This very special event will be held at Toitu, starting at 6.30pm on Sat 29th April. Tickets $100 per person includes pre-dinner drink, entertainment, a sit down meal catered by Vault 21 and our guest speaker, former Governor General and Rotarian, Sir Anand Satyanand.
Please RSVP to your invitation to the Anniversary Dinner on 29 April by 15 April to Fiona at
As part of our club’s centenary celebrations Craig Radford has written a history of the last 100 years of Rotary in Dunedin.
While Craig’s book nods to the past 100 years, it really takes off from where Gordon Parry’s 75-year history ended to highlight the last 25 years of our club.
It is a rollicking good read that you won’t want to miss, we are taking pre orders now for $30 per copy or you can purchase on the night of our centenary dinner and after for $35 per copy.
Since 2012 the annual "Trees For Families" plantings have been establishing the shrubbery adjacent to the city end of the West Harbour walkway. Although there was Rotary signage on the walkway, the BBQ shelter, and outdoor furniture, there was nothing recognising the significance of the planting. Led largely by (now) President Fiona, the Community Projects group designed, gained approval and commissioned a substantial bronze plaque which has now been placed in position awaiting a formal "unveiling". A generous donation from Blueskin Nurseries contributed part of the cost (the remainder was funded by the Community group), casting of the plaque was done for the cost of materials by Giltech Precision Castings Ltd, a basalt rock was dug out of their back paddock by Robin & Fiona, and the plaque was mounted on said rock free of charge by Dunedin Monumental Masons.
All Club members should have received an email from President Fiona, inviting them to the off-site lunchtime meeting on April 13th at Orokonui Ecosanctuary from 12pm-2pm; starting with lunch at Horpito café, then a talk from the ecosanctuary rangers and then a wander down into the ecosanctuary to view the new aviary installation. If not, you can download it from this link.
Richard Buchanan grew up in Paroa, near Greymouth. He was supported by a local field officer from what was then called the Crippled Children Society. Richard has had a long career within the disability sector and a strong personal and professional affiliation with CCS Disability Action in particular. He became the CCS Disability Action General Manager Southern region on 12 July 2021. There are six branches in the South Island managed from a hub in Christchurch.
Richard said that CCS Disability Action focuses on assisting individuals and their families to obtain the life outcomes that they want, not what others think is best for them. Richard explained how the organisation is governed and managed. The organisation has strong relationships with disabled people, families/ whānau, other organisations, companies, government departments and current/potential funders. A key focus is to involve disabled people are included in all decisions effecting their lives from the outset.
The CCS Disability Action support about 5000 people nationally and around 360min Otago. The disabled receive support with employment, health, education and other things such as disability parking. Richard says that the key idea is to provide disabled folk with a “fair go”.As with all other organisations funding is tight and inflation is providing added financial pressure.
Richard reminded the club that the Dunedin Rotary Club was instrumental in forming the Dunedin project for the CCS way back in 1934/5.
(Perhaps there are lessons for our club about access and inclusiveness for disabled people.)
Circus Quirkus is an annual fundraiser where local businesses provide donations to enable families in the community to attend the performance.
Last year, $7,247 was raised which was split amongst RNZWCS, Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust and the Rotary Foundation.
This year, the recipients will be Youthline, the Rotary Park redevelopment and the Rotary Foundation.
Editors note: Bruce Cowan is our liasion person with Circus Quirkus. He has indicated that anyone who knows of a needy family that would enjoy a trip to the circus should contact him to arrange for free tickets. This years performances are on Monday 15 May, 4:30 pm & 7:30 pm in Kings & Queens Performing Arts Centre – 270 Bay View Road
Last Sunday was "Purple Day" when events and fundraisers are held throughout New Zealand to raise awareness of Epilepsy and to support people who live with epilepsy. The local branch of Epilepsy NZ found themselves a little short of helpers for their planned sausage sizzle so asked the club for help. At fairly short notice Jack, Malcolm and Bruce answered the call - which was obviously appreciated. The following email was received: "Could you please pass on our sincere gratitude to the volunteers who helped with the Purple Day sausage sizzle at Bunnings. With their help, we were able to fundraise over $700. The funding goes towards purchasing seizure alarms for families to trial and all services Epilepsy NZ provides. Thank you so much for your support. Warmly, Leanne Pryde Educator"
The recent quiz night organised by the Community Projects group successfully raised $1,013.00 which will be shared between the Rotary Park Centennial Project (90%) and The Rotary Foundation (10%). The group wishes to thank all those who supported the project, including those who donated prizes ranging from a pot of "Grans Remedy for Smelly Feet" to a "Handknitted Merino Headband"
The partner of a District Governor may find themselves having to suffer all sorts of indignities "in the name of Rotary" and who knows when these may come back to haunt them!! Claire accompanied her husband Peter "back to school" sometime around 1996-97 when he was D.G.
Are you passionate about the future of Rotary?
The Regionalisation Pilot Project Team is looking for volunteers to fill a number of roles in their team. The work occurring in the coming months will signal exciting milestones for this project.
Expertise is sought in the areas of:
*Learning and Development
*Foundation
*Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
*Membership
*Government Relationships, Public Image and Partnerships
*Services - Transfer of functions (from district to region)
*Major Funding and Grants (financials)
*Communications and IT
If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out the application form at https://creatingtomorrowrotary.org/working-group-volunteer-form
Rotary Dunedin Centennial Dinner
Since 2012 the annual "Trees For Families" plantings have been establishing the shrubbery adjacent to the city end of the West Harbour walkway.
All Club members should have received an email from President Fiona, inviting them to the off-site lunchtime meeting on April 13th at Orokonui Ecosanctuary from 12pm-2pm; 
Richard Buchanan grew up in Paroa, near Greymouth. He was supported by a local field officer from what was then called the Crippled Children Society. Richard has had a long career within the disability sector and a strong personal and professional affiliation with CCS Disability Action in particular. He became the CCS Disability Action General Manager Southern region on 12 July 2021. There are six branches in the South Island managed from a hub in Christchurch.
Last Sunday was "Purple Day" when events and fundraisers are held throughout New Zealand to raise awareness of Epilepsy and to support people who live with epilepsy.
The recent quiz night organised by the Community Projects group successfully raised $1,013.00 which will be shared between the Rotary Park Centennial Project (90%) and The Rotary Foundation (10%). The group wishes to thank all those who supported the project, including those who donated prizes ranging from a pot of "Grans Remedy for Smelly Feet" to a "Handknitted Merino Headband"
The partner of a District Governor may find themselves having to suffer all sorts of indignities "in the name of Rotary" and who knows when these may come back to haunt them!!
