Kia ora, fellow Rotarians.

I was proud and a little nervous to stand before you on July 4 as I held the first Rotary meeting as your club president.

Tuesday’s meeting was a much quieter event as I wanted to understand what club members would like to do during the next Rotary year.

To do that, I encouraged the "workshop" table discussions on current activities and what new projects may be of interest.

We had really good, detailed discussions and some great ideas were put forward. I will summarise the ideas and allow club members to have more discussion on them at the next Club Forum meeting on July 25, 2023.

Past-President Lisa-Maree provided an update on the Omaui Pond Project, which we have applied for a District Grant. You can read more about this project further down in the Bulletin. 

The Change Over night on June 27 was a huge success. It was lovely to see everyone dressed in old Hollywood style and getting photos on the red-carpet!

We certainly had many reasons to celebrate, with a few awards, recognitions and our donation to Youthline Southland was given out on the night.

I’d also like to thank the other club Presidents/President-elects and our Assistant District Governor for attending our Change Over evening.

I look forward to working closely with you all this year, as we move our club to its 100th anniversary.

- Chami