Events

Are you aged 18–30 and ready to take your leadership to the next level? The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a fully sponsored, high-impact leadership development programme designed to challenge, inspire, and empower young adults who want to make a difference.

RYLA isn’t just about learning leadership — it’s about living it. Through hands-on workshops, outdoor challenges, inspiring speakers, and deep reflection, you’ll explore your strengths, grow your confidence, and connect with other future leaders from across the region.

Choose your experience:

🟦 Christchurch RYLA

• Dates: Sunday 18 – Thursday 22 January 2026
• Age Range: 18–25
• Venue: College House, Waimairi Road
• Application form: Click to download
• More Info: Click Here
• Contact: Alan Morgan – d9999rylachch@gmail.com

🟨 Queenstown RYLA

• Dates: Sunday 1 – Friday 6 February 2026
• Age Range: 20–30
• Venue: Lakeland Park Christian Camp, Kelvin Heights
• Application Form: Click to download
• More Info: Click here
• Contact: Lee-Ann Murray – d9999rylaqt@gmail.com

What’s in it for you?
✅ Grow as a leader — no matter your style
✅ Discover your strengths and stretch your comfort zone
✅ Build lifelong friendships and networks
✅ Learn from inspiring business and community leaders
✅ Participate in team challenges, community projects, and personal development sessions
✅ Enjoy amazing food, great company, and a supportive environment

Cost to you?
💸 Zero. Successful applicants are fully sponsored by a Rotary club or corporate partner. All you need to bring is your time, energy, and a willingness to grow.

Applications open: 1 September 2025
Preferred deadline: 30 November 2025
Late applications may be accepted if space allows.

Join Dr Murat Ungor for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation exploring the dynamics of global trade and economic power. Drawing on his expertise in international economics, Dr Ungor will unpack:

• China’s Rise and its evolving role as a major trade partner for New Zealand
• Emerging Economic Giants and the opportunities they present for Kiwi businesses and policymakers
• Trade Policy Uncertainty, and how it shapes global markets and New Zealand’s strategic positioning

This session promises valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of trade, economic strategy, and New Zealand’s place in a rapidly changing world.

You can read more about Dr Murat Ungor on his website - http://www.muratungor.com/

📍 The Dunedin Club
🕠 5.30pm arrival | 6.00pm start

Join us for a vibrant evening exploring the colourful streets of South Dunedin!

Rachel from the South Dunedin Street Art Trail will guide us on a 1.5-hour walking tour, sharing the stories behind the stunning murals and the talented artists who brought them to life.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with others while discovering the creative heart of our community.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a warm jacket—spring evenings can still be chilly!

Date: Tuesday 21st October
Time: 5:30 PM
Starting Point: Andersons Bay Bridge - You can download a copy of the trail map here 

Carparking: There is a large carpark between the old torpedo 7 and the NPD on Andersons Bay Road. (The turn off to the warehouse from Andersons Bay Road) 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwAthLAj9VtkJynS7

No need to RSVP just turn up!

Join us for an exclusive Rotary evening at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the curatorial process, hidden collections, and the stories behind the exhibitions.

We’ll run two small-group tours of 10 people each, guided by gallery staff. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect, explore, and enjoy one of Dunedin’s cultural gems together.

Date: Tuesday 28th October
Location: Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Tour Times:

• Tour 1: 5:30pm – 6:00pm
• Tour 2: 6:00pm – 6:30pm

While you wait for your tour, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with a cash bar available for drinks.

After the tours, you're warmly invited to continue the evening with dinner at Vault 21 in the Octagon — perfect for those who wish to stay and connect over a meal.

RSVP essential Click here to reserve your spot– spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join us on Tuesday, 4th November, as Peter Hayden takes us on an inspiring journey into the world of forests. From their power to heal and relax us to their astonishing evolutionary genius, forests are the most successful and abundant life form on Earth. Explore the kingdom of trees and plants and uncover the secrets behind their enduring magic.

📍 The Dunedin Club
🕠 5.30pm arrival | 6.00pm start

Let’s spread some festive cheer and make a difference! We’re asking everyone to bring along your favourite Christmas treats—biscuits, chocolates, festive goodies—by Tuesday 18th November.

