At the 112th Annual General Meeting of Bowls Auckland, held on Saturday, 26 July, one of the region’s most accomplished and respected figures, Mike Galloway, was awarded Life Membership of Bowls Auckland.
A greenkeeper, a champion, a leader, and a proud ambassador for the sport, Mike has devoted over three decades of service to bowls, both on and off the green.
Introduced to the game by his grandfather in the Manawatu in 1985, Mike’s journey in bowls took him to Auckland in the mid-90s. He quickly became a fixture of the Auckland bowls scene, earning his place in the New Zealand Blackjacks squad in 1997. Since then, his achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Mike holds a record 23 Auckland Centre titles – the most in the region’s history – and continues to compete at a high level. He’s also a nine-time national titleholder, and in 2022, was part of both the Auckland team that won the National Intercentre and the New Zealand squad at the Commonwealth Games.
Aside from being a great competitor, Mike has contributed his expertise as a greenkeeper to at least six clubs across the region. He is an active member of the Auckland and North Harbour Greenkeepers Association and currently serves as its President.
His outstanding service has seen him recognised as Bowls Auckland Player of the Year five times and Bowls New Zealand Player of the Year in 2021.
Unfortunately, Mike was unable to attend the meeting. Bowls Auckland will coordinate a time to present him with his award.
Speaking at the AGM, Bowls Auckland Chair Ian Dee said:
“We have some amazing people within our community, and it is always gratifying when we can acknowledge them. Michael’s contribution to bowls through his services as a greenkeeper, playing, and everything in between is second to none.”
Gary Fleming, Life Member and fellow Royal Oak clubmate, added:
“I am proud to call Michael a club-mate at Royal Oak, and now a fellow Life Member of Bowls Auckland. His recognition is richly deserved.”
Bowls Auckland congratulates Mike Galloway on this well-earned honour – a fitting tribute to a career built on excellence, dedication, and a genuine love of the game.