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5.30 pm:  Social 1/2 hour 
6.30 pm: Start
The Albie
20 Alison Avenue
Albert Town 9382
(Apologies by 12 noon Monday prior please)
 
Casual Catch up for ALL members

5pm - 6pm

EVERY TUESDAY just before

the Weekly Rotary Meeting

 

For apologies for one or multiple
meetings or if bringing a
guest follow this link:
 
 
(All apologies and guest notifications
to be completed by Noon Monday)
 
In an EMERGENCY Contact
President Marie Fitchett
 027 672 5069
 

 
 
Speakers
Nov 11, 2025
Committee Meetings
Nov 18, 2025
Highlands Motorsport Park visit
Nov 25, 2025
Nic Cavanagh Snow Sports NZ
A preview of the Milan Olympics/Paralympics
Dec 02, 2025
The Rotary Club of Wanaka - AGM
AGM
Dec 09, 2025
Foundation Auction
Rotary Club Yearly Auction
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
Marie Fitchett
 
President Elect
Geoff McLeay
 
Past President
Alan Richardson
 
Secretary
Geoffrey Tomkins
 
Treasurer
Richard Gray
 
Administration Director/Chair
Geoff McLeay
 
Rotary Foundation Director/Chair
Elaine Kelly
 
Club Membership Director/Chair
Patrick Heffernan
 
Youth Director/Chair
Nikki Carey
 
Club Fellowship Activities
Peter Borrie
 
Fundraising
John Huddleston
 
Public Image Chair
Tony O'Regan
 
Service Projects Chair
Rod Pemberton
 
Webmaster
Julian Warren
 
Birthdays
Member Birthdays
George Scott
November 3
 
Patrick Heffernan
November 4
 
Diana Cusens
November 8
 
Rosie Burridge
November 10
 
Malcolm Baker
November 18
 
Eion Rutherford
November 25
 
Jonathan Walmisley
November 26
 
Catherine Little
November 29
 
Dave Evans
December 14
 
Bulletin Editor:
Ron Horner
Mob: 022 393 2140

Email:hr.horner@gmail.com
 
Copy deadline Sunday 12 noon
 
Please inform Sally Angus 
mob- 0274 479 338
if you know of any club member
requiring pastoral care due to
illness or family bereavement
-  or just a helping hand
from the club. 

 The Rotary Foundation – Our Charity of Choice
Is it yours?
 
 
Information about donating to The Rotary Foundation is available at:
www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give
 
 
 
 
 
Image

To celebrate 100 years of Rotary in Australia and New Zealand, we’ve teamed up with UNICEF to give life-saving vaccines to 100,000 children across the Pacific.

 
 
 
 

Rotarians out and about

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Image result for print it logo wanaka
 
 
 
 
 
 
Presidents  Report  Monday 29th September 2025
Greetings to you all,
 
Daylight saving has started & I am sitting on the couch typing this after a busy weekend in Dunedin.  Dunedin was the city where I grew up and I enjoy going back to see all the changes.  The gardens outside the Railway Station looked beautiful.  
Thank you, Geoff, for filling in while I was off in Hanmer Springs.  Keith & Heather enjoyed their visit to our club, sending me a message of thanks.  It is great to have Laurence on our Rotary team so please make him feel welcome.  Remember if a member has a red star on their name badge, they are new to our club.
Last week we had the amazing Gary Tate enlightening us about cycling and travelling in Colombia.  There was an interest in the drug trade, cartels and security which are now under control with Colombia people friendly and supportive of tourists.   
Please remember to lodge your apology for the next two weeks if you are not attending the bowls night on Tuesday 30 September or the foundation movie night on Tuesday 7 October 2025.  Bowls night is $25 cash or eftpos on the night, tickets for the movie night can be purchased via online banking into our club account giving your surname, ref: movie night  and the number of tickets.  Please for Richard’s sake check that you are paying into the normal account (I.e. the one for our subs) and not the Trust Acc.
Everyone should have received an invoice for Rotary fees for the period July 2025 – June 2026.  The cost is $225, and it would be appreciated if this could be paid by the end of October. 
We are still looking for a suitable candidate for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) in January 2026.  If you know of any suitable candidate, please talk to Youth & Vocational team or to me. 
Next weekend some of us are off up to Tititea in Mt Aspiring to clean, chop up firewood and sort the property for the start of the next school out of classroom learning months.  This is always a great weekend with lots of fun and laughter. 
Those who are enjoying special time with grandies, family and friends have lots of fun and make memories.  
Have a great fortnight.
Kindest regards 
Marie
Club Duties
Duty roster notes.
1. All active members (except honorary members and directors/president) are eligible to be rostered for duties.
2. Rostered members are responsible for doing the duty or arranging a substitute. Please assist us with this
3. Please advise Jenny Dickie of substitutes on 021 342 227.
4. Duties are for the rostered week only.
5. Duties are notified in the fortnightly bulletin.
 
