Lawn Bowls

Rahotu gets the Queens Telegram

Chances are you’ve probably never heard of ‘Rahotu’.  Let alone been to Rahotu.  And let alone played bowls at Rahotu.

However, Rahotu is quietly famous for a number of reasons.  Five of them.

Firstly, Rahuto is the most westerly settlement in Taranaki.  That sounds about as west as it gets in the North Island of New Zealand, but the shape of Maui’s legendary catch means that the Far North of Kaitaia claims a more westerly place on the planet.

Secondly, it’s just a few kilometres down the road from Parihaka, site of one of the most talked-about land confiscations in New Zealand history.

Thirdly, it’s also just a few kilometres from the Cape Egmont Lighthouse … a ‘second hand’ cast-iron lighthouse that was originally built in London for Mana Island in Wellington Harbour, before being re-homed in Taranaki.

Fourthly, it was the home of the Rahotu Rugby Club where Beauden Barrett played his early game, before continuing to play for the Coastal Rugby Club, an amalgam of Rahotu, Opunake and Okato clubs.  Rahotu is the Barrett family’s backyard.

And fifthly, Rahotu is the home of Bowls Rahotu … a bowling club that will shortly celebrate its centenary.

“The club was formed back in 1920 by local cockies and townspeople” says Secretary/Treasurer Peter Charteris. “The council gave them a bit of land in the Rahotu Domain – enough for a 4-rink green and a small clubhouse. The club started with a membership of 33.”

Eight years later, the local publican of the Rahotu Hotel, Ted Whittle, spotting a way to increase liquor sales, donated land next door to the hotel which the club made its new home by constructing an 8-rink green.

“We’re still in the same place today,” adds Peter, “although ‘new’ clubrooms were built in 1991.”

Over the last hundred years, Rahotu has bowled way above it’s weight in the Taranaki Centre.

“The Pennington’s, David and Len, won numerous centre titles in the 50s and 60s,” recalls Peter, “Their dad, Harry, was a Rahotu club stalwart as well – he built the original clubrooms with the help of other club members.”

The Penningtons head a long list of Rahotu bowlers who have made a splash at centre events.  Names like Des, Eric and Ian Lowry; Gordon Mabey; Bill Mitchell; Gerald Dawson; Cliff Leatherbarrow and more.  “Trevor Wilde, Cor Hofmans, Ray Schultz and Peter Bennett won the HANZ North Island Tournament 4 times – in 1978, 1980, 1981 and 1987.”

Many of Rahotu’s stars now play at the West End Bowling Club in New Plymouth.  “A lot of our players end up retiring in town,” says Peter,” but they still retain a soft spot for Rahotu.”  So much so, that the challenge for the West End – Rahotu ‘Log of Wood’, created in 1987, has become a twice-a-year fixture between ‘the Townies and the Coast’.

As has competition for ‘the Horns’ – an annual fixture between the Waitara Bowling Club and Bowls Rahotu.  “One of our juniors, Ivan Harris, created the trophy when he moved to Waitara and went to work for Borthwicks in Waitara.  A huge steer from Pungarehu arrived at the works one day with near perfect horns, and Ian decided the preserved and mounted horns would make a great trophy between his new club at Waitara and his former club at Rahotu.”

“They’re just a couple of the tournaments that have become annual fixtures here,” says Peter.

“We have 4 days during the season when the whole community seems to turn up to play progressive bowls.  We’ve had ‘Barrett Days” over the past few years, where Smiley has got his kids released from rugby for the day, and got them along to play bowls.  The locals love the fact that the Barrett boys still enjoy coming home to where they grew up. And to where their 4 grandparents played bowls.  Three of them played at Rahotu while Ted Barrett played down the road at Warea and Oakura.”

It’s probably a Kiwi thing.  We like our heroes to stay humble and grounded.  It’s probably the egalitarianism many of us inherited from our ancestors who fled the class society of the home country.

It’s also what makes communities like Rahotu tick.

“We’re not just a bowling club,” observes Peter, “the local Lions Club uses our clubrooms, as does the local primary school.  In turn, we get fabulous support from the whole community – at last count, 34 local businesses sponsored Bowls Rahotu.”

