Maiden title for Hannah Dawson

What a season it’s turning into for rising star Hannah Dawson. The 19-year-old continued her rapid ascent by claiming her first open title, winning the Bowls Auckland Women’s Centre Singles crown in style.

Dawson navigated a stacked section, then held her nerve in the final to defeat the experienced Aggie Motu 21–12. It caps another major milestone in a breakout year that has already included a national title, a top-eight finish at the Victorian Open Women’s Singles, and selection opportunities on the international stage.

Now part of the Bowls Auckland Premier Performance Programme and under the guidance of Graham Doreen, Dawson’s development continues at pace. In a couple of months she is set to be part of a Kiwi team alongside Lily Signal (Wellington) at the Lion City Cup in Singapore in the Under 26 event.

With New Zealand representative honours looming and momentum firmly on her side, Dawson’s maiden centre title may be just the beginning.

👉 Read full story here

Powerhouse Final ready to deliver!

From an opening field of 60 teams, only the toughest survived, and now just two remain in what promises to be a blockbuster Men’s Triples final this weekend.

Sunday’s post-section was packed with drama from the first round. One of the closest battles saw Blackjack Tony Grantham edge past Crawford Blair’s side 14–13 with the very last bowl after another tense chapter in their growing rivalry.

The quarterfinals kept the intensity high, with David Ball, Patrick Stanaway and Gerard Hulst overcoming the in-form trio of Aiden Takarua, Colin Williams and Harry Davis in a quality clash full of momentum swings.

In the semifinals, Adam Haywood, Liam Hill and David Motu showed why they are one of Auckland’s most dangerous combinations. After trailing early against Jean-Claude Fuller, Shaun Goldsbury and Mike Burns, they lifted through the middle stages and powered home 22–17.

Grantham then booked his place in the decider with a composed 16–11 win over Ball, setting up a heavyweight final against Haywood’s team.

Now it comes down to Auckland versus Mt Albert, two proven line-ups, plenty of firepower, and a title on the line.

If you can’t get to Mt Eden, catch every bowl live on the Bowls Auckland YouTube channel.

👉 Read full preview
👉 Follow results here

Broadcast schedule

Tamariki take the green!

By Hannah Neville

Over the last week we've had over 80 youngsters try their hand at bowls using all abilities Rookie Roller kits! These soft bowls and related games and activities mean anyone can jump on the green and give it a go, all while keeping the greenkeepers happy! 

Last Friday, Piha Bowling Club encouraged their local whānau to bring the kids down to help blow off some steam after a very wet and windy school holidays. This resulted in kids aged 3-12 having fun on the green with the target mats and boards, while the parents could join in and play, or relax on the sidelines and enjoy a well-deserved cold drink! Determination was at the heart of the afternoon, with kids sticking to an activity until they got the score they wanted. The day ended with the participants boasting about all the points they scored, and the parents enthusiastically asking, 'when are you doing this again?!'.

Then on Tuesday, Bowls Auckland supported Royal Oak in hosting 50 children from Golden Grove School in delivering a taster session using both the Rookie Roller kits and traditional bowls. Both the kids and teachers were having a great going between the different activities set up on each rink, with all the students being respectful of the green and the space. With bowls already being a highly inclusive sport for all ages and abilities, it's fantastic to have an option for our tamariki as well. 

If you'd like to host a similar event at your own club, or are intrigued to know more about our programmes in schools please don't hesitate to reach out to Hannah at rollup@bowlsauckland.co.nz

Play Your Part: Making social media work for bowls

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are powerful tools for connecting our bowls community, sharing stories, and growing the reach of the game we all love.

As a reader of the Friday Flash, you’re an important part of that community. With that comes a great opportunity, and responsibility, to champion bowls by supporting clubs, centres, and Bowls New Zealand in sharing positive stories that enhance how our sport is seen and help it continue to grow at every level.

We encourage everyone to use social media in a positive, respectful, and uplifting way. Think of it as a public “water cooler,” where conversations can be seen far and wide – including by people outside of bowls. Every post helps shape the impression of our sport, so let’s make sure it reflects the welcoming and inspiring community we know it to be.

Social media is at its best when it celebrates achievements, highlights milestones, promotes upcoming events, and showcases the people and stories that make bowls special. These moments build pride, connection, and excitement across our community.

To support this approach, Bowls Auckland has a Social Media Policy, which can be viewed here

Bowls Auckland continues to deliver a wide range of events and initiatives that bring our community together. Each event (tournament) has its own dedicated page on the website, which is the best source of up-to-date information, conditions of play and entry details. If you can’t find what you need, the best thing to do is to email Brendon Walton

Together, we can help ensure our online community reflects the same warmth, energy, and spirit that makes our physical community so strong.

Why stop at sundown when the green can glow?

Howick Bowling Club in Auckland has transformed its green into a welcoming community space.

More than just protection from the elements, it is a place where people can connect, compete, and enjoy the game, whatever the weather.

✅Fully covered bowling green
✅Bright, even lighting for night play
✅A venue that stays active after dark

When the canopy lights up, so does the community.

And this is just the beginning…
Keep an eye out for the Shade Systems Champ of Champs Series, kicking off 9 May through to 28 June. The series brings together top talent, fierce competition, and community under cover!

Bowls, Friendship and a Bit of Fate!

By Gerard Hulst

Carlton Cornwall Bowls Club proudly hosted the Rarotonga Bowling Club on 1–2 April for the Vince Pittman Memorial Challenge, a tournament built on friendship, culture, and a chance meeting that became something special.

The event honours Vince Pittman, a proud Cook Islander and Carlton Cornwall member. Its origins trace back to 2023, when Carlton Cornwall’s John Crummey unexpectedly found himself at the Rarotonga Bowling Club seeking help after an accident. A rain shower, a warm welcome, and a few shared refreshments later, the idea for this trans-Tasman challenge was born.

This year, a 30-strong Rarotonga contingent travelled to Auckland for two days of spirited competition featuring triples and 2x4x2 pairs, played in the tournament’s trademark style: fun in a competitive environment.

Following the final bowl, players enjoyed a roast dinner and prizegiving, where Carlton Cornwall there was praise to the visitors, especially the strong junior presence, with several players under 15 and many travelling overseas for the first time.

The hosts retained bragging rights this time, but the next chapter is already booked with the return challenge set for 24–29 August 2027 in Rarotonga.

New date for Development Coaching Course

If you were already booked in, or keen to jump on board, lock in Sunday 3 May, 9am–4pm at Bowls Auckland office, Mt Eden.

Just a heads up… completing the Foundation Course is a must before attending this one. 👉Register here  

Not quite sure if you’re eligible? Flick an email through to  les@bowlsauckland.co.nz and she’ll point you in the right direction.