CLUB DUTIES ROSTER

 

   30th September 
       
 7th October   
  
     
 14th October 
   21st October    

Attendance

 Bowls Night Movie Night  
Committee Meetings
    

Meet, Greet and Photography

 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  

Introduce Speaker

 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  

Thank Speaker

 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  
 
3 Minute Speaker
 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  
 
Raffle
 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  

Parting Thought

 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings  
 
Audio Visual Support
 Bowls Night Movie Night   Committee Meetings Ron Horner

 

          
 
 
 
 
Tititea Rotary weekend moved
The Rotary Tititea weekend has been moved to the first weekend of October, 4th and 5th due to a clash of dates.
John.M
Coming up - Club Night Activities
Tuesday 21st October: Jamie Ward -Otago Fish and Game.
 
Previous Club Night Activities
Tuesday 23rd September Gary Tate: Biking in Colombia
Gary firstly gave  a brief history of his involvement in tourism, mentioning his departure from farming to work in the government tourism department. He described the growth of his company, which started as an outbound travel wholesaler and expanded to include 45 staff in New Zealand and early Australia, with a turnover of $200 million per annum. The company diversified to avoid market fluctuations, focusing on Africa, Asia, and South America. He outlined his initial trip to South America in 1979, where he established contacts for future tours and experienced a significant event involving a fuel strike and a unique flight path from Melbourne to South America over the Antarctica 2 years after the Mt Erebus disaster.
Gary recounted his first trip to Columbia in 1982, marked by security measures due to drugs and corruption. Returning in 2000 he noted the improved safety and atmosphere. Gary recommenced tours in 2010. He went on to describe the Cocora Valley, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and the city of Cartagena (the Papa Grande area). He described the coffee culture, warm climate and exports including coffee, vegetables flowers and oil.
Gary outlined his bike tours which were mainly gradual inclines, and he kept tour parties to 10-12 pax. He commented he recently had an 82-year-old on a tour and his frequent use of a Willy’s Jeep.
A very informative talk thank you Gary.
Gary was introduced by Chris Tempest and thanked by John Milburn.
Tuesday 16th September: Keith McIntosh  Governor Central Otago Lakes.
"Where Rotary is at in the South Island and what we need to do to sustain Rotary in the future".
 
Our Rotary Club of Wanaka hosted 2025-26 District Governor Keith McIntosh who presented his vision for his current Governorship. Keith commented on the strong membership, attendance and culture of our club which he views as a "traditional" club and our numbers being assisted by retirees. He commented that most other clubs in District 9999 are loosing members and that if left could result in many clubs closing within 12 years. 
Keith further explored the reasons for this citing time poor Gen X and Millennials and their preference for less meetings/ social interactions. He pointed out that Rotary must evolve to attract younger people. 
The key points of Keith's talk are below. A full transcript of Keith's address  and ppt presentation is available if required. 
 
[ ] Explore the concept of "companion clubs" as a way to engage younger members and bring new energy to the existing club.
[ ] Connect with the Richmond Rotary Club to learn from their successful strategy for addressing membership challenges.
[ ] Engage in discussions with newer and younger members to understand their club experience and identify ways to improve it.
[ ] Develop clear succession planning and personal development pathways for members to take on leadership roles within the club.
[ ] Participate in the upcoming district workshop on social media and club promotion strategies to better showcase the club's activities and impact.
      
