It’s been a very busy one and I’m quite grateful to have survived. I’m planning to relax and do nothing much for a couple of weeks before it all starts again starting with RYLA in January.
Thank you to all the clubs that have been supportive and made Nigel and me so welcome. It’s very special to get to know you and hear what you are involved with, which is always impressive. The last couple of weeks I went to Christmas parties at Eastern Hutt, Plimmerton and Whanganui North (with DGE Brent), and a lunch party at the Wellington Club. I also went to the Kandallah Fair on a beautiful day. It was very successful with a lovely happy vibe.
We finally got the District Constitution finished and unanimously approved last week. Thanks to all who attended the Special AGM. Also, thanks to all the clubs who have reregistered their club constitution. There are a few last clubs that need to reregister, but most are working on it. Extra special thanks to our District Executive Secretary, Adrian Gregory, who worked so hard on both documents. You deserve a well-earned break, Adrian.
Also, special thanks to DGE Brent Gerrard, who has accompanied me to many clubs, is always ready to listen and is full of energy and sensible ideas. Thanks too to my Board and the DFRC who all help to keep the District running. Together we have achieved a lot.
Thank you to all the Rotarians from around the district, around the country and Australia, who have reached out to me this week after the horrendous events at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. It has been devastating but it is comforting to know that there is so much support out there. It is very much appreciated and helps me to stay strong.
There are still clubs that I intend to visit in the new year. There are also several significant club anniversaries that are happening in 2026 e.g. the Rotary Club of Petone will be celebrating their 75th Anniversary at the end of April. If you would like me to come, please ask.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2026.
See you all back ready and rearing to go in the new year.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards programme 2026 is go !
We may have time to squeeze in a couple more candidates for RYLA 2026 but you will need to be very quick! Our story about Emma Middlemass has helped to raise awareness of the excellent Blue Team we have leading the RYLA programme and the fabulous feedback we get every year about RYLA.
Emma was a RYLA participant in 2021 and joined the leadership team (the Blue Team) in 2022, and has been the Programme Director since 2024 (along with Janis Baker). Emma has recently returned from the RYLA Elevate programme in Sydney, and shared her life changing RYLA experience her. Emma was nominated and sponsored by the RYLA 9940 committee to attend the Elevate programme.
“Go Fast Alone. Go Far Together” was the slogan of RYLA Oceania’s Elevate which I have had the enormous privilege of attending in the Blue Mountains, Australia this past week.
Elevate is the flagship programme of RYLA Oceania designed to bring together leaders from all across Australia and New Zealand - most of whom have participated in a RYLA programme within their district before - to recharge, reconnect and rise to the next level of their leadership journey.
It was spectacular! I don’t think my brain has stopped whirring since getting off the plane and hitting the ground running back here in NZ. I feel invigorated and deeply grounded and connected to my purpose, goals and community. RYLA opened the door to this, and Elevate has provided a further match to the fire to ignite even further growth and expansion through the delivery of impactful tools and strategies, reflection and connection.
As part of our tradition, each District Conference features a memorial display honouring current and former Rotary members who have passed away during the preceding year.
For the Summit for Oceania 2026, the organising committee has begun gathering these names, along with photographs, to create a respectful and meaningful tribute.
We are asking all Clubs within the District to begin compiling this information.
Please forward the details of all current and former members who have passed away since 1 May 2025.
Information Required
Full name
Preferred/known name
Rotary Club(s) they belonged to
District
Years of Rotary service
Positions held (e.g., District Governor, Assistant Governor, District roles, Club President)
We're still looking for help with District roles….
District Archivist
The District has a number of records that need archiving. We also have a number of records already archived. If you to are keen to use your skills to help with managing our important district archives, then please contact me at brent.gerrard@outlook.com
