Home Page | The Rotary Club of Wellington North

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

Club Presidents

PRESIDENT 2020/21 – DAVID YOUNG

I was born in Auckland. After qualifying as a civil engineer, I did post-graduate studies in the UK and worked in the US and Australia. Since then I have lived in Wellington, for nearly 50 years.

I had a varied career, working for the NZ Wool Board and then for two years in the Prime Minister’s Advisory Group advising on transport, energy, communications and the environment. I was CEO of the association representing waterfront employers and then as planning manager of Transit NZ, now the NZ Transport Agency. I completed my career in India on a World Bank assignment. In my retirement, I retain my connection with the ports and shipping industries as Chairman of Trustees of the Maritime Retirement Scheme.

I have been a Rotarian for five years, and value the fellowship and being part of a service club.

I have been married to Hilary for nearly 30 years after my first wife died. We have five children between us, twelve grandchildren and one great-grandson. My retirement interests are bowls, bridge and occasional writing. I attend Khandallah Presbyterian Church with Hilary.

Club History

In the 1960’s, when Rotary was rapidly expanding, Ron Harrison, the Wellington Manager of New Zealand Breweries, with headquarters in Molesworth Street, called a meeting to establish a new Rotary club. With the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Rotary Club of Wellington North came into being on 18 November 1965 with 26 Charter Members, whose names are listed on page 7. The initial Club gathering took place at midday in the Battle Bar of the Waterloo Hotel to enjoy conviviality and then adjourned to the Dining Room for the first meeting. Ron Harrison, as the first president, occupied that role for the next 18 months.