Rarotonga takes the Pittman Memorial Trophy in 2025

The second annual Vincent Pittman Memorial Trophy Tournament wrapped up in Rarotonga last weekend, with the host club taking out top honours after two days of friendly but competitive play.

This year saw 27 players from Auckland’s Carlton Cornwall travel to Rarotonga for the event, which celebrates the life of the late Vince Pittman, a proud Cook Islander and member of both clubs.

Last year, Carlton hosted the inaugural tournament in Auckland and claimed the trophy. This time, Rarotonga made the most of their home advantage, securing the win after leading throughout Thursday’s triples before Carlton made a late push in Friday’s 2-4-2 pairs.

Despite the challenging greens, the Carlton team were suitably impressed by the hospitality and the opportunity to honour Pittman’s memory alongside their Rarotonga friends.

🎥 Watch Cook Island TV report

Team Selection Insights

This month’s Coach Development session tackled one of coaching’s biggest challenges—team selection.

Twenty coaches and selectors explored practical exercises, selection methods, and Bowls Auckland’s “Find a Way” principle, learning how to balance performance, potential, and team culture in their decisions.

👉Check out the full website article to see how these insights are shaping coaching across the region. Don’t miss our next session on the first Wednesday of the month, 6–8 pm.

Coaching champions in the making!

Last Saturday, 10 enthusiastic participants — eight from Auckland and two from Counties — completed the Foundation Coaching Course, taking the first step on their coaching journey.

It was a lively group, full of experience and energy, eager to give back to the game and help players develop their skills. The course combined theory, group exercises, and practical bowling activities. With the weather on our side, participants were able to take their learning straight onto the green.

Our clubs are fortunate to have people willing to step up as coaches, and we can’t wait to see these new coaching talents continue to grow and inspire others.

Refreshed Conditions of Play

The 2025–26 General Conditions of Play are here, shaped by player and club feedback to speed up games, finish more events in a weekend, and align with national-level changes.

Here’s a snapshot of key changes:

• Faster starts: Any round can now start early if all players agree. 8:30am first-round start time for relevant centre event.
• Player code of conduct: Alcohol guideline now clearler.
• Simplified rules: Dead ends, re-spot jacks, and tie-breaks streamlined under Extra Ends / Draws.
• Qualifying: Three wins from four needed to reach post-section increases chances of completing events in a weekend.
• Clothing: Tighter rules on wearing matching team and club uniforms.
• Substitutes made simple: On-site approval for non-pathway events
• Wet weather plans: Updates communicated via social media, website, Bowlshub, and player emails (if possible).

👉Read the full updates here

Molecheck Women's Open - Finals Day Luncheon

The Molecheck Women’s Open Finals Day is set to be more than top-tier bowls – it’s a celebration! 🎉

Join us on Sunday 21 September at Royal Oak for the Finals Day Luncheon from 12:30pm, where great sport meets inspiring conversation and milestone moments for our bowls community.

Hosted by former Silver Fern and sports broadcaster Courtney Tairi, with special guest Raelene

Castle, the luncheon will launch of the Bowls Auckland Foundation Trust, it  will honour Mike Galloway’s Life Membership before the is a celebration and action kicks off in the afternoon.

👉 Don’t miss out - Book Your Seat!

Blue September Triples returns to Glen Eden!

-- Darren Schroeder

Glen Eden Bowling Club is turning the greens blue on Saturday, 27 September 2025 for the Blue September Tournament, supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ as part of Bowls New Zealand’s Check Your Bowls campaign.

The last Blue Ribbon event in 2022 brought together 48 players from across Auckland and raised an amazing $1,600 for prostate cancer research. This year, the club is aiming to top that total – so grab your mates, wear blue, and be part of the fun!

There’ll be great bowls, raffles, lunch, tea breaks, and PCFNZ merchandise on sale – all for a fantastic cause.

Let’s fill the greens, raise funds, and show our support for men’s health.

👉More details here - www.prostate.org.nz

Taylor 8s & 6s action is coming!

These events are just around the corner. They are a good opportunity for building club spirit and friendships, they are a great entry pathway for those new weekend play and give competitive thrill for experienced players —there’s something for everyone.

Taylor 8s (Fours & Pairs)
Back by popular demand, the “eights” format — featuring pairs and fours — returns with six fast-paced rounds played over just two Saturdays. Shorter games mean fewer weekends taken up, while keeping all the competitive energy and club spirit you love.

• Grading: Men’s and Women’s teams graded from last year’s standings, with promotion/relegation for top and bottom teams.
• Any Combination: Mixed teams drawn at random—perfect for smaller clubs.

Taylor Bowls 6s
The Half Day 6s is a favourite for time-poor players or those new to weekend competitions. Each side has two triples teams (six players in total) using the popular pennants scoring system — where every bowl counts!

Sign up by Sunday 12 October! Put your name on your club’s board to be in the running.

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