Even seasoned New Zealand travellers might be unfamiliar with the small settlement of Onewhero.  it's a hidden gem tucked away in the hills just 20 kilometres west of State Highway 1 south of the Bombay Hills,

Home to around 500 people. Onewhero is a gateway to Te Puaaha O Waikato Paa, which hosted the first visit by the new Māori Kuini, Ngā Wai Hono i te Pō.

"All of Te Puuaha whanau came together over the last few days,” says local resident Maymond Bovill.  “Cooking and baking for the 1,500 to 2,000 people expected at Tauranganui Paa to welcome their new Māori Kuini.  It was a heartwarming and beautiful way to honour the beginning of her reign."

Alongside her commitment to the kaupapa, Maymond balances a busy family life with five tamariki and four mokopuna.  She actively manages her son's local rugby team and supports his love for golf.  She teaches at Tuakau Primary School.

It’s easy to see she is dedicated to both her family and community.  And therefore not surprising that she has also taken the lead in driving the reopening of the Onewhero Bowling Club.

“The club was originally established in 1945,” explains Maymond.  “But membership dwindled, and the club disaffiliated around 2018.  We continued with social bowls until COVID disrupted things in 2021,”

Last year, Maymond and her whanau decided to revive the club, launching a twilight bowls tournament in October with great success.

“Most weeks, our green was full,” says Maymond. “We charged $30 for the season or $5 a night, which included bowls and a deluxe sausage sizzle!”

Given the success of the twilight bowls, the club plans to expand its activities.

“We’ll run twilight bowls again.” says Maymond.  “But we’re hoping to do more, depending on community support.  The local council is drafting a new lease, signalling that they’re expecting a long-term future for the club.”

“We’re also considering weekend bowls and inviting other clubs. We already visit the Opononi Bowling Club each March because of a long-standing family connection.”

Fundraising is another focus, with sponsors like Frame Homes already on board.

Maymond is expecting at least 40 members this season … all from the local area.  What’s more, most of them are likely to be younger, making for a vibrant club.

Thanks to the dedication of the community and the leadership of passionate locals like Maymond, The Onewhero Bowling Club looks set for a bright future.

Spring growth promises the green will be in great shape for the re-opening season