When the Rawhiti Bowling Club decided to wind down operations and sell its Rangitoto Avenue property in 2014, members faced a defining question: How could the club’s remaining assets create a lasting, positive impact for bowls in Auckland?

From that question came a visionary solution. A Deed of Agreement was established, and a dedicated Committee was formed to ensure the proceeds would be used to advance, develop, and grow the game of bowls across the region. Their focus areas were covered greens, facility enhancements, and club development, which would go on to shape the sport’s landscape for the next decade and beyond.

Ten years later, the results speak for themselves. Under the careful stewardship of the Rawhiti Fund Committee, an extraordinary 31 clubs have received support totalling over $5.4 million.

Those funds have touched nearly every corner of our Auckland bowls community:

• Three Covered Greens: Projects at Papatoetoe, Remuera, and the soon-to-be-completed Howick facility have transformed the sport’s accessibility and all-weather potential.
• Twenty-Seven Facility Enhancements: From carpet renewals and green conversions to kitchen, deck, and carpark upgrades, these improvements have revitalised club environments.
• Twenty Club Development Grants: Initiatives such as the Bowls Development Officer and Club is the Hub programmes have strengthened club capability and community engagement.

With the Fund reaching maturity as outlined in its founding Deed, the Committee has held its final meeting, and the Fund has now come to an end. But the final report reads more like a celebration than a closure.

And as for that original question? Simply put — mission accomplished!

The Rawhiti Fund not only delivered meaningful, measurable change to 31 clubs, but also provided a blueprint for how to turn closure into opportunity. Its success has already inspired others, including the recent formation of the Avondale Fund, which follows the same model.

Bowls Auckland and the wider bowling community owe immense gratitude to the members of the Rawhiti Bowling Club who, back in 2014, chose to think beyond their own gates. Their vision has been brought to life by an exceptional Committee, including Graeme Bennett (Chair), Gerard Hulst (former Rawhiti member), Ian Dee, Michael Feek, and Allan Smith — whose dedication ensured every dollar made a difference.

As the Fund concludes, the legacy it leaves is unmistakable: stronger clubs, better facilities, and a vibrant future for bowls in Auckland.

As a bowling community, we raise a glass and toast the incredible impact and enduring legacy of the Rawhiti Fund.