September (Sep 18, 2025)

An important way that we as Rotary help in the local community and wider is through the fundraising we do as a club.

Finding ways of fundraising is an ongoing process and where members have a good idea dont hesitate to share that with our club board. Working out where to allocate the funds we do raise also takes thought.

There is a tendency to allocate funds where we have always done so but of course over the years we have also tended to add in more good causes. This means that we will almost always have more causes we could support than we have funds do so. If you have views on the sorts of things we should support or the factors we should include in any funding decision the President and board members would welcome your feedback.

Meeting - 23 March 2026
Howick Club
Mar 23, 2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Pakuranga Rotary Annual Golf Tournament
Whitford Park Golf Club
Apr 10, 2026 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Meeting - 13 April 2026
Howick Club
Apr 13, 2026 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Meeting - 4 May 2026 - 56th Birthday Celebration
Howick Club
May 04, 2026 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

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National Science and Technology Forum

The Club was treated at its last meeting with a description of the 36th Rotary National Science and Technology Forum which took place in Auckland from 10th to 24th January 2026. Blake Elliot and Alan Chung had been selected by educationalists Allan Vester and Peter Woodcock as worthy of the chance to participate in the Forum. The result-a life changing experience for Blake and Alan and an outstanding presentation of their experience to our members.

Alan and Blake were joined for the two weeks by 167 other high achieving year 12 science, maths and technology students. They participated in lectures, laboratories and field stations, met industry and political leaders and visited organisations across a range of sectors. Those visits included Auckland Medical School, NZ Police and F & P Healthcare. They gained a greater appreciation of how science can be applied in real life.

Alan described the event as the best two weeks of his life and the interest of both Blake and Alan in biomedical science was clearly enhanced and focussed by their experience. They were effusive in their thanks to the club for its support. That they also won competitions during the forum in areas as diverse as programming robotics and public speaking indicates the talent and enthusiasm which the Club has been privileged to boost.

Keeping the brain active

ACROSS

1A	Mountain in Argentina that is the highest mountain outside Asia
3A	Island of the Inner Hebrides that is closest to the Scottish mainland
5A	Largest of the Greek islands
6A	Island on which Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is located
9A	The Tigris and Euphrates are jointly known as the ‘Rivers of…’ this place
10A	Boise is the capital of this US state
12A	Russia’s largest port city
14A	Japanese city, once known as ‘Manchester of the Orient’ because of its extensive textile industry
15A	Scandinavian city known as the 'Venice of the North’
16A	Lumbini, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is in this country

DOWN

2D	The world-famous ski resort of Aspen is located in this US state
4D	The river Dneiper flows through this European capital city
7D	Europe’s highest volcano
8D	Chișinău is the capital of this European country
11D	Sea that is considered to be the world's largest lake
13D	European city nicknamed ‘Mistress of the Adriatic’ & ‘Bride of the Sea’

Trees For Survival

Trees for Survival which started as a Pakuranga Rotary Club initiative has grown considerably and now have full time professional management and an active workforce. With an annual budget of over $ 1 million finding suitable sites, growing not just tress but also the Trees For Survival brand is a full time, year round operation. The extract below is from the latest media share.

Kia ora and welcome to the Trees for Survival March Media Share, featuring the latest news from our team, to share with your team.

Seeing Potential….Trees for Survival facilitators are out and about meeting landowners and assessing potential planting sites. Where some may see a bare paddock or hillside, TfS facilitators see potential for an excellent day’s planting and future forest. As well as the potential of the planting site, facilitators are also checking that the school bus will make it up the drive and the students can access the site safely. Some landowners will host a single planting day with other landowners hosting a school over successive years, together expanding an area of restoration planting. These fantastic relationships are about goodwill; landowners supporting schools to undertake planting work that benefits everybody.

Same but different… With the excitement of having 3 new South Island school clusters up and running, comes the learning curves presented by different conditions in Southland. While schools in Mohua/Tasman and Canterbury will grow and plant at similar times to schools in the North Island, the cooler climate in Southland means some different plant species, different irrigation requirements and revised timeline for Trees for Survival activities. TfS are working closely with the schools, local plant nurseries and landowners to ensure that with a few modifications, the same great programme will run successfully in our most southerly region.