All donations will go towards Age Concern’s food boxes, helping brighten the season for those who need it most.

✨ Drop off your treats at either:
✅ Our next club meeting at the Dunedin Club (18th November)
✅ Or to April at Craigs Investment Partners in town

Let’s make this Christmas extra special for our community!

We’re excited to welcome Ruth Wilson, Development and Engagement Manager for Presbyterian Support Otago.

Ruth is all about building connections and driving impact across our region—whether it’s supporting families, older people, or community wellbeing initiatives. She’ll be sharing what PSO is up to behind the scenes, how they’re tackling some of Otago’s biggest social challenges, and how we can get involved.

📍 The Dunedin Club
🕠 5.30pm arrival | 6.00pm start

Expect passion, purpose, and plenty of inspiration!

Wheels, Water, and a Bite at Careys Bay!

Join Rotary Club of Dunedin for a breezy ride along Dunedin’s stunning harbour trail! Town and Country are rolling out an outdoor-themed family day – perfect for all abilities, whether you’re pedalling old-school or cruising on an e-bike.

We’ll set off from the City at 11.00am, meander along the harbour track, and finish up at Careys Bay for a well-earned lunch.

Keen to come? We need to book tables, so please let Malcolm Liddell malcolm.liddell@icloud.com know if you’re in. Bring your wheels, your smiles, and your appetite – it’s going to be a cracker!

It’s a big night for our club! Join us at The Dunedin Club for our Annual General Meeting, followed immediately by a Special General Meeting to sign off on our new constitution and bylaws—a key step in completing our re-registration under the new Incorporated Societies Act.

5:30pm arrival for a 6:00pm start.
Please note: this will be a slightly longer meeting than usual, with important decisions to be made. Your presence and input are vital as we shape the future of our club.

Shelterbag: warmth, dignity, and a dry night—powered by Rotary.

Across Aotearoa, more of our neighbours are sleeping rough. A Shelterbag is a lightweight, weather‑resistant sleep system that can be the difference between a soaked, freezing night and a safe, warm rest. Through ROZOPS, Rotary is rallying to fund 1,200 Shelterbags for distribution via trusted social service agencies. We’ve already secured 500—thanks to early club and District commitments—and we’re pushing for the finish line.

How you can help (and where your impact lands):
Bags will be allocated to the regions where Rotary funds are raised—your community, your impact.

Give today:

• Donate online in $10 blocks via Rotary Oceania:(individual donations receive a 33% IRD rebate). 
• Or make a bank transfer to ROZOPS Ltd – Special Projects 06‑0193‑0905286‑007 (use “Shelterbag” in particulars and your club/individual name in reference).

Milestones we’re chasing together:
$45,000 (Nov 20, 2025), $30,000 (Jan 15, 2026), $30,000 (Feb 29, 2026)—that’s $150,000 toward an estimated $180,000 project budget. Let’s close the gap.

Questions? - ROZOPS Director and PDG Dave McKissock — dave.rotary9999@gmail.com | 021 670 121.

Bring your Christmas spirit – and maybe a Santa hat!

We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to help make the magic happen at the Christchurch Santa Parade, held at the A & P Show Grounds on Sunday, 23rd November.

Here’s the deal:

• Be at the A & P Show Grounds one hour before the parade kicks off at 2 pm.
• Rotary rocked it last year – it was easy, fun, and full of festive cheer!

If you’ve got a few hours to spare and want to be part of something special.

📧 Email Deb Gimblett at deb.gimblett@gmail.com

📱 Or call 021 105 6139

Let’s spread the joy and show what Rotary can do!

We’re taking part in the annual George Street Window Decorating Competition, and we need your help to make it shine! Each member is invited to create a Rotary-themed Christmas decoration and bring it along on the night. Together, we’ll decorate the window at 125 George Street and spread some festive Rotary cheer.

After the decorating fun, we’ll head to Paasha on St Andrew Street for a relaxed dinner to celebrate the season.

