History of St Heliers Bowling Club

Ngati Paoa sold the land, now known as St Heliers to the Government in 1841. A year later the St Heliers Land Company purchased it and in 1889 sold 230 acres to The New Zealand and River Plate Mortgage Company for subdivision into residential sections. One resident, Mrs Vellenoweth, worked for some years to get the area known as “The Vellenoweth Green” placed in the trust of the Tamaki West Road Board (later in 1928 to be amalgamated with the Auckland City Council) for the people of “St Heliers”. In 1913 the Tamaki West Road Board initiated proposals to lay down a sports field including a bowling green.

Our first President was George Campbell, who faced the daunting task of raising $500 of debentures  to get bowling in St Heliers underway.  The money was raised, resulting in the opening of the first green in 1914.

 Many prominent Aucklanders have belonged to the club including  L J Keys who ran the local bus company and also represented New Zealand at lawn bowls and  the clubs most prestigious annual tournament, "the Keys"  is named in his honour.

Back in 1913 St Heliers was as isolated beach suburb and was only connected to Auckland via a single  back country road that ran through St Johns and Remuera.  The local ferry service that ran from St Heliers Wharf to the city was therefore the most convenient method of transportation.   In our archives there is an interesting invitation for a social event to celebrate the club opening with the timing of the event set to coincide with the arrival of the 2.15pm ferry.  

As St Heliers grew, so did the Club and by the mid century was the largest bowling club in Auckland, with over 200 male bowlers and two and a half greens. Bowls clubs were tradionally a male domain, but this changed in the early 70's when in it was agreed that ladies could use the facilities, but it wasnt until 1997 when the club became fully integrated and today St Heliers boasts some of the top female players in Auckand. 

In 1994 Mr Clem Simich, MP for Tamaki, sponsored the St Heliers Bay Reserve Bill to validates the occupancy of the reserve (Vellenoweth Green) by certain sporting clubs and their successors and following the enactment of the Bill the Club was granted a permanent tenure lease. 

The new addition in the 2009/10 season of an artificial surface on A Green  has proven to be an excellent playing surface  and a great investment for the club that has allowed for all year round bowling.  

The introduction of the very popular Business House Bowls several years ago that has brought a whole new generation to the sport of lawn bowls.   The club also provides other playing opportunities for the local community to get involved with the sport during  summer months.

In 2018 the club was awarded the Auckland Bowls Club of the year which is testiment to the the hard work and support of the clubs officials, volunteers and members.    St Heliers has excellent facilities and top class coaching and as a result the Club boasts some excellent players, including a NZ champion and several Auckland champions.