This is my final District Dispatch. Yesterday I handed over the District Governor chains to Brent, although technically I’m still DG until midnight on Tuesday. I’m counting on there not being any more drama for me to deal with in the meantime.
I’ve been to several Changeovers and there are still a few more to go for the next week, plus some other obligations going forward so it’s not quite over yet. I did get to sleep for 9 hours solid last night which is probably a first for the last year.
As I said at District Changeover yesterday, it has been quite a year, possibly unlike any other DG year before. I am very grateful to the Board and the District Finance and Risk Committee (DFRC) for advising and guiding me and keeping me on the straight and narrow, most of the time. There have also been several other Rotarians that have supported me throughout the year. Thank you all.
Yesterday we bestowed some honours on a few special people including PDG Jocelyn Hogg for her work for the Foundation, chartering a new satellite club and all the other things she does. We also recognised District Treasurer Graham Evans who is retiring from the position. I gave my husband, Nigel Miller, a PHF for his unwavering support for the last couple of years which have not been easy. I could not have managed without him. I had previously given an honour to Chris Tchernegovski for his work as Chair of the Polio Foundation and to Adrian Gregory for his tireless work as District Executive Secretary. I also recognised David Shackleton as Membership Chair and Helen Algar as Chair of the DFRC. You have all worked so hard to keep the wheels turning and the District alive.
We also recognised Dame Dorothy Spotswood with a PHF for her work and generous philanthropy, together with Sir Mark Dunajtschik. One of their current projects is the Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital being built in Wellington. It will be a free hospital for day procedures.
I was surprised by a PHF from the District which was truly unexpected and unnecessary but greatly appreciated.
Over the year, I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the clubs and have made many new friends. I got around to most clubs but there were a few that I didn’t manage to visit and I apologise for that. I’m constantly impressed by all the activity going on around the District and the great work and support being given to your communities. This is the heart of Rotary at its best. We are needed out there and the essence is the clubs and their members. Thank you to each and every one of you. Every member in the District deserves special recognition for their contribution.
Thank you to Ben King who has done a great job with the District Dispatch and has put it together no matter when I send it. I know it is widely read and enjoyed.
Brent will be an excellent District Governor with a clear vision for the future as we go forward to the future and redistricting. I have really enjoyed working with him, having him as my “Rotary husband” and doing the rounds to various clubs together. Chris Eales will be the last DG for our district 9940. This will be the end of an era. I’m excited to see what happens next and to be part of it. In the meantime, I’ll be there to support them as the Past District Governor and the Community Group Leader for the Manawatu.
Thank you all again for the privilege and trust you put in me as District Governor. It’s been quite a year.
We had a wonderful celebration for the District Changeover on Saturday.
District Governor Carol Green handed the Governor chains and Taupriripiri (rakau korero/talking stick) to incoming District Governor Brent Gerrard.
We were very fortunate to have Dame Dorothy Spotswood and Sir Mark Dinajtschik with us and we were able to honour Dame Dorothy with a PHF award for services to the community. Dame Dorothy and Sir Mark have been the philanthropists behind the recent Te Wao Nui Child Health Service and Hospital, the new Sir Mark Dinajtschik Mental Health Centre currently under construction in Lower Hutt and the Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital in central Wellington, which will open in 2028. This is just a small taste of their philanthropy work and Rotarians have in the past been able to support some of their projects and look forward to continuing that support.
Further recipients of PHFs were:
Graham Evans - District Treasurer who is passing on the role to Linda Wellington. Jocelyn Hogg - Past District Governor and Rotary Foundation Co-Chair, Satellite club founder,
Nigel Miller - Husband, major behind the scenes supporter of DG Carol, past President and Board member of Lifting the Lid. District Governor Carol Green for her services to the District.
Also recognised for their services were:
Helen Algar - Chair of District Finance and Risk Committee, past Assistant Governor. David Shackleton - District Membership Chair, past President and Assistant Governor, Board member Lifting the Lid.
We had presentations from Vito Lo Lacono from the Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital, Judy Bain for Big Hats High Tea event for Life Flight Trust and David Shackleton, Jane Patterson and Bill Day for Lifting the Lid on Youth Mental Health.
Chris Eales - incoming District Governor-Elect, gave a brief introduction and set the scene for being our last District Governor for 9940 from 2027-2028 before we are merged with our South Island colleagues in 9999. This merger has been ratified by the Rotary International Board at their meeting in Taipei just over a week ago and as such we will be on the hunt for a District Governor nominee for the new combined district.
Incoming District Governor Brent has a focus on membership and the Rotary Foundation. With membership, he believes that our club experience is what keeps us as Rotarians and is also what can draw new members to us. If your club experience is what Rotarians and new members are looking for, then you can't help but grow. The Rotary Foundation is our charity of choice and is a vital platform for funding projects with District and Global Grants - our giving to Foundation has dropped over the last few years and this directly affects the Districts ability to fund many of the projects we would like to move ahead with. Our End Polio campaign is of vital importance to the world. We are down to 9 reported cases of wild polio infections and after a falre up after Covid, it has taken several years to get the numbers back to single figures - we need to finish the job.
