Story: Bowls, pétanque and tenpin

In the early 2000s some clubs dispensed with dress codes and ran games after work to create a more casual atmosphere and encourage more people to try bowls. These bowlers were in action at Auckland's Balmoral Bowling Club in 2005. In 2009 a new national initiative, Mates in Bowls, was created to further attract new and younger players. All that is required is 'a few good mates, a good sense of humour and flat soled shoes'.