             Mike Elliot introducing Keith                    Past President Mike Elliot, President elect Geoff McLeay,
                                                                        District 9999 Foundation member Nicola Brown, D.G. Keith
                                                                         and Immediate Past President Alan Richardson
New member Welcomed
D.G. Keith welcomed our latest member to the Rotary Club of Wanaka. Laurence Mikkelsen was inducted on Tuesday 16th. Welcome Laurence.
 
        
Laurence being welcomed by membership Committee Director Pat Heffernan, together with D.G. Keith and President Elect Geoff.
Membership of The Rotary Club of Wanaka as at July 2025
Below is the ppt of the Rotary Club of Wanaka membership stats as presented by Di Cusens on behalf of the membership Committee
 
David Brewer's parting thought 16-09-2025
My Grandfather said to me when I was in my teens:
There are two kinds of people
 Those who do the work
 Those who take the credit
He said do try to be in the first group – far less competition
Eion Rutherford's parting thought 23-09-2025
May your evening be filled with the warmth of friendship and the glow of happiness
 
Rotary Traditional Christmas Puddings
Once again this year we are offering you the Rotary Traditional Christmas Puddings which are baked in New Zealand and vacuum packed for superb freshness. These Traditional Christmas Puddings use only the best fruit, spices and wholesome ingredients to a time-proven recipe that everyone loves year after year.
They are available for $30 inclusive of GST and orders are now being taken. Please place your order/s via email to geoff@mcleay.nz. To confirm, you will be required to pay $30 per pudding into our Club Account No. 03-1739-0149617-000 by no later than Monday 10 November. Please use your family name and the word 'Pudding' as the reference.
Three Stylish Gift Packs Available
Here is a great way to thank friends and clients with one of three stylish Gift Packs available. If this is not for you, many of us know businesses who would love to gift one of these packs to suppliers, client or staff members as a Christmas gift or a special thank you. Our Club receives $40 for each sale so this is a great way for us to raise funds. Just think, 50 of these will raise $2,000!
Each pack is full of tasty tit-bits from leading brands. These are structured around 8 edible components with a choice of a gin and tonic for the alcohol boxes and two non-alcohol cocktail mixes as a non-alcoholic box (example below).
To review the 3 options available please refer to the email and attachment emailed to you last Tuesday 23 September or if it is easier you can look at the 3 options on www.sunrisemarket.co.nz but DO NOT order here. Please place your order/s via email to geoff@mcleay.nz and your order will be added to the list. We have been able to obtain an extension for all orders so we have up until Thursday 16 October to place orders. To confirm please pay for the gift pack/s into our Club Account No. 03-1739-0149617-000 using your family name and 'Gift Pack' as the reference.
Any questions for both of the above offers please call Geoff McLeay on 027 312 2806.
 
Sri Lankan Visit - Mike Elliot
I should have known!
A text from an ex-neighbour of ours in South Otago asking if we could organize a bbq/potluck tea for some friendship exchange Sri Lankans coming to Wanaka for a couple of nights. Initially the message said only three had arrived, but of course this swelled to five, plus the host, Gary Barber from the Christchurch Sunrise Club, oh, and his wife Lee, and Irene Mosley from Mosgiel – so all of a sudden, there are eight coming! But they wanted to meet some other Rotarians too, so we invited the Heffernan’s, the Rutherford’s, and the Wilton's to come as well.
We volunteered our place – but, are there any dietary requirements? Nothing major – one vegetarian, and two Muslims!! What?? Liz did her magic and arranged halal-killed chicken for the Muslims (yes, New World 3 Parks has this available!!), a bunch of salads from Fedelis, turmeric rice, noodles, and a lump of beef, all followed by fruit and ice cream. When one of our neighbours heard about the visitors, she insisted on doing the rice and noodles to save Liz the bother, and arrived just before them with large amounts of food!! – great neighbours!
Unfortunately, after a long day in Queenstown, two of the visitors did not come, so we all fitted comfortably into the living room! The three men were delightful company and it was very interesting to meet them and find out more about their country and their own individual lives. We indicated an interest in visiting Sri Lanka and they were all great ambassadors for their country by immediately encouraging us to go there and go to their Rotary Clubs too.  
They were supposed to be going to the Blossom Festival the following day, but someone in Dunedin had arranged tickets for the Otago Rugby game, and, considering the weather – and the result!!! - they probably made a good choice!!
It was great to meet these visitors and chat to them to give a little idea of NZ, and of course it was great that our fellow Wanaka Rotarians could come as well to help spread the message. It was our privilege to host them for a while and get to know more about the world.
Mike Elliot.
  