Incoming Rotary President Yinka Babalola urges us to be better than our best and his message is for us to Create a Lasting Impact - we have the tools, we need to get out there and just do it!
Thanks to all of you who helped to make the District Changeover a success. Particularly PDG John Mohi and members of the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson and the staff at Boulcott Farms Heritage Golf Club.
ShelterBox is responding after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela's Yaracuy province just 39 seconds apart. More than 20 aftershocks have followed, with at least 164 people confirmed dead and over 970 injured. A state of emergency has been declared as rescue efforts continue.
ShelterBox is working closely with partners on the ground to assess the needs of affected communities and coordinate its response. Thanks to recent preparedness work in the region and emergency aid pre-positioned in Barbados and Panama, the organisation is well placed to deliver vital assistance quickly.
Drawing on experience from previous disaster responses, including the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes, ShelterBox is preparing to provide emergency shelter and essential aid to help families begin rebuilding their lives.
As Rotary's international disaster relief partner, ShelterBox relies on the generosity of supporters to respond rapidly when disasters strike. Every contribution helps provide shelter, hope, and practical support to families who have lost everything.
Please consider sharing this appeal with people in your networks and donate by clicking the below image.
At 7.37am on Monday 8 June 2026, a powerful 7.8‑magnitude earthquake struck off the southern island of Mindanao.
The epicentre was located 8 miles (13km) south-west of General Santos City, at a depth of 6.2 miles. Around 2.4 million people live within 100km of the epicentre, including more than 700,000 in General Santos City.
Over 145,000 people have been affected across eight regions. Information is still slow to emerge.
The impact on people’s homes will become clearer as our teams begin reporting back. We are expecting thousands of people to have damaged or destroyed homes. Search and rescue is currently the priority.
We need your support. ShelterBox is launching an urgent appeal in response to this latest crisis in the Philippines.
Congratulations to Rodney Wong, who has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for services to business and the community.
Rodney's contribution to New Zealand has spanned business, healthcare, conservation, heritage, and community service. Among his many achievements, he co-founded the Wildbase Recovery Centre, helping establish a nationally significant wildlife hospital and rehabilitation facility. He has also provided leadership and governance across numerous organisations, including the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation, Manchester House, the Eastern and Central Community Trust, and the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust.
A Rotarian since 1988, Rodney has made a significant contribution to Rotary through his leadership and commitment to service. His time as a District Governor and his ongoing dedication to Rotary values have left a lasting impact on communities throughout our district and beyond. This honour recognises a lifetime of service and leadership, reflecting the values that Rotary seeks to promote in communities across New Zealand and around the world.
Also congratulations to Sir Peter Boshier, who is a former member of the Rotary Club of Wellington and a former member of St John's Club in D9920, who has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) for services to the State and the judiciary.
Sir Peter Francis Boshier KNZM is a New Zealand lawyer and judge. He served as the principal judge of the Family Court from 2004 to 2012. He was Chief Ombudsman from 10 December 2015 until 28 March 2025.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Rodney Wong & Sirt Peter Boshier on these well-deserved recognitions.
The recent Budget 2026 has seen the following changes, which should be of immense benefit to clubs.
The $10,000 tax-free threshold for not-for-profits (replacing the current $1,000 threshold) applies from the 2027–28 income year. So for Rotary clubs, that means it kicks in from 1 July 2027.
Budget 2026 also proposes a legislative filing exemption for taxable NFPs with income of $10,000 or less, unless Inland Revenue specifically requests a tax return be filed. It is interesting to note that the announcement confirmed the exemption on filing a return is currently in place for income under $1000, confirming advice given to clubs at the recent PELS, (which changed advice given by District at previous PELS as more information came to light on the matter).
(source: PwC Tax Tips)
Any questions, please refer them to Graham Evans, the current 9940 treasurer.
Worth noting these are still at the Budget announcement stage — the legislation to implement them hasn't passed yet.
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.
We still have some District roles that are available if you are keen and would like to step up:
Regional Community Leader (RCL) - Wairarapa
Regional Community Leader (RCL) - Hutt Valley
The RCL roles are becoming more important as the regionalisation programme moves forward. We have had some very good results with some of our RCL teams and look forward to ensuring this is replicated throughout the district.
Rotary District Stewardship - a very important role ensuring that we follow the rules with regards to Rotary Foundation funds.
Rotary District Public Image Chair - can you bring your marketing flair to the table and help us to shine in our communities in the District and beyond!
If you are interested in any of these roles please get in touch: brent.gerrard@outlook.com or call me on 021 725060
Look for your copy of the District Dispatch in your inbox.
Congratulations to Rodney Wong, who has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours for services to business and the community.
