Kowhai is a one day tournament.  It was started by men's bowling clubs from Warkworth, Leigh and Point Wells in 1983 and was played as fours, originally.

The first day was played at Leigh and Point Wells clubs,  and the finals on the second day,  at Warkworth.

The present format is:   Mixed Triples,  with each team having a graded lead or two in it.  The teams involved are Omaha, Mahurangi East and Bowls Warkworth. 

The tournament has been sponsored by Mitre 10 Mega since 1996,  and for the four years prior to that,  by True Value Hardware.

The Kowhai was normally played in mid November,  with teams from surrounding clubs participating.  It is now the longest running bowls competition in the Rodney district.  

This year the tournament will be held on Wednesday 19th February 2024