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 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

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!

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.

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

"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

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! Bring a plate to share — main, salad, or vegetables — and Sue will take care of dessert.

It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening. BYO drinks, and feel free to bring along partners, kids, or a friend or two.

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 so we can plan seating and serving.