Date: Tuesday 25th November
Time: Decorating from 5:30pm | Dinner at 6:45pm
Location: 125 George Street, followed by dinner at Paasha

🎨 Bring a decoration – handmade or store-bought, as long as it’s Rotary-themed
🎅 Friends and family welcome
🍽️ RSVP via the ususal apology sheet appreciated for dinner numbers

PLEASE CLICK THE REGISTER GUEST BUTTON TO THE LEFT!

✨ Let’s Decorate George Street! ✨
Join the fun this December and transform your storefront into a festive wonderland!
Be imaginative, be creative — it’s not about spending money, it’s about spreading joy!

🎁 How to Enter:

• Register with us now, or email rotarydunedincentral@gmail.com
• Decorate your window by 5th December 2025
• Display the flyer to be in for a chance to win most popular!

🎁 Why Join in?

• For every registered George St business, Rotary Dunedin Central will donate $10 to the Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner.
• Let’s bring smiles to children’s faces and festive energy to our city!

🎁 Prizes:

• Most Popular $250
• Most Creative $250
• Best Overall $500

🎁 How to Vote:
Follow the Rotary Club of Dunedin Central Facebook page and vote for your favourite window
One vote per person

🎁 Judging

Most Popular – The window with the most votes on the Rotary Club of Dunedin Central Facebook page

Most Creative and Best Overall will be chosen by three judges. The judge’s decision is final

🎄 Need some ideas? Here’s the way,
Start with a theme to brighten the day.
Lighting is magic, let it glow,
Red, green and gold for a classic show.
Use what you have, don’t spend too much,
Big or small, it all adds that touch! 🎁

Get ready to turn the city ORANGE!

Join The Rotary Club of Dunedin South on Friday, 28 November 2025, as they celebrate the incredible student volunteers who keep their classmates safe every day. Last year, hundreds of kids from 20 schools marched through town in a sea of orange, then hit Moana Pool for a swim and BBQ lunch.

Rotary has been invited to help fire up the BBQ for these amazing young safety champions. A couple of volunteers have already stepped up – but we’d love a few more!

🔥 Keen to help? Mark your calendar and get in touch with Dan - dan@cutlers.co.nz . Let’s make this day unforgettable!

Otago Hospice Annual Raffle – Let’s Make It Count!

The Rotary Club of Dunedin South is leading the charge to support Otago Hospice – and we need YOU to help make this a success!

📍 Where: Mitre 10 Mega, Dunedin
📅 When: Saturday 29th November
🕙 Time: From 10.00am onwards

We’ll be selling raffle tickets to raise vital funds for Otago Hospice. It’s simple, fun, and for a fantastic cause!

How you can help:

• Sign up for a one-hour shift
• Two people per shift – grab a friend and bring your Rotary spirit
• Share a smile, sell some tickets, and make a difference

This is Rotary in action – community, connection, and care. Let’s show Dunedin what we’re all about!

✅ Ready to help? Put your name down for a shift today!

🎅 JOIN THE ROTARY ELVES AT THE DUNEDIN SANTA PARADE!🎄

Let’s show Dunedin the heart of Rotary – community, connection, and celebration!

Date: Sunday 30th November
Location: Duke Street / George Street

Arrival: 1.45pm
Parade starts: 3.00pm

WHAT TO BRING AND DO:

• Your crew: Friends, family, kids, grandkids – everyone’s welcome!
• Energy & smiles: Just an afternoon of your time and lots of energy. Let’s make Rotary the highlight of the parade!
• Festive fun: Channel your inner elf! Pop on an elf hat or headband, pair it with your Rotary vest or top, and add some red-and-white socks for extra cheer.

Let us know you're coming now by clicking the sign up button to the left or click here!

"We live in the age where “looking and feeling youthful” is a goal, and yet we all contend with the reality of declining mental and physical functions. So, what are the latest findings on how we age, and how can we leverage the way we think to experience the best every day? Skincare is part of this, but there is so much more we can focus on"

Join Fernanda as she explores the latest science behind how we age, and how our mindset can be a powerful tool for living well—every single day. Yes, skincare plays a role, but there’s so much more we can focus on to feel vibrant, resilient, and empowered at any age.

