History



AGBO Inc. was formed in 1991 by several members of our gay community here in Auckland. This was after they had been bowling in the United States with gay friends. These friends bowled in a gay league affiliated to the International Gay Bowling Organisation (IGBO).

On their return to New Zealand after experiencing the bowling "bug" they formed our organisation, which has grown to the largest gay and lesbian sporting body in New Zealand.

The main purpose of our organisation is to provide a sporting environment for gays and lesbians in the Auckland area so that they may experience the friendship and support that comes from participating in bowling in ones own community.

AGBO Inc. also promotes and assists its members to participate in sanctioned IGBO tournaments and other gay and lesbian bowling events.

AGBO Inc. is an affiliated league member of the International Gay Bowling Organisation (IGBO).

The Sail City Bowling League is currently the only league that is operating under the AGBO Inc. umbrella, and it is always looking for, and welcomes new league members.




In 2002 AGBO was the proud host of the IGBO Mid-Year International Bowling Tournament.

A note to our friends and guests:
This is our final opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone that attended the event in Auckland, New Zealand. We were extremely pleased to have finally been able to share our ‘Kiwi Hospitality’ with you all.

The Tournament raised NZ $14,000 for charity, which was distributed as follows:-
  • NZ $4,000 to the GABA Charitable Trust
  • NZ $1,000 to the Brett Shepherd Memorial Sports Fund
  • NZ $3,000 to Herne Bay House (AIDS Hospice)
  • NZ $3,000 to the NZ Women's Refuge
  • NZ $2,500 to the NZ Quilt Project
  • NZ $500 to Bruce Burnett Wellness Fund
A further NZ $3,000 was donated to AGBO Inc. with NZ $2,000 of that ear-marked for the tournament fund. This will assist any of our bowlers who wish to attend future IGBO tournaments.