At 100 years old, Bowls Rahotu is doing an amazing job.  All with just one cotula green, 20+ playing members and 10+ social members.

Congratulations Rahotu.

Bowls New Zealand
bowlsnewzealand.co.nz/club-news/rahotu-gets-the-queens-telegram/

Paritutu Young Guns Claim 118th Taranaki Open Men’s Fours

Paritutu Winners

If the final of this year’s Taranaki Open Men’s Fours is anything to go by, the future of Taranaki bowls appears to be in almighty shape, with four Paritutu young guns getting the job done among elite company.

The format, now in its 118th year, played host to a remarkable 182 teams – an increase of 24 sides compared to the previous year and proving to be the highest number of entries since 2015.

Spearheaded by Hamish Kape, and ably supported by Aidan Zittersteijn, Kaylin Huwyler and Daryl Read, the quartet proved impressive throughout, navigating their way through some stern challenges over the traditional 25-end format, becoming the youngest team in the history of the event to take the spoils.

But their win certainly didn’t come without drama – Kape and his troops having to dig deep to stay in touch with former New Zealand international Peter Belliss, forced to chase a four on the final-end to keep their title hopes alive. Alas, Zittersteijn, a commonwealth games bronze medalist, stepped up to the challenge, trailing the jack several metres back to his team’s waiting bowls – holding four for the draw. A couple of wayward run shots from Belliss, and an added shot from Kape saw the local’s pick up a stunning five-count, progressing their way through to the grand finale.

Though, as good as the closing stages of the semi-final were, all eyes were firmly on the all-Paritutu club clash, with Kape lining up against Brendon Walton and his combination of Trevor Johns, Gary Barber and Aiden’s father John Zittersteijn – John himself, a former New Zealand indoor bowls representative.

After 10 ends in the final, Kape’s side led 8- 6. The side showed good intent following afternoon tea when they extended that to 13- 6 after 13 ends, though five singles to Walton had it 13-11 after 18 ends, shaping up for a thrilling finish.

However, some outstanding skipping from Kape saw the young guns retain advantage, extending their lead to 18-12 with four ends remaining. Though, not to be outdone, Walton and his side continued to show grit and determination, closing the gap to 18-17 with one end left to play.

A long end, into the wind, saw Read and Huwyler drew good shots. Walton attacked twice on the wide hand, both times swinging under the head to leave Kape’s side with the accolades, but Walton’s team still with many happy memories of the week.

The other semi-final saw Walton and Co. defeat defending champions Craig de Faria, Dave Wilson, Steve Walker and Jordan Linn, matching their clubmates and booking their spot in the final dance.

In other results (for the non-qualifiers), the vastly experienced Thames Valley duo of Karl Garrett and Colin Gawith secured the pairs’ silverware, staging a fierce comeback opposite composite pairing Matthews Higginson and Andy Dorrance, 22-11. Beaten semi-finalists were Bruce Colgan and Camron Horo and Inglewood’s Chris Gyde and Bernie O’Sullivan.

Meanwhile, attention now turns to the Taranaki Women’s Open, with 82 combinations vying for the prestigious title later this week. Qualifying is now underway.

-Sam Morton

Bowls New Zealand

Okato is back competing in Taranaki women’s bowls.

Okato Women's Bowls

After an absence of 10 years, the coastal club is back firing on all cylinders, which includes competing in this week’s Taranaki women’s Open fours.

The club, best remembered for the likes of Howard Andrews, Raewyn McEldowney and Val McEldowney, has been a mens-only entity for the past 10 years, after the women’s division fell into recess.

That was until the likes of Linda Kape and Fiona Liddall brought it back into life. There are now seven affiliated women bowlers, with four of them taking part this week – Kape, Alesha Quay, Ashleigh Megaw and Bernie Butler.

Kape is the most experienced of the quartet, coming from a family of bowlers, including husband Ken and sons, Jamie and Hamish. Prior to this season, she had played one event, 10 years ago.

She is the team skip – or “mum” as her three younger teammates, who are all first-year players, refer to her as.

All of them were introduced to bowls through the active social games that are run at Okato. And while the side is yet to register a win this week, meaning it cannot qualify for post section, they are learning quickly, and most importantly, having a lot of fun.

