About Mangawhai Bowls
Mangawhai Bowls has been at the heart of the local community for generations. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or trying the sport for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, well-maintained greens, and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Our club offers competitive tournaments, coaching for beginners, casual social bowls, and regular events throughout the year. As part of Bowls Northland members can participate in Centre events, some of which we host at our club.
Our Greens & Facilities
Mangawhai Bowls offers two well-maintained grass greens and one all weather carpet green.
Practice roll-ups are available outside organised playing times, allowing members to enjoy flexible access to the greens.
The Club provides a welcoming space to relax after games and connect with fellow members.
Our History
Mangawhai Bowls has a rich history. Since 1953, ours is a tale of bowlers with an enterprising spirit, a location shift from country to coast, hard graft from volunteers, expanding and embracing change.
New Beginnings…
In 1953, while Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Everest and Queen Elizabeth had her Coronation, a small country place called Hakaru sought grants, fundraised and held countless working bees. Thanks to a dedicated group of bowlers who showed fortitude and ignored their naysayers, the Hakaru Bowling Club was formed.
A Period of Change…
In 1989, Otamatea County Council made way for Kaipara District Council, and the once sleepy coastal town of Mangawhai continued to grow. Discussions took place around moving Hakaru Bowls to Mangawhai. Once a big sand dune, this complicated site in Mangawhai Park was levelled by volunteers and turned into bowling green ‘A’, with the official club-rooms opening on the 3rd December 1994. Bowling green ‘B’, was completed in 1996
Securing a Charter…
In 2002, it was agreed by a group of bowling club members that becoming a Chartered Club would protect the future of bowls in the area, while keeping the facility robust, commercial and here to stay. In the interests of separating bowls from the rest of the chartered club, a separate entity, ‘Mangawhai Club Inc.’ was established.
A Name Swap…
In 2003, ‘Hakaru Bowling Club’ was renamed to ‘Mangawhai Bowls Inc.’ But the Hakaru Women’s Bowls held tight to their name until 2012 when they became ‘Mangawhai Women’s Bowling Club’. On the 24th June 2018, Women’s and Men’s bowls amalgamated, to become one club under “Mangawhai Bowls Inc.”
From its early beginnings to the vibrant club it is today
Mangawhai Bowls continues to play an important role in bringing people together through sport, social connection and community spirit.