SEPTEMBER 2026
District 9930
Welcome to our September news updates. If you are new to our District - welcome :) This months Spotlight is on Our Rotary Foundation which provides the support that helps Rotary members create lasting change. Because of generous supporters we’re protecting millions of children every year from polio, expanding access to clean water and education, supporting peacebuilding efforts, and responding when communities have faced crisis. Thank you to everyone who already contributes, there is no right time but maybe now is a good time. I spent some time in September helping out at the Footprints For Our Future Environmental Action Weekend. This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a group of clubs work together to share resources, ideas and a purpose. Congratulations to all the clubs involved on what was a blustery but very enjoyable weekend!! We have no Clubs in our District who were Chartered in September. So, heres an idea for you. Are there opportunities in your community to start a cause- or interest-based Rotary group? Perhaps there’s a group of people who are passionate about a particular issue and would love to come together to make a difference — whether that’s men’s health, the environment, education, mental health, youth, community connection, or another cause that matters to your community. It doesn’t necessarily have to look like a traditional Rotary club. It could be a different way of bringing people together around something they care deeply about, while giving them the opportunity to create meaningful impact through Rotary. So here’s the challenge: Is there a cause or community need in your area that could bring a new group of people together? Maybe September is the month we start thinking differently about what a Rotary club can look like.
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Member Recognition - does your club recognise members 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or above anniversaries? Did you know this is an option? Want to know how? Click on the link and please remember to let me know if you are planning a recognition event.
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NO Ce B
Have a fantastic day and enjoy the school holidays with those little people in your lives L D ~ B e B O ~ B T E D e N C E
Janine Branson District Governor 2026-2028 E: bjanine@xtra.co.nz
Rotary International President 2026-2027 Yinka Babalola
Spotlight on....
Our Foundation The Rotary Foundation is one of the most respected charitable organisations in the world, with 100% four star rating from Charity Navigator (a charity watchdog) every year since 2008. It is the primary means by which we as Rotarians accomplish our service goals globally. From eradicating polio to promoting world understanding, peace and goodwill, the Foundation is the tool by which Rotary makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The Foundation’s funds come largely from club contributions and personal giving by Rotarians and others. Every contribution, big or small, helps turn our Rotary dollars into projects that create real and lasting change — in our own communities and around the world. If you would like a refresher on the Foundation and how you can best maximise your contributions please reach out to Michelle Thank you to the clubs who applied for a District Grant. The Grants committee have met and submitted their grant application to The Rotary International Foundation We will be in touch with you in the next couple of weeks. Michelle Tanner Rotary Matamata District Foundation Chair Email Michelle
End Polio Now World Polio Day on 24 October is fast approaching, bringing one of our best opportunities to put polio back in the spotlight. It is a day to celebrate extraordinary progress, but also to remind our communities that the job is not finished. Every conversation, event, donation and act of advocacy helps keep attention on the final push to eradication. Download resources and read an incredible story of one womens determination to end polio in her region James Khare Rotary Fairfield District Polio Chair Email James
Good News Stories from across the District Happy Charter Anniversary We have no Clubs in our District who were Chartered in September.
Rotary Club Excellence Awards This is the most significant award a Rotary Club can achieve. It recognises Cubs who have achieved specific goals. Mike Kitney Huru Symons Erin Symons Kani Ng’onomo Nicki Prentice James Clark
Congratulations Congratulations to Rotarian Kathy Webb, recipient of a Kings Service recognising her significant contribution to the community.
The Shelter Bag Project This project is gaining traction across the Zone with the aim being to raise $180,000 to fund a full 20ft container of 1,200 shelterbags by 16th December 2026. The recent interview with Paula Bond-Wilson of Merge Café can be seen on the Rotary Oceania Link). The bags are bivy/swag type - durable, weatherproof and have a full-length zip, hood, foot vent and closed cell padding base. They are not the ultimate answer to homelessness but can provide significant comfort for those sleeping rough. Their manufacture provides skills and employment for women in South Africa who would otherwise struggle or not have employment.
Congratulations to the clubs who achieved this award in 2025-26: Stortford Lodge Papapmoa Matamata Havelock North Greenmeadows
Significant Service Award This award recognizes a Club whose project has addressed a significant need in their community. It is designed to recognise club projects that address a significant problem or need in the local community. Congratulations Omokoroa Rotary on receiving this Significant Service Award for their Health Shuttle Project. Over the last 6 months, through the dedication of Rotarians and community volunteers, the shuttle has helped over 150 residents access vital medical appointments.
