We need your candidates for RYLA (18-24 year olds) details below.
Contributions to our bulletin are welcome and if you have anything please send to Richard at nabbo_123@hotmail.com
And if you have any comments on the layout, content and information provided, let us know, because the Newsletter is yours.
Rotary Hutt City breakfast meetings
Meetings are held 7am to 8.30 am on the first and third Wednesday of the month at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club, Military Road, Lower Hutt. Please RSVP tochrissi@roll.nz.
For those of you who have not pre-paid, breakfast continues to cost $25 per person, payable on arrival to this coming week, to Michael Markham.
Members, don't forget to check the Duties Roster (Meeting Responsibilities) below for your nominated duty for our next meeting on 7 October.
Meeting Responsibilities
Greeter
Dong, Robert
Payment Taker
Markham, Michael
Reception Desk
Down, Helen
Opening thought
Whelan, Chris
5 min What is my Business?
Barker, Andy
Intro to Speaker
Geremia-Young, Anna
Thanks to Speaker
Tatham, Peter
Quizlett (6 questions about your industry)
Harding, Katrina
Closing thought
Ross, Brian
President's Report
Hello Fellow Rotarians
Bee in the City update
The Bee in the City Art Trail is well and truly underway, and our sponsored Bee, Fruit Bowl, has been getting plenty of attention on Facebook and a good number of votes to go with it. If you haven't already, download the app and get voting! We're hoping for good weather this Sunday for the group walk Katrina has organised - a great chance to get out, see the trail and enjoy some club company along the way.
IYM quiz night raises over $10,000
The Innovative Young Minds quiz was held last night and was a great success, with over $10,000 raised through auctions and raffles. A huge thanks to everyone who supported and helped on the night, particularly Gaylene for her wonderful organisation of the event once again. We had 20 teams through the door for another great turnout, and the highlight of the night was auctioning off "Dan the Weatherman," who spoke at our meeting a few weeks back.
A word from District Governor Brent Gerrard
It was a real privilege to have District Governor Brent Gerrard join us at our last meeting, and great to have him share his thoughts on the club below.
I also visited the Rotary Club of Hutt City, a club that has gone back to Rotary's roots by courting the business community to keep their club strong with their Rotabiz programme. The membership allows for up to four people from a business to represent them at club meetings — it's working well for them, with over 40 members and half of those as Rotabiz members. The club is also celebrating their 30-year project creating the 54km Hutt River Trail, a hugely successful community project.
Say NO to Domestic and Family Violence
Domestic and family violence touches every community in New Zealand. The Salvation Army's 2026 State of the Nation report shows Police respond to a family harm incident roughly every three minutes; behind each one is a person, a family, a child whose life is affected.
Rotary isn't a counselling service, but with our network of clubs, volunteers and community partnerships, we are well placed to raise awareness and point people toward the support that already exists: organisations like Women's Refuge, Shine, NZ Police Family Harm Teams, The Salvation Army, schools and local councils. This initiative has been running successfully across Rotary in Australia for over a year, and it is now being introduced here in New Zealand.
Two activities to start with:
Purple Fridays — wear a purple Rotary t-shirt one Friday a month to spark conversations about family violence; and
A District Purple Walk in November — held alongside clubs across Australia, bringing communities together for awareness and prevention.
This isn't a fundraiser: the only ask is a t-shirt. Support across all five Rotary districts has been strong, and I'd like to see our club get behind it too. More details to come as the project ramps up.
A South American interlude
Just a heads up that I'll be away from 19 October to 11 November, taking in a footballing extravaganza through Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, and I will miss a couple of meetings while I am gone. Never fear, though: Katrina has kindly offered to run those two meetings in my absence. And yes, I booked my travel through her, so I can hardly be fined for missing out! (Editor: oh yes you can!)
Thanks, as always, for everything you bring to this club.
Kind Regards,
Craig Deadman | Packaging Products Ltd
General Manager
M. 021 799 551
Today's Date 2 October - The International Day of Non-Violence
At our meeting on 5 August, Peter Kyle highlighted how important peace initiativeshave been since Rotary's inception, perhaps not surprising as Rotary began to establish itself in the period before, during and after WW1.
To compliment, the International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence".
Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".
Gandhi statue at Wellington station with one of the Bee in the City bees in the background.
For President Craig
Pink Floyd released Atom Heart Mother in 1970, their fifth studio album. It marked a major turning point for the band, becoming their very first No. 1 album in the UK.
Oasis released (What's the Story) Morning Glory? in 1995. The album, including ''Wonderwall'' and ''Don't Look Back in Anger,'' has sold 18 million copies.
Elvis Presley's posthumous 30 No.1s was released in 2002, 25 years after his death in 1977. It reached the no. 1 spot in 17 countries.
