Representative bowls take centre stage across Auckland and North Harbour this weekend as the Premier and Development Octagonals bring together some of the best talent from across the upper North Island.

Widely regarded as a key stepping stone to the National Intercentre, the Octagonals will see teams from Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Far North, Northland, North Harbour, Thames Valley and Waikato go head-to-head over two days of high-quality, fiercely contested bowls.

For many players, this weekend is about more than results. It’s a chance to pull on centre colours with pride, test themselves against the region’s best and make a statement ahead of March’s National Intercentre selections.

Just ask 19-year-old Hannah Dawson. Preparing for her second outing with Auckland’s Premier Women, she sees the weekend as another opportunity to grow: “Playing for the Premier team is taking the next step. It gives me a chance to develop my skills, and I’m really looking forward to competing against the other centres.”

Like Hannah, Auckland’s squads feature a blend of experience and fresh energy, including several exciting debutants. Stephen Campbell and Steve Fisher will make their first appearances in the Premier Men’s side, with Campbell embracing the opportunity.

“I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in the Premier side. As the new kid on the block, I just want to bring a great attitude, back my teammates and contribute to the team result and hopefully a win.”

In the Development ranks, Crawford Blair and Nicky Third (Men), along with Henrietta Scott (Women), step up from the 1–5s, an important milestone in their representative journeys.

Men’s Development Co-Selector and Coach Sean Hird, better known as Hirdy, is focused on building more than just results; “The best part of coaching is seeing goals achieved and creating a positive environment within the squad. Of course, we want to win, but seeing the new guys settle in and be the best they can be, that’s a real team success.”

If you’re free this weekend, get along and support the blue and white. Local support makes a real difference.

A big thank you to the host clubs, greenkeepers, umpires and volunteers who work behind the scenes to make events like this possible.

Event Details

🗓 Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 February 2026
📍 Premier Octagonal – Howick Bowling Club
📍 Development Octagonal – Browns Bay Bowling Club

Follow results here:
https://www.bowlsauckland.co.nz/auckland-event/octagonal-prem-2-challenge/

Let’s go Auckland – bring on rep bowls! 💙