 
 
Minutes of the  Rotary Club of Wanaka Directors held Monday 15th September,  2025.
(The meeting was chaired by Geoff McLeay in Marie Fitchett’s absence.)
 
1. Treasurer's Report (Richard Gray):              All Balances as at 10/09/2025
 
Rotary Club of Wanaka:  
00 Account                                  $65,418.54
01 Account                                  $  1,083.28
02 Account                                  $     200.31
Total                                             $ 66,702.13
 
Payments Pending:
Note: Payments/Donations from Winter Crop Comp are yet to be paid out.
 
Non-routine payments for ratification:
 
Rotary International: 6-month Sub for July to Dec                   4,276.00
RDU magazine: 6-month Sub for July to Dec                           955.92
LR Stackhouse-Miller – wine tasting                                       600.00
Schistrockmedia – book sale advertising                                 229.43
Print It - Club Directory for 2025/26                                       901.67
Wanaka Bowling Club                                                           325.00
J Warren - reimburse – new microphones                               160.58
 
Donations paid last month from Club Account:                Nil
 
Rotary Club of Wanaka Charitable Trust:     
 
Balance at 10 September 2025                                       $73,473.45
 
Trust Payments pending: Nil
 
Trust Donations and payments made
Xero fee                                                                           14.95
Wanaka Storage monthly rent                                             186.00
Xero fee                                                                           14.95
Wanaka Storage monthly rent                                             186.00
Wanaka Rotary Rutherford payment correction                      80.00
Dance Troupe donation                                                       2,000.00
 
Discussion took place concerning how to pay the District Grant to Predator Free Wanaka.  Agreed that the Club will pay 50% of the total grant to PFNZ on receipt of a quote or invoice covering at least that amount, and the remaining amount against invoices(s) for the balance.
 
Noted that Accounts Reviewer, Allan Kelly, is awaiting our accounts for review. Richard to follow up with Dean's on the availability of the finished draft accounts for Allan.
2. Administration Report (Geoff McLeay)
 
Rotary Polo Shirts: Cost, selection and local options under investigation.
 
Pull up Banner: Options and costs being investigated.
Discussion : The size of the banner - approximately shoulder height - and logo were briefly discussed.  Slogan will be our Club name followed by “serving the community since 1984”.
 
General Business
 
Almoner
Each fortnight Sally Angus will provide Jenny Dickie (Duties ‘person’) the name/s of any person/s who, due to personal circumstances, shouldn’t be included in our Club Duties Roster.
 
Club Duties Roster
Agreed who can be excluded from the roster - all honorary members, all current directors and those who have registered leave in ClubRunner.
Via the Bulletin we will provide a reminder to members that it is their responsibility to find a replacement if they can’t be present at a meeting where they have been allocated a duty.
 
3. PR and Media Report (Tony O’Regan): Currently preparing advertising for the Duck Race
 
4. Foundation Report (Elaine Kelly)
 
Predator Free Wanaka / District Grant application
Elaine met with Guy Kennedy, chairman of Predator Free Wanaka to discuss the next steps following the approval of a District Grant making for a total $12,000 donation (includes $1000 from Aspiring Rotary).  Predator mapping planned over the next two months and then trap lines will be laid.  They will confirm a date in December when we can help lay the traps.
 
International Grant
Elaine liaising with a  group investigating an international grant with the Rotary Club of Arusha, Tanzania, and www.SoTheyCan.org charity based in Wanaka. Key is interest from Arusha club.
 
