History and structure of the Trans Tasman Competition

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International indoor bowls competition began in 1975 when Australia and New Zealand first met for the Henselite Trophy. Trans-Tasman matches are the limit of international play.
During the 1975 to 1979 period matches were played according to the host nation's rules. The International Laws of the Game were introduced for the resumed matches in 1983. These laws which introduced a compromise mat with Australian bowls have been used ever since.
Australia fielded a team of 26 from 1975 to 1987. New Zealand matched this except for 1983 and 1985 when a team of 14 was fielded. In 1989 both countries agreed to limit the team to 14 players.
Eleven events are competed in. Ten of these are as originally introduced. The eleventh, a Mixed 6-bowl Pairs, was introduced in 1991. The eleven events are:
Singles ..........Women's and Men's,
Pairs (6-bowl)....Mixed,
Pairs (8-bowl)....Women's, Men's and Mixed,
Triples...........Women's and Men's,
Fours ...........Women's, Men's and Mixed.