Guided by the Bowls New Zealand Strategic Plan 2023–2026.

View Latest Strategic Plan

Our Purpose

Bowls New Zealand exists to deliver a sport that is enjoyable, entertaining, and accessible to all New Zealanders, while supporting and growing vibrant, healthy bowling clubs within our communities.

Our strategy provides a clear framework to guide future growth, build capability across the bowls network, and ensure clubs, centres, and participants are well supported at every level.

It reflects both the current state of the game and a clear vision for where bowls is heading over the next three years.

A clear view of today — and a focus on the future

Bowls in Aotearoa is experiencing renewed momentum. Long-term declines in playing membership have been reversed, national event participation has grown significantly, and casual and social formats such as Twilight Bowls continue to attract new audiences. Today, the bowls community includes more than 40,000 playing members, over 100,000 casual participants, and 465 clubs nationwide.

Looking ahead, our strategy focuses on growing participation across more diverse communities, strengthening clubs as community hubs, expanding social and flexible formats, and making greater use of technology to support players, volunteers, administrators, and clubs. These priorities ensure bowls remains relevant, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.

What success looks like

Our strategy is guided by three clear outcomes:

  • More people playing bowls

  • More people watching and engaging with the sport

  • Stronger, healthier, and more vibrant clubs and administrators