Newsletter October 2026
Keeping Bowls Central Otago Rolling
A big thank you to Steve Quin and the team at Dunedin City Motors Ford & Mazda – Alexandra for their valued sponsorship of Bowls Central Otago.
We reckon there are a few similarities between bowls and buying a good vehicle — you want it to run straight, have a good line, and get you where you’re going!
Support from local businesses like Dunedin City Motors helps keep our tournaments rolling and our bowlers out on the greens enjoying the game we love.
So, when it’s time to trade in the old wagon — or you’re simply looking for some good, friendly motoring advice — go and have a yarn with Steve Quin and the team in Alexandra.
And remember, whenever you can, support the businesses that support our bowls.
Thanks Steve and Dunedin City Motors Alexandra – we really appreciate having you in our corner!
Tournaments Coming up
NOTE: When paying online, can you please enter the Tournament you are entering in the Reference Field. This will ensure your payment is allocated correctly.
Arvida Queenstown Country Club 1-10 Womens Pairs at Clyde on 1 November. Entries by 25 October
Arvida Queenstown Country Club Mixed Pairs at Queenstown on 7&8 November. Entries by 1 November
Arvida Queenstown Country Club 1-10 Mens Pairs at Clyde on 15 November. Entries by 8 November
Central Power Installation / Rockatipu Stone Mens Singles at Bannockburn & Clyde on 21 & 22 November. Entries by 15 November
S & R Hurley Womens Singles at Alexandra on 21 & 22 November. Entries by 15 November
Waipiata Pie Co Womens Interclub 7s at Clyde 5& 6 December. Finals 13 December at Alexandra. Entries Close 22 November
Mens Interclub 7s at Alexandra & ADC on 5 & 6 December Finals 13 December at Alexandra. Entries Close 22 November
Central Otago Coaching Treat
Peter Dunne organised the Senior Rep Women and the Development Rep Men to have a coaching session with Jo and Dave Edwards. Jo :5 gold medals, 9 in total rep NZ; Dave: decade of Blackjacks coach & selector- BNZ Life Member .
From Peters Report "The programme on Sunday, 20 September at Wanaka was an outstanding success. The session was held for the Women’s Senior Squad (12 players) and the Men’s Development Squad (21 players). Also in attendance were Carl Street, Angela Wilson, myself and a number of club coaches."
From Carl Street's Report"The session for the Open Squad was a fantastic day and a great springboard to launch this seasons campaign. It was perfect timing for the squad to hear from this top level duo the importance of doing the basics right and knowing that you all have an equal share in the success of the team. It’s one thing for myself as coach to give this message over the last few years but hearing the same from Jo now emphasises the importance of getting the basics right for the whole team.”
Bowls NZ Champion of Champion Dates for 2027
All will be held at Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club in Auckland.
The reasoning for the more compact series for the National Championships is outlined in the below letter. The COP and the time shedules have been uploaded onto our regulations page for those who may qualify going forward.
Novice (U3s) Tournament 4 October
This was an outstanding success with Cromwell supplying great hospitality, a lovely running green and the best weather day we could wish for. A large number of onlookers and supporters were present from Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra.
32 people entered from all over the region, and Maria Wallis from Clyde did a sterling job collecting names, putting the teams together and collating the results (helped by Suzanne Ewing from Wanaka). Thanks to Peter Dunne, our Bowls Central Otago President: chief MC and enthusiastic supporter of everything "Bowls". No doubt keeping his eye out for up and coming men for his squad.
Congratulations to all those who participated: Julie Jeffry, Tom O'Brien , Eric Weir, Chrissy Edwards, Johnathan Walmisley, Vanessa Yardley, Paul Elwin, Murray Ukich, Rachel Piper, Graeme Muirhead, Clive Kirkland, Joyce Hogan, Kate Duffel, Ross Flynn, Kathy Elwin, Kevan Adam, Noeline Shea, Paul Day, Terry Brand, Susan Tily, Frank Anderson, Debbie Brent, Glenda Templeton, Tony Holland, Russell McGeorge, Allen Hogan, George Shaw, Tim Dormer, Sonia Duff, Jack Elder, Lynn Lynette, Dallas Smith
New Zealand's (Canterbury) Mandy Boyd won at the World Champion of Champions held in Barham Australia from 6 -10th October. Mandy qualified as our entrant after winning the NZ open in January.
Great TV Watch
Women in Bowls
One of the highlights Pauline Seaton experienced at the World Bowls Champ of Champs recently was a seminar she attended "Women in Bowls forum brings global voices together at cluBarham." Both Bowls New Zealand and Bowls Central Otago are following World Bowls recommendations to make Bowls fully inclusive.
World Bowls Deputy President Hazel Wilson said the strength of the evening came from the people in the room and the connections being made. "It was a privilege to meet so many women from different countries, backgrounds and cultures sharing the same enthusiasm to empower women to create an inclusive environment where all can thrive and lead. It was great to see the buzz in the room and meaningful networks being created right there and then.”
You can read the article here and also sign up to get continuing updates.
Nice honours to Pauline Seaton in the latest Umpires News
A very special congratulations to Pauline Seaton, who has been named Bowls New Zealand Umpire of the Year for 2026.
This is a thoroughly deserved recognition of Pauline’s outstanding contribution to our sport and, in particular, to the umpiring community. Pauline contributes at every level of the game, from her work within Central Otago through to her role on the Bowls New Zealand Umpires Committee and her involvement nationally and internationally.
What makes this recognition particularly special is the breadth of Pauline’s contribution. Alongside being a highly respected umpire, she gives an enormous amount of her time to training and developing others, supporting markers and umpires, administering umpiring, and helping strengthen umpiring across New Zealand. Her willingness to share her knowledge, experience and passion for our sport has benefited many people within our community.
Pauline’s appointment as Chief International Technical Official for the 2027 International Blind Bowls Association World Championships (Auckland) is another reflection of the respect in which she is held and the contribution she continues to make.
On behalf of the Bowls New Zealand Umpires Committee and our wider umpiring community, congratulations Pauline. This is a special award and recognition that is incredibly well deserved. Thank you for everything you contribute to umpiring and to bowls.
Self Talk
“That bowl is finished. What does the next bowl need?”
“That bowl was a metre heavy.”
“I rushed that delivery.”
“My line was a little narrow.”
“Next bowl — smooth delivery and finish.”
“I know the correction.”
“Same delivery — longer swing.”
or
“Smooth, free and through.”
Possible Causes of poor longer deliveries:
Forcing the arm instead of allowing it to swing naturally.
Rushing the forward swing to manufacture extra weight.
Taking too short a step, which can restrict weight transfer.
Lack of follow-through can actually reduce release speed and produce short bowls.
Trying to push the bowl rather than increasing the size of a relaxed pendulum swing.
Thats it. From all of us at Bowls Central Otago. See you on the green.
