New President to lead World Bowls
Congratulations Brett O’Riley on your new appointment as President of World Bowls.
Bowls North Harbour patron, and Takapuna club member, Brett O’Riley, has achieved the top administrative position in the game when this this week he became president of World Bowls.
O’Riley, who for the past two years, has been the board’s Oceania zone director, was appointed for a two-year term as World Bowls president.
Only one other New Zealander has held this position, the former Bowls chief executive, Kerry Clark.
O’Riley comes to the role with impressive credentials, both in the sport and from the high positions he has held in the business and corporate worlds.
Auckland to host two international bowls competitions
The global bowls focus shines on New Zealand from this week with two international competitions to be staged in Auckland.
Southern Hemisphere bowls will be showcased this week with the second Oceania Challenge featuring the national teams from Cook Islands, Niue, Norfolk Island, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga, the Australia Performance Pathway team and two from New Zealand – an Aotearoa Māori team, and a New Zealand Under-26 team.
The event carries World Bowls Series status and will feature singles, pairs, triples and fours from Thursday until Sunday with qualifying at both Royal Oak and New Lynn clubs with all finals at Royal Oak.
Expect a celebration of vibrant culture and fantastic bowls action during the Oceania Challenge. Best of luck to all the teams competing.
👉View draws here
👉Follow the results here
👉Watch live on Sky Sport NZ | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Check out Bowls NZ's Facebook page, they've posted some awesome photos from Wednesday's opening ceremony & pōwhiri.
Auckland’s Premier & Development squads named
The Battle of the Bridge just got even more exciting with the announcement of Auckland’s Premier and Development squads for the upcoming showdown with North Harbour! This year’s lineup is a blend of experience and fresh talent, thanks to some new combinations introduced by the selectors.
Head Selector Alison Rennie is confident in the squads, saying, “This fixture has brought new opportunities with some experienced players unavailable for selection. It’s exciting to see fresh combinations come together, and we believe these squads have what it takes to perform at their best.”
With the 1-5 squads already announced, the stage is set for an action-packed day of competition. While the rivalry fuels the intensity, these matches are built on mutual respect and a shared love for the game.
Get ready to cheer on our teams as they take on their rivals from over the bridge!
👉SEE WHO MADE THE SQUADS!
Join the Pacifica Barbarians team!
We’re forming a bowls team to represent our Pacifica community in Tāmaki Makaurau to compete in the Octagonal Premier Competition on 15–16 February 2025 in Singles, Pairs, and Fours.
We’re looking for seven men and seven women bowlers who are:
✅ bowlers of Pacifica or Māori heritage—or those with strong connections to the Pacifica community.
✅ passionate about promoting Pacifica culture.
✅ Not currently in a Premier or Development programme.
The team will be guided by experienced selector and coach Peter Thorne, known for his commitment to Pacifica bowls and his leadership of the Tongan national team. Dan King, Tongan Team Manager, will bring additional expertise and support.
To apply:
Send your name, club, email, and mobile to:
• Peter: thornefam@xtra.co.nz | 0274 755 137 or
• Dan: dkbl@xtra.co.nz | 022 304 4954
⏰ Deadline: Friday, 6 December 2024
Last chance to book your spot!
Time is running out to secure your spot in one of Barrie Lester’s Coaching Clinics next week! Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from the Commonwealth Games medallist and Aussie bowls legend.
Book your place before registrations close! 👉Register here!
Auckland Fours a thrilling season opener!
The 2024-2025 season kicked off spectacularly with the Auckland Fours, where 72 teams battled it out on the greens despite a soggy start. Both the men’s and women’s competitions brought intense rivalry, incredible skill, and a few surprises along the way.
From dominant day-one performances to nail-biting eliminations, the action has set the tone for an exciting season ahead. The women’s final and men’s semifinals will unfold during Finals Weekend on December 14-15 at Carlton Cornwall, promising edge-of-your-seat moments and championship-worthy bowls.
👉 Read all the highlights and drama from the weekend here!
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Dates: 27-29 December 2024 |
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Dates: 29-30 March 2025 |
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