2nd March 2026

Hi Everyone,

The District is buzzing with busyness. Clubs are growing, including Upper Hutt which has welcomed 5 new members since October and has a few more in the pipeline. Wellington, Tawa, Port Nicholson and Plimmerton have also grown in the last few months which all goes to show that it can be done.
 
While we are seeing some growth, we will still be merging with another district in July 2028 as will a number of districts in Australia. A Redistricting Working Group has been convened by our Zone 8 Director, Jennifer Scott. New Zealand and Pacific Islands are represented by Kirsten Hawke, Auckland 9920 DG and our DGE Brent Gerrard. Jennie Herring and Ingrid Waugh from Auckland are also involved as representation from the Rotary South Pacific Council. Jennie Herring and Jennifer Scott will be available to discuss the Redistricting at the Summit in Napier. Hopefully, it will be a positive for clubs down the track and keep Rotary viable in New Zealand.
 
In the meantime, there are upcoming elections for Community Group leaders. The original CGLs were appointed for a 2-year term which fall due at the end of this Rotary year. Our grateful thanks to Tony Robinson (Wellington Community Group), Adrian Gregory (Mana Tangata) and Denise Traill (Wairarapa) for their service.  They are standing down.  If you would are interested in the role and would like to put your name forward, please look at LINK
 
We welcome IPDG John Prendergast to the District Board. John was District Governor in Southland but is now living in the Wairarapa and is our L&D lead for the District.
 
PLEASE register for the summit which is now only 3 weeks away.  It’s going to be fun in the beautiful Hawkes Bay with some top-class speakers. Dust off your flapper outfits and come and join us. We are organising a District Dinner on the Friday night.  Please let Brent or me know if you are going to join us.
 
There are some fun events coming up in our District:
6 March: Jumbo Tennis run by the Wellington club.  A fun day.
15 March: A quiz to raise funds for the Birdwood reserve walkway run by Wellington North/Karori and Wellington South.
24 March - Goal Setter Awards at Te Papa run by Port Nicholson
26 March: Epic Day of Service.  All clubs are encouraged to look for a way of helping their community.  This is not a fundraiser but is a way to raise our profile.
 
Irina Francken, IPDG Jocelyn Hogg and DGN Chris Eales have all been to Sydney this weekend to learn more about the Rotary Foundation. Please remember to donate to the Foundation which is our Charity of Choice.
 
Hopefully you all survived the storms without too much damage. We got pretty battered at Himatangi Beach and couldn’t leave because of trees and live wires down blocking the road. Thank goodness for solar power. 

Carol Green

District Governor 2025 - 2026

Brent Gerrard

District Governor Elect
District News
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
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).
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.
Rotary Oceania Summit March 2026
 
We are now just weeks away from our first Multi-District Summit and the excitement is well and truly building. The
programme is coming together beautifully, plans are being finalised, and behind the scenes there’s a
real buzz as we prepare to welcome you to Napier.
 
It’s incredibly rewarding to see months of planning take shape, and we cannot wait to bring together our Rotary whānau from across the region for what promises to be an inspiring, energising, and memorable few days together.
 
 
 
Speaker Highlights
We are excited to share a glimpse of our outstanding speaker line-up, with more to be announced soon
 
Andrew Best
Andrew has worked at Rotary International since 2016 and is currently in the role of Supervisor, Membership Growth & Experience in the South Pacific and Philippines Office. This role leads the regional team that strengthens Rotarians, Clubs, and Districts in RI membership, governance,
learning and development, and club experience matters.

Here, his engagement with volunteers who believe in a cause greater than their own provides Andrew with the enjoyment and satisfaction of supporting the community sector in Uniting Rotary across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.

Andrew is 2014 Group Study Exchange alumni and a current member of the Rotary Club of Social Impact Network in D9685, Sydney, Australia.
 
Jennifer Scott
Jennifer Scott AM is a lawyer, mediator, and conflict resolution specialist with a background in environmental law. She holds a law degree and a Master of Laws in Environmental Law from Macquarie University, along with a Master of Dispute Resolution from Western Sydney University, where she is recognised as a Community Fellow.

A Rotarian since 1996, Jennifer has held extensive leadership roles at district and international levels, including Governor of District 9685 (2007–08) and current Director of Rotary International. Her Rotary service includes leadership roles at the 2022 International Assembly, chairing the 2024 Singapore Convention Committee, and serving as Regional Vice Chair of the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee. She is also a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers.

Jennifer’s humanitarian work includes participating in National Immunization Day in India and supporting Sustainable Cambodia. She has led vocational training teams in Mongolia, contributing to the development of a national Family Law Act through family mediation training.
 
In 2023, Jennifer was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. Outside her professional and Rotary roles, she is an avid hiker, trail runner, and gardener.
 