Among the tips they have picked up is documenting their misdemeanours, like recording the wrong score, walking down the other end at the incorrect time or swearing. There’s $20 up for grabs, a pointer they picked up from the vastly experienced and successful Tauranga teamed skipped by Mary Campbell in the first game.

“We mingle afterwards, but bring good attitudes. We hope to be back next year for revenge!” Kape said.

There are seven sides that have recorded four straight-wins, meaning they have already qualified. They are Patty Symes (Tower), Campbell, Teo Thoresen (Central Levin), Margaret Taylor (Waitara), Lesley McLinden (Royal Oak), Alison Winter (Central Cambridge) and Dot Collis (Waitarere Beach).

Defending champion Alison Rennie (Carlton Cornwall), whose side was skipped on Wednesday by Louise Fitness, suffered its second loss of the Open, going down 26-24 to Cindy Nicoll (Inglewood) in the afternoon. Nicoll drew a front toucher on the last end to win it.

In the same position as Nicoll, needing two wins on Thursday are Gayle Melrose (Papakura), Natarsha Grimshaw (Kia Toa) and Wendy Green (Ngongotaha). The latter two both rebounded from double defeats on Tuesday to win both matches.

Grant Hassall

Manaia Bowling Club roll up for another year

http://www.opunakecoastalnews.co.nz/pdfarchives/September%2022%202022.pdf

OPUNAKE & COASTAL NEWS Thursday, September 22, 2022

Manaia’s own Auckland Cup was being competed for when the Manaia Bowling Club had their opening day on September 11. It all harks back to when a couple of busloads of Aucklanders would travel to Hawera for the Easter Trots, meet at the Waimate Hotel in Manaia and play bowls at the local bowling club. In appreciation of their stay in Manaia they presented a trophy to the Manaia Bowling Club which can be competed for in either triples or fours. On Opening Day they were playing triples. “This is a real good turnout for opening day,” said Ross Clark, who for the past six years has been club president. “The club’s going really well. We’ve re-established the women’s bowls which is growing all the time and a couple of our ladies have made the Taranaki Juniors team for the last couple of seasons.” Membership currently stands at 40-45 playing members, and a number of new players were at the opening day, including Dee Young. “I played twice before, Manaia Bowling Club roll up for another year years ago,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to join.”

The Manaia Bowling Club was founded in 1899, celebrated its centenary in 2000, and is looking forward to celebrating its 125th jubilee in February 2024. Those wanting to see something of the club’s history as well as that of other Manaia-based sporting clubs need look no further than the museum which bounds the southern end of the playing greens. As well as photos, records and honours boards from the Bowling Club’s 125 year-long history, there is memorabilia from other clubs, much of it previously kept in the Manaia Sports Complex, which like Manaia’s town hall was closed after failing to meet earthquake standards. “We’ve just started the museum,” says Ross. “We’ve got the tennis club to go up, and the Waimate Netball Club wants to put their photos on the wall.” Glance across the photos in the museum and familiar names of well-known local sporting identities come into view. These include a number who have both played for the local Waimate Rugby Club and represented New Zealand, like the Good brothers, Alan and Hugh, as well as Billy Glenn, a member of the 1905 Originals, the first team to be called All Blacks, and the first All Black to later serve as an MP. Manaia Bowling Club secretary Megan Peters says the museum can be opened up on appointment. “This is quite cool,” she said. “We’ve had a bus stop here to have a look from the Hawera Park Bowling Club.” Kelvin Putt has been a member for the last 40 years and says in his time he has held every position in the club. He has seen a number of highlights along the way, including being part of the Manaia team that were the Taranaki Third Division Inter Club champions in 2017-18.

Last year the Manaia Club ended a 10 year drought by winning the Symes Shield for Men’s Fours which is competed for every year between clubs in the Taranaki Southern Division. As well as looking to its past, the club is also looking to its future with refurbishments to its club rooms including a new roof, new windows and a paint job. The Manaia Bowling Club is becoming something of a hub for the community. The Manaia RSA are now based here, and have shifted their honours boards and memorabilia from the War Memorial Hall to the club rooms. Another new addition, installed less than a month ago is the defibrillator, handily located on the outside wall a short distance from the entrance to the bowling green. Ross says the defibrillator is available to the general public 24/7, doesn’t need any codes and is under security camera surveillance.