📍 The Dunedin Club
🕠 Tuesday 2nd December | 5.30pm arrival | 6.00pm start

Day Two: Otago Hospice Annual Raffle – Let’s Make It Count!

The Rotary Club of Dunedin South is leading the charge to support Otago Hospice – and we need YOU to help make this a success!

📍 Where: Mitre 10 Mega, Dunedin
📅 When: Friday 5th December
🕙 Time: From 10.00am onwards

We’ll be selling raffle tickets to raise vital funds for Otago Hospice. It’s simple, fun, and for a fantastic cause!

How you can help:

• Sign up for a one-hour shift
• Two people per shift – grab a friend and bring your Rotary spirit
• Share a smile, sell some tickets, and make a difference

This is Rotary in action – community, connection, and care. Let’s show Dunedin what we’re all about!

✅ Ready to help? Put your name down for a shift today!

We’re thrilled to have Katie Burns, the dynamic Community Connector for the Otago Multiple Sclerosis Society, joining us for a special talk.

Katie’s on the front lines helping support people living with MS and their whānau, and she’s bringing stories, insights, and a whole lot of heart. Come along to hear how the Society is making a difference—and how we might be able to help too. It’s going to be inspiring, informative, and full of impact!

https://msotago.org.nz/

📍 The Dunedin Club
🕠 5.30pm arrival | 6.00pm start

Celebrate the season with Rotary friends and family at our annual Christmas gathering hosted by Sue! It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening. Feel free to bring along partners and kids!

What to bring: Something for first course ( salad, meat, vegetable etc) and any drink you want to consume (Sue will provide dessert)

Donation: Please bring along cans of 'Christmasy Fruit' for the Presbyterian Support Foodbank. (in lieu of gifts for eachother)

Date: Tuesday 16th December

Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6pm start

Location: Sue’s place (address will be shared upon RSVP)

Let’s wrap up the year with good food, great company, and festive cheer. 🎁✨

RSVP via the usual apology sheet appreciated by Friday 12th December so we can plan seating and serving.

Our Dunedin Central Rotary Club is teaming up again with Kaans Catering to bring joy to those in need this Christmas. We’ll be putting together Christmas Day food parcels for delivery to local families.

📦 We need your help to pack the parcels!

Date: Monday 22nd December

Time: 4:00 pm

Where: 17 Kitchener Street

✅ Register your interest by clicking the link to the left and be part of making someone’s Christmas brighter!

Let’s roll up our sleeves and spread some festive kindness!

Our first formal meeting of the year is on Tuesday, 27th January, and we’re starting strong with a ClubRunner Workshop designed to make your Rotary life easier and more rewarding.

Please bring your phone and a laptop/tablet if you have one.

Light nibbles and drink will be provided.

ClubRunner isn’t just a tool for the club – it’s your personal gateway to staying connected, signing up for projects in seconds, and tracking your own involvement. No more guesswork, no more missed opportunities – you’ll know exactly where you stand and how you’re making an impact.

This session will show you how to:
✅ Quickly register for projects and events
✅ Keep your profile up to date
✅ See your contributions and celebrate your wins

When you know your way around ClubRunner, you’re in control – and the club gets better insight into the amazing work you’re doing.

📍 Don’t miss it – start the year empowered and ready to shine!

Where: Craigs Investment Partners Dunedin - Level 4, 229 Moray Place

Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6.00pm start - 7:00pm finish

On Sunday, 22 February, we’re rolling up our sleeves at the Regent Book Sale pack down – and we need your hands on deck!

This is where we gather the treasure trove of books that will power our own big sale in 2026. It’s a fun, fast-paced job with plenty of laughs and the satisfaction of knowing you’re setting us up for success.

✅ Sort and pack books
✅ Team effort – many hands make light work
✅ A great way to give back and connect

📍 Join us and turn pages into possibilities!

📍 Venue: The Dunedin Club, Melville Street
🕔 Time: Arrive from 5:30 PM for a 6:00 PM start

Strath Taieri 4WD Adventure 🚙💨

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Taieri

Ready for a serious adventure? The Taieri Rotary Club is giving you rare access to some of Otago’s most spectacular private back-country — and you won’t want to miss it. This is a full‑on 4WD mission from the coast to Sutton, crossing remote valleys, rugged ridgelines, high stations, and the legendary Three O’Clock Stream. 

