Waikato Sunrise Rotary

07/09/2026

Do you know of a community group that could use some funding? Waikato Sunrise Rotary have a funding round coming up - with priority given to children & youth, education, and our local community.

Please note that we generally fund groups rather than individuals, and we are unable to fund wages or salary.

Our next funding round closes on October 31.
Find out more here: https://www.waikatosunrise.org.nz/apply-for-funding/

30/06/2026

Our third Paul Harris Fellow from last week's Changeover went to this very special community hero - Heidi Gleeson. Heidi has been a key part of the team at True Colours Children's Health Trust since 2010, helping families that are navigating difficult times with an unwell child.
In recognition of all you do, and all you have done - congratulations Heidi

On Saturday night I was very proud to receive a Paul Harris Fellow award from Waikato Sunrise Rotary.

Rotary’s mission of Service above Self sets a great standard within our community, and I am really honoured to be recognised by such a special group of people in this way.

I have served True Colours Children's Health Trust since 2010 as a volunteer, since 2021 as a paid employee, and since this time last year, as CEO. I am deeply committed to the work we do, and to the many children and families we support. I have experienced first hand the difference we make to families when True Colours supported my best friend, and my daughter and I, back in 2007 and 2008.

As an organisation we are committed to supporting families to stand strong at the toughest of times, and it feels overwhelming to be singled out amongst a great and solid team.

Thank you again for this distinction, and also, for the important work you all continue to do in our community - True Colours has certainly felt the benefit of this with your significant contributions over the years.

30/06/2026

Our second Paul Harris Fellow awardee at this year's changeover is another Past President - congratulations to our very own Chris Dare!
Chris grew up with Rotarian parents and completed a Rotary Youth Exchange in Finland in 1991. He came to New Zealand with his lovely wife, and - despite being Australian - we let him join our club (always gotta get the Aussie joke in). He quickly made a big impact. Chris stepped up nto the President role quickly, and has remained in a leadership role ever since. His service to our club, and our community have been extraordinary - this is very well deserved recognition Congratulations Chris!

29/06/2026

Last weekend Waikato Sunrise Rotary held our annual changeover - and presented three Paul Harris Fellows... and here is the first...

Congratulations to our Past President - Mike Scarsbrook!
Initially Mike came as a guest speaker, and so enjoyed the atmosphere, culture and motives of the club, that he joined. Within a couple of years, he rose to the be president, and his leadership was calm, assured, sensitive to all views and keen to ensure that the club fulfilled its giving targets amongst the local community.
We have all benefitted so much from Mike's participation, his wisdom, his enthusiasm and his guidance. He has been an excellent example of the Rotarian ethos. Congratulation again Mike 💛

23/06/2026

Over the past 20 years, so many organisations, schools, and community groups have dedicated themselves to restoring the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. On Saturday, that tradition continued!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the combined Rotary clubs of Hamilton and all the incredible volunteers who turned out to plant trees. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces returning to continue the good work, standing side-by-side with new supporters. To everyone who dug in, got dirty, and helped out, THANK YOU! Your small donations of time and effort are leaving a massive, green legacy for generations to come.

02/06/2026

In the past few weeks our Rotary club has distributed dictionaries to students at Crawshaw, Whitiora and Rhode St Primary Schools.

Dictionaries teach children so much... not just the words and their meanings, research skills, reading, alphabet, and how to care for books, as the students get to keep their very own dictionary - and they love them!!

A great use of some of our fundraising efforts 💛

01/06/2026

Are you the parent of a young person who is learning to drive? Come along to a FREE live event at Ebbett Toyota Lexus Showroom Hamilton happening on 11 June 2026 6pm.

At this event you will learn how to:
- Unlock the Mysteries of the Teenage Brain: What Makes Driving a Challenge?
- Decode Risk Factors for Young Drivers
- Learn the art of Coaching a Learner Driver
- Help you support the transition to solo driving
- Set a plan for collaborating with Driving Instructors
And much more.

To register or find out more, visit:

Join us for Driver Coach: A workshop for whanau to support teens in driving safely. Gain essential insights from Road Safety Education

13/05/2026

Come along to our Community Planting Day on June 20 at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park - everyone welcome - this is a family friendly event!

Refreshments available, bring a spade, gloves, wet weather gear, sturdy footwear and drinking water.
Enquiries to Bryce Weal 021 940 662, or email [email protected]

13/05/2026

Our sincere thanks go to the Waikato businesses that generously supported this year's Circus Quirkus - New Zealand events in Hamilton!

A fantastic event that hundreds of kids and their families in our community got to experience. Thank you

30/04/2026

This morning we enjoyed hosting visitors from Rotary clubs from around our district - come back anytime!
It was great to strengthen old and new connections, and to see how we can 'united for good'.