Ruaporo (19), one of the most promising younger bowlers in the country, played in the event for the first time at the weekend.
"It's an honour to be chosen to play here.
"I have heard so much about the tournament. I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
"I was overwhelmed when Terry [Scott] asked me to play," he said.
The invitation singles is regarded as the best singles tournament in the country.
The top bowlers are keen to get an invitation.
Ruaporo, an Auckland waiter-barman, earned the right through some promising performances over the last five years.
His teenage fours team reached the quarterfinals of the New Zealand championships at Wellington last season.
They will attend the championships in Dunedin this season.
Ruaporo won the New Zealand secondary schools singles title in 2006 and 2007, was a member of the New Zealand under-18 team in 2008 and 2009 and was in the under-25 team this year as lead in the triples and fours.
He was born in Auckland but his family come from the Cook Islands and he has made several trips to visit relatives in the islands.
Ruaporo started playing bowls for the Blockhouse Bay Club 10 years ago and found that he was good at the game.
"I won $20 in my first tournament and enjoyed the game.
"I like the atmosphere, meeting new people and making new friends.
"I get advice from more experienced bowlers."
His biggest supporter is his father, Tony Ruaporo.
"Dad's always on hand to back me and give me confidence."
Bowls is the family game and his uncle, Tere Tuaiti, and aunt, Rema Strickland, are Auckland representatives.
Ruaporo was a versatile sportsman at St Peters College, Auckland, and was a member of the top basketball team.
He also played volleyball, touch and rugby.
His long-term goal in bowls is to represent New Zealand at World Bowls and the Commonwealth Games.