Bee in The City is now officially open and here is our bee Fruit Bowl in Glover Park.
If you use the Bee in The City app each time you visit a new Bee, then enter the code (you will find this on the Bee plinth in Glover Park) and you will get taken to the relevant reward!
Some of our keenest Rotabiz members are offering discounts on certain products as you will see!
At the end of the trail (on 8 November), all the bees will be auctioned on 26 November to raise vital funds for the Life Flight Trust and its lifesaving 24/7 services.
Don't forget to make the most of the art trail by downloading the App. You can see a short video here too.
Oh and don't forget either the walk this Sunday 4 October, meet at Wellington Railway station at 1pm! BEWARE: Hutt Valley Line is running bus replacement services.
Looking Back 16 September
President Craig said that he had visited the opening ceremony for Bee in The City.
Murray Brockelsby gave us an insight into his early years in the Who Am I? slot. Top of the class, eh?
District Governor Brent Gerrard provided us with a sobering presentation on regionalisation and bringing districts together against a backdrop of falling membership. Notwithstanding, bringing districts and clubs together is not just a structural necessity, but a powerful opportunity to rebuild and revitalize.
The role of the Rotary Community Leader (RCL) is pivotal for this to work. Brent felt that the publicity and explanation around major change had been poor. RCLs therefore were important in strengthening networks and ensuring clubs receive direct, tailored support. Fostering cross-district collaboration, should enhance Rotary's public image, maximize fundraising, and help cultivate a more engaging club experience that actively attracts and retains members for generations to come.
Throughout his DG tenure however, Brent is determined to promote the message of Fun, Fellowship and Fulfillment.
Rounding up, Brent showed us his chains of office that have only one space left after 100 years. These will be retired next year and Brent is suggesting that Te Papa might be a final resting place for them.
(Below, Former DG Carol Green handing over the Governor chains and Taupriripiri (rakau korero/talking stick) to incoming DG Brent Gerrard).
Finally, Judy Braniff then entertained us with her Quizzlet on kiwi politics.
More from Brent Gerrard
Taken from his District Dispatch bulletin this week
Looking Back 30 September Last Wednesday Drinks
Well a very select gathering of five (including three who have been President!) plus Adam Berman from the Carnmore Hotel had a pleasant evening putting the world to rights.
Excellent ale, wine, chips and garlic bread (thank you Cameron).
Do join us next time!
Looking Back 1 October IYM Quiz and Auction
The quiz and auction was a great success. It was a packed house with around twenty teams enjoying the fiendishly difficult questions set by President Craig, and Hamish our auctioneer, did a typically robust but friendly job in getting punters to bid for the items up for grabs: short stays at an array of wonderful homes in Martinborough and on the Kapiti coast, a fishing rod, fast car experiences, sailing, etc, etc.
A team including our very own Sandy and Vidette won the quiz: congratuations!
Keeping the whole thing ticking along was of course Gaylene, ably supported by her helpers including husband Terry and our own Chrissi and Katrina; and it was wonderful to see, not only some of the recent success story candidates from IYM who have spoken at our breakfast meetings, but also those from a few years back too.
I brought along my wife Marita and her great friend Fiona and between them they walked off with a dinner for four at Logan Brown in the company of Dan (the Weather Man) Talbot, a recent presenter at a breakfast meeting: and the original artwork for our Bee in the City, Fruit Bowl!
Word just in from Gaylene, IYM Chairperson and Trustee is that the Auction and Quiz night raised in the region of $13,000. Well done!
A reminder of the UK, 2026!!
Looking Forward 7 October - Jan Meyer: Rutherford & Meyer
Jan will be talking about how to build a business on crackers.
Jan’s journey with Rutherford & Meyer began in 2001 when she and her husband, Russell Coventry, purchased the boutique North Canterbury business from her mother, Joanne Meyer. At the time, it was a tiny, hand-made cottage industry primarily focused on selling fruit pastes to the gift market. Recognizing an opportunity for growth, Jan aggressively transitioned the business into mainstream supermarkets and broke into highly competitive global export markets, including Australia and the USA.
Currently as CEO, Jan drives the strategic growth and international distribution of . the company. Under her leadership, the Lower Hutt-based business has evolved into a phenomenal export success story, expanding its product line to include gourmet wafers, rice wafers, and award-winning vegetable-packed crackers.
Jan is highly passionate about sustainable food production and the future of agricultural manufacturing. A major personal and professional interest of hers is food rescue; she actively spearheads the ''Upcycled Grain Project, which prevents spent brewing grains from going to landfills by turning them into nutritious snacks.