 
Rotary guided cycle ride - Free
Ahuriri Sunrise Rotary Club would like to extend an invitation to visiting, and local, Rotarians, partners, friends and family to join us on a cycle ride on Friday 20th March 2026.
Our Rotary Club has its own cycling group known as ''Cycos'' who are clearly identified when out biking by wearing our own branded Rotary tops.

The group meets weekly and sets out on rides on our local Rotary Pathways/tracks. The routes accommodate a range of abilities, cover varying distances, and alas always includes comradeship, chatter and a morning tea or lunch stop!
 
Event Details
Date: Friday 20 March 2026
Meeting Time: Assemble by 11:20am
Ride Departure: 11:30am
Return: Approximately 3:00pm
Subject to numbers, a second group may depart at 11:45am, returning around 3:30pm.
Meeting Location: Carpark adjacent to Pettigrew Green Arena, Gloucester Street, Taradale
 
What to Bring
• Your own bike (Bikes can be hired locally from Takaro Trails for those who require one.)
• Helmet (must be worn at all times)
• Water bottle
• Suitable clothing (weather dependent)
 
Registration
Please register by Monday 16 March via email to Claire.Connor@xtra.co.nz

Numbers are limited, so early registration is encouraged. We look forward to sharing a fantastic afternoon of cycling, fellowship and Hawke’s Bay scenery with you!
 
Art Deco Evening Dinner – “Fun & Flappers”
Please note that the Art Deco Evening Dinner – Fun & Flappers is not included in your conference registration. This themed evening is a separately ticketed event.
 
Ticket Price: $100 per person
If you would like to attend, you must purchase a dinner ticket in addition to your conference registration.

Dress to impress in your best Art Deco glamour and join us for a fantastic night of fun, fellowship and flapper flair! Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your ticket early.
 
We would love to see you in Napier in March 2026 and share this special weekend with you.
 
If you have any questions about travel, accommodation, home hosting, or the programme, please feel free to contact deb@hpce.co.nz or 027 606 1810.
 
 
 
Summit Friday Night 9940 Dinner
ARRIVAL and DINNER FRIDAY NIGHT
The grand opening is 5pm to 7pm on Friday night at the Napier War Memorial Centre. 
 
At 7.30pm a District 9940 get together is booked for dinner at The Rose Irish Pub, 64 Hastings Street, Napier South.  https://therose.co.nz/
 
The Pub is very close to the Napier War Memorial Centre and is able to accommodate members of  District 9940 that may wish to join us.  The booking has been made for 50 people. We will have our own area with 5 to 6 tables set up. PLEASE advise me if you are going to join us for drinks and dinner so that I can advise The Rose of expected numbers to the venue - brent.gerrard@outlook.com
 
For partners/spouses who are wanting to while away a couple of hours prior to the dinner, there is a really nice wine bar just around the corner, https://www.bistronomy.co.nz/ 
 
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
Tawa Rotary - Concert in the Park
Rotary Club of Port Nicholson Goal Setter Award 2026

Upcoming Webinar: Family Philanthropy & Intergenerational Giving

Rotarians across our district are invited to attend an informative online webinar exploring family philanthropy and intergenerational giving.

This session will feature Rotarian Quinto (Quin) Scalzo AM FAICD, Founder and Executive Chairman of Scalzo Food Industries, alongside his daughter Cathy Scalzo, CEO of the Scalzo Family Office.

Together, Quin and Cathy will share their experiences in business, philanthropy, legacy-building, and structured giving. The Scalzo family established the Grace and Emilio Foundation, which supports children and young people at risk of not reaching their full potential. The Foundation works with charities across Australia and internationally, helping young people access the opportunities they need to thrive.

Quin migrated from Italy to Australia in 1955 and went on to found Scalzo Food Industries in 1977, growing it into one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading privately owned food businesses. A dedicated Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Quin was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018.

 

Cathy Scalzo serves as CEO of the Scalzo Family Office and is a Trustee of the Grace and Emilio Foundation. She brings a wealth of experience from the legal, corporate, diplomatic, and social-impact sectors, and is actively involved in several philanthropic and community organisations.

 

This webinar is not hosted by our district, but is a valuable opportunity for Rotarians interested in learning more about philanthropic giving and building a lasting legacy through Rotary and beyond.

Webinar Details
Date: Monday, 16 March 2026
Time: 7:00pm (NZT)
Platform: Zoom
Registration: https://msgfocus.rotary.org/c/13WyG04IB2lg4SMCsTJsEyfORB35nLK

Whether you are new to philanthropy or a regular donor, this session offers a chance to learn from experienced Rotarians and explore the opportunities and challenges of intergenerational giving. The webinar will also be recorded and available to watch later for those unable to attend live.

Look for your copy of the District Dispatch in your inbox on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Any questions, comments or suggestions contact: 

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

 


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