It has been an enjoyable couple of weeks with celebrations of service.
Gary Worsley, Past President of the Rotary Club of Makino, now Fielding Orua, celebrated 50 years of service having joined Rotary in 1976.
It was a pleasure to attend his celebration alongside his family members and hear of the many, many projects Gary has been involved with over the years.
It was also a pleasure to pass back the chains for a moment to Immediate Past DG Carol to award a District ‘Service Above Self’ award to Peter Whittington for providing nearly eight years of service to the Rotary Foundation managing the Centurion donor programme. Peter was due to receive his award at the District Changeover but was overseas at the time so Carol presented his award this week. Peter is a founding member of the Port Nicholson Rotary club and was the Rotarian who asked me to come to my first Rotary meeting.
It’s good to see clubs getting their fundraising projects into action. Both Tawa and Carterton have run book fairs – both very successful. It’s your last chance to purchase tickets to attend the Big Hats High Tea in the Hutt Valley in support of the Life Flight Trust. There are many fundraisers coming up in the next few months – I look forward to hearing of their success in your communities.
The District Board met last weekend as we continue to set in place the plans for redistricting. Also continuing with the pilot implementation, Chris Eales (DGN) has taken up the role of Rotary Community Leader for the Hutt Valley clubs. We are now searching for one more RCL for the Wairarapa.
One of the biggest challenges we have is to appoint the DGN who will become the DG for the new combined 9999 and 9940 District. The team in the South Island are also requesting nominations. With the larger area, more than twice the number of our existing Districts members and new combined teams, it will be an exciting role. If you a club president or past president is up for the challenge, submit a nomination.
I hope the next couple of weeks for you are filled with fun, fellowship and fulfilment.
Expressions of Interest are sought for the role of District Governor 2028-29.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead a new Rotary District that will commence on 1 July 2028. The new District will incorporate the current Districts 9940 and 9999. The title of the new District has yet to be determined.
The successful applicant will immediately assume the role of District Governor-Nominee (DGN) and be prepared to attend DGN learning and development in Melbourne in late October 2026. They will liaise and work, as appropriate, with the current G-Trains in both District’s 9940 and 9999.
Rotary International (RI) has recently ‘redistricted’, based on membership, which has been declining in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands in recent years. Redistricting is the redefining of District boundaries across the Rotary world. This process occurs approximately every eight (8) years. RI’s policies require sustainable Districts of between 2000 and 2700 Rotarian members.
Expressions of Interest are to be completed and in the hands of the Nominations Team by 31 August 2026. Please include a cover letter and CV.
A job description will be available on request.
The Nominations team will be led by joint Immediate Past District Governors (IPDG’s)
This November, Rotary members around the world have the opportunity to get moving for a great cause through Cycle & Steps 2026, supporting the work of BeyondWater in East Africa.
BeyondWater is a charitable organisation working to alleviate poverty across East Africa by providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Rotary has been a major supporter of this work, helping BeyondWater reach more than 300,000 people every day.
The organisation is led by Pete and his wife, who are members of the Rotary Club of Pohutukawa Coast (D9920) and have been based in Nairobi, Kenya, for the past 15 years.
🚴♂️ Pedal Against Poverty
In November, the third Pedal Against Poverty event will see a team of cyclists from New Zealand, Kenya and the USA tackle an incredible 1,500km journey along the length of New Zealand’s South Island.
The team, including Pete, is aiming to raise $10,000 to build a new block of toilets at Kikongo Primary School in Kenya.
While the cyclists will be covering their own costs, they are also taking a support vehicle, driven by a member of the Rotary Club of North Harbour, and are seeking sponsorship to help cover the costs of this vehicle.
🌍 How can your Club get involved?
Alongside Pedal Against Poverty, BeyondWater is inviting Rotary clubs around the world to take part in Cycle & Steps 2026.
On 21 November — or another date that works for your club — registered teams can gather at a local venue and walk, run or cycle a route of their choice. It’s designed to be easy for Rotary clubs to participate in, wherever they are in the world.
