Auckland President’s Day once again proved to be a great way to celebrate the start of the new calendar, and most importantly, bringing together the region’s clubs to salute the volunteers and the spirit of the game.

The 2025 edition, held on Sunday 28 September at Kohimarama Bowling Club – home of Bowls Auckland President Helen Blick – drew the biggest crowd in recent memory. More than 150 players filled the greens and clubrooms, with 34 teams representing 31 clubs, alongside invitational teams from the Auckland and North Harbour Greenkeepers Association, Auckland Bowls Umpires’ Association, and Bowls Auckland.

Across two greens, teams battled it out over four rounds of play, broken up by a delicious lunch, before the day concluded with a lively prizegiving in the packed clubrooms.

On Green A, Carlton Cornwall edged ahead of Royal Oak, Pringle Park, Grey Lynn, Pt Chevalier, and St Heliers on shot difference after all five sides finished with three wins apiece. Meanwhile, Howick reigned supreme on Green B, emerging as the only team to record four wins and securing them the title of President’s Day Champions for 2025.

Beyond the bowls, the day was all about connection – renewing old friendships, making new ones, and celebrating the dedicated volunteers who keep our clubs thriving.

A huge thank you to all clubs who took part, and to Kohimarama for their outstanding mahi in hosting, and to every club that helped make this year’s event one of the most memorable yet.