New Zealand’s influence on the international bowls community continues to grow, with three respected specialists set to play key roles at the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships in New Delhi, India this April.
Michael Johnson, Graeme Rees, and Cath Thomson will each contribute their expertise across officiating, coaching, and development - supporting not only a major regional championship, but also the long‑term growth of bowls in India and across Asia.
Together, their work reflects the strength of New Zealand’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and knowledge‑sharing on the world stage.
Michael Johnson: Shaping the Future of International Officiating
As Chief Technical Official (CTO) for the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships, Michael Johnson will lead a diverse officiating team of 20 officials, including five International Technical Officials (ITOs) and 15 National Technical Officials (NTOs).
The Championships are a key regional event for Asian nations and serve as a World Bowls Qualifying Event for the 2026 World Championships in England, making the role both complex and high‑stakes.
Beyond overseeing the smooth running of the tournament, Michael’s influence extends well beyond the competition itself. Following the event, he will:
- Examine 15 candidates seeking International Technical Official accreditation
- Deliver a domestic umpire workshop for 40–50 participants at the request of the Bowls Federation of India
- Certify new domestic umpires, helping to build a sustainable officiating pathway in the region
With 22 years of umpiring experience and serving as a CTO since 2013, Michael brings deep expertise to the role. He has mentored and trained umpires throughout New Zealand and the Pacific, including Samoa, and sees this appointment as an opportunity to inspire the next generation.
“I’m excited to help establish a strong base of qualified umpires and give people something like the Commonwealth Games in 2030 to aspire to.”
While his schedule will be full, Michael hopes to catch a glimpse of the Taj Mahal - a fitting backdrop to a landmark professional milestone, and his first visit to India.
Graeme Rees: Developing Coaches, Strengthening Foundations
Arriving in New Delhi following the Championships, Graeme Rees will deliver a Coach Development Workshop aimed at qualifying Club Coaches from across India.
Graeme, who has been Coach Development Lead for Bowls New Zealand since 2018, has played a central role in creating a new online Club Coaching Course in collaboration with coaching experts from South Africa, Hong Kong China, and New Zealand, with contributions from several other nations.
The Indian programme will pilot a blended learning approach, combining online study with face‑to‑face workshops focused on:
- Coaching principles
- Coaching bowls
- Playing the game
- Rules and laws of bowls
- Coaching disabled athletes
The goal is simple but powerful: to equip coaches with practical skills and confidence, and to strengthen bowls at the grassroots level across India.
Having previously coached in India at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Graeme is looking forward to reconnecting with the country - and to the challenge of working across cultures.
“I enjoy adapting to different environments and understanding the coaches in front of me. Most of all, I look forward to seeing growth in the coaches over a short time - and having some fun along the way.”
Off the green, he’s eager to experience the energy, colour, and atmosphere of Delhi once again, with plans to explore both Old and New Delhi with his hosts.
Cath Thomson: A Milestone International Appointment
For Cath Thomson, the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships represent a major career milestone - her first overseas appointment as an International Technical Official with World Bowls.
One of five ITOs selected for the event, Cath will be rostered to:
- Umpire and mark matches
- Mentor Indian NTOs aspiring to international accreditation
Despite being in just her eighth year in bowls, Cath’s progression has been rapid. She gained her umpiring qualification in 2019, became an ITO in December 2023, and has already officiated at numerous national and international events within New Zealand.
“I’m very excited to be representing New Zealand as part of a team of international umpires. It’s a great opportunity to learn, improve my performance, and help others do the same.”
Cath’s schedule will be intense, leaving little time for sightseeing, but she’s looking forward to experiencing New Delhi and contributing fully to a demanding international event.
Proudly Representing New Zealand
Across officiating leadership, coach education, and international mentoring, Michael Johnson, Graeme Rees, and Cath Thomson will each play a vital role in supporting the successful delivery of the Asian Lawn Bowls Championships and contributing to the long‑term development of bowls in the region.
Bowls New Zealand congratulates all three on their appointments and thanks them for their ongoing contribution to the sport at both national and international level.