bowls journey to the next level? Whether you’re a player looking to sharpen your skills or a coach keen to grow your impact, the Emerging Players and Coaches (EPAC) programme is designed to help you level up.

This engaging and practical course dives into key performance areas — including tactical play, skill development, mental preparation, and effective coaching strategies. Led by experienced facilitators, EPAC creates a supportive environment where players and coaches learn, share, and grow together.

✅ Perfect for emerging talent & up-and-coming coaches
✅ Gain fresh insights, tips & techniques
✅ Connect with others who share your passion for the game

Dates & Locations:
Thursday 23 October – Bowls Papatoetoe
Tuesday 19 November – New Lynn
Tuesday 9 December – Royal Oak

Don’t miss this chance to boost your bowls game and build your coaching toolkit.

👉 More info & registrations

Rangatahi Roll Up: Get ready to bowl!

Bowls Auckland’s Rangatahi Roll Up programme continues to grow each term, reaching more schools and giving hundreds of students the chance to experience bowls in an inclusive, social, and energising environment.

We offer free, fun, and exciting sports sessions to secondary schools during Terms 4 and 1.

Why Rangatahi Roll Up?

• Fun first: Positive sporting experiences encourage lifelong participation.
• Fundamental movement skills: Bowls develops essential skills highlighted by Sport NZ as a foundation for all physical activity.
• Social development: Group and team activities help students build strong social skills.
• Bowls basics: Students gain an introduction to the sport in a relaxed, supportive environment.

We are flexible and happy to work around your school’s schedule. Interested in hosting sessions?  👉Find out more here

Our New Rangatahi Roll Up Activator

Bowls Auckland is thrilled to welcome Hannah Neville as our new Rangatahi Roll Up Activator! Hannah officially joined the team on Monday, bringing with her connection to the bowls community and a genuine passion for introducing the sport to young people.

Hannah comes to us from Piha Bowling Club and has a rich background in theatre education, having toured shows and delivered workshops to schools across the country. She’s excited to combine her love of bowls with her passion for teaching, creating fun, engaging, and memorable sessions for students in high schools across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Hannah believes that lawn bowls is a sport for everyone, with no barriers to participation. With her warmth, energy, and enthusiasm, she’s ready to inspire the next generation of bowlers and show just how exciting and welcoming the sport can be.

Rest in Peace Rob

It’s with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Rob Davis.

Rob made a lasting impact on the bowls community through his work as a Community Manager with Bowls New Zealand, visiting countless clubs across the country. A talented writer and storyteller, he shared and celebrated the game and its people with warmth and passion.

Our thoughts are with his wife Carol, their family, friends, and the wider bowls community.

It's time to Check Your Bowls

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Bowls NZ is proud to be part of the movement raising awareness for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives, and regular checks are key. 

🩷Get your own Check Your Bowls shirt online now! 

Wear it loud, wear it proud — and help spark conversations that matter. Whether it’s for yourself, your whānau, or your mates — make time for a check. It could be the most important thing you do this month. 

As modelled by Sue Curran and Bronwyn Milne.