Prize money for the Speight's Invitation Singles has increased by $5,000 to $20,000 for the Labour weekend tournament.
The event, the richest tournament run by a club, is hosted by the North East Valley Bowling Club which is celebrating the tournament's 20th year by instigating its own version of twenty/20 for bowls (20 years, $20,000).
The prestigious event attracts the best bowlers in New Zealand, and some Australians, and is the top singles tournament in the country.
There are 32 places available for the tournament and last year's winner, Shaun Scott, has confirmed his participation along with Commonwealth Games representative Shannon McIlroy who won the event in 2006 and 2008.
Other leading players and Commonwealth Games representatives who have confirmed their entries are Dan Delany and Richard Girvan.
The full field will be finalised within the next month.
The four-day tournament will be staged over Labour weekend from October 22 to 25.
