Intercentre awaits on home turf

Our rep teams are officially locked in for the 2026 National Intercentre, hosted across  Auckland and North Harbour from 12-15 March 2026.

With Howick Bowling Club confirmed as tournament headquarters and greens across both Auckland and North Harbour preparing to shine, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated events on the domestic calendar.

Auckland's women’s side opens against Gisborne after a first-round bye, navigating a section that includes Canterbury and Southland. Precision, patience and big-match composure will be key as they chase a top-two finish.

Meanwhile, Auckland’s youthful men’s team brings bold energy into a competitive section. Including Blackjacks Aiden Takarua and Tony Grantham, the squad blends international experience with emerging leadership.

Hosting brings expectation, but also opportunity. Playing in front of home supporters, on familiar greens, with Auckland mana on the line! 

👉 Read the full announcement
⬇️ Check out who's in & which clubs are represented

Premiers capped ahead of Intercentre

On Wednesday evening, Bowls Auckland celebrated a special first: a Premier Capping Ceremony for players selected to represent the centre at the 2026 National Intercentre.

Each player chosen received their own unique Bowls Auckland player number starting at 301 to honour those who have gone before. Each number will stay with the player for their rep career, with future debutants receiving the next in sequence.

The ceremony was more than just numbers and caps. It was a chance to pause, celebrate and reflect on the hard work, dedication, and skill that earned these players their place. It was also a moment to connect as a squad ahead of the big challenge next week.

With caps proudly in hand, the teams head into Intercentre united and excited to represent home with pride.

From dreaming to earning my cap

By Steve Fisher

Twelve months ago, as a 1–5 year player, I was standing on the sidelines looking at the Auckland Premier squad and thinking, “One day… maybe.”

To now being selected in the Auckland Intercentre team is honestly a massive honour. It’s something I hoped for, but to see it become reality is pretty special.

After a chat with Tony Grantham last season, I made a commitment to lift my standards and push myself harder than I ever had before. I stuck to a training regime that took me to another level. Being able to play alongside top players like Mike Galloway, Marty Dixon, Gavin Brown, David Clark and Danny Delany has been an incredible learning curve. You can’t help but improve when you’re surrounded by that level of experience and expectation – and now it’s paying dividends.

I’m hugely grateful to everyone who’s backed me along the way. My family and close friends are my foundation, they’re behind everything I do, and I wouldn’t be here without them.

To the players coming through the ranks: don’t give up on your dreams. Back yourself. Do the work. Take the opportunities when they show up. You genuinely can achieve amazing things in this game.

My favourite motto sums it up: “I never lose - either I win or I learn.” 💙

Week One Wrap: Molecheck 7s & Auckland Cup Qualifiers

What a weekend of bowls across Tāmaki Makaurau. Six qualifying rounds, 61 teams, and more than 450 players battling it out across 14 host clubs to secure their place in the post-section.

In the Women’s Pathway 7s, Carlton Cornwall stamped their authority on the event, finishing as the top seed. Auckland BC, Ōtāhuhu Railway, and St Heliers also secured their spots in the knockout rounds.

The Men’s 7s race went right down to the final round, with Mt Albert claiming the top seed ahead of Auckland and Grey Lynn. A huge final-round win saw Howick Hammerheads surge into fourth.

Over in the Auckland Cup, the Howick White Shark sedged Railway Trax for the top seed, with Glen Eden Phoenix and St Heliers Blue rounding out the top four in an incredibly tight field.

A massive thank you to our host clubs, markers, and volunteers who made the weekend possible, and to Molecheck for their continued support.

Post Section Knockout Finals
Venue - Howick Bowling Club
Food - Available for purchase
Hero Coffee - Onsite 10.30am – 12m, (first 50 free!)

Bring your club colours, bring your supporters, and be part of the action as we crown our 2026 champions.

Who will lift the trophies for 2026? 👉Read full recap

Molecheck

While summer is technically over, it’s important to remain vigilant by using sunscreen, seeking shade, and covering up when you’re outdoors.

Autumn doesn’t mean UV takes a break and protecting your skin now helps lower your long-term risk.

Molecheck makes skin checks quick and easy – and Bowls Auckland affiliated members receive 23% off a full Molecheck.

Stop by the Molecheck kiosk at Howick this Saturday to check out their competitions and spot prizes. You can also book a Molecheck on the day, call 0800 MOLECHECK, or book online

There are volunteers who make things happen… and then there are volunteers who make everything feel easy.

Our latest Extra End Hero is Sheridan Curry from Kohimarama Bowling Club – nominated by Lynley Pritchard, and if you’ve spent any time at the club, you’ll know exactly why.

Sheridan has been a steady force behind Wednesday Fun Bowls, helping out almost every single week. She’s also a valued member of the executive team; a quiet voice of reason when it’s needed most. No drama. No fuss. Just thoughtful, measured input and a genuine desire to see the club thrive.

But it’s the things you don’t always see that really tell the story.
Sheri is helping restock the bar without being asked. Doing the dishes. Balancing the till. Stepping in wherever there’s a gap. When the club needed someone to fill the void as Club Captain, she calmly puts her hand up and delivers – just another feather in an already well-decorated cap.

And then there’s her impact on people. 
With a warm smile and an easy, friendly manner, Sheri welcomes and coaches new bowlers in a way that instantly makes them feel at home. It’s one of the club’s “secret weapons” – that quiet, genuine hospitality that keeps people coming back. She’s scrupulously fair, consistently kind, and a superb role model both on and off the green.

Oh, and she just happens to be a very good bowler too. You wouldn’t hear it from her though. Modesty is part of the package. 

Sheri represents everything the Extra End Hero award is about selfless service, steady leadership, and heart. 🩵

Kohimarama is lucky to have her. And we’re proud to celebrate her.

Kittyhawks take flight for a great cause

On Monday, 33 members of Kittyhawk Bowling Club made the trip north to join the Northland club at Waipu Bowling Club for their annual fundraising tournament.

This year’s event supported Waipu Junior Surf Life Saving, with funds going towards much-needed equipment for their young lifesavers – a fantastic cause and a great show of community spirit.

Tournament honours went to Graeme Harris, Perry Davis and Fred Te Whare, who took out the win on the day. 

And, in true Kittyhawks tradition, the mandatory refreshment stop at the iconic Puhoi Hotel on the way home was a very welcome reward after a big day on the green.

Well done to everyone involved – bowls and community at its best.