Blockbuster Finish to Champ of Champs Pairs

Big crowd, exciting bowls & two deserving champions!

The 2026 Shade Systems Champ of Champs Pairs delivered a fantastic weekend of competition across Remuera, New Lynn and Royal Oak.

With 51 teams from 30 clubs in action, the event exhibited the depth of bowls across the region, from emerging young talent through to some of Auckland’s most experienced combinations.

Ōtāhuhu Railway claimed the women’s title after a gripping final against Auckland Bowling Club, with the deciding margin coming down to the final end. Meanwhile, home club New Lynn rose to the occasion in the men’s final, holding off a determined Mt Wellington side to secure the championship crown 16–11.

Both winning teams now advance to represent Auckland at the National Champ of Champs Pairs in Hastings next month.

A huge thank you goes to all players, officials, volunteers, host clubs and event partners Shade Systems NZ for helping deliver another memorable weekend in the Series.

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Shelter for Generations

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Premier & Development Coaching Teams Appointed

Bowls Auckland is delighted to confirm its Premier and Development Men’s and Women’s coaching appointments for the 2026–2027 season.

Performance Lead Paul MacKinnon has led a comprehensive review of the representative programme. The review process included player surveys, workshops with players and team management, and individual meetings with coaching leads.

Success at Intercentre continues to be a key strategic goal. The 2025–2026 season delivered many positive outcomes, supported by the growing pool of young talent emerging across the region.

Bowls Auckland remains committed to the ongoing growth and development of its Performance Programme – with a framework focused on supporting more players and coaches to achieve national success, while also strengthening pathways for our clubs and their players.

The following appointments have been confirmed for the 2026-2027 season:

Premier & Development Men
Head Coach / Selector – Sean Hird
Assistant Coach / Selectors – Dean Edge and Tere Brunton

Premier & Development Women
Head Coach / Selector – Trish Croot
Assistant Coach / Selector – Ian Fisher

Bowls Auckland also acknowledges the valuable contribution of outgoing Men’s Head Coach/Selector Peter Blucher, thanking him for his dedication and commitment to the Performance Programme over many years.

We believe we have the right momentum for the new representative season and are excited for the opportunities and success to follow as preparations begin. 

Winter Development Programme returns this June

One of Bowls Auckland’s most popular participation series is back this winter, with the 0–5 Year Winter Development Programme getting underway from 27 June.

Running over six to seven weeks across five Auckland zones, the programme offers coaching and development opportunities for junior bowlers, along with newcomers and non-members keen to give bowls a go – all leading into the Campi, Canoe and ABCA Cup tournaments in August.

This season also sees all zones hosted at covered venues, helping create the best possible learning environment throughout winter, alongside the introduction of new convenors in the Central, West and South West zones.

Focused on skill-building, confidence and connection, the series continues to provide a fantastic opportunity for bowlers to learn, improve and enjoy the game in a fun and supportive setting.

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