More than 1200 bowlers from around New Zealand have converged on Central Otago to compete in national tournaments over the next week.
National fours and mixed pairs tournament director Chris Lander said the event would run for eight days.
It was based in Alexandra and would be played on greens at 13 clubs around the region to accommodate all the games.
About 800 players were taking part in the national fours event and 400 in the mixed pairs, he said.
All 27 bowls centres from Kaitaia to Southland were represented at the tournament and Cyclone Gabrielle had not affected entries.
"A few players have chosen not to travel but the nature of this event is that with a team of four and them not having to play as a club team, they’re playing as a group of friends in a lot of cases, they’ve been able to switch players in and out of teams."
Two years ago Bowls New Zealand’s first national mixed paired tournament was played in Alexandra. On the eve of the fours finals, two days into the seven-day event, Covid restrictions were bought in, meaning the games could be played but no spectators were allowed, Mr Lander said.
"We are delighted to be back here and giving everyone a fair crack at it."
Rain before the tournament had not affected the greens and had earned the Auckland organisers a bit of glory.
"I think every farmer I’ve seen since we’ve arrived ... they’re all patting us on the back and thanking us for bringing the rain down with us."
