Papatoetoe clinch Winterclub glory 

-- Les Smith

The 2025 Winterclub came to a thrilling conclusion on a crisp, sunny day at Remuera Bowling Club. With both greens in use the lively atmosphere and the sides raised sides for the covered green, made it feel almost like summer.

A welcome highlight for early arrivals was the Hero Coffee cart, offering brews to players and supporters alike — big thanks to Bowls Auckland for organising the complimentary caffeine boost!

This year’s finals featured four Flights, determined by the finishing positions in each sectional division. Teams went head-to-head against similarly ranked opponents, with matches scored in pennants format, adding strategy and intensity to every bowl.

In Flight 1, Te Atatū and Balmoral delivered a nail-biter. A draw after time saw both teams playing an extra end, with Te Atatū edging ahead to progress. They then faced a formidable Papatoetoe side in a high-stakes final.

Final Results

• Flight 1: Papatoetoe Red overcame Te Atatū by 4 shots
• Flight 2: St Heliers Blue outplayed Mt Albert Blue by 5 shots
• Flight 3: Howick Hammerheads defeated Howick Bronzies (2 rink points to 0)
• Flight 4: Onehunga & Districts Black edged out Carlton Cornwall Tui by 2 shots

Thanks to all the host clubs over the series and congratulations to all teams involved, especially our 2025 Winterclub champions, Papatoetoe! The competition was fierce, the camaraderie was strong, and the standard of play was outstanding across the board.
 

Strengthening the future of bowls

Introducing the Bowls Auckland Development Foundation

Bowls Auckland has launched a new initiative to secure the future of our game — the Bowls Auckland Development Foundation (BAF).

Announced at the 2025 AGM, the Foundation is a charitable trust set up to support the long-term growth of bowls across our region by building a capital fund that will invest in projects for clubs, schools, and our wider community.

From upgrading greens to supporting volunteers, youth participation and wellbeing initiatives — the BAF is about future-proofing bowls, for bowlers, by bowlers.

“It will support the lifeblood of our great game well into the future.”
– Kevin Hickland, BAF Trustee and Bowls Auckland Patron

You can be part of this legacy. 

👉Find out more and how you can get involved here: A Foundation for Growth, A Future for Bowls

Padric “Wolf” Matich – The Heart of Mt Albert 

Every club has that one person who goes above and beyond. At Mt Albert Bowling Club, that person is Padric Matich – or as he’s affectionately known, Wolf.

Padric’s impact is felt in every corner of the club. Whether he’s greeting newcomers with a warm smile, giving a guided tour, offering bowling tips to first-timers, or simply being a steady presence around the greens – he helps turn strangers into members, and members into whānau. It’s no surprise that the club’s membership has grown steadily over the past few years – Padric’s welcoming nature has a lot to do with it.

“What is there that Padric doesn’t do?” says Nathan Haturini, who nominated him. “He’s a massively important piece of the club.”

From opening up for contractors and school groups, to marking greens, cleaning the clubrooms, stocking the bar, and even helping the greenkeeper, Padric keeps the place running while most members are at work.

Mt Albert BC is lucky to have him – and we reckon every club could use a Wolf of their own. 🐺💙

Campi & Canoe set to light up the weekend!

The Campi Cup and Canoe Trophy return this weekend as the showcase events of the 1–5 Winter Coaching Programme. Expect high energy, fierce competition, and plenty of players to keep your eye on.

The Campi (women) rolls out at Epsom BC with last year’s champs back in action, fresh combinations, and some of the youngest players ever to compete. Over at Bridge Park, the Canoe (men) sees defending skip Steve Campbell return alongside a field packed with 1-5 Reps and future stars.

Bowls Auckland’s next wave of talent is ready. With seven rounds of play and no room for error, every bowl will count. Let’s go!

👉 Find out who to watch out for!

Coach Developers Workshop - Building Mental Skills

-- Les Eagleton

Twenty-seven coaches from Auckland, North Harbour and Counties came together for Bowls Auckland’s latest monthly coaching session on Wednesday evening – this time focused on Mental Skills.

With an emphasis on emotional intelligence, the workshop explored how traits like vulnerability, courage, and resilience influence not just how we coach, but how we help players grow both on and off the green.

A highlight was a thought-provoking video featuring Dr Ceri Evans and Richie McCaw. Dr Evans, who worked with the All Blacks ahead of their 2011 Rugby World Cup triumph, introduced the “Blue Head / Red Head” framework – a tool designed to help athletes stay calm, focused and present under pressure.

The evening wrapped up with plenty of great conversation (and pizza), reinforcing the power of connection in growing our coaching community.

Friday Feature Debut: Bowls, Bites & Beers Under Lights

Auckland Under 26s vs BA Invitational

Bowls Auckland is introducing ‘Friday Feature’ a new pop-up style event bringing bowls to life under the lights! This first edition sees the Auckland Under 26 squad hit the green for a crucial final run before heading to the National 5-a-Side in Wellington.

Friday 15 August  |  6pm–9pm  |  Royal Oak Bowls  |  Free entry – all welcome!

Facing them: the BA Invitational, a handpicked team featuring two 1–5 Year reps, two development reps, and our Premier Women’s Coach and Selector. Expect a fiery contest with pride, prep, and rep honour on the line!

Why you should be there:
🍔 Royal Oak kitchen open – dinner sorted
🍻 Bar open – grab a drink, soak up the vibes
🙌 Support your clubmates – energy encouraged!

This is more than a match – it’s a new way to experience bowls. If the lights, energy and atmosphere hit the mark, you’ll be seeing more Friday Features pop up on the calendar.

Come for the bowls. Stay for the buzz!

Become a Representative Partner!

We’re on the lookout for a proud Representative Partner to join the Bowls Auckland whānau.

As a key supporter of our Representative Programme, your brand will be front and centre across all channels and events, including:

✔️ Your logo on all Rep team uniforms – choose your preferred placement!
✔️ Signage at all Auckland Representative events
✔️ Two featured articles per year in Friday Flash
✔️ Brand exposure across team naming, results & media coverage (socials, website, newsletters)

This is your chance to align with excellence, community, and the future of bowls in Auckland. 

👉 Interested? Get in touch today: dean@bowlsauckland.co.nz

PBA 2025: Grit, Growth & Greatness on the Green

The 2025 PBA season wrapped up in thrilling fashion, with fierce competition, emerging talent, and a renewed buzz around this fast-paced format.

From opening rounds to finals, bowlers pushed the limits – especially on the final weekend, where three national singles champions featured in the draw. Among the top performers was Chad Nathan, whose fearless consistency carried him deep into multiple events, including a standout win over Blackjack Selina Goddard. Both were shining examples of excellence and leadership on the green.

The PBA remains a crucial platform for ambitious bowlers, with its mix of ranking and qualifying events offering a pathway to the National Finals – and for the top performers, a chance to compete on the World Bowls Tour in the UK.

This winter also welcomed a new wave of bowlers, bringing fresh energy and reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the PBA.

Huge thanks to our clubs, officials, and supporters. Next stop: Tauranga, Sept 5–8. Ready to challenge yourself in 2026? We’ll see you in the draw.

👉For full details