A new covered green at Bowls Papatoetoe was officially opened on 12 May 2026 with a ceremony befitting the occasion. Standing impressively in the centre of the complex, the facility features new lighting and a brand-new carpet, creating one of the premier bowling venues in the region and adding another quality facility to the Bowls Auckland network.

The project was a collaborative effort between Bowls Papatoetoe, Kolmar, Auckland Council and Bowls Auckland, and through this partnership the facility will serve the community for generations to come.

The opening was attended by representatives from all project partners, including Kolmar Chair Rick Childs, Bowls Auckland Chair Ian Dee, and President Helen Blick, Club President Murray Cotter and Bowls New Zealand representative Martin McKenzie, with around 50 guests in attendance.

It was a momentous evening, highlighted by Bowls Auckland President Helen Blick’s comment: “If you build it, they will come”, a sentiment echoed by all involved and one that perfectly reflects the club’s vision to become the heart of its community and a cornerstone of community sport in South Auckland.

Jess MacKinven (Club Manager, Bowls Papatoetoe) plans to hit the ground running, with the club’s upcoming King’s Birthday Weekend Tournament already sold out and the venue confirmed as a host for the upcoming 0 to 5 Year Winter Programme. The bowling community will need to keep an eye out for future tournaments and get in quickly!

The opening also marked another significant milestone, with the lighting installation project becoming the first completed facility upgrade to be solely funded by the newly established Bowls Auckland Club Investment Fund. The Fund is designed to support club projects, including facilities, and is proudly supported by the Bowls Auckland Foundation. More information on the Foundation, and how you can play your part, can be found at Bowls Auckland Foundation.

A special thank you goes to Kolmar, Auckland Council and the Rawhiti Fund for their respective contributions to the project.

The future is bright for Bowls Papatoetoe, and the wider bowling community looks forward to seeing the facility become a vibrant hub of activity, connection and opportunity for many years to come.