The Rewa Bowling Club is a lawn bowls club based in Matamata, New Zealand, with a history going back to 1949. Over the decades it has become one of the better-known country bowling clubs in the Waikato region.
Early Years (1949 onward)
The club was established in 1949 as a traditional men’s lawn bowls club. Like many New Zealand bowling clubs of the era, it began as a strong local community and sporting hub, especially for social and competitive bowls in the rural Waikato district.
Growth and Recognition
The club gradually gained a reputation far beyond its local area quickly becoming recognised as one of New Zealand’s strongest country bowling clubs.
National Fours
One of the most important moments in Rewa history happened in 1971 when a Rewa four won its first New Zealand Fours Championship. A fantastic 21st birthday present for Rewa as it celebrated its anniversary and established Rewa as a nationally respected club, despite being outside a major city.
The team was skipped by Jack Sommerville, supported by Nick Unkovich, Stu (Sid)Downie, and Murray Davis.
Rewa Gold
Although not a club championship itself, a defining achievement that elevated Rewa’s profile internationally was the Gold medal performance by Jack Sommerville in the men’s fours at the 1974 British Commonwealth Games held in Christchurch.
Back-to-back national Fours
Jack Sommerville again helped Rewa secure the National Fours title going back-to-back in 1985 & 1986. This demonstrated the club’s long-term dominance over more than a decade.
A Second Green
In September 1986, one of the biggest developments in Rewa’s history came with the opening of a second green. Demonstrating the club’s expansion and increasing profile, the second green allowed simultaneous tournament play, larger championship fields, and better hosting opportunities.
Televised event
Later that same year, Rewa became the first country bowling club in New Zealand to host a televised international bowls event. A test match between New Zealand and Australia, a significant achievement for a provincial.
To support the broadcast, spectator seating and viewing spaces were erected, and hospitality areas were provided. The green, already praised for its consistency and smooth pace, gained further praise becoming internationally recognised.
National Championships.
During December1992 – January 1993, Rewa hosted the New Zealand National Bowling Championships. This was a historic event for Rewa as it was the first time the national championships had been held outside a main metropolitan centre. The event helped cement Rewa’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading country bowling clubs.
Mixing it up
Originally a Male only club, women were formally integrated with the man’s section in the 2008-2009 season, extending membership as a ‘mixed club’.
Club of the Year 08/09
In that same year, 08/09, Rewa Bowling Club was awarded ‘Bowling Club of the Year’ by Bowls NZ, recognising both its sporting contribution and community strength.
Matamata Club Affiliation
Affiliated to the Matamata Club Inc, Rewa is fortunate to share the facilities provided by the club including its social amenities including bar, club house, associated sporting opportunities, and extended membership & community hub.
Due to the Matamata club’s development of commercial building on its site, Rewa’s second green was surrendered in 2019 to make way for the expansion of the mitre ten building.
Despite the setback, Rewa refocused its efforts on maintaining and improving its No1 green maintaining Rewa’s profile in the Waikato and National competitions.
Notable Women Champions of Rewa Bowling Club
While Rewa Bowling Club’s early national fame was built largely around men’s championship teams in the 1970s and 1980s, women bowlers have become an increasingly important and successful part of the club’s history — especially since the club formally became a mixed club in 2008–09.
Today, Rewa’s women bowlers are recognised for Strong Waikato Centre performances, successful triples and fours teams, and competitive representation at national level, helping maintain Rewa’s reputation as one of New Zealand’s most respected country bowling clubs.
The current generation has helped ensure the club’s championship tradition continues into the modern era.
Opening its membership
For many decades Matamata and its surrounding areas had separate bowling organisations with distinct club identities and facilities.
Through the 1990’s onwards, many New Zealand Bowling clubs, and especially country clubs, faced increasing survival pressure. Aging memberships and increased costs made it difficult to maintain facilities and justify clubs’ existence.
Rewa’s reputation and strength of its facilities has enabled it to survive and offer opportunities for smaller clubs to join its membership ranks.
The merger of the Matamata Bowling Club in 2024 is a prime example of Rewa supporting consolidation. Recognising the historic legacy of Matamata Bowling Club, Rewa acknowledged the need to provide an opportunity for bowlers of all age and ability to participate in bowls. Preserving the sport of bowls in Matamata.
The Modern Rewa
Today Rewa’s legacy is preserved, and its reputation remains as one of the strongest country clubs in New Zealand. It’s green is still acknowledged as one of the best grass playing surfaces in New Zealand and holds testament to the efforts of its members and supporters, most of whom are still voluntary.
The modern Rewa is a progressive club with historic community roots and fiercely proud of its past achievements and future possibilities.
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