In every community, there are people whose passion, generosity, and dedication leave a lasting mark on the sport they love. For bowls in New Zealand, two of those people are Ann Wright and Dot Mowat. Ann and Dot are umpires, leaders, mentors, and extraordinary volunteers whose contributions continue to strengthen and inspire our bowls family.
Honouring Ann Wright: Distinguished Umpire, Leader & Champion of the Game
During the Summerset Nationals in her beloved Christchurch and in front of her peers and friends, Ann Wright was presented with the prestigious Distinguished Umpires Award (DUA), one of the highest honours awarded to umpires who have made a long‑standing, exceptional, and influential contribution to both umpiring and the sport of bowls.
For Ann, this recognition reflects decades of passion, knowledge, leadership, and unwavering service.
Ann began her bowls journey around 1986, and by 1990 she was already stepping into umpiring. A calling that would shape her sport for generations to come. Her impressive officiating career has seen her involved at every level imaginable: club, centre, national, and international events. Among her many highlights are appointments at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, multiple World Bowls event series in New Zealand, and the 2008 and 2016 World Championships.
Until recently, Ann served as an International Technical Official (ITO), bringing expertise, integrity, and calm authority to some of the most significant tournaments in the bowls world.
Yet Ann’s contribution extends far beyond the technical side of officiating. Michael Johnson, Chair of the New Zealand Umpires Group said of her “Ann is an exceptional person who has given so much to bowls and umpiring in so many ways. I can genuinely say Ann has mentored, supported and encouraged an incredible number of umpires, officials and Bowls NZ staff, and this will forever have a lasting impact.”
Ann has spent decades nurturing others, guiding new umpires, supporting senior officials, and helping countless bowlers grow their confidence and understanding of the game. Many of today’s umpires credit Ann as a key influence in their development.
Her devotion to the sport also includes outstanding service in governance. Ann’s tenure as Bowls New Zealand President and Board Member is a legacy she can be profoundly proud of and one that has shaped the strategic direction of bowls in New Zealand and strengthened the sport’s national framework.
Ann’s story is rich, inspiring, and far from over. There is so much more to share about her background, leadership, and love for bowls and we look forward to telling that story in greater depth very soon.
Celebrating Dot Mowat: New Zealand’s Newest International Technical Official
Alongside Ann’s incredible honour, we are also proud to celebrate another outstanding umpire: Dot Mowat, who has recently qualified as a World Bowls International Technical Official (ITO).
This is no small achievement.
Dot is now one of just 17 ITOs in New Zealand, joining a select group entrusted with officiating at World Bowls Championships, Commonwealth Games, and other international events.
The accreditation is renowned for being demanding and rigorous. It requires exceptional technical knowledge, absolute precision in measuring, and a deep understanding of the laws and marking components. Passing it is a reflection of Dot’s commitment, skill, and countless hours of study and practice.
Dot’s accomplishment is a proud milestone not only for her personally, but for our wider umpiring community reinforcing the strength and capability of New Zealand officials on the world stage.
A Shared Legacy of Service & Passion
While their journeys are unique, Ann Wright and Dot Mowat share qualities that lie at the very heart of our sport:
dedication, humility, generosity, and a true love of bowls.
Both women give their time voluntarily. Both have lifted others, strengthened our competitions, and helped shape the future of officiating in New Zealand. And both continue to inspire everyone who has the privilege of working alongside them.
To Ann and Dot - we say thank you for everything you contribute, everything you uphold, and everything you represent. Our sport is richer because of you.