Heartwarming and unforgettable celebration of culture, sport, and community spirit
Lawn bowl enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the growing popularity of lawn bowl in New Zealand. Additionally, fans of Croatian Bowling will find the sport incredibly engaging and unique in its own right.
by Suzana Fantov
Photos: Croatian Cultural Society of NZ Inc.
On Sunday, 6th April, the Croatian Bowling Fraternity brought together friends, families, and local enthusiasts for their much-loved Annual Social Bowling Day. Hosted at the welcoming grounds of Carlton Cronawall Bowling Club, located at 126 Market Road, Epsom, the event was a vibrant celebration of community, culture, and sport.
To learn more about this lively gathering, we caught up with Ivanka Zonjic — a proud supporter of the fraternity and a familiar voice from New Zealand’s top-rated radio station, Newstalk ZB. Ivanka shared her insights on what makes this event so special and why it continues to bring people together year after year.
Interview Ivanka Zonjic
– Firstly, congratulations on another successful event! Can you tell us your role within the Croatian Bowling Fraternity Committee?
I’m the daughter of Ivan & Linda Zonjic. My Dadi is the President of the Croatian Bowls Fraternity. My mum Linda Zonjic oversees organizing the volunteers, kitchen & food. I also help with some of the admin stuff too. Social media, promoting the event etc.
– This annual tournament has clearly become a beloved tradition. How many years has the Croatian Bowls social day been running?
The Croatian Bowls Fraternity was established in the 1990s, when Croatia became an independent country, over 30 years ago.
– How would you describe the atmosphere at this year’s event? What made the 2025 edition stand out?
The atmosphere at this year’s Croatian Bowls was nothing short of electric! The event buzzed with excitement, laughter & camaraderie as participants & spectators alike rallied together to support their teams. As bowlers showcased their skills, the spirit of friendly rivalry infused the games with enthusiasm. Cheers for outstanding plays, high-fives among participants, and even light-hearted banter added to the warmth of the event.
This year saw an increase in participants, bringing in fresh faces and renewed energy, which contributed to a more dynamic atmosphere.
Overall, the 2025 edition of Croatian Bowls was a heartwarming and unforgettable celebration of culture, sport, and community spirit.
– Where was the tournament held this year (is this location special to the Croatian community?)
The Annual CROATIAN Bowling day is held at the Carlton Cornwall Bowling Club in Epsom, Auckland. This bowling club is one of the oldest & most prestigious bowling clubs in New Zealand. It has housed many champion Croatian bowlers, who have also gone onto win, various New Zealand lawn bowl titles over the years.
It’s a great location & has all the amenities you need to put on a great lunch & dinner for the bowlers during & after the competition.
– How many teams or participants did you have this year? Was there an increase in numbers compared to previous years?
From its establishment, the Croatian Bowling Fraternity would have over 30 teams each year. However, as the years have gone by, these numbers have dropped, because some of our older/master bowlers/members, are sadly no longer with us.
During Covid, we could not run the Annual competition because of lock down. We are slowing building the numbers back up again.
This year, we saw 18x teams in total! We also saw an increase in the young ones coming through which was just lovely to see!
We are hoping to keep this going for as long as we can, especially to encourage the younger generations to partake.
– Roughly how many Croatians were involved, either as players or supporters?
Quite a few from players to supporters to all the helpers to make this day a success. The teams are made up of 4x players per team where you can have two non-bowlers & two professional bowlers making up the team. Just the teams alone comes to 72 players. It’s a somewhat family affair which is definitely part of our Croatian roots.
In terms of family & supporters, there were heaps, before, during & definitely after.
– Is this tournament exclusively for Croatian teams, or is it open to everyone in the wider New Zealand community?
You have to have Croatian descendents, young or old, female or male. No one can play unless they have a connection to a Croatian bloodline. For example in NZ, Maori who married Croatians are called Tarara. It’s a mixture of Maori & Croatian descent.
On that note, the Croatian Bowling Fraternity would definitely love to encourage any other Croatian teams to partake from Australia or anywhere in the World.
– Can you share with us the names of this year’s winning team and runners-up?
The Winning Team
Petar Sain, Karlos Sain, Niko Grgicevich, Mario Stulich
Runners up
Zoran Bartulovich, Nevan Grgicevich, Jure Bonkovich & Marin
– Tell us a bit more about the Croatian Bowling Fraternity itself – how did it start, and what is its mission?
