Umpires News
Sheryl Wellington
At the recent Bowls North Harbour Prizegiving Sheryl Wellington was awarded the BNH Umpire of the year 2026.
Sheryl Wellington & Sue Rossiter
2025 Summerset Umpire of the Year – Sue Rossiter
At the recent Bowls North Harbour Prizegiving, Sue Rossiter was recognised for one of the highest honours in bowls officiating when she was presented with the Summerset Umpire of the Year award 2025.
Sue Rossiter is at the very top of her umpiring game. She has reached a standard of adjudication in our sport that even the legendary Helen Stallard would surely have acknowledged with an approving smile. Her calm authority, accuracy, and deep knowledge of the laws have made her one of the most respected officials in the country.
In September 2024, Sue marked during the nationally televised Bowls5 Series and officiated at the Representative Quadrangular Series. The following month, she served as Chief Technical Officer at the North Harbour Masters, a five-day signature event.
Her season continued at the highest level. In November 2024, Sue umpired and served as Deputy Chief Technical Officer at both the World Champion of Champions Singles and the Oceania Challenge in Auckland, while also officiating at the Bowls North Harbour Men’s Triples. In January, she was again on duty every day as Deputy Chief Technical Officer during the National Open Singles and Pairs in Auckland.
By February, Sue was both umpiring and acting as Chief Technical Officer at the Representative Quadrangular Series, as well as officiating at the North Harbour Men’s Fours Finals Day. She finished the 2024/2025 season with further duties at the Bowls North Harbour 1–5 Year Interclub Finals Day in April and the Champion of Champion Triples Finals Day in May.
Yet Sue’s contribution extends well beyond tournament appointments. She has played a major role in developing and supporting other umpires, helping to coordinate monthly training sessions for members of the Bowls North Harbour Umpires’ Association and sharing practical and theoretical advice that has also attracted umpires from Auckland.
As North Harbour Umpires’ Appointments Officer for the past two years, Sue has helped ensure events are properly supported by qualified officials. She has also led the introduction of laser measures in North Harbour, training umpires in their use and helping make the technology available across the association.
Her commitment to education has had a direct impact on the future of umpiring. She helped re-accredit Level 2 umpires in North Harbour and has supported accreditation work in other centres, including Far North and Bay of Plenty.
Sue’s willingness to share her expertise throughout the Upper North Island has made her a valued mentor, educator, and ambassador for the umpiring community. Whether presenting long service awards, explaining new measuring tools, visiting clubs, or preparing officials for major events, she has consistently strengthened the standard of umpiring across the region.
Her 2025 Summerset Umpire of the Year award is therefore not only a recognition of an outstanding season, but also a tribute to years of service, leadership, generosity, and excellence. Bowls North Harbour can be immensely proud to have Sue Rossiter recognised nationally for the contribution she continues to make to the sport.