Happy New Year and welcome to 2026
I hope that everyone has had a good break despite the atrocious weather in many places, and that you are back feeling rejuvenated and ready for an exciting year ahead. This week our thoughts are with the people who have lost their lives with the floods and slips up north.
So many clubs did wonderful projects up to Christmas to support the community, including Hutt City’s Tree of Joy. They collected over 3,000 gifts for distribution through various charities to needy families. Sales of Christmas puddings were also very successful again. Thanks to all of you for your organising of these and other worthwhile projects to ensure that nobody gets left out at what is often a difficult time of the year.
It’s going to be a busy year with our multi-district Summit 20-22 March in the beautiful Hawkes Bay. Together with all the other districts we are putting together an exciting and fun programme and will send out a more detailed email about it to everyone separately. I am aware that some people are intending to go but haven’t registered yet. Please do register as soon as possible so we can make it the best occasion. Get your club to organise for several of you to go. I am intending to organise a casual dinner for the district on Friday 20th so will need an idea of numbers to book a venue. Please let me know if you are interested in joining us.
Welcome back to DGE Brent who has returned from International Assembly in Orlando. He didn’t need to bring his cold back with him! He’s busy organising District Assembly for 2 May and President Elect Training on 3 May. The venue is still being finalised.
International Convention is in Taipei from 13-17 June. They are expecting 37,000 Rotarians to attend. It’s a great way to meet fellow Rotarians from all around the world.
District changeover is 27 June. The venue to be confirmed.
Nigel and I went to several events at RYLA in Masterton last week. Despite the cold and sometimes wet weather it was a wonderfully successful event and 21 new Rylarians left with a lot of positive memories and new friends. Our grateful thanks to the Carterton club and especially Alistair and Nicky Orsborn who spent months organising the week, not to mention supplying the lamb for the spit roast on Friday. We also need to acknowledge the Blue Team who give up their time to get everyone involved and excited. Made me want to be 50 years younger. Next year we are looking to increase the number of candidates and the number of clubs supporting Carterton for the event. Whenever I spoke to the group I encouraged them to consider joining Rotary, if not now, maybe later. I already have 2 from the blue team who would like to come to our club meetings. I also suggested that they could form their own satellite clubs around a project. We should encourage them to become part of the Rotary family, rather than just get then to come and talk to your club, say thank you, then we never see them again. They are an energetic and talented group of young people who have a lot to offer.