Polio fundraiser
The Polio fundraiser will take place on 7 October at Cinema Paradiso. The chosen film is The Rose. Cost is $25.  Wines for raffle have been secured from Maude and Rippon wineries.
 
5. Club Membership Report (Pat Heffernan)
 
Men’s health talk: 30+ attending.  Mike coordinating (Post meeting - event went very well)
New members – David McKenzie inducted July 29.  Mentor is Peter Harridge
Prospective members: Laurence Mikkelsen being inducted 16.9.25.  Mentor is Pat Heffernan
Membership stats – 60 full members – Paco Janka has been transferred to Honorary.
6. Fundraising Report (John Huddleston)
 
Duck Race (Saturday, 25 October 2025)
  • Sorting of small ducks: 13 September between 10.30am - 12.30pm - a Saturday.
  • Upper Clutha Medical Trust named as one of the main beneficiaries.
  • M10 Mega has agreed to sponsor the Fastest Corporate Duck Race for $500.
  • New World Three Parks have agreed to sponsor the winner of the Public Race and winner of the Best Dressed Competition for a total of $1,000.
  • Purchase of additional  ducks for 2026. John M had priced what it would cost per duck for a duck the same as what we purchased for the Fastest Corporate Duck race. Marie offered to contact other clubs in our district who may still have a supply of ducks. 
4. Winter Crop Competition
  • Wanaka A&P Foundation again confirmed as sponsor for 2026.
  • Approved split of WRC proceeds, with $28,500 to be given to OSRHT, and $ 9,500 to each of the 3 Fire Brigades.
  • Payment to the Fire Brigades for generators and a stretcher is awaiting invoices. Deans hopes this concluded within a fortnight, will arrange for suitable media coverage.
 
5. Warbirds Merchandising Contract (1-5 April 2026)
  • A new contract has been agreed for $8,500, formal agreement to be signed.
7. Service Projects Report (Rod Pemberton)
 
MAC grant  application to attend 2025 Hillary Challenge in Tongariro
MAC is wanting to send 8x, Yr13 students +2 teachers to the 2025 Hillary Challenge.  Dates are from the 28th September to 4thOctober. Cost is $16,000 plus individual flights.
They are requesting $8,678.75 for the Hillary Challenge and support vehicle costs ( both ways ) of $1,126 which includes ferry costs. This comes to a total of $9,804.75.
It was agreed we donate $2,000 which amounts to $250 per student.
8. Youth and Vocation Report (Nikki Carey)
 
Rotary Youth Exchange update.
A new District 9999 RYE Committee being set up, hoping to reactivate the programme in 2026.
Noted member interest in trying to receive a Brazilian 16y male student in Aug or Dec 2025. Will exchange scheme be ready?  Marie may attend the next Y&V Committee to discuss.
Noted Alan Richardson was on the District Committee till 2020/21 and is still advising them.
 
Vocation report:
  • 18th Nov Highlands meeting with Cromwell + Aspiring Rotary Clubs . Dinner included.
  • Mar/April FENZ Ralph Fegan + ROA Andrew Shaw.
RYLA: seeking nominees for Queenstown or Christchurch
Queenstown RYLA 1st - 5th      Feb for ages     0-30 y,
Christchurch          18th - 22nd  Jan   for  ages  18-25 y
MAC Scholarship : MAC + President Marie notified of choice of 2025 winner. 
Contact being made with last year’s recipient, Will Anderson, to arrange club talk.
Kahu Youth: Kelly talking to Anna Sutherland, Kahu Youth re our 2025 KY Scholarship.
9. Social/Club Activities Report (Peter Borrie)
  1. Bowls night: Tuesday 30th September. $25  includes hire of hall , loan of bowls, tuition and Pizzas.
  2. Soiree evening: planned for September at Richard Howarth’s place , now postponed until January.  Both jazz and classical pianists in Alan Hogans quartet, are unwell.
  3. Melbourne Cup night:  Tuesday 4th November.  Hoping to go to Hello Ranger, Chris  to confirm 4.30 start. Cost $35, includes nibbles, glass wine.  Any meal - own arrangement.
  4. Makarora fishing trip: Sunday 23rd and 24th November .  Dave McKenzie has accommodation booked for 20 and boats arranged.
  5. Xmas function: Saturday 6th December.  Rod's place.  Still $40 a head. Band again DoubtfulSouNZ  $800 . Derek looking after meats Peter & Fran salads etc. Chris:deserts
  6. Sunday bike rides: restarted 30th August . Every two weeks.
  7. Friday home hosting: The meeting was informed that this is on hold until New Year.
  8. Paella cooking demonstration: At Peter's place - Fran to confirm on her return .
 
