Since the Startegy's implementation in September 2021, the Spaces and Places team have undertaken distinct pieces of work to understand better the network of facilities in Southland and how they are used. Information is key to driving an evidence based approach to our system and being able to provide decision makers with the best set of data and insights for informed investment.

Southland Bowling Report

Early 2022, the Spaces and Places team were asked to review the outdoor bowls network in Southland. This wonderful game that is played by such a wide cross section of society is a stable of New Zealand culture. With a concern that membership numbers have decreased, as recognised from the national body Bowling New Zealand, we want to make sure we can support this sport and see it thrive into the future.

The result was interviews with representatives from seventeen bowling clubs combined with information from the National Bowls Facility Strategy. This report was then shared to bowling clubs at two meetings one in Invercargill and the other in Winton.

Here are the report, presentation given at the meetings and a summary of the main points of discussion at that m