A Finals Day to remember

Finals Day at Pt Chevalier had a bit of everything: tight battles, standout performances, and a healthy dose of centre-stage energy to close out the competition in style.

The Fours kicked things off with two quality contests. Howick’s Neil Fisher led his side to a strong win to claim his tenth centre title, while over in the women’s draw, St Heliers held firm in a tense finish to take their championship 15–12.

The Pairs then kept the drama rolling. Early thrillers set up a cracking afternoon, with Mike Galloway and Steve Fisher powering through to secure the men’s crown. In the women’s event, the Carlton Cornwall duo of Linda Ralph and Jo Cheng finished the job they started last season, lifting the title with a confident 20–15 win.

A big shout-out to Pt Chevalier for another top-class hosting effort, flawless greens, slick organisation and a brilliant atmosphere all day long.

Congrats to all our champions, and thank you to everyone who turned up, cheered on, volunteered, or played a part. Finals Day wrapped the season perfectly!

👉 Read the recap

Auckland take the Bridge again!

Auckland’s rep squads turned on the heat at Browns Bay last Sunday, defending the Battle of the Bridge with a commanding 56–28 victory over North Harbour. Across all  divisions Auckland showed depth, grit, and sharp execution - headlined by an exceptional 1–5 Year Men’s clean sweep in the pairs and strong returns from the Premier Women and Development lineups.

It was a full day of tight contests, breakout performances, and exciting signs for the rest of the rep season as teams now prepare for Octagonals and Intercentre. Full recap inside!

A standout theme across the day was the resilience shown in tough and hot conditions. With heat on the carpet early and shifting greens later in the afternoon, Auckland’s players adapted quickly, stayed patient, and found ways to close out tight moments. That composure under pressure was a big factor in turning close contests into valuable points, a promising sign as the rep programme heads into its busiest stretch of the season.

👉Read more here

Performance Team Check-in

Our Performance Management crew came together on Wednesday for a combined checkpoint – a chance to reflect, reconnect, and reset after the Battle of the Bridge. Each squad shared how they’re tracking and took a moment to acknowledge the mahi that went into a huge day of rep bowls.

Plenty of good conversation, a few laughs, and a shared sense of purpose as the teams continue building towards what’s next. Always good to bring the crew together!

Bowls Auckland Team Update: Finance Manager

After more than three years’ service, Bowls Auckland Finance Manager Michael Anderson is moving on. Michael has made a huge contribution during his time, and anyone who dealt with him will know how professional, supportive, and reliable he was, especially when it came to getting payments out on time!

The Finance Manager role is a key part of keeping Bowls Auckland running smoothly. From handling monthly and year-end financials, to paying bills (including prize money and green fees), to helping clubs and securing gaming funding – it’s a big job that keeps Bowls Auckland and the sport ticking along.

We’re excited to share that Frances Turrall has stepped into the Finance Manager role from 1 December 2025. Frances brings a wealth of experience, having worked in finance roles with the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron, the NZ Olympic Committee, and Heart Kids New Zealand. The role remains part-time, mostly Monday to Thursday.

For anything event-related (e.g., entry payments), please continue to use mailto:accounts@bowlsauckland.co.nz

Please join us in welcoming Frances, and in thanking Michael for everything he’s brought to Bowls Auckland!

EPAC'S final session for 2025

-- Les Eagleton

The final EPAC session of the year wrapped up at Royal Oak Bowling Club this week, led by the ever-energetic Dean Edge. This session dived into Post-Shot Routine, Weight Control, and Conversion Shots with Dean rolling out some clever new drills, including bowling to an unseen jack and threading shots through a narrow gate. Each drill finished with a quick game so players could put their new skills straight into action, sparking a bit of friendly rivalry along the way!

This session also marked the final step in Dean’s journey to becoming a qualified Development Coach - huge congratulations to him on earning his certification.

Attendee Ran Randeniy summed things up nicely: “It was a great coaching session at Royal Oak. I really enjoyed it. I learned awesome and very important tips about bowls.”

EPAC will now take a short break while the programme is reviewed and refreshed, ready to return in early 2026 with a new format.

A big thank-you to all players and coaches who took part throughout the year — we hope you’re heading into summer bowls with a few new tricks up your sleeve!

Kittyhawks at Bowls Warkworth

Kittyhawks recently headed to Warkworth Bowling Club to contest the Rod Seymour Cup. The day was won by Warkworth’s Michael Broderick, John Craig, and Jon Bennett, and $1,800 was raised for two local youth charities. A mandatory stop at the Puhoi Hotel for mussels rounded off the day perfectly.

Tournament Manager Kevin had this light-hearted take: he wasn’t entirely sure who the Kittyhawks were before they arrived – bowlers from clubs across central Auckland – and was met with an entertaining mix of ages, abilities, and personalities. One chap even gave a masterclass in the “finger and hand measuring trick,” which got plenty of use with tapes banned. At times it looked more like a small prayer service over a dubious bowl than serious measuring!

Despite the laughs, the standard of play was strong, with tight heads and pressure shots proving the competition mattered. Mid-20s temperatures called for plenty of hydration – though some “water” suspiciously appeared in beer stubbies. Lunch was hearty and much appreciated.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable semi-serious day of bowling, banter, and great company – the Kittyhawks will be back, perhaps with a tape or two… and a few more mysterious amber bottles!

-- Kevin B

Kohi's Tuesday's Triples Ham Tournie

-- Cynthia Morris

Kohimarama Bowling Club’s Tuesday Triples Ham Tournament was a hit! Congratulations to Remuera Bowling Club’s John Siebert, Keith Berman, and Eric Gillott, who took out first place, with hosts Graeme McInnes, Al Grundy, and Murray Davidson close behind.

A big thanks to tournament sponsor Steph Griffin (Ryman Healthcare – Grace Joel Village), who handed out festive goodies, including ballet-themed jute bags celebrating The Nutcracker. The Waiheke team made the most of theirs, filling them with hams for the ferry ride home! Steph shared warm season’s greetings, invited everyone for a coffee at Grace Joel, and gave a nod to meeting the new Sales Advisor in 2026.

Teams left with hams, a couple more were raffled, and huge thanks to the volunteers who made the day — and the whole Tuesday Triples season — a success.

See you all Tuesday, 13 January!

Family Day Roll Ups: 28 & 29 December

We’re excited to host two Family Roll Up Days during the holiday break — perfect for families, friends, and anyone keen to give bowls a go in a relaxed, fun environment.

Both events run from 1pm to 4pm and are completely free. Expect face painting, games, giveaways, sausages on the grill, and loads of good summer energy.

Everyone is welcome — no experience required.

Check out the event flyers for venues and details, and come join the fun!