General Business
  • Afghanistan Earthquake appeal - agreed that the Rotary Club of Wanaka provide $1,500 to ShelterBox to support relief efforts in Afghanistan following their earthquake.
  • Membership Subscription Fee - it was agreed that membership fees payable by members this financial year will remain at $225, payable by 31st October 2025. Also that the existing subsidy from the Foundation Auction proceeds will remain as is this year.
  • Special Project - having noted disquiet among members regarding annual fees and aspects of the operation of the club, it was agreed to  establish a sub-committee to investigate all potential improvements, including variation to our programmes, how we apply funds raised from service/labour revenue, how we calculate future annual subscriptions and more.All members of our Club to contribute via idea generation and problem solving.
  • Tititea - having noted that the personal cost to members volunteering for the Tititea clean-up was putting-off some members, and that the club was happy to pay costs for Aspiring Rotary members attending, plus specialist trades workers, it was agreed that the WRC cover the costs of four meals; Breakfast, 2x Lunches and Dinner for those members attending the working bee at Tititea.
  • Next meeting: Will be held at the A & P Showgrounds Office at 7pm on Monday 20 th October 2025
 
Foundation Committee Movie Night
Movie Night  Tuesday 7th  October in Cinema 1 at Paradiso. 
The movie is The Roses.
 featuring two of the best UK actors Olivia Colman ( on cover of Mindfood this month) and Benedict Cumberbatch 
in a satirical black comedy based on the 1981 novel and a remake of the 1989 film The War of the Roses. 
Life seems easy for a picture-perfect couple - successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids …… but a storm is brewing !!!! 
There are only 78 seats available.
Guests are invited to arrive for some fellowship and a raffle from 6 pm with the movie starting at 7 pm.
Tickets are $25 per person.  The last 3 movie nights have been sellouts so you can not rely on turning up on the night or bringing an extra guest and expect there to be a seat.
 
Please purchase your seats via online banking into our club account giving your surname,
ref: movie night  and the number of tickets.  Please for Richard’s sake check that you are paying into the normal account (I.e. the one for our subs) and not the Trust Acc.
see you there
Dave Evans
Foundation Committee”
The Intrepid Trio: Sunday 28th Bike Ride hero's below.
      
 
 
Hosting request -Warbirds over Wanaka 2026
From: Andrew Brownlie [roo48@aapt.net.au]
Greetings from D9815, Melbourne and Gippsland Areas. My local club is Maroondah, about 30km NE of Melbourne. Valda, I am an aviation nut, having attended the Royal International Tatoo (RIAT) in the UK, and a regular attendee to Avalon International Airshow (near Geelong) and Warbirds Downunder at Temora (NSW). I have always coveted attending Warbirds over Wanaka and have started looking forward to my options for 2026 and attending WOW over the Easter Weekend. I notice from the club website that the club assists in the running of the event, although there is no indication of exactly what you do. If i was to indicate that I would be available to assist over the weekend, would that be something your club would entertain? As I did when I went to RIAT in 2016, i was hosted by Rotarians in the near area and wonder if amongst your members there would be a Rotarian willing to host me for 3-4 day? I will have my own means of transport over the stay period. If home hosting isn't available, do you have connections in the accomodation industry where you might suggest i look for somewhere to stay? I look forward to your earliest favourable response. Kind regards PP Andrew Brownlie roo48@aapt.net.au +61 (0)478637661