Here we are at ANZAC weekend already. Nigel and I attended the ANZAC service at Himatangi on a beautiful but freezing cold morning. It brought to mind my visit to Gallipoli many years ago. We went with an Australian couple and an Australian guide and had the whole place to ourselves. It was a very moving experience but chilling when you think about what happened there and at other places during the First World War.
On ANZAC day I also think of my father who served in the New Zealand army during the second World War. He was stationed in Fiji then Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands which wasn’t a lot of fun. After he moved to the Gold Coast in 1987, he was very proud to lay the wreath every year for the New Zealand Jewish soldiers. Mainly I think he enjoyed the Mayor’s breakfast afterwards washed down with plenty of beer.
We will be eternally grateful for the sacrifices made and we will remember them.
I hope that our members didn’t suffer in the storms last week. It was certainly frightening at how severe the weather was and the damage it caused. There are several clean-up events happening across Wellington, so if you’re keen to lend a hand and help Wellington recover, please consider getting involved.
Brent and I went to the Wellington Club for lunch where we spoke about the future of our District and what is proposed. The next evening, I visited Hutt River Valley, a smaller but very convivial club whose main project is supplying Usborne dictionaries to schools. Apparently, they donate the most dictionaries of any club in the district which is very impressive. It is such a great programme.
This week we are going to celebrate Petone Club’s 75th anniversary which is an occasion I am looking forward to. On Tuesday Brent and Chris (DGN) are going to the Taranaki North PHF dinner. They will be our district representatives as I can’t get there. The same morning, I will go to the presentation of an ambulance to Samoa by Port Nicholson in Wellington. The following weekend is District Assembly and President Elect seminar in Whanganui. I remember getting ready for that this time last year. It’s been a busy year.
Enjoy the better weather. The snow on the Tararuas was spectacular when we came up to Himatangi on Friday and Mt Taranaki looked like an iced cake sitting out in the sea when we were on the beach yesterday. Some things in life you just can’t pay for so enjoy the beauty.
Rotary District Assemblies are annual training events for members and incoming club officers to learn about Rotary programs, plan for the upcoming year, and network.
We have a special guest from our Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office (RISPPO) based in Sydney:
Barbara Mifsud
Regional Membership Officer
Rotary International
Barbara has worked at the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines office for over 14 years ago.
During the last six years in her role as Regional Membership Officer, she has supported clubs and districts in Rotary South Pacific with their membership efforts. This includes advising on strategy, analysing data, providing resources, as well as sharing best practice and stories.
Why do we hold a District Assembly: - to train club leaders (President-elect, secretaries, treasurers, and committee chairs) and provide updates on District goals. We talk at about the machinery of Rotary, leadership, membership growth, the Rotary Foundation and governance.
This is a great opportunity to connect with other Rotarians within the district.
This years District Assembly is centrally located in Whanganui and will take place at:
As World Immunization Week runs from 24–30 April, it’s a timely reminder of the incredible impact vaccines have in protecting children, preventing disease, and keeping communities healthy.
It’s also a moment to recognise the people behind these efforts. Around the world, dedicated health workers go to extraordinary lengths to ensure vaccines reach those who need them most. In places like Pakistan, thousands of frontline workers travel long distances to vaccinate children and support vital disease surveillance — often reaching the most remote and vulnerable communities.
Thanks to global collaboration, the results have been remarkable. Since 1988, Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative have helped reduce polio cases by more than 99.9% worldwide. Alongside polio, Rotary continues to support immunisation efforts protecting children from measles and other life-threatening diseases.
Immunisation remains one of the most powerful and effective tools we have to safeguard health and build stronger communities.
How you can support this work:
Make a donation to help eradicate polio and prevent other diseases
Take part in fundraising initiatives like Raise for Rotary
Explore ways to contribute to the PolioPlus Fund
Support through District Designated Funds
Together, we can back the people delivering vaccines, strengthen communities, and move closer to a world free from polio and other preventable diseases.
Picture the incredible power of every club in the South Pacific coming together, each taking on a project that ignites their passion, all on the same day! Imagine the energy as we unite to make a difference and reveal Rotary’s true impact within our communities.
How it Works
In 2025, Rotarians, Rotaractors, and community partners from five continents, eight countries, twenty states, fifty-seven districts, and 539 clubs joined forces in 613 projects, with 6,557 volunteers serving together.
Nine of those clubs were in Rotary South Pacific—just think how much greater our impact will be if we step up even further in 2026. The possibilities are limitless, and the ripple effect of our service can inspire real, lasting change.
Get involved!
Save the Date: 16 May 2026 - Epic Day of Service
Do a project you’re already doing, just do it on 16 May 2026 and leverage the power of Rotary for global impact. Take this to your clubs, have a think about one of your current projects that you could action on the Epic Day of Service.
This Trust was established by Rotary International Past President Harold Thomas, (Rotary Club of Auckland) in 1973.
In 1985 the Trust received a magnificent gift from Past District Governor Bernie Ross (Rotary Club of Manurewa) and his wife, which added greatly to the capital of the Trust. The Trust has available approx. $100,000 for distribution each year to Rotary Clubs and considers applications for grants as soon as received.
Assistance to Rotary Clubs is usually limited to 50% of the cost of the project up to a maximum of $10,000 for each project.
The objects of the Trust are to:
Assist financially any child, resident in the Pacific Islands who is in need of medical treatment or care in New Zealand, including fares and related costs.
Provide medical assistance for children in New Zealand or elsewhere.
For medical research.
For charitable purposes as defined in the Charities Act 2005.
Grant applications by Email are preferred and there is no specific application form. Applications are considered as soon as they are received.
For further information or assistance please contact:
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.
The Rotary Children’s Health Trust is seeking support from Rotarians and clubs across the district for an upcoming online auction fundraiser in support of Life Flight.
Life Flight provides vital emergency air ambulance and medical services across New Zealand, helping save lives every day. Funds raised through this auction will help fulfil the Trust’s commitment to providing specialised lifting equipment designed to safely transport Life Flight’s smallest patients in incubators.
To make this fundraiser a success, the Trust is looking for donations of auction prizes, including:
Gift vouchers or hampers
Products or merchandise
Services (such as spa treatments, professional consultations, or experiences)
Event tickets or exclusive opportunities
Donated items will help raise essential funds for this important project while also providing valuable exposure for participating clubs and businesses. Donors can be acknowledged on the auction website and in promotional material connected with the event.
Every contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference.
If you are able to donate a prize or would like more information, please contact:
