Fresh faces and fierce competition

The Bowls Auckland 1-5 Year Men's and Women's Singles Championship highlighted some of the most promising new talents in the sport. Held across Auckland, the competition saw rising stars compete in intense Singles action, highlighting the growth and development of players. The event featured a mixture of familiar faces and new names making their mark in the post-section rounds. Special mention goes to Royal Oak Bowls, who fielded 24 competitors out of 114 total (about 21%), and to Richard Jolly and Brett Hailstone, who made the trip from Waiheke Bowling Club to compete.

One of the standout moments was the mother-daughter showdown between Lee and Nicole Singer at Royal Oak. Nicole defeated her mother 21-16 in a highly competitive match. Meanwhile, at Epsom, representatives Rebecca Brosnan and Henrietta Scott went head-to-head, with Rebecca securing a dramatic 21-20 victory by grabbing a three on the final end. Kohimarama’s Lynley Pritchard also had a day to celebrate, taking three straight wins to qualify, including victories over representatives Jeanine Browne and Hannah Dawson (21-19 in both matches).

1-5 Year Women's Singles:
(L) Runner up - Rebecca Brosanan, Royal Oak (R) Winner - Nicole Singer, Royal Oak

Club Leaders Programme wraps up for the season

On Tuesday, 11 June, Bowls Auckland held a Club Leaders – Operations workshop, with a great turnout of 21 attendees from 18 different clubs. This workshop marked the final instalment of the Club Leaders Programme for the 2023-2024 season, focusing on essential topics such as Budgeting, Alcohol Licensing, and Functions management.

The interactive workshop was designed for attendees to engage in discussions, share insights, and gain valuable expertise from Bowls Auckland's Finance Manager, Michael Anderson and Alcohol Licensing expert, Greame Scott.

"We're thrilled with the participation and enthusiasm shown by club leaders," commented Dean Bartlett, Bowls Auckland CEO. "The high turnout and engagement throughout the programme reflect the commitment of our clubs to continuously improve their club management."

As the 2023-2024 season draws to a close, we're already looking ahead! Plans are underway to continue the Club Leaders Programme next season, promising more opportunities for learning, networking, and growth.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to elevate your club's operations in the upcoming season!

New Performance Strategy

Applications for Team Officials are now open!
Representative bowls offer players a unique opportunity to represent their region at the highest level. For many, playing for Auckland is the pinnacle of their career, while for others, it's a stepping stone to even greater honours, including international play.

Representing Auckland is more than just the game; it's about unity, pride, and excellence. It brings together players from rival clubs, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose as they train and compete alongside the best. The team embodies a collective identity and mana that all of Auckland can rally behind.

Following the recent representative season, Bowls Auckland conducted an extensive review to enhance its performance strategy. This review, which included a player survey, stakeholder consultation, and collaboration with Bowls New Zealand and other sports organisations, revealed many positives. The overall player satisfaction rating was an impressive 4.2 out of 5.

The 2024 Australian Open, one of the world's biggest bowls festivals, has gathered an impressive array of talent from both Australia and around the globe. Held in the picturesque setting of Queensland, this year’s event has drawn the largest number of entries yet!

Among the standout international competitors are numerous Kiwis including celebrated World Championships Singles bowler, Tayla Bruce along with some of her fellow Blackjack teammates Ali Forsyth, Selina Goddard and Leeane Poulson.

These athletes, along with many others, promise to deliver thrilling matches and showcase the highest level of lawn bowls. For those keen to follow the progress of their favourite players and teams, the Australian Open provides multiple channels for updates and live coverage. 

This weekend, we are excited to deliver our first Pathway 242 Mixed Pairs... aka National Champ of Champs Mixed Pairs and we are delighted 64 Pairs teams are filling four greens across Epsom, Remuera, Royal Oak and New Lynn!

As with any national pathway event competitors have a challenge in front of them as they look to advance from qualifying to post-section - good luck competitors!

Stay updated with event info and results here...

Pictured at Mt Eden Bowls this Wednesday, one of the many groups of students from St. Kentigern taking part in the school's 12-week bowls programme.

Pilates @ Pt Chevalier

Pt Chevalier Bowls Club kicked off a new community initiative last Friday: Pilates@PtChev, and it was a full class!

All abilities are welcome and catered for by expert instructor, Stella. Join us at 9 am on Fridays for just $12 per class. Email marcroft@gmail.com to book your spot!

First year bowlers win 1-5 Year Singles 

Mt Wellington BC congratulated Tane Makoare and Celia Mackinven for winning the club’s 1-5 Year Singles championships.

Tane, the club’s barman, and Celia, the club president, are both first-year bowlers. Celia said, “Looking to the future, it’s a great sign for the club."

Top: Runner-up Julia Webster with winner Celia Mackinvent.  Bottom: Winner: Tane Makoare with Bill Webster

Prizegiving season!

It's that time of the year when clubs are hosting their annual prize-giving and closing days. Here's a quick glimpse from last weekend!

Balmoral Bowling Club
A great turnout yesterday for the combined AGM/Closing Day saw all the silverware presented to this season's winners. And as the president prefaced the ceremonies, it's going to be a lot about one player who had a dominant season. John James took out a slew of events over the season and combined with his wife, Marika to scoop the Mixed Pairs, as well. JJ and Marika better have plenty of silver polish at home!

Pringle Park
Great night at the Park prize-giving and closing day. Congratulations to all the recipients. Special awards went to Sean Hird, Bowler of the Year, Sportsman Josh Tipene, Personality Frank Vujnovich, Most Improved John Vujnovich and Most Improved Junior Bruce Florian

Kohimarama
Saturday 8 June was the Club AGM, Prize-giving, lunch and roll-up on the new green. Kohi had much to celebrate this past year and the year ahead looks even more promising. A number of our 1-5s are playing in competitions today and missed prizegiving so the trophy photo reflects their club successes this year! 

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