Aspiring Rotary

12/04/2026

We finally worked through the numbers from our Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers event held at the end of February, and the results are in!

Together, we raised an amazing $7,289.20 for Mental Hunts 👏

It was an incredible night. Our speakers left a lasting impression on everyone, covering vital topics and sparking so much inspiration throughout the event centre.

We couldn’t have done this without our amazing sponsors. A huge thank you for your generosity and support in making this happen. We also want to extend our gratitude to our fantastic speakers, everyone who attended, and our wonderful volunteers who worked together to ensure the evening ran smoothly.

We can’t wait to see the impact Glen and the Mental Hunts team will continue to have on our local community and across New Zealand.

Want to get involved? If you’re interested in volunteering and helping our community, please get in touch at [email protected] for more info on our next meeting.

31/03/2026

We had the privilege of providing catering for the Packard Rally dinner, which also included lunch boxes for their Sunday drive.

Wānaka was the end point of their week-long journey along the West Coast.

Our famous roast lamb was on the menu, alongside lemon roast chicken, served with steamed potatoes and a selection of mouth-watering salads.

Followed by bite sized desserts which included a rich chocolate brownie and even Banoffee Pie!

The roast lamb definitely had the approval of Blue, the Australian Shepherd/Border Collie, who kept a close eye on everything while we worked.

A huge thank you to the Packard Rally for choosing Aspiring Rotary for their event, your support helps us give back to our local community. ✨

If you are interested in being involved in volunteering and helping our community- then get in touch with us at [email protected] for information on when we are next getting together.

Thank you also to our sponsor .

16/03/2026

We were thrilled to cater and run the bar for the Lincoln University Supporters Dinner!

Guests enjoyed slow-roasted lamb, golden roast potatoes, and a selection of fresh, vibrant salads, followed by indulgent cheesecake and rich chocolate brownies for dessert.

With around 150 attendees, it was an incredible evening and a real privilege to be part of this special event.

A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the night a success! 🙌💛 💙

Thank you to our sponsor Integrity Homes for helping us raise important funds for our community ✨

27/02/2026

It’s on tonight!

If you haven’t already got your tickets to our Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers event tonight - then make sure you do using the below link 👇

https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers

🗓 Tonight – 28 Feb 2026
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
⏰ 5–10 PM
🎟 $35

See you there!

Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers at the Lake Wānaka Centre brings together Lou Vincent, Glen Thurston, Kathryn Wright and MC Matt Chisholm for an inspiring night of rural mental health stories, practical tools, social connection, and fundraising for Mental Hunts. ​

26/02/2026

This Saturday night in Wānaka, not long to go now.

If you’ve been thinking about coming along, this is your nudge.

In our rural communities, we’re great at getting on with things. But when it comes to mental health, it’s not something we should have to carry on our own and this night is about opening up that conversation.

Aspiring Rotary is bringing you Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers. A good, honest evening to yarn, listen, and support Mental Hunts , who are doing incredible work for mental wellbeing in our rural communities.

🗓 This Saturday – 28 Feb 2026
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
⏰ 5–10 PM
🎟 $35

You’ll hear true stories of downfall and redemption from ex Black Cap Lou Vincent, MC’d by Matt Chisholm, with powerful, real-life talks from Glen Thurston and Kathryn Wright.

No fluff, just real stories, real people, real conversations.

There’ll be a bar on site, food available, and a live auction with some great prizes, all proceeds going straight back into supporting rural mental health through Mental Hunts.

Grab a mate, grab a ticket, and come be part of something that matters.

🎟 Tickets here:

https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers/tickets

Please note: This event will include discussions around mental health challenges, including su***de. Recommended for ages 16+. Parental discretion is advised.

