RCW Bulletin

10 August 2026

Upcoming Meetings
17 August
Lunch Meeting at The Wellington Club
12.30 pm
Strengthening Democracy Project winners
Come along to hear from the winners of this year's Strengthening Democracy Project!   
 
Please RSVP by Tuesday, 11 August.
31 August
Evening Meeting at The Wellington Club
6 pm
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little
Join us for a special talk from Hon. Andrew Little, the Mayor of Wellington! Drinks and networking from 5.30 pm. This is a special opportunity to bring potential new members to hear the Mayor.     
 
Please RSVP by Tuesday, 25 August.
14 September
Lunch Meeting at The Wellington Club
12.30 pm
The Heritage Festival of Greater Wellington
Come along to hear from Festival Chair, Roger Blakeley, and other members of the Festival Board about this iconic event celebrating our region's heritage!
 
Upcoming Meeting Duties
     Date  
Door Host / Guests
 

Introducer /Thanker

Greeter 1

Greeter 2 5-Minute Talk Opening Thought
  17 Aug. John Rowe DonnaJDentice  John Boshier TBC
Duncan McDonald (John Ilott Trust) 
 
Karen Coutts
  31 Aug. TBA Martin Matthews
Christian Pera
 
Karen Coutts N/A N/A
  14 Sept. TBA N/A Martin Matthews Usma Azhar Youth Committee and new member Farooq Usman Richard Norman

Club News

Rotary Club Night Out: "Election Meltdown" Comedy Show – Wed 26 Aug
 
Join your fellow Rotarians for an evening of side-splitting comedy at Public Service Announcements: Election Meltdown on Wednesday, 26 August at 7:00 pm. Fresh off a rave review in the local paper, this hilarious political satire features a star-studded cast mocking crumbling coalitions and election chaos. Tickets are $40 (concession) or $50 (group rate). This has been a very popular option, so be in promptly!
Don't miss out on the laughs and fellowship
Contact John Boshier to join the group 
 
 
 
Save the Date: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner!
 
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Where: A mystery location! (Your destination will be revealed closer to the date)
Dress Code: Casual
How It Works:
You are invited to a mystery dinner party! You will be assigned to a secret host home for a full meal, but you won't know who you are dining with, or who is cooking,until you knock on the door. It is a night of blind matchmaking, great food, and total surprise.
Why You Can't Miss It:
  • Rotary Connection: In a club as large as ours, this is the absolute best way to break the ice and truly get to know your fellow Rotarians beyond our regular meetings.
  • The Big Reveal: The fun starts the moment the front door opens and you see who is at your table.
  • Deeper Friendships: Spending the whole evening together allows for relaxed, meaningful conversation and lasting connections. Come on your own or with a partner
More info later. Any queries, contact Derek Gill
derek.gill@hotmail.com
 
Board News
 
Volunteering Opportunities
🌿 Join the RCW Environment Committee – Members Still Needed!
We are still looking for passionate members to help build on our world-first Carbon Zero status and 100,000-tree milestone.
By joining, you will help lead local tree-planting legacy projects, restore streams to prevent flooding, support Predator Free Wellington 2030, and mentor the next generation through global Rotary networks.
Ready to make a difference?
Please contact Roger Blakeley to express your interest: roger.blakeley@outlook.com or 021 229 6928.

Support the 2026 Heritage Festival – Volunteers & Supporters Still Needed!
As proud partners of the region's biggest heritage celebration (24 October – 15 November), RCW and local Rotary clubs still need your energy for the upcoming festival.
You can support the countdown right now in two ways:
  • Share your talent: Assist our team with social media, tech, auditing, brochure delivery, or hosting.
  • Become a financial champion: Sign up as a Friend of the Festival to provide vital financial backing.
Ready to get involved?
Contact Roger Blakeley today at roger.blakeley@outlook.com or 021 229 6928.
Club Events

Major Events for 2026

We do other sparkling events as they arise,
but the following are in the longer term plan
 
 3 October - Guess Who is Coming to Dinner
16 November (evening) - our AGM
6 December - hold the date for Thorndon Fair 
14 December Lunch - holiday lunch 
 
 
Other Relevant Events
Celebrate Pakistan Independence Day! 
 
Rotary club members are invited to join the Pakistan Association of Wellington (PAWNZ) for their vibrant annual festival.
 
Event details:
  • Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
  • Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Venue: Lower Hutt Events Centre
  • Highlights: Cultural performances, traditional food, and family activities.
Come along to support our Pakistani club members and enjoy a fantastic afternoon of culture!
 
24–27 September 2026 – A Waikato Pilgrimage
 
Club member Richard Norman is helping organise a unique Friends of Te Papa tour, exploring early church history and settlement in the Waikato.
The pilgrimage will be led by Sir David Moxon, former Anglican Archbishop of New Zealand and Ambassador to Rome. Sir David brings deep academic and local knowledge to this exclusive tour. Highlights include visits to Pirongia, Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain, Waipā, Raglan, and Taupiri Maunga.
 
Only 2 spaces left. Click on the link for more information:
 
 
Meetings Coming Up
All events at The Wellington Club, unless otherwise stated
 
7 September: Paul Harris lunch
14 September: RCW lunch. Greater Wellington Heritage Festival - Roger Blakeley  & a panel
21 September: Paul Harris lunch
28 September: RCW lunch. Speaker - Anna Fifield  
5 October: Paul Harris lunch
12 October: RCW evening meeting. Speaker - Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM
19 October: RCW Lunch meeting. Speaker - Local General Election Candidates
26 October: Labour Day
2 November: RCW Lunch meeting. Speaker - James Fuller (Hnry Co-founder)
 
Club Information
Meeting Location & Dates for the Year
 
Location: The Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, CBD
Lunch: 12.00 for 12.30 - 1.00 pm
Evening: 5.30 for 6.00 - 7.00 pm
 
17 August: Lunch 
31 August: Evening
14 September: Lunch
28 September: Lunch 
12 October: Evening
 
19 October: Lunch 
2 November: Lunch 
16 November: EveningAGM
30 November: Lunch
14 December: Holiday Lunch 
 
Board Members - 2026-2027
 
Responsibility
 
Member
Responsibility
 
Member
President / New Members / Community Development Strategy
 
Suzanne Snively
Fellowship / Buddies
John Boshier
President-Elect/Youth/ Meeting Coordination
Neil Matson
RCW Vision & Strategy/JR McKenzie School Uniforms
 
Denise Church
Immediate Past President
Lynn McKenzie
Community Service Committee Chair
 
Allan Frost
 
Treasurer/Treasurer Satellite Club
 
Martin Matthews
International  
John McKinnon
Secretary
Donna Sorsa
Rotary Wellington Charitable Trust/ Science & Technology/ Mailbox/Carbon Credit Calculation
Joan Smith
Environmental Sustainability Rotary Group Change 4 Climate and
Co-Chair Rotary South Pacific/Wellington Heritage
Roger Blakeley
Speakers/JR McKenzie Wellington Trustee
Janice Wilson