Emerging Players and Coaches Programme launches

The Emerging Players and Coaches (EPAC) Programme got off to a lively start with its first session at Bowls Papatoetoe. Players enjoyed a mix of fun games and skill-building exercises, including a competitive target-mat challenge that revealed how pressure can affect performance.

Highlights included:

• Warm-up game of bowls-on-mat elimination.
• Drills focused on drawing to the centre line, with scores tracked for future progress.
• Team competition to 200 points, teaching the value of calm, deliberate play.
• Q&A session and pre-match stretching video.

A big congrats to Kevin Hooper on becoming a qualified Development Coach! Thanks to Bowls Papatoetoe  for hosting and to all the supporting coaches.

Next up: 19 November at New Lynn Bowling Club, focusing on weight control with Dean Edge.

👉Check out the full story here

Interclub battles begin with Taylor 8s & 6s

This weekend, Auckland’s clubs return to the greens for the Taylor Interclub Eights and Sixes, one of the season’s most anticipated events. With 18 clubs hosting play over two weekends, teams are gearing up for early-season bragging rights and plenty of interclub camaraderie.

From the competitive Eights, which test Fours and Pairs skills, to the fun and social Sixes Triples format, there’s something for everyone. Defending champions are back, new contenders are rising, and the excitement is building across the region.

A big shout-out to all host clubs, convenors, and volunteers who make these events possible! 👉Read more here

• Taylor 8s draws and results here
• Taylor 6s draw and results here

Rolling into Term 4: Rangatahi on the Greens

Term 4 is off to a flying start with Bowls Auckland’s Rangatahi Roll Up Programme bringing the fun and fundamentals of bowls to secondary schools across Tāmaki Makaurau.

After a standout 2024-2025 season that saw more than 3,500 students take part, we’re aiming to reach even more students this term. Each session gives students the chance to get on the green, learn new skills, and experience bowls in a relaxed, social setting.

In the lead-up to the Secondary Schools Junior Pairs Day on 18 November, the team has been out and about, building interest and encouraging schools to enter. The response has been fantastic, with both students and teachers eager to get involved, many returning for another session!

This term, the programme is rolling into Selwyn College, Westlake Girls, Liston College, Rutherford College, Edgewater College, and more across the city. Whether they’re picking up a bowl for the first time or fine-tuning their delivery, students are discovering just how engaging and competitive the game can be.

With growing interest and ongoing support from local clubs, Rangatahi Roll Up continues to build momentum, inspiring a next generation of bowlers and promote bowls truly is a sport for everyone.

Kittyhawk hit the road to Thames

-- Greame Scott

On Monday 20 October, 40 Kittyhawk members and friends travelled to the Thames Bowling Club for their annual charity day fundraiser.

Four friendly games were played against Thames and neighbouring clubs, with $2,100 raised for the local Search & Rescue Unit.

The group wrapped up the day with the traditional stop at the Red Fox on the way home — a fitting end to a great outing! 🙂