24/02/2026

🦌 LIVE AUCTION 🦌

As part of our upcoming event, Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers, we’re bringing you an incredible live auction packed with experiences, gear, and local favourites, all thanks to the amazing support of businesses 🙌

Here is what is up for grabs :

⸻

The Ultimate Hunting Package

• Return helicopter flights with Backcountry Helicopters
• Guided hunt with Chris McCartney from Lake Hawea Hunting Safaris
• 45L Arete & Meat Hauler Frame Combo from Hunters Element
• Hunt Mate merchandise from Hunt Mate
• Filleting knife from NZ Safety Blackwoods

⸻

The Weekend Away Package

• 2 nights for 2 people at Walnut on Russell in Wānaka
• Go karting + mini golf at Highlands Motorsport Park
• Cardrona carting experience with Cardrona Alpine Resort
• $100 voucher for The Stoaker Room
• $100 voucher for Relishes Cafe

⸻

Health & Wellness Package

• 6-month membership + heart rate monitor from BFT Wanaka
• 2-night safari tent stay at The Camp Lake Hawea
• 2-person sauna pass with The Secret Sauna

⸻

The Adventure-Ready Package

• Milwaukee chilly bin loaded with goodies for your next mission
• 5-person pass to a Hunting Development Course

Thanks to Placemakers Wānaka
⸻

This is your chance to support an incredible cause, and walk away with an unforgettable experience!

Grab your tickets now and be there on the night, you won’t want to miss this!

📅 Saturday, 28 February 2026 | 5–10pm
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers

22/02/2026

We were proud to be back supporting Challenge Wanaka Triathlon in the recovery tent yesterday.

There was plenty of watermelon sliced and recovery food flowing for the athletes after an epic day out on the course.

We also had the BBQ going at the end of the day to help feed all the incredible volunteers who helped with the event.

Thank you for having us involved in such a brilliant event once again!

Big thank you to our sponsor Integrity Homes who help us give back to our community ✨

19/02/2026

Almost a year ago, we started brainstorming ideas for an event that would bring our community together, something that would tackle important, challenging topics while leaving everyone feeling inspired.

After Glen from Mental Hunts gave a presentation to our group, we had the idea to combine these two concepts and so Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers was born.

At Aspiring Rotary, we’re all about supporting our local community, but we’re also a group of like-minded people who love having fun while making a difference.

If you’d like to find out more about us, we’d love to see you at our upcoming meeting next Thursday. Come along, say hi, and see what we’re all about!

Email us at [email protected] to join in.

15/02/2026

This February 28th , join us in Wānaka for Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers, an inspiring evening of courage, honesty, and hope.

Hear from Glen Thurston, founder of Mental Hunts , as he shares his personal journey and the vision behind his work supporting mental health in the hunting community. Alongside Glen, former Black Cap Lou Vincent and mental health professional Kathryn Wright will share their insights, experiences, and practical advice for building resilience and wellbeing.

📅 Saturday, 28 February 2026 | 5–10pm
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers

Let’s come together, talk openly, and support mental health in our rural communities.

08/02/2026

We’re really pleased to welcome Kathryn Wright as a speaker for Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers.

Kathryn is a fully qualified and registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), based in Te Anau, Southland, and working online with clients across Aotearoa. Her work is grounded in compassion, professionalism, and a genuine understanding of the everyday challenges people face.

Kathryn brings a calm, practical voice to conversations around mental health, resilience, and breaking barriers, creating space for honest chats, reflection, and real growth. Her perspective fits in great with the theme of the evening, reminding us that strength isn’t about having it all figured out, but about learning how to navigate life with support and understanding.

We’re grateful to have Kathryn sharing her insight and experience with us 🙌

Book your tickets now to secure your spot! 👇

📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
🗓️ 28th February
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers/tickets

14/11/2025

We had a social night playing bowls…but truthfully, we all turned up for the snacks 👀😂

A massive thanks to Heather for putting on such a great night! And for the team at Wānaka Bowling Club for your patience and advice. We appreciated all of your help!

Aspiring Rotary is all about supporting our community and enjoying good company , we work hard but we also have a ton of fun and boy do we have an awesome crew.