The Pacific is coming to Auckland! From 19–22 November, Bowls Ōrewa will host the 2026 Oceania Challenge, bringing together 100 players from ten representative teams for four days of international competition, cultural pride and plenty of familiar faces.
Representing Aotearoa Māori, Australia Development, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Norfolk Island, New Zealand Under 26, Samoa, Tokelau and Tonga, players will compete across men’s and women’s Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours.
For Bowls Auckland, there’s plenty of local interest in this year’s event. Many of the competitors are familiar faces from our clubs and representative ranks, now swapping their club colours to proudly represent their heritage on the international stage.
Auckland Connections Across the Pacific
The Samoan contingent features some well-known Auckland bowlers. Pat Bell, fresh from his involvement in Mt Albert’s Men’s Fours, is joined by John Petelo, Kolani Maota, Jhanna Savov and Angela Beaumont, along with recent women’s singles champion Tia Moka.
Tonga also has strong Auckland connections. Liam Hill, a familiar face in Auckland representative circles, will contest the men’s Singles and team up with North Harbour’s Chad Nathan in the Pairs. Ula Fusimalohi (Onehunga & Districts) adds further local flavour, alongside Paris Baker and Alfreda Williams, both with New Lynn connections.
Tokelau will feature defending Oceania Pairs champions Pale Luka and Peni Panapa, both from Papatoetoe. Ōtāhuhu Railway members Linda Pedro, Larissa Samuelu and daughter Christian-Ly Filipo will also make their international debuts in the women’s team.
The Aotearoa Māori team boasts plenty of Auckland talent, with Aiden Takarua, David Motu, Rory Soden, Raika Gregory, Kirsty Hill and Agnes Motu all past or present Auckland Premier representatives.
Rounding out Auckland’s connections are Parmeswan Padayachi, playing for Fiji and Filatiala Cooper representing Niue.
It’s a great reflection of the talent and diversity within our local bowls community, and the many connections that extend across the Pacific.
Young Guns Ready for the Challenge
There will also be plenty of interest in the New Zealand Under 26 team, which includes several Auckland bowlers.
Adam Blucher and Anthony Ouellett will line up in the men’s Triples and Fours, while Hannah Dawson will feature in the women’s Triples and Fours.
They’ll face a strong Australian Development team packed with emerging talent, alongside some experienced international campaigners. Among them is Cohen Litfin, a two-time gold medallist at this event two years ago and a previous Australian Open Singles silver and bronze medallist.
With each nation selecting five men and five women, and every player contesting two disciplines, there will be plenty of opportunities for emerging talent to test themselves against some of the region’s best.
More Than Just a Tournament
While medals and international honours will be up for grabs, the Oceania Challenge is about much more than results on the green. It’s an opportunity to celebrate identity, friendship and the connections that make our bowls community so special.
Pasifika communities have long played an important role in bowls across Tāmaki Makaurau. Generations of players and families have helped shape our clubs and contributed to the growth and character of the sport.
For four days, players who regularly compete alongside one another at club and Centre level will find themselves on opposite sides of the green, proudly representing their nations and heritage.
That mix of friendly rivalry, family connections, familiar faces and plenty of cultural pride is what makes this event so special.
Bowls Auckland wishes all competitors the very best, particularly those with connections to our clubs and bowls community. We encourage our members, supporters and wider Pasifika community to head north to Bowls Ōrewa, get behind their teams and enjoy four days of fantastic international bowls.
2026 Oceania Challenge
Dates: Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 November 2026
Venue: Bowls Ōrewa, Auckland
Teams: 10
No. Players: 100
Disciplines: Men’s and Women’s Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours
— Image source: Bowls NZ