Tāmaki Makaurau’s own Robyn Reihana has been appointed as a Coach and Selector for the NZ Blindjacks as they prepare for the 2027 World Championships in Auckland. It’s a proud moment for her club, her whānau and friends, and Bowls Auckland.

The NZ Blind Lawn Bowls Association announced its Management Team earlier this week:

• Manager: Na Katae
• Coaches: Robyn Reihana and Carl Street
• Selectors: Robyn Reihana, Carl Street and Kevin Smith

Robyn’s pathway

Robyn began her bowls journey in the 2011–12 season at Te Atatū Peninsula, a club she is loyal to and proudly calls home. A keen player and current club executive, she has long supported and developed others.

She progressed quickly into the rep squad and wore Auckland colours until her fifth year, when she chose to shift her focus from playing reps to coaching. Her coaching journey began in 2017–18, and she has since completed Bowls NZ’s Foundation and Development courses. She is now extending her credentials through the Bowls NZ Performance Coach programme.

Robyn continues to give back through a range of coaching roles. She works one-on-one as a personal coach to Para Bowls player Heather Stewart, and she was part of the coaching group for the Aotearoa Māori team at last year’s Oceania Challenge. Closer to home, Robyn serves as Bowls Auckland’s 1–5 Year Head Selector and Coach, where her steady guidance and encouragement have become hallmarks of the squad’s programme.

Reflecting on her new appointment, Robyn says, “Working with the Auckland 1–5 reps is pretty amazing. I love watching them grow and succeed. I feel humbled to be appointed as part of the NZ Blindjacks team and look forward to taking my learnings to help develop and build the success of the NZ Blindjacks.”

Bowls Auckland congratulates Robyn on this well-deserved opportunity and looks forward to supporting her on this next step in her coaching journey.