by Metropol | December 17, 2025 8:33 am
“It is an honour that bowling clubs within Canterbury have the opportunity to host the Bowls New Zealand Summerset Nationals in January,” says Bowls Canterbury general manager Lorraine McLeod. “Canterbury has this honour because of the number of clubs within the area, and the standard of greens being extremely high.”
The Women’s Pairs, Men’s Singles, and Open Disability Pairs will take place at Burnside Park from 2 to 5 January. Followed by the Women’s Singles, Men’s Pairs, and Open Disability Singles on 6 to 9 January, with Burnside and Elmwood Park clubs hosting the event. “January’s weather should pose few disruptions to the playing programme, while timing should be in favour of easy access around the city and ample accommodation for visiting players and supporters.
Over the eight-day period, players can choose to play singles, pairs, or both. Some partner up with family members, friends, or previous partners, making it a highly-contested event, Lorraine says. “Many locals take advantage of being able to play in a national event without leaving home. They see this as an opportunity to pit themselves against the likes of our past national or current representatives such as Val Smith, Tayla Bruce, Katelyn Inch, Gary Lawson and several members of the successful Bowls Canterbury Under 26 team.”
At its conclusion, winners of the national titles will be celebrated. “It’s the chance to secure one of these top spots that keep people returning,” Lorraine explains. “For those not playing, there is the opportunity to witness top-quality bowls at many local clubs in and around the Canterbury area.”
To find information on the who, what, when and where for the national competition, head to bowlsnewzealand.co.nz. Results will be updated as games are completed.
Excitement doesn’t end after the event’s final day on 9 January. Burnside Club hosts their annual Bayleys Stewart Buttar Invitation Pairs from Saturday 10 to Monday 12 January.
Prestigious and long-standing, many nationals players will stay in Christchurch to compete. For full details of this event, head to burnsidebowlingclub.com.
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