White's hot streak lights up Molecheck Women’s Open

The 2025 Molecheck Women’s Open Singles wrapped up last weekend with thrilling bowls and a real sense of celebration, both on and off the green.

Things kicked off Friday with a masterclass from world champ Tayla Bruce, where 50 bowlers took skills challenges before hearing from Tayla in an inspiring Q&A session.

During the weekend's competition, Lisa White of Raumati continued her incredible form, claiming her third major singles title in as many months with another dominant performance. Auckland’s Kimberley Hemingway impressed again, reaching the final for the second year in a row, while Linda Ralph took top honours in the Plate after a hard-fought win over Jane Field.

The weekend also saw the launch of the Bowls Auckland Foundation and a special moment as Mike Galloway was awarded life membership, celebrated alongside family and friends.

👉 Read the full wrap-up here

Auckland lands World Bowls Series event!

Big news for bowls in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland has officially secured a stop on the brand-new World Bowls Series, with the JBWere Auckland Open launching the 2026 calendar this summer!

Formerly known as the Jarden Open, the event has been rebranded and upgraded, featuring $10,000 in prize money, World Bowls ranking points, and players from both New Zealand and overseas.

The JBWere Auckland Open will run from 28–30 December 2025, based at Howick and venues across Auckland, bringing world-class competition to our greens and putting Auckland firmly on the global bowls map.

👉 Read full announcement

Upcoming & seasoned players named in Premier & Development squads

Bowls Auckland has announced its Premier and Development squads for the first Quad fixture of the season, set for Sunday, 5 October.

This year’s selections highlight players on the rise, including prolific event winners Stephen Campbell (Howick) and Steve Fisher (Royal Oak), plus newcomers John Vujnovich (Pringle Park) and Matt Wesche (Howick).

The Premier squads welcome fresh talent like Zoran Bartulovich (Mt Albert), Dean Edge (St Heliers), and Darral Gordon (Auckland BC), while the women’s sides blend experience from Aggie Motu and Linda Ralph with debutants Jhanna Savov and Nicole Singer (Royal Oak).

Players from 13 different clubs will compete under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Trish Croot, a clear sign of the growing depth in Auckland bowls.

👉 Read full list of teams here

Bowls Auckland Foundation launches at Finals Day

The Molecheck Women’s Open Finals set the stage for the official launch of the Bowls Auckland Foundation, celebrating all things bowls in style.

Over 70 guests enjoyed a lively afternoon at Royal Oak, hosted by MC Courtney Tairi, with inspiring stories from Raelene Castle and the presentation of Life Membership to Mike Galloway—Auckland’s most decorated centre titleholder and a dedicated greenkeeper for nearly 30 years.

The crowd was treated to fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into sport leadership, plenty of laughs, and even a live raffles, sending three lucky guests home with big smiles.

The Foundation aims to support the growth of bowls across clubs, schools, and associations. Every donation counts, helping to secure the sport’s future for generations to come.

👉Read the full story here

Masterclass with Tayla Bruce

What a privilege to learn from world champion Tayla Bruce ahead of this weekend’s Molecheck Women’s Open.

A big thanks to Tayla, our event partners Molecheck, and everyone who came along to make this such a special start to the weekend.

Here’s the full crew from the start of the clinic!

Auckland’s young talent competing Burnside U26 Singles!

The 2025 Living House Burnside National Under 26 Singles kicks off this Friday, 26 September, bringing together 32 promising young bowlers from across New Zealand, Australia, and the Cook Islands.

Over three action-packed days, 140 games will be played, culminating in Sunday’s semi-finals and finals. Among the talented field are six Auckland reps: Adam Blucher, Hannah Dawson, Liam Hill, Ryan Hill, David Motu, and Henrietta Scott.

Let’s go Auckland, we wish you all the very best!

📅 Event details & draws
📺 Sunday's Finals broadcast

Steve takes silver at Ivan Kostanich Open

Hobsonville Bowling Club was the place to be for Ivan Kostanich Open Singles, and Howick’s Steve Campbell was right in the thick of it.

In the final, Steve faced off against Manly’s, Matt Higginson in a thrilling showdown. On the day, Matt came out on top, taking the win in straight sets – but hats off to both players for a fantastic performance.

Congratulations Steve, we look forward to seeing more of your talent on the greens this season!

Blackjacks bring a little magic to Papatoetoe!

-- Jess Mackinven

Bowls Papatoetoe was buzzing with excitement as the Blackjacks took to our covered green for a training session ahead of the World Cup. Incredible skill and talent were on full display, giving everyone lucky enough to watch a glimpse of magic in the making.

Meanwhile, our own members enjoyed a casual roll-up just a few rinks away, with Murray and Prak eagerly waiting for their invitation to join the squad 😊watch this space!

First AC Triples at Bowls Papatoetoe

Thursday saw the launch of our very first AC Triples tournament – and the first open event of the season at Bowls Papatoetoe!

The competition was fierce, with teams from neighbouring clubs joining in the fun and bringing plenty of skill to the green. A big thank you goes out to everyone who helped make the day a success – and a special shout-out to Raewyn for the delicious homemade scones that kept us going!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for round two on Thursday, 16 October.

Pop-Up Craft Market at Royal Oak

-- Nicole Singer

Looking for the perfect Saturday outing? Join us at Royal Oak Bowls on 27 September, 9am—3pm for our very first Pop-Up Craft Market!

Browse a fantastic selection of handmade crafts, homewares, locally made gifts, and unique art & accessories – all created by talented local artists and crafters. With a coffee cart, tasty food on-site, and a warm community vibe, there’s something for everyone. And don’t worry about the weather – it’s all happening indoors!

Free entry – come along and support our local makers. We can’t wait to see you there!

👉Click here for more details

Henderson's Opening Day

-- Weng Lim

Henderson Bowls celebrated its Opening Day in perfect conditions on Saturday, 20 September. Guests included Bowls Auckland President Helen Blick, Eleanor Kelly from Henderson Croquet Club, and Tony Greig, grandson of former member Steve Ozich.

The day began with the raising of the Club Flag, followed by a warm welcome from Club President Tony Lumb. Yvonne Edwards then led a beautiful karakia and waiata on C green before Helen Blick rolled the first jack of the season—quickly discovering the green was playing a little slow!

The honour of delivering the first bowl went to the club’s oldest member, Arthur Kearsley, who turns 94 in just two weeks.

After a short break, members enjoyed a friendly roll-up on A green before gathering for afternoon tea, BBQ sausages, and a raffle with several hamper prizes.

A huge thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a success. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead for Henderson Bowls!