Speaker: Dr Claire Achmad, Commissioner for Children.
"A view from the Children’s Commissioner: Advocating for and with New Zealand’s children"
Dr Claire Achmad is Aotearoa New Zealand's Children's Commissioner, having served in the role since 2023. She has also worked in child advocacy for organisations including the Human Rights Commission, World Vision in Melbourne, UNICEF, and Barnardo's Aotearoa.
Speaker: Helmut Modlik, Te Rūnanga O Toa Rangatira chief executive
As Tumu Whakarae, Helmut provides visionary leadership, balancing cultural values with innovation to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for Ngāti Toa and its people.
We invite you to donate to Rotary's World Polio Day (October 30)
An easy way to do this is to donate as part of the club meeting on Monday 20th October. Please consider donating, even if you are not attending this meeting. Polio is still present in the world and yet we are so close to eliminating this dreadful disease. Donations are tax deductible.
Christmas is coming and so are our Christmas Puddings! Only $25 each.
Every year we offer you the chance to buy delicious Rotary Christmas Puddings for yourselves or as gifts. Top quality & made in NZ. Packed in an attractive box, and ready to microwave and serve.
Proceeds from sales go towards our club's community projects.
We finally made it — and were rewarded with stunning scenes at Aston Norwood’s annual “Blossom Valley” festival in Upper Hutt. Despite a bit of wet weather, the dampness made the colours even more vibrant among 400+ cherry trees, stretching across a spectacular 14-acre Anglo-Japanese garden. Our group enjoyed tranquil strolls beside the Remutaka stream, waterfalls, ponds, and vibrant splashes of rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas.
Rotary’s events go beyond meetings — from blossom treks to beach walks, gallery tours, and social gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Watch for more interesting events.
Board Update
Calling for Expressions of Interest for President-elect 2026-27
We're seeking names of people interested in taking up the role of President -Elect of the club for the 2026-27 year, serving with Suzanne Snively, who will be President. Contact President Lynn if you are interested.
New Members
We welcome Reg Weeks who was inducted on 13 October. Justin Smith will be inducted in November when his sponsor, William S returns from overseas. Two membership applications are with you currently and the Board has received membership application that it will be considering at its 16 October meeting.
They join Rachel Scott, Stuart Brooker, Ayesha Shakya, Prasanna Gamage and Waqar Qureshi, who have joined us since July this year. We have two more membership applications in process and another int he wings. We will warmly welcome them to our club.
Some Club Re-Organisation in Process
Now the proposed changes to the constitution andbylaws are underway, its time to look as club organisation. This will be discussed at the October 16th Board meeting
Upcoming Vote on New RCW Constitution and Bylaws
The Board will review the final draft of the proposed RCW Constitution and Bylaws on 16 October. Members will then receive an email with the details.
Next Steps:
November: Special meeting (likely AGM on 17 Nov) – vote on Constitution and approve Bylaws
Late November: Submit new Constitution for registration
Dec/Jan: New rules take effect once approved by the Registrar
Dec/Jan: Members notified and documents published on the RCW website
Rotary Beyond Our Club
Explore Our Heritage – A Festival Rotary Helped Rebuild
The Wellington Heritage Festival is back from 18 October to 9
November with over 170 events celebrating the people, places, and
stories that shape our region. From tours and talks to art, architecture,
and mana whenua stories, there’s something for all interests and ages.
Alongside other Wellington Rotary Clubs, we have played a key role in
the festival’s revival over the last three years, with Roger Blakeley as
Chair and Richard Norman on the Board, Sir Anand Satyanand and
Dame Suzanne Snively as Co-Patrons, plus ongoing financial support
alongside, other Wellington Rotary clubs. Don’t miss this chance to
explore our local heritage — visit the festival website to see the full
programme and book:
All events at The Wellington Club, unless otherwise noted
20 October: RCW lunch: Speaker - Dr Claire Achmad, Commissioner for Children. "A view from the Children’s Commissioner: Advocating for and with New Zealand’s children."
