Speaker: Angela Gruer, Blueprint Centre for Learning
Blueprint for Learning is on a mission to ensure New Zealanders all have mental health and addiction literacy skills. It means all Kiwis have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to have real conversations about mental health and addiction to support people in their workplaces and communities.
Speaker: Dr Claire Achmad, Commissioner for 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.
The much-anticipated Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner is just one month away — happening Saturday 18 October!
We’ve had a fantastic response from generous hosts, and now it’s time for YOU to sign up as a guest. This fun evening is the perfect chance to connect and get to know fellow Rotarians better in a relaxed setting.
Plus, you’ll be supporting Lifting the Lid — an outstanding youth mental health program proudly sponsored by Rotary.
Don’t miss out — come along and help make a difference!
The Membership Ginger group is on a roll, and is delighted that through the group's efforts by the end of October we will have recruited nine new members since July 2025. Seven are new to the club and two are returnees (Stuart Brooker and Justin Smith). A chocolate fish goes to William, recruiter extraordinaire!
We’re seeking members committed to “service above self” and are especially targeting those new to Wellington looking for their new community. We’re wanting to support them as they become familiar with the club and will be working with them to identify a mentor to support them. This could be you!
Christmas puddings are soon to be available for sale. Watch this space!
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We have secured a stall at the Thorndon Fair on Sunday 7 December from 8am-3pm where we will promote joining Rotary, getting a team for Jumbo Tennis and purchase Christmas Puddings!.
Now in its third year, Lifting the Lid is improving youth mental health support in Wellington schools – and our club is proud to be involved.
Since 2022, the programme has backed 1,293 students through 1,537 sessions, offering everything from equine and canine therapy to boxing, cyber-safety and neurodiversity programmes. In 2025 alone, 526 students have already benefited.
With New Zealand ranked lowest in the OECD for child mental wellbeing and highest for youth suicide, the need is urgent. By pooling funds across Wellington Rotary Clubs and community partners, Lifting the Lid is giving schools vital tools – and young people hope.
Look out for the team’s fundraising booth at the Waitangi Market on 16 November.
District Constitution
Like our club, our Rotary District has to update its constitution, a task which our member, Anthony Scott has done. That constitution is now ready for discussion and agreement by the other clubs in the district.
Our club has been asked, and the Board has agreed to move its approval at a special meeting of the District.
New Members
We are delighted to welcome two new members: Reg Weeks, and returning member Justin Smith. They will be inducted in October.
They join Rachel Scott, Stuart Brooker, Ayesha Shakya, Prasanna Gamage and Waqar Qurehi, who have joined us since July this year. We have more in the wings ,and we will warmly welcome them to our club.
Three easy steps to help our social media campaign
1. Like into our Facebook page (RCW) and press Like. The more likes we get, the more Facebook makes our posts visible.
2. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
3. Go into out LinkedIn page (you’ll need to join LinkedIn for this). See where Roger is working to build some conversation threads (which raises our LinkedIn game. Enter in the conversation briefly – agree, disagree, or briefly share your own experience – it’s the conversation that counts.
Rotary Beyond Our Club
More modern-looking End Polio Now T-shirts are available from Rotary Down Under. Be in quick, because it's a limited run.
Join Port Nicholson Rotary for a unique fundraising evening:
Cocktail Party - Auction - Mystery Dinner
Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Time: 5:30pm (dinner venues revealed at 7pm)
Starting Venue: The Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace
Proceeds support youth mental health in Wellington.
Tickets: $100 per person or $800 for a table of 8.
Includes cocktail party, auction, raffles, and two-course mystery dinner (drinks extra).
Join the Fun and Support Young Minds!
Get your thinking caps on and join us for the Hutt City Rotary Quiz Evening—a fantastic fundraiser for the Innovative Young Minds project. This inspiring initiative encourages Year 11-12 girls to explore exciting careers in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths & high-tech manufacturing).
When: Wednesday, 16th October, from 6 pm Where: Boulcott Farm Golf Club Cost: $30 per head
We’ve had great success at this event before and are aiming to field at least one full team of 8 players. It’s a perfect chance to have fun, connect with Rotarians from across clubs, and support a brilliant cause.
Enjoy a lovely venue, lively auctions, spot prizes, raffles—and lots of laughs!
Enjoy the film, support good causes, and be part of a memorable night! Experience “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” with Rotary Club of Wellington North—an unforgettable movie fundraiser at Lighthouse Cinema, Petone!
Tuesday 7 October | 5:15pm doors, 5:45pm film | $25 tickets
Support vital causes like Polio Plus and the South Pacific.
Book now: projects@rcwn.org.nz or call 021 733 659.
See a top film and help make a difference—all in one night
World Polio Day
It’s no secret that global health programs like the Global Polio Eradication Initiative are facing unprecedented funding challenges amid changing government priorities, rising rates of vaccine hesitancy, and the spread of misinformation. So why should Rotary members continue to care about polio eradication and World Polio Day? The simple answer:
Rotary made a promise to the children of the world that no child should suffer the consequences of this vaccine-preventable disease.
Through our collective voices and actions across the world on 24 October, we can maintain our momentum toward fulfilling that promise.
Anyone keen to go to Big Hats High Tea?
12 October, 3-5 pm
This is a great event at a very attractive venue.
An opportunity to dig out or create A HAT!
Tickets $70. See the ad below.
If you'd like to go and support Rotary Hutt Valley's fundraiser, contact Lee Wilkinson: lee.communicate@gmail.com
Club Dates
Social Events As at 29 September
18 Oct - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?
1 Nov - Play: Monument, at Circa
5 March, 2026 - Jumbo Tennis
TBC - Grumpy Old Men in Lycra
Events Coming Up
All events at The Wellington Club, unless otherwise noted
6 October: Paul Harris lunch
13 October: RCW lunch: Speaker - Angela Gruer, Blueprint Centre for Learning
20 October: RCW lunch: Speaker - Dr Claire Achmad, Commissioner for Children
27 October: No meeting (Labour Day)
3 November: RCW lunch: Speaker - Helmut Modlik
10 November: Paul Harris lunch
17 November: RCW dinner and our AGM: Speaker - Melissa Smith, CEO CCS Disability Action, celebrating 90 years
24 November: Paul Harris lunch
1 December: RCW lunch: Speakers - Director/Co-Directors for Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts
8 December: Paul Harris lunch
15 December: RCW Christmas lunch: Speaker - Rev Charles Waldergrave