Whether we put together a team, organise a local activity, or support the Pedal Against Poverty team, it’s a great opportunity to combine fellowship, physical activity and fundraising while contributing to a project that will make a lasting difference for children in Kenya.
An evening with Rotary International Past President Gordon McInally on Monday 2nd November – details to come.
As the Trustee Chair-Elect for the Rotary Foundation, Gordon is keen to visit us and remind us of our focus on the Foundation and all the good it does in our world. He is a very keen supporter of mental health initiatives and many other health-based initiatives.
Your commitment to service makes an impact year-round. Here are meaningful ways to come together and create lasting change this quarter with The Rotary Foundation.
International Literacy Day, 8 September. Help Rotary build a more equitable world where all children receive quality education and adults gain essential literacy and numeracy skills. Honor Literacy Day with a gift to The Rotary Foundation.
International Legacy Giving Day, 13 September. For more than 100 years, Rotary members have created legacies of Doing Good in the World through The Rotary Foundation’s Endowment. Celebrate their impact and shape the future with a gift to the Endowment.
International Day of Peace, 21 September. Peacebuilding is central to Rotary’s mission. When communities create peace locally, global change follows. Mark Peace Day with a gift to The Rotary Foundation that empowers Rotary and Rotaract clubs, districts, and peace fellows to build lasting peace worldwide.
District Grant Applications Open – Closes 15 August 2026
The new Rotary year is underway, and now is the time to ensure your club is Foundation-ready. Completing these simple steps will make your club eligible for District Grants and help you achieve Rotary Club Excellence recognition.
District Grants – Apply Now
Applications are now open and are available on the District website or by contacting grants9940@rotaryoceania.zone attn: Jocelyn
Qualify Your Club
Before submitting a grant application, your club must complete the qualification process by:
Returning the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sent to all Club Presidents and Foundation Chairs.
Completing the Grant Management Seminar through the Learning Centre on Rotary.org. This should be completed by the members responsible for managing grants.
Don't Miss Out on Club Excellence Recognition
Club Presidents and Secretaries are reminded to enter your Annual Fund and PolioPlus giving goals into Rotary Club Central on Rotary.org.
This is an essential requirement for your club to be eligible for the Rotary Club Excellence Award (formerly the Rotary Citation) and should be completed before submitting your District Grant application.
Key Date
District Grant applications close: 15 August 2026
Don't leave it until the last minute! Completing these requirements now will ensure your club is eligible for funding and receives the recognition it deserves. If you have any questions or need assistance, please get in touch—I’m happy to help.
Interplast is one of Rotary's longest-standing humanitarian partners, providing free reconstructive surgery, allied health care, and medical training throughout the Asia-Pacific. Since its establishment in 1983, thousands of children and adults affected by burns, cleft lip and palate, congenital conditions, hand deformities, and traumatic injuries have received life-changing treatment that would otherwise be unavailable.
What makes Interplast unique is its focus on building lasting healthcare capacity. Volunteer teams of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, physiotherapists, hand therapists, and other allied health professionals work alongside local clinicians, not only performing surgery but also providing mentoring and training. This ensures that knowledge and skills remain within local communities, improving patient care well into the future.
A wonderful example of this partnership is Samoa, where Interplast surgical teams have been working with Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital for the past 17 years. Alongside life-changing surgery, allied health clinicians provide vital rehabilitation and physiotherapy, helping patients achieve the best possible recovery while mentoring their Samoan counterparts.
Our district is fortunate to have Past District Governor Carol Green serving as our Interplast District Chair (IDC).
Interplast is a wonderful example of Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self.
Through the generosity of Rotary clubs, donors, and dedicated medical volunteers, lives are transformed every year—one patient, one family, and one community at a time.
Look for your copy of the District Dispatch in your inbox.
Foundation Update – Is Your Club Ready?
District Grants – Apply Now
Qualify Your Club
Don't Miss Out on Club Excellence Recognition
Key Date