Hawera Park Bowling Club Gearing up for Centenary

“We will hold our centenary in 2021,” said Bill Batchelor, the Hawera Park Bowling Club’s genial manager, surveying the host of mid-week bowlers relaxing over their afternoon tea. Already there are reminders of the upcoming event in the clubhouse as a novelty Fine Box beside the wall for players delivering wrong biased bowls.

The establishing of a second bowling club for Hawera was an expression of the post World War I desire to have sports facilities available to the residents of the town.

There was already the Hawera Bowling Club, 25 years old, well established, and regularly hosting teams from major centres throughout New Zealand but local sentiment was that a second club was needed at the western end of town.

The Borough Council was already aware of this and had planned a site on the Camberwell Rd side of the park for the Park Bowling Club, that only waited for an organiser.

Charles Curtis was a well known local man, partner in the coach building business Curtis and Spragg, and had been bowling for the Hawera Bowling Club for some years and answered the challenge.

He called a meeting on the December 22, 1920 where he explained to the 25 present the value of having a second bowling club for the town. A committee was elected, Patron, the Mayor Mr Dixon, President Mr Curtis, vice presidents Messrs Lewis and Black, Treasurer Mr Westerway, auditor Mr Stannard, Committee, Messrs Card, McPhillips, Butler, Burrell and Stannard.

The initial subscription was set at two guineas and 30 names were handed in for would-be members.

They wasted little time ploughing their allocated site at the park, the green prepared and sown, registering the club as an incorporated society and applying to be accepted by the Taranaki Bowling Centre.

The next thing was to have plans for a pavilion that were quickly accepted by the borough council, the architects Duffill and Gibson called for tenders, which were won by Mr Burrell on July 16, 1921.

He set about providing the club with a pavilion that would last until burnt by a disastrous fire many years later when it graced a new green in High St.

Mr Curtis, as President of the Park Bowling Club, responded to invitations to the opening days of the numerous clubs throughout South Taranaki during October 1921, meeting bowlers at Pihama, Auroa and Opunake; Hawera opened on October 6, but the park club was delayed by rain until November 2, when representatives of Hawera, Patea, Waverley, New Plymouth and Inglewood were present.

The brilliant sunshine of Wednesday, November 2, brought out a large crowd of enthusiastic bowlers and visitors who heard the welcoming speech from the club President Charles Curtis, where he told of the hard work the committee and the supporters had put in over the past 12 months to be able to have their own green and pavilion.

He concluded by giving advice to bowlers’ wives, when he said that if their husband was not in the best of humour they should send him off to the bowling green because there was no better cure for a ‘grumpy hubby’ than a game of bowls.

Mr JD Sole, the president of the Taranaki Bowling Centre spoke next and after congratulating the new Park Bowling Club told the assembly that in the current year (1921) there were 13,301 bowlers in New Zealand of whom more than 1000 lived in Taranaki, the third largest bowling centre in New Zealand.

After the speeches and a game “a bountiful afternoon tea was provided by Mrs Curtis of which several hundred people took part”.

Arthur Fryer
https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/lifestyle/74445175/arthur-fryer-hawera-park-bowling-club-gearing-up-for-2021-centenary

By Gyde its a Family Affair at the Taranaki Open Mens Fours Bowling Tournament

Gyde Family Bowls Team

The Gyde family bowling team has yet to hit on the winning streak in the Taranaki Open Men’s Fours tournament.

The Inglewood four of father Barry, sons Chris and Kevin, and cousin Don are newcomers to the tournament which began this week on greens around the region.

The 116th annual tournament has retained its reputation, in spite of the absence of Australian entries due to Covid 19, as one of the most popular national bowling competitions.

The Gyde combination, one of five teams entered from Inglewood Bowling Club, are just happy to be one of the 164 teams involved.

The four, was formed specifically to play in the Open Fours tournament.

After three days of qualifying rounds, wins have been hard to come by for the team, which needed to win six from eight games to qualify for the play-offs.

“We’re still chasing our first win,” said Kevin, who, with brother Chris, is a bowling novice.

Chris and Kevin’s lack of bowling experience is made up for by older hands, Don and Barry.

