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.
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Rotarian, Graeme Smart, who passed away on the morning of Friday 17 July. Graeme was a valued member of our club, bringing passion, wisdom, and a true spirit of "Service Above Self" to our club. During his time with our club Graeme had served as President and was awarded a PHF. Prior to joining our club Graeme was a member of Rotary Club of Taieri, a Past President and a Past Assistant District Governor.
Graeme will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to Lorraine, their family and loved ones.
Presidents Report Monday 20th July 2026
Kia ora everyone.
Since the publication of our last Bulletin, we have enjoyed a long weekend. I trust that everyone had
a delightful Matariki celebration with their loved ones.
Recently, numerous members have been travelling, while many of us have been enjoying the warmth of the fire. Fortunately, there has been an abundance of exciting sports to follow. With Wimbledon, the FIFA World Cup, and the Rugby Nations Championship, there has certainly been much to celebrate!
I would like to recognise the efforts of our membership team over the last four years. We have welcomed 21 new members, which included 17 new Rotarians and 4 individuals transferring from another Club. Well done!
Last Tuesday we welcomed Tom, the new proprietor of the Albie. Operations continue as normal which includes staffing. As anticipated, a new owner will make their presence felt and one of the changes Tom plans to implement is the addition of a bar to the restaurant where we conduct our meetings.
Thursday night, July 16, served as a vivid reminder of how swiftly circumstances can alter in Wānaka.
Earthquakes pose a genuine threat to our community and could rapidly sever our town from external emergency assistance. If you wish to proactively prepare at home, the Otago CDEM Get Ready website https://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/ offers excellent resources.
This is an opportune moment to review your emergency kit, which should include food, water, warmth, communication tools, and other supplies. Don’t forget your pets.
On Tuesday, our guest speaker will discuss Cycling Without Age, a movement that originated in Denmark. This initiative offers an intriguing solution by providing free rides for individuals with limited mobility.
I look forward to catching up with everyone on Tuesday. Until then, stay warm, stay safe and enjoy
the rest of the week.
Kind regards, Geoff.
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
21st July
28th July
4th August
11th August
Attendance
Chris Tempest
Laurence Mikkelsen
Peter Harridge
Committee Meetings
Meet Greet and Photography
Fran Tate
John Milburn
Kelly Budd
Committee Meetings
Introduce Speaker
Jenny Moss
Rob Wilton
Duncan Boswell
Committee Meetings
Thank Speaker
Alan Richardson
Carol Angland
Don Irvine
Committee Meetings
3 Minute Speaker
TBA
TBA
TBA
Committee Meetings
Raffle
Richard Purdy
Stuart Ayres
Rosie Burridge
Committee Meetings
Parting Thought
Hannah Walker
Graeme Brown
Ken Goldfinch
Committee Meetings
Audio Visual Support
Ron Horner
Julian Warren
Julian Warren
Committee Meetings
Upcoming Meeting Night Events
July 21st: Lucy Benson: Wanaka Cycling Without Age
Cycling Without Age is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow in Denmark. Ole wanted to help his neighbours at the local nursing home get back on bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw, a tricycle with a seat for passengers in the front and a pilot pedalling on the behind. He started offering free bike rides to the residents. Wanaka now has 2 trishaws with a fabulous group of volunteers ready to ride them with guests around the beautiful lakefront bike routes.
July 28th: Jo Waide - Public Speaking and Debating at M.A.C
Previous Meeting Night Events
July 14th: Scott MacIntosh: ROA
Scott, a new CEO at the ROA Group, discussed the development of a health precinct in Wanaka, focusing on the need for infrastructure to meet the growing population and tourist demand. The project includes acquiring 1.4 hectares of land, securing resource consent, and building four initial structures for private and public services. The first building, expected to break ground next year, will be 2,400 square meters. The project aims to attract tenants like radiology services and potentially an A&E center. Funding will come from local investors initially, with the potential for Crown support. The goal is to provide essential health services before building a full hospital.
Allan Smith joins Wanaka Rotary.
Welcome Allan. Allan was inducted last Tuesday evening by President Geoff and joins us from the Rotary Club of Gore. Pat will be Allan's club mentor and he joins the Club Activities Committee with Nicola Brown.
Welcome Allan.
Allan flanked by membership Director Pat and President Geoff
Foundation Movie Night: September 15th
Hi All
Just to let you know that the Foundation movie night is set down for Tuesday 15th September starting with drinks and a chat a 6 pm.
Please mark it in your calendar NOW. There will only be 78 seats and the last 3 have been sellouts.
A decision on the movie will be made nearer the time but we guarantee it will be a movie that suits our group.
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