Our Projects

Rotary Dunedin undertakes a wide range of service projects each year to uplift and benefit our local community. Some projects are ongoing commitments, like our daily Meals on Wheels delivery, while others are impactful one-off initiatives.
 
These diverse projects provide our members with numerous ways to contribute their time and talents, all with the shared goal of making Dunedin a better place. In addition to hands-on work, we also raise funds to support important causes across the region.
 
Over the years, Rotary Dunedin has proudly supported projects like the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, the establishment of the albatross colony, the budget advisory service, West Harbour Recreation Trail, and the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
 
Every hour we volunteer and every dollar we raise is dedicated to building a stronger, more connected community.
Rotary Park
Rotary Dunedin celebrated its centenary year in 2023. With this milestone came the desire to develop a showcase project which celebrates and reflects our long relationship with Dunedin and the wider Otago community.
 
Rotary Park was originally developed by the Rotary Club of Dunedin (now called Rotary Dunedin) in the early 1950s, opening in June 1956 to celebrate 50 years of Rotary International. Rotary Dunedin has a long association with the Rotary Park and wishes to continue this development, with further enhancements and beautification to improve the site for the benefit of the entire community.

We are planning to develop the park over the coming years in phases, beginning with adding tracks and plantings, and may undertake further developments beyond these first 3 phases, such as viewing platforms, shelters and seating.
 
The project is well underway and if you'd like to join us then get in touch!

West Harbour Recreation Trail

This project was the beautification of the West Harbour Recreation Trail, including the installation of picnic tables, signage, and exercise equipment. 
 

It is a sealed walking, running, and cycling track along the west side of Otago Harbour, starting from the Otago University Rowing Club and already popular with the public.

The official opening was on Saturday 21 April 2018.  There was a great turnout and the Trail was officially opened by Mayor Dave Cull. At left a photo of some of our Rotarians in action installing one of the new seats!

This project was featured in an article in our District 9980 magazine
 
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull is joined at the official opening of the West Harbour Recreation Trail by (from left) Rotary Club of Dunedin project leaders Neil Lyons and Darrel Robinson, landscape architect Mick Field and Taskforce Green representative Morgan Jopson. 
Rotarians and members of the public enjoy a BBQ at the official opening of the trail.
The West Harbour Recreation Trail now officially opened.
Sponsors

Funding came from a number of sources including direct fundraising by the club.  We have received approval from the Dunedin City Council for the project together with a Community Grant of $1000.  We have also received $10,000 from Ravensdown and $15,000 from Perpetual Guardian Trust.

We have had regular working bees there, see the selection of photographs below.

Photos of the installation of the first 3 pieces of exercise equipment