Prof. Dr Dirk Wikhelm - applications of AI at Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Dirk is on sabbatical to Victoria University from Zurich University and has been attending our Rotary meetings with his wife Bettina. He also had a family team at Jumbo Tennis.
What a day! Port Nick Rotary members claimed the title for an impressive third year running — though Nonsuch pushed them hard all the way to the final. Best dressed went to the Cones(traffic), who — true to form — played their entire match in costume and were still there cheering at the end.
The food was a hit (best hamburgers in years), the raffle was a sell-out, and the draw wrapped up by 4.45pm — keeping everyone around for the prize ceremony. Thanks to our growing family of gold, silver and bronze sponsors, and especially to Chris, Julius and Brent for making those relationships happen.
Between us, we raised a net ~$23,000 — including $5,800 from the raffle alone. The funds go to three wonderful causes: the Hospital Foundation Children's appeal, Junior Tennis, and Lifting the Lid, which delivers adolescent mental health services to schools across Greater Wellington. The Hospital Foundation team were genuinely moved by our support.
Congratulations also to the raffle and prize winners, including Derek and William — and a special mention to the Hospital team member who won for the third time!
A huge thank you to Peter Steel — whose calm, steady leadership made everything possible — and to the organising team: Bradley, Julie, Derek, Nick, John, Neil, William, Youee and Bill Day. You are the reason this event keeps getting better.
I've been everywhere FUNdraiser
Help support RCW international projects!
Dig out that unused foreign currency (notes only please), collect it from your family, and put it to good use. Bring a friend of colleague along. Share your stories about your trips. We'll get it exchanged (if it isn't too old or obscure) and provide it to the RCW Trust. Organised by Julie Haggie and Ben Mack.
The event is during the Monday, 30 March lunchtime meeting.
Gloria - A Triple Bill - Our First Get Together this year with Dinner at Dragons
It was a fantastic night. The NZ Dance Company and Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia outdid themselves, as did NZSO and Voices NZ.
A total of 27 members and friends came along - special thanks to John Boshier for organising it!
Rotary peace candidates
The Rotary Peace Centers will accept applications for 2027-28 Rotary Peace Fellowships through 15 May.
Some Fascinating Speakers at the Rotary Oceania Summit
March 20-22 in Napier
Join President Lynn and others for the usual lovely Hawkes Bay attractions, plus involvement in some local projects, but the speakers are a great part of the event. They include:
Adele Keefe - Founder of Mana Whanui, a trust that supports people recovering from trauma, abuse & addiction
Ritesh Patel - District Technology & Systems Chair. He talks on topics such as leveraging AI for Rotary success
Join us for the Antarctic Film Festival, presented by the New Zealand Antarctic Society!
Showing a series of short films from Antarctica (yes, there are penguins), the festival is this coming Monday (March 23) at Vic Uni, and returns on Tuesday, 21 April.
Date: Monday, 23 March 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Venue: VUW Rutherford House, Victoria University of Wellington
Guest Speaker: Alexander Hillary
Tickets:https://antarcticsociety.org.nz/events/
