For over 70 years, the St George Bowls and Sports Club – originally founded in 1952 as the Papatoetoe RSA Bowling Club was a proud pillar of Auckland’s bowls community. Operating from Cambridge Terrace in Papatoetoe, the club fostered a strong spirit of competition, camaraderie, and local engagement.

When the Auckland Council decided not to renew the lease on the club’s land, members faced the difficult decision to wind up the club. Yet, through careful financial management, the club concluded its affairs with a positive balance and a desire to leave a lasting legacy.

This vision gave rise to the St George Fund, now administered by Bowls Auckland. The Fund is dedicated to supporting youth and rangatahi bowlers under 26, providing resources for tournaments, development programmes, coaching, facilities, school initiatives, and more.

To honour the original intent of St George members, a dedicated committee – including former St George members Karen Valder and Teresa Davis alongside Bowls Auckland representatives Ian Dee and Dean Bartlett oversees the Fund.

The Fund is already making a tangible impact. Recent grants include:

• Support for the St George National Under 26 Pairs, ensuring the club’s name continues to be synonymous with youth excellence.
• Support for Hannah Dawson (Howick) as she represents New Zealand at the Lion City Cup in Singapore later this year.

These initiatives shine a spotlight on emerging talent and reinforce Bowls Auckland’s commitment to developing the next generation of bowlers.

Any Bowls Auckland-affiliated clubs planning youth-focused initiatives are encouraged to contact [email protected] to explore funding opportunities.

Bowls Auckland sincerely thanks the members of St George for their foresight and the trust placed in us to carry this legacy forward. Through the St George Fund, their commitment to the game will create opportunities and inspire the next generation of bowlers for years to come.