“It’s their first year at playing bowls, and our first Taranaki Open as a team,” Barry said.

“It gives them both an opportunity chance to play alongside Don and me.

“We haven’t had a win yet but we have some good fun along the way.”

The team, stalwarts of Inglewood club rugby, enjoyed the camaraderie generated by mixing with players from around New Zealand and listening to more experienced bowlerswho have generously passed on tips, he said.

Don, the skip, has guided the team through the basic skills, while Barry, back on the greens after two knee replacements, adds valuable input.

“The first day was about learning the ropes,” Don said.

“We’ve got no hope of winning it outright, but we might be able to upset some teams.

“Our objective at the start was to win at least one game.

“It will be a great night in Inglewood when we have our first win.”

Mike Watson
https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/300210031/by-gyde-its-a-family-affair-at-the-taranaki-open-mens-fours-bowling-tournament

Bringing Back to Life the West End Classic

West End Bowling Club

The bringing back to life of the West End 10,000 Classic over Easter has been hailed as a resounding success by all of those involved in the Shifty’s Sports Bar-sponsored event.

The tournament has been absent from the Taranaki programme for some 15 years and its return was well received. While the majority of sides were from within Taranaki, there was a sprinkling of players from outside the province, who lapped up the ideal weather and greens running at high speed.

While the original classic format was not used – just fours and pairs – that suited the participants as they were able to devour the delights from the West End kitchen in between times.

Paritutu’s highly consistent and competent competitor, Darren Goodin, took out the top prize of $1,000 per player. His side had only just sneaked into the top flight after a mixed opening day.

But when the money was on show, there was no denying Goodin and his side of Nathan Goodin (no relation), Allan Batley and Adam Collins.

Heading into the last round, Goodin’s side was one of three unbeaten teams – along with Inglewood’s Gerry O’Sullivan and Ross Henderson from the host club.

Henderson, a former top basketball coach reinvented himself as a top lead during the weekend, but his side, after dropping an eight on the second end of the last round, crashed and burned to finish third.

O’Sullivan, who’s side included Bruce Candy the proprietor of Shifty’s, despite also falling in the final round, held on for second, with Paritutu’s Don Christensen claiming fourth.

West End’s Dean Elgar skipped his side to the second division title.

The smooth running of the event was greatly aided by the experienced trio in charge: Graham Johnson, Garry Murfitt and Brien Bennett QSM.

The positive atmosphere and comments left Candy in no doubt about the future prospects of the event. “In fact, I’ll throw in another couple of thousand next year to make it even more interesting,” he said.

* The original West End Classic was held in 1982, some 40 years ago, and was Taranaki’s first-ever professional event.

It drew a maximum field of 42 teams – including recent Commonwealth Games representatives Jim Scott, Peter Belliss, Danny O’Connor and Rowan Brassey. Also competing was Maurice Symes, who took part again in 2022 ahead of his return to his native Taranaki in June. Symes has accepted the greenkeeping position with the Fitzroy Club.

The 1982 winners were skipped by Fitzroy gold star holder John Howie, who teamed with Alan Crow – less than a month later he skipped Bruce John to the Dominion pairs title – Rodger Hassall and the delightful Hungarian, Johnny Nagy.

Bruce Ballinger (Paritutu) was second from Kevin Wing (Palmerston North) and Belliss.

Bowls New Zealand
https://bowlsnewzealand.co.nz/club-news/west-end-10000-classic-a-success/

Borrie Celebrates a Half Century at Manaia Bowling Club

Stu Borrie wasn’t keen on dolls or cricket so took up bowls and 50 years on he’s still going.

He first joined the Manaia Bowling Club in 1968 aged 13 and has fulfilled many roles since, including security, barman, assistant greenkeeper as well as serving on the committee and as a selector for the Smee and Syme shield sides.

“I’ve got four sisters so I didn’t want to play with dolls, I’d rather play bowls,” Borrie said.

To help celebrate the milestone the Manaia Bowling Club presented Borrie with an engraved silver tray and four crystal goblets.

“It’s bloody nice to receive the recognition from the club and is totally unexpected,” he said.

The Borrie name has had a close association with the club since it began  more than 100 years ago and who has also enjoyed great success.

