On 2 June members of the Rotary Club of Wellington and their partners celebrated 90 years of Rotary at Government House, Wellington
The President, Colleen Singleton, presented Paul Harris Fellowships to Club members for their community service.
Kenneth Fink-Jensen, who has played a key role with the Skilled Migrants programme, run in conjunction with the Victoria University of Wellington. This Club keynote programme has had an 85% success rate in skilled migrants being employed in a position where they can use the education and skills developed in their home country.
Kerry Prendergast, who served on the Wellington City Council for 21 years, 6 years as Deputy Mayor and 9 years as the 33rd Mayor of Wellington
Francis Wevers who, as the Club’s webmaster, has ensured that most of our Rotary information can be transmitted through the website. The Club is very proud of its website.
Lady Susan Satyanand was acknowledged for her civil service, particularly for her support for children, positive outcomes for the environment and supporting volunteerism. She was also acknowledged for her support as Patron of a number of organisations and for her support of the Governor General.
The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, Governor General and Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Wellington, who has had a distinguished career in the law, as a District Court Judge and as an Ombudsman. His unique perspective to role of Governor General has helped everyone to understand the multi-cultural diversity of our nation.
Chartered on 7 June 1921 the first Rotary Club in New Zealand
The Club’s record of attracting excellent speakers to its luncheon was set in that first year. Particularly significant was the address given in September 1921 by Dr. Truby King, which drew the Club into what was the first of many projects of national importance – Karitane.
At a policy discussion held at Lower Hutt in 1923 Rotarian C J B Norwood urged the Club not to become involved in projects that provided a lasting drain on resources, but rather to concentrate on launching organisations that subsequently ran independently and stood on their own feet. This kaupapa has been followed by the Club for 90 years.
The Club has been responsible for establishing many community services and institutions over the past 90 years, some of which have become nationwide activities.
The Club recently participated in the Club Visioning programme, which assisted members develop a 5-year strategic plan. The eight strategic initiatives adopted by the Club are:
1. Enable the Club to address the issues and development needs of our city and our community, such as through a periodic Think Tank Forum engaging members, individuals and community partners.
2. Focus on philanthropic partnering with a few selected social entrepreneurial organisations.
3. Focus our international development programmes in the Pacific region and through world-wide support for emergencies, collaborating with other Rotary Clubs to maximise our impact.
In order to deliver on this we need to invest in our capability.
4. Increase the membership and age range with a focus on younger members 25 – 40 years of age, supported by creating a future membership base through programmes to engage and add value for youth.
5. Recognise the value of senior active members by offering additional fellowship activities and working towards celebrating our centennial in 2021.
6. Develop a fundraising plan to support RCW that includes a bequest programme and produces incremental growth.
7. Strengthen club support systems to deliver streamlined, effective and efficient services, embracing new technology and achieving operational and financial excellence.
8. With the Vision and Mission as our base and the Strategic Focus to guide us, work to a rolling five year Strategic and three year Business Plan, with the Committees’ three year plans forming the Club’s three year Business Plan.
As a central city Rotary Club our current membership fluctuates as members are transferred or move out of Wellington
