We are the heartbeat of Indoor Bowls in New Zealand.
New Zealand Indoor Bowls is the national governing body for indoor bowls, committed to growing the sport across Aotearoa.
As a volunteer-driven, non-profit organisation, we’re here to ensure everyone, regardless of age, background, or skill level, can access, enjoy, and thrive in the game.
Associated Bodies
New Zealand Blind and Visually Impaired Indoor Bowls Federation
Clubs New Zealand Indoor Bowls Association
Deaf Indoor Bowls New Zealand
New Zealand Special Olympics Foundation
NZ Catholic Indoor Bowls Federation
Life Members
George Welch *
RJA Pinhey *
KL Woolston *
GA Oliver *
EGF Smith *
Reg Motion *
Kevin Eddy *
Horace Warnes *
John Mackay *
2004
Ivon Pash *
Ken Craig
2004
Delwyn Hughes
Ian Fraser *
2016
David Edgar
2018
Trevor Rayner
Patron
1949: Hon W Parry
1950: W Appleton
1951 – 1952: -
1953 – 1959: Mrs E V Welch
1960 – 1969: T C Galloway
1970 – 1976: H J Gough
1977 – 1982: George Welch
1983 – 1985: G A Oliver
1986 – 1996: Horace Warnes
1997 – 2001: Sir John Robertson
2002 – 2006: Kevin Eddy
2007
2008 – 2016: Ivon Pash
2017 – Delwyn Hughes
Becoming a member of New Zealand Indoor Bowls connects you to the official indoor bowls community in Aotearoa New Zealand. Membership gives players the chance to represent New Zealand, attend national tournaments, access equipment, and have a voice in the development of the sport.
Clubs that join New Zealand Indoor Bowls gain recognition as official members of the national body.
Benefits of club membership include:
Eligibility to host official tournaments
Ability to enter teams into NZIB tournaments
Loan equipment from NZIB
Be represented on the NZIB committee (if elected)
Our membership year runs from 1 January to 31 December with an annual affiliation fee due in July.
All players competing in NZIB-recognised tournaments or representing New Zealand must be a financial member of an affiliated club.
Player membership, via a club, allows you to:
Enter competitive leagues
Compete in the NZIB tournaments including the National Championships
Participate in international tournaments such as the Trans-Tasman
1. How do I join New Zealand Indoor Bowls as a player?
You must register with an NZIB-affiliated club. Your club will lodge your membership with NZIB and collect the affiliation fee.
2. Do I have to be a member of NZIB?
No. Players who prefer to play socially only are not obligated to become a member of NZIB however they will still need to affirm their membership to their club. A social player is defined as an individual who does not enter tournaments/competitions and only plays within their own club. Michael - Alex says 'I'm not sure if we need point 2 and 3 here, can be confusing'. Your call
3. Can I upgrade from a social membership to a full membership during the season?
Yes, you will have to apply through your club to upgrade your player membership. Michael - Alex says 'I'm not sure if we need point 2 and 3 here, can be confusing'. Your call
4. What happens if I start playing mid-season?
New players joining during the year do not pay the NZIB affiliation fee until they re-register for the next financial year.
5. Do junior players need parental consent?
Yes, clubs must obtain parental or guardian consent when registering players under 18.
6. How do I start a new indoor bowls club in NZ?
Contact NZIB in the first instance. We're happy to help.
Michael Lawson
President
Geoff Best
Executive Member
Jason Parker
Executive Member
Simon Poppleton
Executive Member
Liz Morrow
Deputy President
Alex Reed
Publicity Officer
Graham Low
Executive Member
Tracy Wright
Executive Officer
Nigel Warnes
Executive Member
Delwyn Hughes
Patron/Life Member