Donate raffle prizes(proceeds to Lifting the Lid).
Volunteer- there’s fun for everyone. A real club effort.
An RCW wedding!!
Ayesha and Bikesh were married on December 13 in a beautiful and intimate ceremony – a Kiwi style wedding was what they wanted!
Hosted by William and Jackie Somerville, who not only provided their beautiful home & garden, but organised a stunning Wellington day as well. Former RCW member, Hewitt Humphrey, officiated as Marriage Celebrant. It was very special that Ayesha’s sister, from Perth, and her brother, from Nepal, were able to attend. Several Rotary members were among the small group of guests.
Thanks from RYLA students
The two students we sponsored for RYLA - Clare Ng and Dylan Wahapa - have written us lovely letters of appreciation.
Here's a bit of what Clare said:
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you so much for sponsoring me to attend the RYLA leadership programme. Having attended multiple leadership camps in the past, I did not expect to change this much, but I can confidently say RYLA has changed my life. As a young woman only just beginning her journey in leadership, I have found that I have struggled deeply. I find it extremely difficult to cope with my flaws as a leader, and it hurts to not be perfect sometimes, but RYLA has given me so much hope. For the first time in my life, I now have faith in my leadership potential.
And Dylan:
I just want to send a message of appreciation saying thanks to you and all the people at Rotary who helped sending me to RYLA I had such a amazing time learning about different leadership styles and how that’s relevant to me. The camp also helped me meet a lot of likeminded youth that will definitely help me out in life! So thank you all so much!
Rotary Peace Fellowships – Applications Open Soon!
Do you know someone who is passionate about peacebuilding and international development? The Rotary Peace Centres are now inviting applications for the 2027–28 Peace Fellowships from 1 February to 15 May 2026. For the first time, candidates can also apply to study at Rotary’s newest Peace Centre at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India.
Up to 170 fully funded fellowships are available for master’s or professional development programs at leading partner universities worldwide. Clubs are encouraged to refer strong candidates — no club funding is required.
We welcomed Drushti Nandu as our newest member - nominated by Lee Wilkinson and supported by Duncan McDonald.
Reg Weeks, one of our newer members shared with us a full and eventful working life post-retirement!
Anthony Scott is also our new meeting coordinator. Nick has passed on the baton to Anthony. Let’s make his job as easy we can.
News From The Board
Some Fascinating Speakers at the Rotary Oceania Summit
Napier March 20 -22
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
We identified how the club needed to ensure it operated within these.
Six monthly review - club finances
In compliance with our constitution, at our 26 January club meeting, Treasurer Allan Frost took us through the profit and loss and balance sheet for the six months to December 25.
You're invited to a special Rotary event: Friday 13 March 2026, 7:30pm, St James Theatre, Festival of the Arts. See Gloria – A Triple Bill—a highlight honouring choreographer Douglas Wright with live NZ Symphony Orchestra to Vivaldi, plus new works on ageing, grace, and resilience. Joyful, powerful dance awaits!
Limited to 24 club seats in the stalls at $80.10 each (incl. discount)—perfect for mobility. Note: one scene has strobe lighting. Bring a friend for top fellowship!
RSVP by Tuesday 3 Feb via forms.gle/cuSzwhvb8sqWzwhf8 for name, seats, and aisle preferences. Pay via Events Pronto by 23 Feb; tickets emailed later. Don't miss out—secure your spot now!
Events for 2026
6 March - Jumbo Tennis
13 March - Social Event - The Ballet:Gloria
22 June - RCW Changeover
Register for meetings the Tuesday before
Let’s start the year on a roll - please use the meeting registration link in the newsletter and in the email Anthony sends out.
Registrations close the Tuesday before the meeting. Any registrations after this are tea/coffee or you can order from the Club menu.
Events Coming Up
All events at The Wellington Club, unless otherwise stated
2 February: Paul Harris lunch
9 February: RCW lunch. Speaker - Laetitia (Tish) Laubscher: The Work of Manana in Prisons. Registration link: https://forms.gle/iPSPHXuMJXqbX1D28
16 February: Paul Harris lunch
23 February: RCW lunch. Speakers - Em Lewis and Maddie McLeod: Nikau Foundation and Philanthropy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Registration link: https://forms.gle/WuNSHUrBXLgQEm9w9
2 March: Paul Harris lunch
9 March: RCW evening meeting. Speaker - Dr Ang Jury
16 March: Paul Harris lunch
20-22 March: Rotary Oceania Summit, Napier
2-3 May: District Learning Assembly & President-Elect Training
