RCW Bulletin
22 October, 2025
 

Upcoming Meetings

3 November
Lunch at The Wellington Club
12.30pm
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.

For duties, see table at bottom of this bulletin.

17 November
Evening Meeting at The Wellington Club
5.30 pm AGM & Speaker
Speaker: Melissa Smith, CEO, CCS Disability Action
 

Join us to celebrate 90 years of CCS Disability Action, founded in 1935 through Rotary initiative to support children affected by polio.
Melissa will reflect on the growth of CCS, from the early “Crippled Children Society” to a nationwide movement for inclusion and accessibility.
A chance to honour our club’s historic link while hearing what’s next for CCS in 2025. Don’t miss it

Club News

 

Discover the Heart of Rotary 

New Members Evening
Monday 10 November

 5.30–6.30 pm

37/54 Hill St

Thorndon

Join us for an informal Rotary education session over wine, juice and cheese.
Find out how Rotary makes a difference locally and globally — and how you can get the most from your own membership.

Whether you’re brand new or still exploring what Rotary offers, this is a great chance to meet others, ask questions, and feel part of our community from the start.

If you can come, contact Lee Wilkinson:lee.communicate@gmail.com

 

 

Thank you!

Many thanks to all the members who donated the cost of lunch to End Polio. We, reasonably painlessly, raised $900!

Save the Date 

Club Holiday Meeting 

15 December

Celebratory Food Option
Partners Welcome!
Last meeting for the year
 

 

Doing Duty the Rotary Way

If you’re unable to do your rostered duty, please arrange a friendly swap or find a replacement.
Our President is leading with great energy and dedication — let’s support her by managing our own commitments.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our meetings running smoothly — teamwork in action!

 

City Mission Toy Shop - Volunteer on These Dates

This is a very heartening experience. Don't miss out. Volunteers must be 18+

9th Dec: Toy Store - 9.30 am - 12.30 pm - 4 people needed

11 Dec: Toy Store -  9.30 am - 12.30 pm - 4 people needed

 

Register here:

https://forms.gle/cTKEy543sjr5dt2J8 

 

Save the date:

8 December
for helping out at our Thorndon Fair stall
It would be great to have your help for an hour or two on the day.
Contact Suzanne: suzanne.snively@gmail.com, to put your name on the roster 

 

 
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.
To order your supply, click here:
 
Get in fast so you don't miss out!
 
Contact: Christine.Hurley1@hotmail.com
 

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 Joining

We welcome David Hughes, who was inducted to the club on October 20. On 3 November, we will induct HE Keith Smith, Bradley Taylor & possibly, Justin Smith.

 They join Reg Weeks, Rachel Scott, Stuart Brooker, Ayesha Shakya, Prasanna Gamage and Waqar Qureshi, who have joined us since July this year. 
Board Update

Heads‑Up: Important AGM Decision – 17 November

Big changes are coming for all incorporated societies in New Zealand – and that includes us. At our AGM on 17 November, members will vote on adopting the new RCW Constitution and Bylaws, required under the updated Incorporated Societies Act.

The proposed Constitution follows the national Rotary model developed with RI and legal advisers, so the decision will be a straightforward accept/reject vote. Our draft Bylaws, meanwhile, update club processes but retain key traditions – including the Past Presidents’ role in selecting the President‑Nominee and the blackball provision for membership.

You’ll soon receive an email with the full documents and background notes. Please take time to read them so you’re ready to take part in this important vote shaping our club’s future.

Upcoming Vote on New RCW Constitution and Bylaws

See the above information about the proposed RCW Constitution and Bylaws.

Next Steps:

  • November: Special meeting at our  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 still running until 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.

 Don’t miss this chance to
explore our local heritage — visit the festival website to see the full
programme and book:

 

Club Dates

Social Events
As at 26 October
 
1 Nov - Play: Monument, at Circa   
15 Dec - RCW Christmas Lunch 
5 March, 2026 - Jumbo Tennis
 
 
Events Coming Up
All events at The Wellington Club, unless otherwise noted
 
27 October: No meeting (Labour Day)
3 November: RCW lunch: Speaker - Helmut Modlik. Registration link: https://forms.gle/a797PTx79rVGjdCg6
 
10 November: Paul Harris lunch
17 November: RCW evening meeting and our AGM: Speaker - Melissa Smith, CEO CCS Disability Action, Celebrating 90 years. Registration link:
 
24 November: Paul Harris lunch
1 December: RCW lunch: Speakers - Director/Co-Directors for Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts. Registration link:
 
8 December: Paul Harris lunch
15 December: RCW Christmas lunch: Speaker - Rev Charles Waldegrave
 
26 January: First meeting for 2026! Speaker - Peter Thompson: The Role of Public Media in Democracy
Upcoming Meeting Duties
    Date   Door Host / Guests

Introducer /Thanker

Greeter 1

Greeter 2 5-Minute Talk Opening Thought
                 
    03-Nov-2025 John Rowe Karen Coutts /Roger Blakeley Thanker Waqar Qureshi Debbie Chin Prasanna Gamage/ Rachel Scott David Hughes
   
17-Nov-2025
Evening meeting
George Fairbairn Raewyn Hailes Sir Anand Satyanand

 

Ayesha Shakya George Fairbairn Jane McCann
   
1-Dec
John Gibbons
Allan Frost
Prasanna Gamage
Joan Smith
 Waqar Qureshi, Reg Weeks, Irina Francken 
Lisa Skeerup 
   
15 Dec
John Gibbons
Jane McCann
Lynn McKenzie
Suzanne Snively
Keith Smith
Chris Parkin
Club Representatives
 
Responsibility: Board
Member
Responsibility
Member
President
Lynn McKenzie
International
Nick Hurley (also Meetings)
President-Elect
Suzanne Snively
RCW Trust
Joan Smith
Immediate Past President
Roger Blakeley
Comms
Lee Wilkinson
Treasurer & Community Service
Allan Frost
Speakers
Janice Wilson
Fellowship
John Boshier
 
Denise Church
Other Responsibilities
 
 
 
Member Support
Jane McCann & George Fairbairn
Constitution
Derek Gill.
Secretary
Julie Haggie
Wellington Club Liaison
Jane McCann