For more than four decades, Paul Hickey has been a familiar and highly respected figure within New Zealand bowls both on and off the green.

Behind every successful bowls competition is a team of dedicated officials who help ensure the sport is played fairly, professionally, and in the right spirit.

There is always something special about mixed pairs. At its best, it is bowls with an extra layer: tactics and trust, communication and patience, the quiet understanding between two people trying to read the same head, the same green, and sometimes each other.