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With registrations for the Rotary International Convention opening on 17 September 2026, now is the time to get excited about Barcelona!
Importantly, the special promotional registration rate will only be available for FIVE DAYS!!
Save USD $200 – Club member, non-member or guest, age 31 or over
Save USD $100 – Club member, non-member or guest, age 30 or under
It's great to see an article on Radio New Zealand news about the ShelterBag project.
Now that the first container load has arrived and been distributed, the project is moving into it's next phase
and our ROZops team is picking this up as a project that can be coordinated nationally.
To see the article:
This November, Rotary members around the world have the opportunity to get moving for a great cause through Cycle & Steps 2026, supporting the work of BeyondWater in East Africa.
BeyondWater is a charitable organisation working to alleviate poverty across East Africa by providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Rotary has been a major supporter of this work, helping BeyondWater reach more than 300,000 people every day.
The organisation is led by Pete and his wife, who are members of the Rotary Club of Pohutukawa Coast (D9920) and have been based in Nairobi, Kenya, for the past 15 years.
🚴♂️ Pedal Against Poverty
In November, the third Pedal Against Poverty event will see a team of cyclists from New Zealand, Kenya and the USA tackle an incredible 1,500km journey along the length of New Zealand’s South Island.
The team, including Pete, is aiming to raise $10,000 to build a new block of toilets at Kikongo Primary School in Kenya.
While the cyclists will be covering their own costs, they are also taking a support vehicle, driven by a member of the Rotary Club of North Harbour, and are seeking sponsorship to help cover the costs of this vehicle.
🌍 How can your Club get involved?
Alongside Pedal Against Poverty, BeyondWater is inviting Rotary clubs around the world to take part in Cycle & Steps 2026.
On 21 November — or another date that works for your club — registered teams can gather at a local venue and walk, run or cycle a route of their choice. It’s designed to be easy for Rotary clubs to participate in, wherever they are in the world.
Whether we put together a team, organise a local activity, or support the Pedal Against Poverty team, it’s a great opportunity to combine fellowship, physical activity and fundraising while contributing to a project that will make a lasting difference for children in Kenya.
Find out more and register at Cycle & Steps 2026
Foundation Update – Is Your Club Ready?
District Grant Applications Open – Closes 15 August 2026
The new Rotary year is underway, and now is the time to ensure your club is Foundation-ready. Completing these simple steps will make your club eligible for District Grants and help you achieve Rotary Club Excellence recognition.
District Grants – Apply Now
Applications are now open and are available on the District website or by contacting grants9940@
Qualify Your Club
Before submitting a grant application, your club must complete the qualification process by:
Returning the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sent to all Club Presidents and Foundation Chairs.
Completing the Grant Management Seminar through the Learning Centre on Rotary.org. This should be completed by the members responsible for managing grants.
Don't Miss Out on Club Excellence Recognition
Club Presidents and Secretaries are reminded to enter your Annual Fund and PolioPlus giving goals into Rotary Club Central on Rotary.org.
This is an essential requirement for your club to be eligible for the Rotary Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation) and should be completed before submitting your District Grant application.
Key Date
District Grant applications close: 15 August 2026
Don't leave it until the last minute! Completing these requirements now will ensure your club is eligible for funding and receives the recognition it deserves. If you have any questions or need assistance, please get in touch—I’m happy to help.
- International Literacy Day, 8 September. Help Rotary build a more equitable world where all children receive quality education and adults gain essential literacy and numeracy skills. Honor Literacy Day with a gift to The Rotary Foundation.
- International Legacy Giving Day, 13 September. For more than 100 years, Rotary members have created legacies of Doing Good in the World through The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment. Celebrate their impact and shape the future with a gift to the Endowment.
- International Day of Peace, 21 September. Peacebuilding is central to Rotary’s mission. When communities create peace locally, global change follows. Mark Peace Day with a gift to The Rotary Foundation that empowers Rotary and Rotaract clubs, districts, and peace fellows to build lasting
peace worldwide.
Wellington siblings Jayathi and Jayath Jaiganesh are making waves internationally with the release of their debut children’s book, Bella and Bio-Bot. The book is available online and in stores in London, Cambridge, Sharjah, and New York, has been added to the prestigious British Library, and is available in New Zealand libraries. Jayathi recently served a term as a member of the Rotary International Youth Advisory Council. The children's mum, Jay, is a member of the Rotary Club of Wellington North. Continuing her work in the area of youth, Jayathi is using her enthusiasm to help our tamariki engage in the science arena.
Rotary Youth Advisory Counci members advise the Rotary International Board of Directors to shape the future of Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Since the Council began four years ago, they have championed an inclusion strategy for young people in Rotary, advocated for the launch of the @rotaryyoungleaders Instagram channel, and hosted virtual webinars and breakout sessions at Convention to raise awareness about Rotary’s youth programs. The Council meets virtually on a quarterly basis, providing direct feedback to Rotary’s Board of Directors.
Bella and Bio-Bot take readers on an imaginative journey full of curiosity, adventure, and discovery, showcasing the creativity and insight of these talented young Wellington authors. The launch marks an exciting milestone in their literary journey, and the siblings credit their parents, teachers, mentors, and friends for their invaluable support and encouragement.
Beyond being an engaging story, Bella and Bio-Bot has a strong STEM focus, introducing children to science, technology, engineering, and problem-solving concepts in an accessible and fun way. Through the adventures of Bella and her robotic companion, young readers are encouraged to think critically, experiment, and explore the world around them—making the book both entertaining and educational.
“We hope our story inspires children and young readers in New Zealand and around the world to explore the joy of reading and embrace creativity,” say Jayathi and Jayath.
