Here we are rapidly winding the clock down to Changeover. This will be my penultimate blurb for the District Dispatch.
As usual, it’s been a busy and productive time.
Congratulations to PDG Rodney Wong for receiving an ONZM in the King’s Birthday honours. Rodney is a long serving Rotarian and was my trainer when I was going to be President of Hutt City Club in 2010. He has a long list of achievements and awards in business, Rotary and his community and is the epitome of Service above Self.
Also, congratulations to Sir Peter Boshier who was awarded a knighthood. He was previously a Rotarian in Auckland and later in Wellington.
Also of note, is Phil Harland from Tawa club who is turning 100 years old on the 18th of December. Congratulations to him.
I attended the 64th Independence Anniversary of Samoa. It was a real privilege and joy to be celebrating such a happy occasion with a beautiful community.
Last Monday I attended the Wellington club lunch where 13 new members were inducted! Eight of them were the ladies from Gillian Jones’ new Satellite club – Literacy for Life. Although they were all from Carterton they mostly met for the first time on the train on their way to the meeting! Wellington Club has inducted at least 22 new members this year which is very exciting. Congratulations to President Lynn McKenzie and to Gillian who worked hard to make the satellite club come to fruition. So, we have chartered 2 new satellite clubs in the last month. PDG Jocelyn’s Breezeway club is an eClub with members all over the place, including out of New Zealand. They meet once a month online. That evening Brent and I went to dinner at the Carterton club who are a busy club with several great projects in their community.
Many clubs have been involved with Cans for A Cause this last week, including my own club who gave over 300 cans of food to the Wellington City Mission with thanks to Chaffers New World who made it very easy for us. Please go online to register your contribution (click here) so we know how many clubs have been involved and how many cans we have contributed.
Hutt Valley Club has donated $15,000 to Life Flight, which is a tremendous contribution. Several clubs are looking at giving to the new Charitable Hospital in Wellington for a scanning machine.
Upcoming dates:
8-10 October - RYPEN in Kawhatau Valley
9-23 January 2027 - Science Forum Auckland
13-17 January 2027 - RYLA, St Matthews College, Masterton. Thanks to Paul Newsom who has agreed to chair the RYLA committee.
Brent has gone to Taipei for the Convention which should be fun. He had a bit of a bumpy departure with the fire at Wellington airport the night before his departure (at 6am) and fog delays at Auckland. I’m sure he’ll come back buzzing with lots of new ideas.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Former Governor-General and Rotarian Sir Anand Satyanand recently joined Kathryn Ryan on Radio New Zealand's Nine to Noon programme to discuss the future of Rotary in New Zealand.
The conversation explored Rotary's ongoing impact in local, national, and international communities, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our organisation. Sir Anand spoke about the structural changes underway within Rotary to ensure we remain relevant, sustainable, and attractive to future generations of members.
As Rotary continues to evolve, the interview provides valuable insights into how we can build on our strengths while adapting to changing community needs and expectations.
Members are encouraged to listen to the interview and reflect on how Rotary can continue to thrive and make a difference in the years ahead.
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.
