History

The Club is now into its 31st year. Back in 1993, assisted by an $18,000 grant from the Rotorua District Council’s Sports Facility Fund towards greens development, enthusiastic foundation members began the transformation of a patch of rural land in Warwick Drive into Rotorua East Bowling Club’s home. The first bowl delivered on the top green was sent down in August 1993.

The first men’s president was John Taylor, while Viv Taylor was the first women’s president. Alan Sparks served as the Club’s first patron.

Within three years a large, handsome brick pavilion had been completed, overlooking two greens and a fund-raising Christmas tree plantation on a potential third green area.

In 1996 Rotorua East became one of the first bowling clubs in the country to amalgamate its men’s club and its women’s club, closely following the amalgamation of the New Zealand Bowling Association and the New Zealand Women’s Bowling Association to form Bowls New Zealand Inc.

While firmly established as a bowling club, our venue enjoys extensive usage and support from the local community. Our dedicated bowlers engage in regular roll-up sessions twice a week – every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, alongside championship events, open tournaments, and indoor bowling during winter using outdoor bowls.

We are very fortunate to have an active and passionate social committee, responsible for organising Twilight bowls during the summer months and engaging quiz nights throughout winter.

Furthermore, our facilities are frequented by various organisations on a regular basis. We take great pride in serving as the ‘hub’ for St. John courses, with The Grace Church and Tai Chi enthusiasts making weekly use, and Probus members joining us on a monthly basis.