There is now a discovery kit hands‑on exploration to help young children notice more, ask questions and keep exploring. Order your copy: Visit Amazon and search for Bella and Bio-Bot Jayathi Jaiganesh or use the direct link: https://www.amazon.com/Bella-Bio-Bot-Jayathi-Jaiganesh/dp/1035862255
The final two polio-endemic countries
District Polio Chair.
Kapiti Club
Interplast is one of Rotary's longest-standing humanitarian partners, providing free reconstructive surgery, allied health care, and medical training throughout the Asia-Pacific. Since its establishment in 1983, thousands of children and adults affected by burns, cleft lip and palate, congenital conditions, hand deformities, and traumatic injuries have received life-changing treatment that would otherwise be unavailable.
What makes Interplast unique is its focus on building lasting healthcare capacity. Volunteer teams of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, hand therapists, and other allied health professionals work alongside local clinicians, not only performing surgery but also providing mentoring and training. This ensures that knowledge and skills remain within local communities, improving patient care well into the future.
A wonderful example of this partnership is Samoa, where Interplast surgical teams have been working with Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital for the past 17 years. Alongside life-changing surgery, allied health clinicians provide vital rehabilitation and physiotherapy, helping patients achieve the best possible recovery while mentoring their Samoan counterparts.
Our district is fortunate to have Past District Governor Carol Green serving as our Interplast District Chair (IDC).
Interplast is a wonderful example of Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self.
Through the generosity of Rotary clubs, donors, and dedicated medical volunteers, lives are transformed every year—one patient, one family, and one community at a time.
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
We are incredibly proud of our Global Grant project, directed at Early Childhood Education project in Timor-Leste. By working hand-in-hand with UNICEF and the local community, we will change lives by providing Timor-Leste children the access to education they deserve, which will strengthen their communities and fledgling independent pacific nation.
The sponsor club is my own, Rotary Club of Mana Tangata, with my own interest stemming from being a NZ Army Peacekeeper deployed to East Timor in 1999-2000 as part of the initial Australian & New Zealand stabilising force. There is a part of my heart that belongs to Timor-Leste, and her people.
We are now looking toward the future with Stage II project planning. This next phase is all about sustainability. Our goal is to ensure that the early learning programs we are initiating become a permanent, community-led success. We are focusing on empowering parents and school committees to own these programs, ensuring that the literacy, numeracy, and play-based learning gains made today last for generations.
The Opportunity - Your pledge…
We are seeking Club & District partners to help us reach our funding goal of USD $74,400. By pledging your support, you are not just funding a project; you are investing in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of the children, families and communities of Timor-Leste.
Would your club be open to supporting this initiative? I have all the project overviews and documentation ready and would love to present this project to your members. Together, we can continue this mission and ensure that every child in Timor-Leste has a fair start.
Please reach out to me directly!
Warm regards,
The 37th Rotary National Science and Technology Forum will take place from 9–23 January 2027, continuing a long-standing Rotary tradition of supporting New Zealand’s future leaders in science, mathematics, and technology.
This highly regarded programme is designed for well-rounded, high-achieving Year 12 students with a strong interest in STEM subjects. The Forum gives students valuable exposure to tertiary study pathways, industry opportunities, and the important role science and technology play within business and the wider community.
Applications Open 1 June 2026
Secondary schools across New Zealand will be advised by email on 28–29 May 2026 that applications officially open on 1 June 2026.
Schools will receive information through their main contact email address and, where known, directly to Heads of Science, Mathematics, and Technology.
Rotary Clubs – Early Engagement is Important
Students are encouraged to identify and connect with the Rotary club supporting their school. Clubs are therefore encouraged to reach out early to their associated secondary schools to ensure school staff know:
- The name of your Rotary club
- Your club’s Forum contact person
- How students can engage with your club during the application process
This is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relationships with local schools and introduce young people to Rotary and future Rotary programmes.
Application Process
The entire application process is now managed online through the Forum website: rotaryscienceforum.nz
There will be no hard copy mail outs to schools or Rotary clubs.
Students will:
- Download and complete the required application forms
- Submit an initial online data form
- Compile an Application Package including:
- Information Form
- Declaration Form
- School support letter
- Covering letter to the nominating Rotary Club President
Completed applications are first submitted to the Forum Administrator before being distributed to District Coordinators and Rotary clubs.
Key Deadline
Student application packages must be received by the Forum Administrator by: Sunday 9 August 2026, Midnight (NZST)
Support & Resources
The Forum website contains dedicated sections for:
- Students
- Schools
- Rotary Clubs
It also includes:
- Selection Process Guidelines for Rotary Clubs
- Application Process Flowchart
- District Coordinator contact details
Please note that some current website information may still reference the 2026 Forum until updates are completed by 1 June 2026, however the overall process remains the same.
If your club has any questions, please contact your District Coordinator in the first instance, or email the Forum Administrator at: rotarysciencetechnologyforum@gmail.com
This programme continues to be one of Rotary’s premier youth opportunities, helping inspire the next generation of innovators, scientists, engineers, and technology leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Stay connected with everything happening across our District by following our Facebook page. It’s a great way to keep up with projects, events, stories, and the incredible work our Rotary Clubs are doing in our communities.
If you haven’t already, head over and give the page a like — and while you’re there, help spread the word by sharing our posts with your networks. Every like and share helps showcase the impact Rotary is making and strengthens our connection with the wider community.
Follow us here:
https://www.facebook.com/Rotary9940
Life Flight Trust and Rotary District 9940 Regional Children's Health Trust
Thanks to the significant number of Clubs that have contributed either via the Children's Health Trust or directly to the Life Flight Trust.
Our total donated is just over $113,000!!
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Life Flight Trust and the critical service that they provide across New Zealand does not lessen. Life Flight Trust extend their thanks to our district for the continuing support and contributions to help with purchasing vital lifting equipment.
