Urenui Bowling Club named Club of the Year after impressive growth and community impact
Urenui Bowling Club has been awarded Bowls Taranaki Club of the Year, a recognition that celebrates not only its resurgence on the green but also its deepening role at the heart of the local community.
Just three years ago, the club had only 17 full playing members. Today, that number has more than doubled to 35, supported by 25 social members and 200 casual participants introduced to bowls.
A major factor in the club’s success has been the revival of women’s participation. For the first time in a decade, Urenui fielded women in Junior Singles, Pairs, Triples and Mixed Pairs, with several women stepping into tournaments at other local clubs. Regular coaching has strengthened the skills of both new and junior bowlers giving them confidence to play.
The club’s green has also earned widespread praise. Under the care of a new greenkeeper over the past two seasons, the surface has been consistently rated highly by visiting players. This year, the Centre’s inspection team awarded Urenui an A rating, and the club was selected as a host venue for The Devon Hotel Taranaki Men’s Open Fours — an event it ran successfully despite challenging weather.
Hospitality remains one of Urenui’s defining strengths. A dedicated team of volunteers provides home‑cooked meals and afternoon teas for tournaments. Their efforts have helped cement the club’s reputation as one of the most welcoming venues in the region, with all seven of its annual tournaments regularly oversubscribed.
The club’s community reach extends well beyond competitive play. Local groups — from young farmers and school staff to the fire brigade and family gatherings — frequently use the facilities for social events, often discovering bowls for the first time. Twilight Bowls continues to attract newcomers, including holidaymakers from the nearby beach camp.
Sponsorship has grown alongside membership. Urenui now boasts 19 committed sponsors, each acknowledged through signage, promotions and an annual sponsors’ day designed to recognise their support.
In recent seasons, the club has also invested heavily in facility upgrades. Improvements include new bucket seating, kitchen furniture, a dishwasher and freezer, refurbished veranda, additional club bowls, upgraded storage, a new chiller unit, bar stools and an outdoor noticeboard to keep the community informed.
Looking ahead, Urenui Bowling Club is planning further enhancements, including improved shade options, solar power installation and continued green development. Early discussions have also begun for the club’s centennial celebrations in 2029 which will widely anticipated.
Bowls Taranaki would like to thank the club for its “impressive combination of growth, community engagement, volunteer commitment and forward‑thinking development,” noting that Urenui Bowling Club was well deserving of the Club of the Year Award for 2025-26.
Ian Lewis
Bowls Taranaki