The World Bowls Series is coming to Tāmaki Makaurau, with Bowls Auckland today announcing that this month’s JBWere Auckland Open will be part of the international series.
The competition will see a host of internationals take on some of New Zealand’s best homegrown talent from December 28-30th. The event will be played across venues in Auckland with Howick Bowling Club as the event host and headquarters.
The World Bowls Series was launched earlier this year to create a connected, global calendar, and Bowls Auckland CEO Dean Bartlett says they’re thrilled to have Auckland as a stop on the series of events.
“This is a fully-fledged international tour stop, complete with ranking points, broadcast coverage, and increased prize money, so it’s fantastic to have it in our backyard,” said Bartlett.
“We’re really excited to have a fantastic group of athletes coming from New Zealand and around the world. There is going to be some great bowls on display and we’re encouraging all bowls lovers to come along and check out what’s sure to be world class competition.”
A field of 114 teams will compete in the Mixed 2x4x2 Pairs format with the event attracting a strong field including Australian bowls star Barrie Lester.
New Zealand bowls legend Peter Belliss MBE will also be in action, partnering with his wife Reen Belliss as they look to compete for the title.
Standing in their way will be 2025 Bowls NZ National Champion Matt Berry, partnering with Leah Morgan. Boxer Mea Motu’s son David Motu will also be in action, partnering with his aunty Agnes Motu as the pair look to build on a strong 2025.
“I’m looking forward to a great competition,” said Peter Belliss MBE, recent inductee to the World Bowls Hall of Fame.
“I love bowls and to see Auckland hosting an event of this calibre is just fantastic. I’m in my 70s now but I still love the sport and Reen and I will be giving it a good crack!”
Across the tournament, players will compete for ranking points that contribute to their standing on the new World Bowls ladder, an international benchmark designed to create year-round relevance similar to global tours in tennis and golf.
The JBWere Auckland Open has been transformed to meet the Series criteria, with total prize money doubling now at $10,000, the addition of World Bowls ranking points, and enhanced broadcast coverage.
The JBWere Auckland Open is proudly supported by JBWere NZ, World Bowls, and Bowls New Zealand. The draw is available here.
More information on the World Bowls Series: https://worldbowlsseries.com/
ENDS
About Bowls Auckland
Bowls Auckland is the regional governing body for lawn bowls across Tāmaki Makaurau.
It supports clubs, players, and the wider bowls community through competitions, development programmes, pathways, and advocacy.
The organisation is on a mission to grow the game, elevate performance, and ensure every Aucklander has the opportunity to experience bowls at every level.
Bowls Auckland works closely with national and international partners to deliver events, capability building, and long-term growth across the region.
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