The Oceania Challenge is set to host teams from Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Norfolk Island, Niue, Fiji, Cook Island, Tokelau and powerhouse nations Australia and New Zealand, with the venue set to be Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club in Auckland, early this year.

Although the format itself has yet to be decided, it is likely the contest will also feature a New Zealand Māori and New Zealand under-26 side, with teams of five men and women playing all disciplines.

World Bowls Oceania regional director Brett O’Riley revealed that the concept had previously been raised by several Oceania-based nations and is pleased to help bring the idea to fruition.

"It is really important that our Oceania member authorities have as many international competition opportunities as possible to enhance their prospects and ability to compete at World Bowls events and the Commonwealth Games . . . we want this to become an established event on the calendar," O’Riley said.

"We also know there is growing participation by Pacific Island and Māori communities in our game across the region, so we want them to see there is an international pathway and more regular international events to participate in."

O’Riley is optimistic the event will help to fill a void on the international calendar before the 2025 World Bowls Championships in Hong Kong and the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

Bowls has featured in the last two editions of the Pacific Games at Port Moresby 2015 and Samoa 2019, but is not part of Solomon Islands 2023.

"Bowls is not included in the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, or the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau," O'Riley said.

"These are multi-sport events and unfortunately neither venue has a bowls green.

"Therefore, we are hoping the Oceania Challenge can fill that gap in 2023 and again in 2025, where teams will again be preparing for the World Bowls Championships to be held in Hong Kong."

Blockhouse Bay Bowling Club has previously hosted several international and national events.

"I am really grateful for the leadership shown by both Bowls NZ and Bowls Auckland in supporting this kaupapa (concept) . . . there is palpable excitement across all countries at the prospect of this event and the playing and promotional opportunities it will create," O’Riley said.

"We are looking forward to what will be a true Pacific bowls festival, with the colour, music and food of the region reflected in the event from both the players and their supporters."

Last year, the world governing body launched "Bowls in the Olympics Advisory Group" with the aim of investigating launching a bid for the sport to be included at Brisbane 2032.