24th May 2026
Hi Everyone,
 
I hope the weather is as lovely for you today as it is here at Himatangi Beach.  It was a perfect morning to help Milson Club with their annual beach clean-up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for the BBQ as I had another meeting to attend.   The beach is relatively clean at the moment as it hasn’t been that windy and there aren’t so many people out there but there is always rubbish to be picked up.  I take a bag and pick up rubbish every morning when I go for my walk on the beach which is my bit towards helping the environment. Thank you to the Milson club for their effort and for making me feel welcome
 
 
Last weekend our own club (Mount Victoria) ran Circus Quirkus in the Hutt. We put about 1800 excited people through over 3 shows. The tickets are paid for by sponsors so are free to the families. It is always gratifying to see the excitement and joy this show delivers.
 
      
On Monday I attended the Wellington Club’s panel with 4 diplomats being questioned by Ian Fraser.  It was an informative and interesting evening.
 
On Tuesday, Nigel and I went to Feilding Oroua where we were made very welcome. I was the speaker and talked about the pilot and redistricting to an interested audience. It was a bit disconcerting driving back to Himatangi Beach through thick fog down country roads with no lighting. I was very happy that Nigel was driving and to get home in one piece!
 
Tomorrow Brent and I are going to the Democracy Project, run by Peter Cullen and Donna Dentice as a series of workshops for secondary school students from around the district.  There are always excellent speaker and this week, which is the final workshop, they have Lawrence Meredith the EU Ambassador, Patryk Błaszczak the Polish Ambassador, the Honourable James Meager the Minister for Youth, and Judge Peter Boshier the former Chief Ombudsman speaking to the students.  It is run as a competition and with a substantial prize for the school that wins.  The project is supported by the Wellington Club and Mount Vicotria.  Other clubs are welcome to support the project in the future.  Any money donated goes towards feeding the hungry students and getting them there as some come from a reasonable distance away, such as the Wairarapa. 
 
Remember to register your club for Cans for a Cause.
 
Another busy time as I wind down for Changeover which is in sight…see blow to register for District Changeover on 27 June at Boulcott Farm Heritage Golf Club, Lower Hutt.

Carol Green

District Governor 2025 - 2026

Brent Gerrard

District Governor Elect
District News
Rotary National Science & Technology Forum 2027 – Applications Open Soon

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.
NZ District Governors ShelterBox Ambassador Prize
Donations to the Foundation

Reminder to Members and Clubs…

The final date for making deposits to the Foundation Account, to have them recorded in this Rotary Year, will be 15 June 2026.  

The District 9940 Foundation Account number is 03 0502 0416962-00

Anything received after that date will be recorded as being received in RY2027.

Thank you

District Foundation Committee

 
District Changeover 2026

District Changeover 2026

11.00am 27th June

District Changeover will be at Boulcott Farm Heritage Golf Club in Lower Hutt again this year - it was so good last year we decided to go again this year!

To assist with catering numbers please register here:

Cost is $20 per person. We will have a mixture of food types (gluten free, vegan, no nuts etc) 

See you there!
Cans for a Cause 2026

Cans for a Cause!!

Background:

New Zealand is facing a cost-of-living crisis with the number of New Zealanders needing to access food banks dramatically increasing. 14% of New Zealand’s population is considered to be in need of assistance to provide food for their families each week.

Rotary has a long history of supporting community initiatives within New Zealand, our service dates back over 100 years and we are recognised as people of action.

Rotary Clubs across Aotearoa New Zealand are joining together to help fight food poverty in our local communities.

We are aiming to collect 1 million cans or non-perishable food items during June. This will be the largest ever food collection campaign in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The food collected will be distributed to local food banks or equivalent to help feed hungry families.

Objectives:

  • To collect 1 million cans or non-perishable food items
  • To partner with local food banks, maraes and charities to distribute the food items
  • To partner with local schools, retirement villages, community groups and businesses to act as collections sites
  • Raise awareness of the pressing need to continuously support food banks across New Zealand

This campaign will run from Monday 1th June to Sunday 8th June 2026

 

Register by Monday 1 June by Google Form

Out District 9940 contact is Chris Eales ChrisE_DGN9940@outlook.com

We are committed to helping Rotary Clubs achieve this goal. Our next update will provide further information.
Read more...
District Vacancies

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
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

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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