You’ll rumble past the Lamb Hill rain radar tower, climb out of deep gullies, cruise across the Strath Taieri tablelands, and soak in jaw‑dropping views of the Silverpeaks, Rock & Pillars, and Lammermoor ranges. It’s everything you love about Otago… turned up to 11. 

This is a proper off‑road day out:

• High/low ratio 4WD required
• AT/MT tyres and rated tow points
• Confident drivers only — but if you handle Dunedin’s steep streets, you’re set
• Strictly limited to 120 vehicles across four groups 

Start: Bucklands Crossing, East Otago
Finish: Sutton, SH87
Tickets: Pre‑purchase only — no sales on the day. Limited spots! 

This is one of those “you’ll talk about it for years” adventures — and every ticket supports the Taieri Rotary Charitable Trust.

👉 Details & registration: https://trtoursnz.org/4wd-tours/strathtaieri26

We’re pleased to welcome Stephen Walker as our guest speakers on Tuesday, 10 March. 

Stephen is the Head of Careers & Pathways Coordinator at Taieri College, we look forward to hearing how he helps students explore career pathways, understand subject and tertiary options, and develop the skills and confidence needed for successful transitions beyond school.

📍 Venue: The Dunedin Club, Melville Street
🕔 Time: Arrive from 5:30 PM for a 6:00 PM start

Please load apologies in the usual manner.

We’re collecting for Child Cancer on Saturday, 14 March at Centre City New World – and we need YOU!

It’s an easy gig:
✅ One-hour shifts
✅ Two people per shift
✅ Inside, warm, and welcoming

Grab a friend, sign up, and make a real difference for Kiwi kids and their families. Every coin counts, and every smile matters.

📍 Be part of something big – your hour could change a life!

Otago Anniversary Long Weekend

Volunteers Needed – Human Fruit Machine at Move for MS🍒🍇🍋

Our club will be running the Human Fruit Machine at the Move for MS event on Sunday 29th March, 9am til 2pm This is a fun, easy‑going activity with minimal physical effort required — just lots of smiles and enthusiasm!

To keep things running smoothly, we need three volunteers per hour. Even one hour of your time makes a big difference.

If you can help out, please add your name to the roster and join us for a relaxed, community‑focused day.

🌿Orokonui Adventure – Nature, Stories & a Scenic Stroll🌿

Sunday 29th March 2026 | 10:30am

Lock it in! Join The Rotary Club of Dunedin as they head to Orokonui Ecosanctuary for a morning that’s all about nature and nostalgia.

Kick things off with a cuppa, then dive into an ecological talk before joining Taylor Davies-Colley for a wander to the translocation aviary. After that, lace up for the full Rotary Dunedin Robin Valley Track – and relive the tales of building it as we go!

Email Fiona - Fiona Nyhof <fiona.robin@outlook.com>

We’re trying something new! Join us at Biggies Pizza, Green Island for a casual round‑table conversation focused on action, not just talk.

This isn’t about hearing presentations or learning who people are – it’s about asking one simple question:
“How can we help?”

We’ll invite a local group, person, or business we’ve connected with before and explore practical ways our Rotary club can support them beyond monetary donations. Think hands‑on help, skills, networks, and ideas that make a real difference.

📍 Venue: Biggies Pizza, Green Island
🕔 Time: 6pm

Come ready to share, brainstorm, and turn good intentions into real impact.

Easter long weekend

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 11 April 2026 – we’ll be marshalling at one of Otago’s biggest events! This isn’t just about cars and speed; it’s a chance to fundraise and support our community while being right in the heart of the excitement.

The 2026 rally is extra special – it’s the 50th anniversary, and the crowds will be bigger than ever. Top overseas drivers are already confirmed, so expect plenty of thrills!

✅ Fun, fast-paced, and social
✅ Help keep the event running smoothly
✅ Show Rotary in action at a major community event

📍 Join the team and make this milestone rally unforgettable!