A Reminder of Club Meeting Duties: Introduction to Speaker
It is a good idea to do a little research beforehand so you can set the wider scene for an interesting talk.
Get there early.
Meet and greet our speaker as they arrive and make sure to get their name and pronunciation right!
Before breakfast, introduce the speaker to our President and then to other members.
Make sure their presentation is plugged into the system and test it on the screen (help is always at hand for this).
Encourage the speaker to use the microphone so everyone can hear clearly.
Guide the speaker to get breakfast, sit with the speaker and make them comfortable.
When your moment comes stand to tell members our speaker’s name, where they are from and their topic.
Give the speaker a welcome and relate a little of their background and their qualifications.
Name their topic, say we are keen to hear what they have to tell us. Be brief, and avoid telling of your own experiences or what you know.
Afterwards, escort them as they leave and say a final thank you. We want them to come back!
RYLA, or the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, is an intensive, hands-on leadership development program for young adults, sponsored by local Rotary Clubs. The program uses seminars, group activities, and community events to help participants develop leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Participants are chosen by sponsoring Rotary Clubs or companies and are selected based on their potential for leadership and desire to grow.
Rotary Hutt City has budgeted to sponsor two candidates and we are looking to Club members to suggest possible candidates. Rotabiz members especially would find it an excellent leadership course fo younger staff (18-24 years).
Please contact Andy Soper for further information or to offer your suggested candidates. andy@maudelegal.co.nz
The District has just transformed its website, which has all the information needed to interview, endorse, and sponsor a candidate. The link can be found below:
Until we meet again, be the difference you want to see.
Our thanks to Shirley-Anne for this thought. In our earlier article, we highlighted the International Day of Non-Violence and Gandhi. This is close to his famous philosophy to "be the change you wish to see in the world."
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Allan Brown presented an original opening thought too, in relation to Rotary's work in establishing the Hutt River Trail and Cycling Pathway in 1991 and 2008, respectively:
For more than 10 years, Innovative Young Minds (IYM) has been helping young women discover pathways into STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) careers through industry engagement, mentoring and real-world experiences. With more than 1,000 participants, exceptional programme outcomes and a growing alumnae network, IYM has proven what works.
Now we're ready for the next phase of growth.
We are seeking a small number of strategic partners or angel supporters who want to help shape New Zealand's future workforce by investing in a proven organisation and expanding opportunities for thousands more young people.
Whether through funding, connections, advocacy or collaboration, your support can help us build stronger talent pipelines, increase diversity in STEMM and create lasting impact across New Zealand.
Be Part of the Growth Story
If you or your organisation are passionate about developing future talent and making a meaningful difference, we'd love to talk.
Join us as a strategic partner or angel supporter and help scale the next generation of STEMM leaders.
ContactGaylene Hughes today to explore these opportunities.
The Brokenwood Mysteries should do an episode around a Rotary club!!
Petone Rotary Club - Hustings for forthcoming Election
Gary from Petone Rotary Club writes:
Politicians and pizza nights
6 October - Alistair Boyce; NZ First
20 October – Courtney White; Greens
3 November – Ginny Andersen; Labour
Please email Gary – media@petonerotary.org.nz with number of guests you invite for numbers for the pizzas.
If you are attending, please arrive between 5.30 - 5.50pm for pizza sharp at 6.00pm, with speakers due to speak at 6.20pm (approx). A $10 koha for pizza would be appreciated.
Forthcoming Fund Raiser Wild Horse Nine Petone Lighthouse 29 October
Wild Horse Nine follows two CIA operatives in 1973 Chile, sent from Santiago to Easter Island on a mission that stirs old secrets, political tension, and moral reckonings under the looming coup. Viewers may be drawn by its sharp dark comedy, rich character work, and acclaimed cast led by John Malkovich in an award-winning turn. Critics praise its wit, chemistry, and layered themes, making it a strong contender for awards and worth seeking out.
Remember to bring some loose change along to the meeting so you can contribute if you answer a Quizlett question incorrectly :), or wish to "Buy The Box".
If you should have any interesting stories about fellow Rotarians then please pass them onto Craig so he can share them at the meeting. Email: craig@packprod.co.nz
Payment is also now available by Eftpos onsite - no excuses!
Last time I asked: How many Bee sculptures will feature in Wellington's Bee in The City? There are 30 giant artist designed bees and 20 community bees in Bee in The City.
This time: What is the origin of the cracker biscuit?
Introducing the resolution in the General Assembly on behalf of 140 co-sponsors, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Mr. Anand Sharma, said that the wide and diverse sponsorship of the resolution was a reflection of the universal respect for Mahatma Gandhi and of the enduring relevance of his philosophy. Quoting the late leader’s own words, he said: "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".
