Mairangi Bay Bowls Clubs merger
Mairangi Bay Bowls Clubs merger: background and key issues
In 2004-2005 discussions were initiated between the Mairangi Bay Women’s and Men’s Bowling Clubs, as a result of a recommendation from Bowls New Zealand to create combined Bowling Clubs throughout the country. One of the
main benefits of amalgamation was that a single, larger club would be better positioned to pursue and receive external funding. Both clubs liked the idea of creating a true combined club that would be accessible to bowlers a
nd their families and that had potential to be used by community groups for meetings and social occasions. The amalgamation of the two clubs was viewed as beneficial for the community because it would create a stronger and
more viable hub for recreational activity.
These discussions took into consideration the mix of existing facilities, different needs and financial status of each club. The Women’s Bowling Club was in a good financial position and had a reputation for having an
excellent green and greenkeeper, while the location of the Men’s Bowling Club was viewed as more preferable.
Some of the key issues in the merger proposition were around development of new and appropriate club facilities to include the women, such as changing rooms, lockers and toilets. This presented the issue of availability
of space at the Men's Bowling Club and their combined ability to fund the expansion and development of bigger and better spaces within the facility, with a view to creating a Centre of Excellence for bowls in Mairangi Bay.
Pictures of the bowls club before transformation.
Mairangi Bay Bowls Clubs merger: Council’s role
North Shore City Council took an active role in assisting the clubs to work through the merger process. This included North Shore City Council Parks Planning Officers, the Community Coordinator and Sector Development
Officer paying a visit to the clubs for informal discussions and to assess the facilities.
North Shore City Council advised the clubs about the Council’s Community Facilities Fund - a competitive application process. This fund aims to support projects that improve access to leisure opportunities in the city.
The Women’s Bowling Club members also sought assurances from North Shore City Council that if they were to vacate their premises - where they had been located for many years - their club rooms would be properly maintained
and well utilised by another sport or recreation group.
Updated | 23 Sep 2009.
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