Niuean wins NZ bowls title

Olivia Bloomfield, a former Commonwealth Games representative for Niue, has reached a significant milestone by winning the women’s pairs open title at the 2025 New Zealand Bowls Nationals Championships.

According to Bowls New Zealand, she might be the first-ever bowler from Niue to claim a NZ title.

The tournament was held at Browns Bay Bowling Cub in Tāmaki Makaurau last week.

Bloomfield and her playing partner, Lisa Prideaux, secured the post-section final against opponents Ashleigh Jeffcoat and Henrietta Scott.

Both players were grinning with joy for their victorious win.

“My mate here just banged it from the front. I just had to clean up, so I had an armchair ride. I’m happy,” Bloomfield told Bowls NZ after their match.

The hard-fought victory saw the duo narrowly defeat their opponents with a final score of 16 shots to 13.

They both congratulated their opponents for a great match.

“The young ones played really really well. We were lucky, and we had some balls in the right positions,” Prideaux shared.

Lisa Prideaux and Olivia Bloomfield share their victory with pride and joy. Photo/Bowls NZ.

Bloomfield, who represented Niue at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, added this major significant achievement to her sporting career.

Her victory showcases her talent and dedication to the sport and highlights Niue's presence in the international lawn bowls community.

Sidney Lui, a Niue Island Commonwealth Games Association representative, stressed the importance of Bloomfield’s achievement, noting that she is the first female bowler from Niue to win a New Zealand title.

He says her landmark victory underscores the growing impact of Niuean athletes on the international stage and inspires the next generation of bowlers from an island nation.

Her accomplishment brings pride to her home country and reinforces the idea that athletes from small communities can excel on major platforms when given the opportunity.