A strategic approach to evolving competitions

Bowls Auckland is excited to announce the formation of the inaugural Playing Programme Committee (PPC). Previously known as the Operations Committee, the PPC will take a more strategic and forward-looking approach to ensure that centre events continue to evolve to meet the needs of both current and future players and clubs.

The composition of the PPC has been selected to cover the necessary expertise and experience. We are pleased to introduce the Committee members, as follows:

• Gavin Brown
• Helen Blick*
• Les Smith
• Fiona Matheson
• Bryan Chapman
• Brendon Walton (Bowls Auckland representative).

We warmly welcome Gavin Brown from Royal Oak and acknowledge and thank outgoing Operations Committee members Roger Seaton and Peter Blucher for their contributions.

Key objectives of the PPC

The PPC has five key objectives, developed through consultation with clubs and players, to guide their work:

• Ensure all events have a purpose, target market, and strategic alignment.
• Alleviate congestion on club calendars (where possible).
• Align with Bowls New Zealand (where applicable).
• Consider trends, to evolve events and event delivery for current and future players.
• Prioritise both on and off-green elements of events.

The PPC will oversee the initial setup of events before handing them over to the delivery team, including the Tournament Director, Convenors, and Umpires. Their responsibilities include:

• Calendar of Events – what we deliver, and when.
• Conditions of Play (General and Event) – how events are run, including things like formats etc.

A notable example of enhancing events and clarifying strategic alignment is the Women’s Premier Open Singles. Bowls Auckland is reimagining this event as a premier showcase of women in bowls by doubling the prize pool to attract top talent from across the nation. Our goal is to deliver a flagship competition that seamlessly integrates off-green initiatives, elevating the entire event experience and setting a new standard for competitive bowls.

We look forward to collaborating with the PPC, clubs, and players to continuously improve events and the overall season calendar.

*Please note: As Helen Blick has recently been appointed President, Bowls Auckland will seek a like-for-like replacement for her, to serve on the PPC during the season.

General Conditions of Play released

The PPC is also pleased to announce the release of the General Conditions of Play for the upcoming season. During the off-season, extensive work was done to review and enhance this document, making it more accessible and clearer for both players and officials. In response to feedback, we’ve revised the content to ensure it uses everyday language wherever possible.

A panel of local umpires drafted the document, which was then reviewed by the Bowls NZ Umpires Association. This included proofreading by two of the country’s top International Technical Officers, one of whom serves on the World Bowls Laws Advisory Panel. After receiving positive feedback and making a few minor edits, the COP was presented to the PPC for final approval and publication.

Brendon Walton, Club Partner – Operations, commented, “It’s been an extremely satisfying collaborative process. We believe this revision offers greater clarity and is more concise, making it easier for bowlers to understand and interpret.”

The Bowls Auckland website will be updated with this information on all event pages leading up to Christmas. Following the PPC’s next meeting in September, the remainder of the season’s Event Conditions of Play, including details on the Jarden Open, Molecheck 7s, and Auckland Cup, will be published. The Champion of Champions (COC) series will follow later in the season.

• Click here to view the new General Conditions of Play.