In a world filled with technology and fast-paced living, it’s crucial to provide our rangatahi (youth) with unique and enriching experiences that, not only keep them active but also foster a sense of belonging within their community.

Bowls Auckland alongside clubs, have taken up this challenge! We introduce you to a new brand of youth bowls – Rangatahi Roll Up! Offering quality on and off-green experiences for rangatahi across Tāmaki Makaurau.

We are committed to fostering and expanding youth involvement in bowls and congratulate clubs already making significant strides in this space. In saying that, we also understand not all clubs possess the resources to engage with schools. Our mission is to support all clubs, whether to fill a gap to create connections and deliver opportunities or to support clubs who already run a programme. By working together, we can ensure every young person in Auckland has opportunities to try bowls… and hopefully find their place at a local bowling club.

School Engagement – Connect and grow
Kickstarting the Rangatahi Roll Up initiative, our goal is to engage 5,000 students across Auckland in 2024 during terms 1 and 4. The programme promises to be both fun and impactful. In collaboration with clubs, here’s how we plan to do it:

• Interactive sessions: We will assist clubs to deliver or provide an enthusiastic activator where needed who will conduct engaging taster sessions for students. These sessions will be designed to introduce the sport of bowls in a fun, inclusive and social atmosphere.
• Flexible timing: Recognising the diverse schedules of students, sessions can be organised during lunch breaks or after school hours, ensuring maximum participation.
• Location choices: Rangatahi Roll Up offers flexibility when it comes to location. Sessions can occur on school grounds or at a local bowling club, depending on the school’s preference.
• Comprehensive experience: Each session will last 35-45 minutes, providing students with a broad introduction to the sport. Additionally, all necessary equipment will be provided, ensuring a hassle-free experience for the participant. We will leave behind tools for teachers to continue the fun, promoting long-term engagement.

Playing opportunities (tournaments) – Retain and play
While introducing rangatahi to bowls is an essential first step, we understand the importance of structured playing opportunities to keep them engaged. Our aim is to create consistent playing opportunities that have a clear purpose. This ensures that rangatahi can participate in structured events, further nurturing their interest in bowls and connection with clubs.

• The 3-week competition: In February 2024, a 3-week competition for secondary schools will run on 13, 20 & 27 February at two separate locations. One is in West Auckland, located at New Lynn Bowling Club, and the second is located Centrally at Royal Oak Bowls.
• Secondary School Pairs – Seniors: Our annual secondary school pairs day is back for 2024! This event will be fun, colourful, and vibrant and will be held at Mt Eden Bowling Club on 5 March.
• Secondary School Pairs – Juniors: In addition to the secondary schools’ pairs – seniors event, there will be an event for the junior schools too. Years 9 and 10 will be welcome to enter this fun, centralised festival day hosted at Mt Eden Bowling Club on 12 November 2024.
• Rangatahi Nationals: For those wishing to continue their bowls during the summer, Bowls New Zealand has two national events for youth bowlers. Both are at the end of March, following our Secondary Schools Pairs day.

Rangatahi Roll Up is not just an initiative to introduce young people to bowls; it’s a comprehensive programme that aims to create a sense of belonging and enthusiasm amongst the wider bowling community. With interactive school sessions and structured competitions, it provides multiple opportunities for youth (and schools) to engage with the sport and their local clubs.