15th March 2026

Hi Everyone,

Here we are almost halfway through March, one week from the Summit in Napier and 3 & ½ months until the end of the Rotary year which is approaching very fast.
 
I had the honour of attending a cocktail party at Government House to celebrate 50 years of Life Flight which is a huge achievement.  Many of you would have been touched by their wonderful work and as a member of the Wellington Rotary Children’s Health Trust, I urge you to support them, as they are busier than ever and the rising fuel costs must be a real struggle for them. There is an open day at the Life Flight base in Rongotai on this coming Sunday (22 March) from 10am-2pm.  Everyone is welcome and it’s a great place to take the children and grandchildren with exciting live demos from the emergency services and a great day out.
 
 
A reminder to put in a nomination if you are interested in being a Community Group Leader.  We need people to put themselves forward. If you are interested, Click here for more details
 
Cans4aCause: This will run again 1-8 June. DGN Chris Eales is our co-ordinator and will be in touch with clubs with further details.
 
URGENT:  If you had a death of a club member this year, would you please let Carol know by Monday 4pm as we are going to have a Memorial presentation at the Summit this coming weekend.  Please include a photograph and indicate if they are a Past District Governor.
 
We're looking forward to seeing many of you at the Summit this coming weekend.  It is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends from around the country and make some new ones. This is the first multi-district conference ever held in New Zealand, so it is extra special. It would be lovely to see you there, and if you haven't registered yet it's still not too late - Click here to register. If you are going, don't forget to let Brent know that you would like to join us for our District 9940 dinner on Friday night at The Rose Irish Bar straight after the Summit opening address from our very own Sir Anand Satyanand.

Carol Green

District Governor 2025 - 2026

Brent Gerrard

District Governor Elect
District News
Rotary Oceania Summit
 
 
Information Session - The Rotary Foundation
Information Session - The Rotary Foundation
Rotary Club of Port Nicholson Goal Setter Award 2026
Volunteers Needed – Life Flight Open Day (22 March)

We’re looking for volunteers to help represent Rotary at the Life Flight Open Day on Saturday 22 March, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Rotary and connect with the community while supporting the incredible work of Life Flight.

We will be running a table throughout the day and need at least 3 volunteers per hour to help greet visitors, answer questions about Rotary, and share information about what we do and what Life Flight does. Even if you can spare just one hour, your help would be greatly appreciated and will help make a real difference.
 
The Open Day is always a popular community event in Wellington, and it’s a great chance to raise Rotary’s profile while supporting an organisation that plays such a vital role in our region.

If you can help out for any time between 9:00am and 3:00pm on 22 March, please reach out to Judith Gray (grayju02@gmail.com).
Did You Know? We Have a District Facebook Page!

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
Lifting the Lid - Hitting the headlines

Rotary’s impact on youth mental health has recently been highlighted by RNZ, with the Lifting the Lid programme praised for helping students access counselling within just 24 hours. Schools across the Wellington region say the Rotary funded initiative is making a real difference by ensuring young people receive timely support, without long waiting lists or financial barriers.

Since launching in Wellington in 2022, the programme has supported hundreds of counselling sessions across participating schools, helping students build resilience and improve wellbeing. Demand continues to grow, demonstrating just how important this Rotary initiative has become in supporting local youth.

This is Rotary in action – making a meaningful difference when it matters most.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/587604/scheme-paying-for-counselling-within-24hrs-making-a-difference
Prize Donations Needed – Online Auction Supporting Life Flight

Partner with us | Wellington Hospitals FoundationThe 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:

Judith Gray
Email: Grayju02@gmail.com
Phone: 027 440 6098

Thank you for helping Rotary support this important initiative for Life Flight and the young patients who rely on these critical services.

Look for your copy of the District Dispatch in your inbox.

Any questions, comments or suggestions contact: 

Carol - carol@prozone.co.nz or Brent brent.gerrard@outlook.com

 


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