Stu won his first junior title in 1968 and has played all forms of the game from singles to fours on his way to winning 22 club titles.

“My dad and four uncles all played here.” he said.

Borrie said some of his proudest achievements in bowls had been with his family.

“Winning the family fours in Waitara in the 1980’s in a team with Dad, two uncles and me was special,” he said.

“Also last year winning the Anzac fours here in Manaia, as well as my father and uncles all served.”

Hector Bell, past club president and committee member of the Manaia Bowling Club, said it was a rare feat especially for such a small club that in its prime had around 70 members but now had 26.

“He’s seen the changes from the old club rooms to the present ones and did some building and fundraising for that as well,” Bell said.

“You always know when Stuie’s on the green, you’ll always  hear him.” Bell said.

“It’s a real honour and the Manaia club wouldn’t be the same if it didn’t have a Borrie in it.”

While Borrie loves his bowls it isn’t the only game he played, in younger days he was a halfback in rugby and he enjoyed the camaraderie in both games.

“All of my rugby mates I’ve ended up playing bowls with,” he said. “And all those ones you fought with on the field you now have a beer and a reminisce with.”

Borrie said he had no plans of giving the game away just yet either.

“I’ll still plod along, I’m here for life, once you’re in you’re in.”

https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/south-taranaki-star/103080446/borrie-celebrates-a-half-century-at-manaia-bowling-club

Kris Boult

Resurrecting Bowls Oldest Tournament at New Plymouth Bowling Club

New Plymouth Bowling Club

When the New Plymouth Bowling Club was established way back in 1885, there wasn’t a lot of bowls being played in New Zealand.  In fact, the only other club in the North Island was in Auckland’s Grafton Gully … the Auckland Bowling Club which had been around since 1861.

The New Zealand Bowling Association wasn’t formed until 1886, and the then existing 12 clubs in New Zealand didn’t start playing national competitions until 1891.

But early on, It must’ve quickly become a matter of provincial pride as to who had the ‘best’ bowling club in the North Island.

So the ‘Challenge Cup’ was conceived as a competition between Auckland and New Plymouth, and first played for in New Plymouth in 1886.

That must’ve been a big call.

Travel between Auckland and New Plymouth was by sailing ship … it was a long way to go just for a bowling tournament … and took a long time .. perhaps a week each way.

Overland was out of the question.  There was no State Highway 3.  In fact there was only a horse track between Awakino and Mokau which wasn’t widened to take a horse and cart until 1897.  The first car didn’t make it through until 1905, and even then some of the route required horse-drawn assistance along the beach.

“Despite the difficulties, the Challenge Cup was played for in 1886 and again the following year,” says Patron of the Auckland Bowling Club, Graeme Scott.  “It was in Auckland in 1887, and back in New Plymouth in 1888.  New Plymouth won on all three occasions.”

For whatever reasons, the challenges stopped for a few years.  And it wasn’t until 1912, that the idea of playing the challenge was revived again.

“They must’ve been serious,” says Graeme.  “Because both clubs contributed £6 towards the creation of a solid silver trophy mounted on a greenstone base.  It’d be worth a few bob today!”

“The trophy was played for in 1913, 1914 and 1915, and on each occasion, New Plymouth won.  Winning three years in a row, meant that New Plymouth retained the trophy.”

Challenges stopped (probably because of the first world war), and the trophy was largely forgotten about.  Until last year.

“We got wind of the Challenge Cup,” says Nenad Rajic, President of the Auckland Bowling Club.  “So we caught up with New Plymouth last year and challenged them for the cup.  They accepted.”

More than one hundred years later, in January this year in New Plymouth, the Challenge Cup was played for once again.

“We flew down to New Plymouth for the weekend with our Four of Phil Robottom (lead), myself at two, Glenn Newton (three) and Leif Selby (skip).  It was a great weekend … the bowls were challenging (we came away with the win) and the hospitality was superb.”

“They had a very competitive team … Graeme Earl (lead), Gordon Brown (two), Basil Newland (three) and skip, Richard Helms. Unfortunately Basil had to be substituted after the third end by an equally worthy replacement, Tobin Hori.”

However, the win didn’t mean that Auckland lifted the Challenge Cup.

