North Harbour embraces new approach to Coach training

— Les Eagleton

A hardy group of 17 bowlers from North Harbour braved the wintry conditions to kick off a Foundation Coaching course, delivered by Bowls Auckland.

In a shift from the traditional format, the one-day programme has been restructured into three parts, delivered over three consecutive Tuesday evenings. This flexible approach allows for reflection between sessions, a balance of on and off-green learning experiences and better accommodates those with weekend playing commitments.

The opening session began with a high-energy icebreaker — a “Coaches’ Zoo.” Attendees had to describe themselves as an animal that emulated their personality and coaching style. The creativity and enthusiasm made for a lively start and set the tone for an interactive course.

Next week, the group will move into more practical, on-green activities as they prepare to deliver their first skill sessions.

This course not only echoes Bowls Auckland’s “bowls without borders” approach but also signals an exciting new opportunity for coach development. If successful, Bowls Auckland will explore more flexible delivery options across the Auckland area.

New Performance Lead Appointed

A new chapter begins for Bowls Auckland’s high-performance programme with the appointment of our new Performance Lead!

We’re excited to welcome Paul Mackinnon to the team, bringing proven expertise across multiple codes to help shape the future of high-performance bowls in our region. Paul will be instrumental in developing our coaching, selection, and player pathways — and he’s already getting stuck in.

His appointment signals a strong commitment to supporting bowlers with aspirations for higher honours.

👉 Read the full announcement here.

Club is the Hub builds momentum

Bowls Auckland’s 'Club is the Hub' programme is celebrating two years and it's making an impact! Since 2023, the initiative has helped nine clubs strengthen operations and innovate through two support streams - Club Manager Grants and Project Grants.

Six clubs now have full-time managers on board, while others are piloting community-driven projects ranging from school engagement to social leagues.

It’s all about supporting clubs to be the heart of their community; helping them build stronger foundations, deliver new experiences, and grow the game at a grassroots level.

👉 Read more about the Club of the Hub programme.

Winterclub – Week One Recap

Week One of Winterclub kicked off with great energy across all sections. True to its name, the weather played its part, with overcast skies and the occasional drizzle setting the scene across the city.

Despite the chill, it was fantastic to see all 40 sides out on the greens, competing with spirit and enthusiasm. A big thank you to our host clubs and volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly. Special mention to Mt Eden for their trademark hospitality — players were treated to warm soup between rounds, a much-appreciated gesture!

On the competition front, just four sides remain unbeaten after Week One: Pakuranga, Pringle Park, Henderson, and Balmoral, each claiming a perfect 4/4 in rink points.

A quick reminder for all players: under Clause 16 of Bowls Auckland’s General Conditions of Play, all matches must produce a winner unless stated otherwise in the event conditions. In Section 2, two rinks were mistakenly recorded as draws. As both cards were signed and the round completed, the Controlling Body has confirmed these results will stand, but all future matches must be played to a result.

Looking ahead to Week Two, six new clubs step up as hosts, including some less frequently featured venues like Bridge Park and Glendowie — it’s great to see them back on the hosting roster! With the top four teams in each section progressing to the divisional finals on 3 August, there's still everything to play for.

Good luck to all teams — let’s keep the momentum going! In the meantime, click on the tiles below ⬇️ to check out the full standings for Week One. 

Molecheck Women’s Open is back!

Entries Now Open!

The much-anticipated Molecheck Women’s Open is back on the calendar – and entries are officially open!

Open to all wāhine who are World Bowls-affiliated players, it’s time to mark your diaries, rally your buddies, and enter this popular event. This is your chance to compete, connect, and celebrate women’s bowls at its best.

We’ve already had some early interest, including last year’s champion Jess Macaw and runner-up Kimberley Hemingway! 👇Check out Jess’s reel below!

And that’s not all…
In partnership with Molecheck, we’re thrilled to announce that decorated World Singles Champion and Blackjack Tayla Bruce will be running a special coaching session before the competition kicks off.

Stay tuned – more details coming soon!

Give Yourself a Winter WOF

Our proud event partner, Molecheck, is reminding us to take care of what matters most – our health. Just like your car, your body needs a regular check-up, and winter is the perfect time to get yours sorted.

✔️ Quick
✔️ Painless
✔️ Potentially life-saving

Whether it’s for peace of mind or something you’ve been meaning to do, now’s the time to book your skin check and give yourself a Winter Warrant of Fitness.
Don't forget Bowls Auckland members receive a 23% discount on a full Molecheck.

🔗 Book your Winter WOF today

As Jess wraps up her second week as the new Club Manager at Bowls Papatoetoe, she’s already feeling right at home.

“I’d like to extend a big thanks to the Club, the Committee, and Bowls Auckland for the exceptionally warm welcome I’ve received,” says Jess. “It’s already clear to me that Bowls Papatoetoe has phenomenal potential as a true community hub and a standout year-round facility — ready to host club, centre, and national events. With two stunning natural greens and a newly covered artificial green, not to mention some pretty awesome members, the future is bright.”

Jess brings both passion and purpose to her new role and is excited about the journey ahead:

“I’m excited to be part of the Club’s growth and look forward to working alongside the team at the Club, Kolmar, and Bowls Auckland. I’m also looking forward to connecting with many of you at events and tournaments throughout the season.”

In the words of Club President Murray Cotter: “Watch this space!”

Planning your next event? ☎️Give Jess a call on 022 489 1895 – she’d love to help!

England to Host the 2027 World Bowls Championships

World Bowls is pleased to confirm that Bowls England will host the 2027 World Bowls Championship at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa.

This will be the first time the event is staged in England in its current dual gender format.

The Championship, held every four years, will take place in July 2027. Over 24 nations will compete across 13 days and 14 events, bringing together the world’s top men, women and para bowlers.

Building on the legacy of the bowls competition from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the event aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for players, spectators, officials and volunteers. It will push the boundaries in how bowls is presented and create a festival atmosphere for everyone involved. The Championship will also be a Platinum Event on the World Bowls Series ranking calendar.

👉Read the World Bowls article in full.