Whilst funding of the bags is via Rotary Clubs the intention is that Clubs will link with a local social agency who already has a trusted relationships with rough sleepers and will receive and distribute shelterbags. If you are interested in this as a club project please order online or for further information contact Malcolm Stapleton. World Polio Day - 24 October 2026 We made a promise to the children of the world: No child should suffer the consequences of this vaccinepreventable disease. Here’s how you can help. Raise awareness Plan an event Share what you are doing Check out these resources
Be a Champion – Say NO to Domestic Violence Rotary across New Zealand is coming together for a national campaign to say NO to domestic violence. The campaign team have met with the NZ Assistant Police Commissioner to discuss how we can involve the local police. This also includes how we connect into other local and national campaigns such as White Ribbon Day. If you are interested in this campaign we are starting off by encouraging everyone to wear the purple tee shirt (order form attached) on the third Friday of every month and join the walk at end of November. Could you be the person who helps Rotary turn this important message into meaningful action in our communities? Put your hand up, nominate someone from your club, and let’s make our collective voice heard.
Environmental Action Weekend Clubs from the Bay of Plenty Community Group came together over the weekend of 19/20 September to take action for our environment as part of Footprints for our Future. Although the weather was less than friendly over 200 people across the 8 clubs took part in cleaning up our roadsides and planting more than 5000 plants. Another great example of communities coming together for a common cause.
A new Rotary District A little reminder… check your inbox! Late in September, I sent an email to all Rotarians about an exciting step forward for Rotary — as Clubs across Districts 9910, 9920 and 9930 come together to form our new District 9900, effective 1 July 2028. At the time of writing, 65% of Rotarians opened that email. I’m not going to ask who the other 25% are… but I am going to suggest that perhaps it’s time to check your inbox!
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There’s a good chance that some of the same 25% who haven't opened that email are also the ones not reading this newsletter — but I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to stay informed. So here’s a call to action: Check the email address you have registered with Rotary and make sure it’s the one you actually check. Keep an eye on your inbox for updates from me and from the District. Check that your fellow Rotarians have seen the email. If you are a Club president think about how you could share any important notices. And when you see a Rotary email arrive… please open it!
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There’s a lot happening as we prepare for the future of Rotary in our region, and we want you to be part of the conversation.
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After all, you can’t be informed about what’s happening in Rotary if your emails are sitting unread in an inbox you never look at!
Whats coming up..... Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Its not too late to register a Rotary team!!!! It's not about how quickly the team can get around the course or the whether your team completes the longest course distance, it's the total number of team kilometres.
First-ever virtual Conference
Worldwide
Interact
The Trophy has been held by Whakatane Rotary for a couple of years and it's time for another Rotary club to be triumphant.
7-8 November 2026 This 2-hour, online conference will be student led, as a peer-to-peer event, and open to Interactors anywhere in the world to log-on and participate. However, due to subscription limitations on seats available and also due to different time zones, participation will be limited to the first 300 who log-on for each session.
Bring your Rotary club flag to the event to fly at the event Rotary tent.
The theme for this conference is "Empowering Interact Around the World."
If you want to promote your Rotary club at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Expo on the Friday afternoon (27th November). Please contact Noel.
See the attached flyer for details on how to register or touch base with intetract Chair Brian McLay.
If you have entered and haven't ticked the Rotary team box, please let Noel Ridghers know.
This is the 48th year of the Rotary run Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and we are planning for the 50th year to be a celebration of the event and Rotary. It would be great for your club to be part of such a special Rotary run event in 2026 and building up to the 50th Year celebrations.
Dates for your Diary World Polio Day 24 October Virtual Worldwide Interact Conference 7 & 8 November 2026 Rotary Cambridge Garden Festival 14-15 November
S A M O A A L L I E D H E A LT H P R O J E C T Interplast Australia & New Zealand continues its vital work delivering reconstructive surgery and allied health training across the Pacific. Rotary New Zealand has been invited to support the proposed Samoa Allied Health Project, focusing on wound care, rehabilitation, and post‑operative education for local clinicians. All NZ Rotary districts are asked to contribute toward a national fundraising target of NZD $10,000 to provide an allied health therapist to travel with the surgical team to give post-surgical care. To make a donation, request a presentation or for more information contact PDG Grant Spackman or District Interplast Chair Wendy Mildon.
Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 28 November National Science & Technology Forum 9-23 January 2027
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