“It’s a bit like the Bledisloe Cup … the current conditions of play mean that we have to win three times in a row,” explains Graeme.  “Having said that, the President of the New Plymouth Bowling Club, Grayson McEldowney, was gracious enough to allow us to ‘borrow’ the trophy for a while!”

“We’ve also agreed new on-going conditions of play.  It’ll be competed for every second year on a home and away basis … the next challenge will be in Auckland in 2025.”

“It’ll still be Fours … and we’ll still have to win three time in a row to lift the trophy.  But we’ve got one win under our belt now!”

Bowls New Zealand
https://bowlsnewzealand.co.nz/news/resurrecting-bowls-oldest-tournament-in-new-zealand-the-challenge-cup/

Frittering Away the Days at Awakino Bowling Club

Awakino

Mention Awakino, and most people will think of the small white baiting settlement on the west coast of the North Island: the last place on the coast before State Highway 3 hits the Awakino Gorge (going north) or the last place before a not-to-be-missed whitebait fritter sandwich at the Whitebait Inn or the River Run Café in Mokau (going south).

It’s a settlement of just 5 permanent households … and another 15 baches occasionally occupied by holidaymakers or white baiters during the season from the 15 August to the end of November.

It’s also the home of the Awakino Bowling Club … a club of 5 full-playing members, and15 social members. That mightn’t sound many, but in a town with a permanent population of ‘less than 10’, that’s like Auckland having a bowling club of 700,000 or 800,000 members!

“Only two of the permanents are playing members,” says Past President and Life Member Gail O’Keeffe, “The others come from around the district.”

Nevertheless, what other bowling club can skite about signing up 40% of the local population!

The Awakino Bowling Club is also the ‘Hadrian’s Wall’ of the Taranaki Centre – the northern most club in the Centre … defending the Taranaki bowls empire against the insidious encroachment of competitive leisure-time activities!

And as far as Gail is concerned, they’re not going to be doing any encroaching under her watch.

She’s determined to keep the club open until she can no longer, and she is helped by a group of locals who feel similarly about their club.

After all, the Awakino Bowling Club has been around for nearly 100 years.

It was created by the local hotel proprietor, Tony Bartlett, who was also a pretty sharp bowler in his time, and wanted to be able to practise his favourite sport without the long trip to town. He used his money (and corralled the help of some local labour) to build the green and clubhouse. The club kicked off in 1927 with 10 members and an annual sub of 50 shillings.

The club reached its zenith in the late 1950’s when it won the Northern Division Shield Championship in consecutive years (1956/1957 and 1957/1958) and again in 1967/1968 and 1979/1980.

“I didn’t join until 1992,” says Gail. “My husband and I had retired in 1987 down the road at Mokau. We had lived in Eltham, but used to come white baiting with a scoop net on the Mokau. I can remember mum saying that when she was a girl she used to put a net out while she milked the three house cows. She’d fill a 5-gallon can. She used to feed the left over whitebait to the pigs and chooks!”

These days whitebait is a little harder to come by. But it doesn’t stop the smallest club in the Centre running the lawn bowls tournament towards the end of November it’s renowned for: the Whitebait Tournament. “We’ve had 28 teams competing in the past,” says Gail, “14 teams out on the green … we only have 7 rinks … and 14 teams inside. We swap over every hour.”

“The winners get 300gms of whitebait each, and the runners-up 250gms.”

But more important to the Awakino area is the annual Awakino-Mokau Community Christmas Party, which is being run by the bowling club after the local Lions Club closed down.

“We get over 50 people here,” says Gail. “The club opens up the bar and puts on a feed of ham, chicken, potatoes, peas, salads, ice cream, jelly and pavlova.”

That’s what small communities are all about.

When they re-roofed the Awakino Community Hall across the road, the bowling club grabbed the old corrugated iron and built a ‘new’ fence around the green. It was gratefully received. The club isn’t wealthy … money is just used where it is needed … like the rates bill which is $35 every quarter. Otherwise, things only happen with volunteer labour.

“We’re proud of our club.” says Gail, “and we’re all looking forward to our centenary celebrations in 2027.”

Keep up the great work, Gail and team.

bowlsnewzealand.co.nz/news/frittering-away-the-days-at-awakino-bowling-club/