NZ Curling Association News

Presentation after the Idaburn Trophy's 2017 match. Photo © Lottie Hedley / lottiehedleyphotography.com

13 Aug 2017 – With warm weather signalling the imminent end of the outdoor curling season, a call went out to play the “North-South” one-day match for the Idaburn Trophy last Friday, 11 August.

Icemaker Jock Scott felt that while the ice conditions would be somewhat on the trying side, the ice would probably just about hold out long enough for a day’s curling on Naseby’s Outdoor Ice Rink.

Five teams each from the Naseby and Idaburn Curling Councils started the first of two scheduled 21 end games at 9am. Sluggish ice, and later pools of water, meant that the games progressed quickly – although curlers’ arms were already aching when the first game was completed.

Peter Becker and Sam Inder with two of the new stones. Photo © George Berry / Winter Games NZ

1 Jul 2017 – The New Zealand Curling Association has purchased new curling stones for top-level competition – national and international events.

"These stones will help ensure that our top curlers have the best possible conditions at our premier events," said NZCA Chairman Sam Inder, "They are also an factor in attracting the best overseas curlers to international events here, and with Winter Games NZ likely to be held annually it was important that we acted sooner rather than later."

He continued, "They will be 'livelier' and more reactive than other stones used here, and also have a perfectly true running surface."

Otago Central, pictured here during their 2012 Nicolson Trophy win, continued their fine run in 2017

28 Jun 2017 – Otago Central Curling Club's history of success in the Nicolson Trophy has continued.

Their two teams won the 2017 match ahead of Alpine, Poolburn and Mt Ida clubs at Alexandra's IceInLine outdoor ice rink today.

The Nicolson Trophy is played between the two top teams from the Idaburn and Naseby Councils, as decided from their respective “One Day Matches” from the previous season.

Click the image to see the ONE News clip. Photo © ONE News / TVNZ

17 Aug 2016 – ONE News called in on the one-day Curling @ Altitude bonspiel at the Southern Hemisphere Vehicle Proving Grounds at the top of the Pisa Range on Sunday.

Click here to see reporter George Berry's take on the event, and comments from Lowburn's Jack Davis and Cardrona's Roger Gardiner.

Wendy Jane Becker 19 February 1953 - 11 July 2016

14 July 2016 – New Zealand Curling is deeply saddened to advise the passing of Wendy Becker, one of one of the country's most well-loved curlers.

Wendy passed away on Monday 11 July, aged 63.

Born into a well-known curling family, Wendy was a curler for most of her life and competed at the top level for many years. She represented New Zealand at eight World Senior Championships between 2005 and 2015.

As recently as 2014, Wendy and husband Peter won the MCI Doubles and later that year she skipped her team to the New Zealand Women's Championship title.

However it is for her warmth, hospitality and generosity to the local, national and international curling community that Wendy will best be remembered.

We extend our love and deepest sympathies to Peter, Sean, James, Bridget and Scott and their families.

Photo: Lottie Hedley

Naseby, 18 July 2015 – Blackstone Hill won New Zealand's 2015 Bonspiel to claim the Snuff Box trophy for the 10th time since 1890. Their two rinks (teams) won 7 of 8 games over the two day event, the same number as Ranfurly. However the honours went to Blackstone Hill on a countback of points scored, with their 179 points just heading off Ranfurly's 168.

This tenth win brings Blackstone Hill level with Cambrian as the club with most victories. Cambrian last won the event 60 years ago .

This special event on New Zealand's sporting and cultural calendar was held on Naseby's Centennial Ponds in Naseby, Central Otago on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 July.

Pacific-Asia delegates, including Hong Kong and Qatar, at the 2014 World Curling Congress. Photo: WCF

24 Oct 2014, Perth, Scotland – The World Curling Federation (WCF) has formally accepted the Hong Kong Curling Association and the Qatar Curling Federation as conditional Member Associations.

Their acceptance follows a statutory period of consultation with existing Member Associations since the annual World Curling Congress in Reno, USA in September 2014.

Part of the Pacific-Asia Curling zone, both Hong Kong and Qatar will be supported as they continue to work towards establishing the sport of curling in their respective countries.

WCF Annual General Assembly 2014 Photo: Don Chang/WCF

7 Sep 2014 – Members of the World Curling Federation have elected a new board and voted to introduce a new World Junior qualification event, a World Mixed Curling Championship, along with approving a raft of other key rule changes.

The competition and rule changes and board elections took place at the World Curling Federation’s Annual General Assembly held during the 3rd Annual World Curling Congress in Reno, Nevada, USA.

> READ MORE...