The Bowling Fraternity had been running for many years as the Dalmatian Fraternity up until the 1990s. When Croatia became an independent country, from that point onwards, the Croatian Bowling Fraternity had been established.
Our mission is to encourage everyone, young or old, of Croatian descent, to get involved, have fun & to be proud of our Croatian heritage, who we are & where we’re from
– What do you think the event means to the Croatian community here in New Zealand?
The Croatian Bowls event holds profound significance for the Croatian community in New Zealand, serving as a vibrant celebration of heritage and unity.
• Cultural Connection: For many participants, this event is an opportunity to reconnect with their Croatian roots while sharing traditions with younger generations. It fosters a sense of cultural pride and belonging within the diaspora.
• Community Bonding: The event strengthens ties among community members, providing a cherished space for social interaction, friendship, and collaboration. It cultivates bonds that extend beyond just a single day, reinforcing communal support.
• Celebration of Heritage: Croatian Bowls is more than a sporting contest; it’s a celebration of language, food, music, and customs that reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia. And good sportsmanship
• Encouraging Unity: Especially for newcomers and younger generations, the event offers an inclusive environment to meet others who share similar backgrounds and experiences, helping to bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity.
• Promoting Well-Being: Through sports and physical activity, the event encourages health, wellness, and teamwork. It gives participants the chance to engage in friendly competition while also enjoying the social aspects of the day.
In summary, the Croatian Bowls event is a heartwarming gathering that embodies the spirit of community, celebrates cultural identity, and promotes connections among those living in New Zealand, making it an essential part of the Croatian experience abroad.
Memorable Moments
– Are there any particular highlights or moments from the day that really stood out to you personally?
Amazing Turnout: This year’s event saw a fantastic gathering of bowlers and supporters, showcasing our vibrant community spirit!
Exciting Matches: From friendly competition to nail-biting finals, the bowling action kept everyone on the edge of their seats!
Delicious Cuisine – lamb on the spit
From celebrating wins to sharing stories and creating lasting memories, every moment added to the joy of the day! Special recognition was given to local bowlers and teams, fostering encouragement and pride in our growing talent pool.
AND lastly, another special recognition & mention at Prize Giving was given to the Arnerich family as their twin boys, Marine & Dominiko Arnerich have been chosen to row & represent Croatia. They are born in NZ & are third generation Croatians. An outstanding achievement, which was proudly acknowledged.
– What are the committee’s plans or hopes for the future of the tournament?
Growth in Participation: Aim to increase participation by welcoming more players of all skill levels, including newcomers, non-bowlers, encouraging our younger generation to get involved. And also other Croatian teams from not just NZ.
Increasing Sponsorship Opportunities: Seeking further partnerships with local businesses and sponsors will ensure we have the resources necessary to elevate the event each year.
Together, we can continue to grow Croatian Bowls into a wonderful annual event for years to come!
A final word from Ivanka Zonjic
– Would you like to give a few words of thanks to the participants, volunteers, or sponsors who made the day possible?
A Heartfelt Thank You!
To all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made Croatian Bowls an unforgettable day! Your hard work, dedication, and generosity have truly made a difference.
Participants: Thank you for bringing your skills, passion, and spirit of competition to the green. Your enthusiasm brought energy to the event and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Volunteers: A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly. From setting up to serving food, you are the backbone of this event, and we appreciate each one of you!
Sponsors: A special thank you to our generous sponsors for your support. Your contributions helped bring this event to life and provided invaluable resources to enhance our festivities.
Together, we created a day filled with laughter, culture, and community bonding. We couldn’t have done it without all of you, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!
With heartfelt appreciation,
The Croatian Bowls Organizing Team
– Lastly, for those who may not have attended before – why should they come along next year?
Experience the warmth of our vibrant community as we come together to celebrate friendship, tradition, fun & to make new friends
Emmerse yourself in Croatian culture with delicious food, music, and activities that showcase our rich HERITAGE.
Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or new to the game, there’s a spot for everyone! Join in on the friendly competition and showcase your skills on the GREEN young or old.
Endless Fun: Enjoy a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Savor mouthwatering dishes, traditional lamb on the spit, and so much more prepared by our talented kitchen crew.
Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and anyone who wants to join the fun—let’s make it a day to remember!
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories!
Read about more great events within Croatian Cultural Society of New Zealand here