In my report (see link below) I summarise our recent meetings with interesting presentations by current member and past President Grant Rees on his NZ cycling journey and also former member and past President Jason Climo on global water infrastructure engineering.
We also welcomed 2 new members Brehan Cairns who is straight in to it and has joined The Dog Parade Committee, and Roselle O'Brien who has now departed for faraway shores, currently traveling across Asia and the US. She will incorporate a few Rotary Projects in the mix and we look forward to hearing from her upon her return in 2027.
Events & Service Projects - Save the Dates
28 August: Daffodil Day annual appeal at Bunnings
1 September: ‘Invite a Friend to Rotary’ - a social evening with canapés and drinks (venue TBA).
1 November: Duck Race, both the Queenstown and Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigades are confirmed as this year's official beneficiary.
3 November: The Melbourne Cup - An event with prizes, guests and sweepstakes to be held at The Sudima, 5 Mile.
24 November: A social evening with the Rotary Club of Wānaka at the Cardrona Hotel.
2027 -The Dog Parade: Planning is moving quickly; paperwork is submitted to QLDC, sponsors, food and coffee vendor carts confirmed.
On AUGUST 4th and 11th we are at the PODIUM RESTAURANT & BAR at the SUDIMA, 5 MILE. This is a trial month.
The entry is located within the foyer area - opposite Tanoshi.
Theres free 3 hour parking in the main carpark, near Noel Leeming.
NOTE: On the 18th August, due to a pre-booked event, the Sudima cannot host us, so we are back to the Holiday Inn for this date.
RSVP & Apologies due by 8pm on the Sunday prior to the meeting.
NOTICE: The CLUB AGM will be held on the 11th August at the Sudima.
All members are encouraged to attend as some important business and voting will occur. Please refer to the secretary's notice of the AGM emailed to you on 21 June.
Only Active Members may vote.Any members unable to attend the AGM may appoint another member who will be present at the AGM to act as proxy on their behalf and register votes on their behalf.. The member MUST register this with the secretary with their name and the name of their proxy at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Duties | Club Notices
If you cannot do your duty please find a replacement.
The speakers for July will be advised in advance of the meeting.
Click the link below to see a printable list of the club notices, events and fundraising activity coming up as known.
Whilst it's all about snow sports at present, it won't be long before we’re switching skis and poles for wheels and exhausts, because the Ayrburn Classic returns 19–21 February 2027
DUCK RACE RECIPIENTS - The Board unanimously decided the Queenstown and Arrowtown Volunteer Fire Brigades will receive the proceeds of money raised. The Board wishes to thank the members who offered their suggestions for consideration.
MEETING MEAL COSTS - This has been increased to $35pp to cover the actual cost of the meal and running the meeting.
STORAGE - The Board is seeking offers from members for secure and accessible storage for Club equipment, including our BBQ's. Options may include sponsorship for a rented storage unit, or perhaps a more simple solution of a garden shed on suitable private property. If you can help, please contact President Fiona.
PHF COMMITTEE - This committee is looking for a Chair. If you are interested to be on this committee, please get in touch with Pres. Fiona.
Te Atamira Partnership - The Board approved a donation of $1,925 to assist Te Atamira buy a new sound system, and in return they have agreed to display the Rotary logo and a recognition plaque and expressed interest in media activity and promotion of future Rotary projects.
To relieve poverty, advance education and promote research for the eradication of poverty. To provide care, relief, protection, housing, medical and educational facilities for children orphaned, abandoned, destitute, impoverished, disadvantaged or marginalised by reason of their economic or geographical circumstances.
District Governor Sandra Isaac is a retired public safety communications professional with an extensive career spanning the United Kingdom and New Zealand. A dedicated member of the Riccarton Rotary Club since 2010, DG Isaac has demonstrated exceptional leadership by holding nearly every key position within her club.
Throughout her tenure as District Governor, her primary focus is the prevention of family and domestic violence. Notably, she is a steadfast advocate for Samoa's Campus of Hope, a vital sanctuary for youth survivors of abuse. DG Isaac is currently spearheading a global grant project dedicated to equipping the facility with a sustainable solar power system.
International President 2026-2027
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, (Yinka) a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria, has been selected by the Board of Directors to become Rotary International’s president for 2026-27. His term will begin on 1 July 2026.
The Board, guided by the RI code of policies, conducted a special session to select the organization’s leader after the resignation of RI President-elect SangKoo Yun, who decided to step back from his Rotary responsibilities and focus on his recovery from recent cancer treatment.
Babalola’s professional affiliations include the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Institute of Safety Professionals, and the Association of Change Management Practitioners. He is a member of the Jericho Business Club, an organization in his home city that provides input to governments on economic and social policy.
Babalola began his Rotary journey in 1988 as a Rotaractor. He joined the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi six years later.
His leadership roles include serving as district governor (2011-2012), RI vice president (2019-2020), and member of the RI Board (2018-2020). He was also an active leader and participant in RI committees, such as the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee (2017-2023) and the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (2013-present, adviser since 2016).
An attorney, Babalola, received a university degree in engineering in 1988. He has worked for 25 years in the oil and gas industry, holding senior positions in Shell PLC and carrying out projects on four continents. He is the founder of two companies: Riviera Services Ltd., an oil and gas infrastructure delivery company, and Lead and Change Consulting, an executive coaching and organizational performance advisory group.
Babalola and his wife, Preba, live in the city of Port Harcourt.
He supports The Rotary Foundation with a named endowment and as an Arch Klumph Society member. A trustee of ShelterBox UK and director of the Safe Blood Africa project, he is a recipient of the Africa Centennial Heroes Award, the Regional Service Award for a Polio-Free World, the RI Service Above Self Award, and the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service.
The President of Rotary International serves a one-year term, presiding over the Board of Directors and providing inspirational leadership for the organization.
As the spokesperson for the global network, the president visits clubs around the world to promote Rotary’s values and represent the organization at major events. Rotary chooses its President from members who have demonstrated extensive leadership experience within Rotary, including service as a club president, district governor, and member of the Board.
Click the video link below for the RI President's message.
The recent discovery of poliovirus strains in European wastewater between 2025 and 2026 highlights why Rotary International and its global partners continue fighting to end the disease for good.
While Europe has not seen a clinical case since a 2021 outbreak in Ukraine, these environmental detections prompted a March 2026 CDC travel advisory and show that no region is safe until polio is completely eradicated.
By raising billions of dollars, mobilizing volunteers, and funding critical surveillance networks, Rotary remains vital in bridging the funding gaps needed to stop global transmission. You can help us finish the job and protect children everywhere by donating to Rotary's PolioPlus Fund today, where every dollar contributed is matched 2-to-1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Learn about the steps needed to ensure polio is truly gone forever.
More than 6 weeks after the Venezuela earthquakes struck the country, communities are still coming to terms with the scale of the devastation.
As of 7 July, at least 3,600 people have been killed and more than 16,700 injured. The earthquakes have affected an estimated 9.7 million people. Thousands of families remain displaced or too afraid to return home.
More than 1,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the disaster. Communities continue to face uncertainty, making recovery even more challenging. As search and rescue efforts continue, emergency shelter remains a critical need for thousands of people across the country.
ShelterBox is responding following the two deadly earthquakes that struck on Tuesday 24 June. Damage is immense and tens of thousands of people are likely to need emergency shelter and aid.
Your donation, no matter how small, can provide the support needed to help people recover. Learn more about our partnership with Rotary:Rotary International Partnership
A group of about 15 Rotary members from across Australia are planning a short visit to our District in late November (up to 10 days).
