Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW)

Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW) Welcome to the Rotary Club of Wellington ! Since 1921, we’ve proudly been heart of Wellington as New Zealand’s oldest Rotary club.

For over 93 years, we have championed our motto, 'Service Above Self,' with steadfast dedication to uplifting our community.

Ready to cut through the tech noise and future-proof your leadership? Join the Rotary Club of Wellington on Monday, 12 O...
05/10/2026

Ready to cut through the tech noise and future-proof your leadership? Join the Rotary Club of Wellington on Monday, 12 October from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at The Wellington Club for an evening with one of New Zealand's most respected futurists, Melissa Clark-Reynolds ONZM.
Melissa is a tech entrepreneur, and professional director (governing boards like Wētā Workshop) who has trained at MIT, Stanford, and NASA. Known for her grounded foresight, clarity, and warmth, she helps leaders navigate AI and disruption to build organisations fit for what comes next. Attendees leave her sessions with their minds blown and their thinking completely reset.
Event Details:
• Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
• Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: The Wellington Club, 88 The Terrace, Wellington
RSVP today to secure your spot! Register at: https://forms.gle/GgVJHPcrzEmDnwJTA

Happy International Day of Older Persons!Today is all about celebrating the seniors in our community and looking at how ...
30/09/2026

Happy International Day of Older Persons!
Today is all about celebrating the seniors in our community and looking at how we can better support them.
At the Rotary Club of Wellington, we’ve been using the Knowles Bequest (a fund specifically for the elderly) to look into some big local challenges. We recently backed some medical students using geo-mapping to check out housing and transport issues for Wellington seniors.
Here is a quick look at what they found:
• Housing is tough: A lot of seniors are having to sell their homes because of rising overheads, and lifelong renters are struggling to get by on just a pension.
• Transport gaps: Even though Wellington has great public transport overall, the data shows specific pockets where seniors are left stranded and can’t easily get to the doctor.
Next steps? We’re taking these results straight to the City and Regional Councils to see what can be done.
Want to make a difference and grow your own skills?
This is exactly the kind of project you can get involved with at Rotary. It’s a great chance to give back to the community while leveling up your governance and leadership skills alongside a super supportive, experienced crew.
If you're keen to make an impact and learn along the way, we’d love to chat. Drop us a message using this link:https://forms.gle/GgVJHPcrzEmDnwJTA

Anna Fifield, former Washington Post journalist, independent foreign affairs commentator and former editor of The Domini...
28/09/2026

Anna Fifield, former Washington Post journalist, independent foreign affairs commentator and former editor of The Dominion Post, captivated Rotary Club of Wellington(RCW) members at lunch yesterday. Speaking on the theme of her Substack newsletter, “Between Giants”, referring to China and USA, she explored New Zealand’s place in a changing world. Fifield said China’s growing interest in the Pacific, including recent military activity, highlights rising strategic tensions. She questioned whether New Zealand should adopt “benign ambivalence” or take a stronger stand. Despite our size, she argued, New Zealand has international agency and mana through its nuclear-free policies, climate leadership and Christchurch’s response to the mosque shootins we should stand up for “Might does not make right.” The next speaker at lunchtime on Monday 12 October 2026 is Futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds? Interested? Please email us on [email protected] (copy and paste this email address into your inbox, do not click the link)
Photo caption: Anna Fifield and RCW President Honoraray Dame Suzanne Sniveley.

🎾 Big Rackets, Big Laughs, Big Impact: Jumbo Tennis is Back!Planning is officially underway for the Rotary Club of Welli...
24/09/2026

🎾 Big Rackets, Big Laughs, Big Impact: Jumbo Tennis is Back!
Planning is officially underway for the Rotary Club of Wellington's major fundraiser: Jumbo Tennis on Friday 5 March! 🏆
If you visit the courts, you won’t see standard tennis. Instead, you'll see local CEOs and corporate teams swinging giant, oversized rackets, diving for balls, and laughing uncontrollably.
Our members will be running the engine room—refereeing, managing the barbecue, and hosting the after-work drinks. Thanks to local businesses stepping up, we usually raise $20,000 in a single afternoon for the Wellington Hospital Foundation. It proves serious community work can come from serious fun!
We are officially looking for teams to join the madness! To enter a team, contact us: https://forms.gle/GgVJHPcrzEmDnwJTA

How do you fight drug cartels with avocados? In Latin America, Rotary Peace Fellow Alejandra Rueda Zarate helps rural fa...
22/09/2026

How do you fight drug cartels with avocados?
In Latin America, Rotary Peace Fellow Alejandra Rueda Zarate helps rural farmers swap illegal crops for sustainable avocado and coffee farming. By securing them profitable, legal incomes, she shields entire communities from cartel coercion.
This is what "Positive Peace" looks like, and it’s exactly why the Rotary Peace Fellowships exist.
Today, on the International Day of Peace, we celebrate active change. Every year, Rotary fully funds up to 170 global leaders to earn degrees in conflict resolution. Over 1,900 alumni are now transforming communities in 140+ countries.
This is the impact you support as a Rotarian. When you join Rotary, you join a global network of peacemakers.
Ready to make a real difference? Contact us via our secretary - paste [email protected] into your remail address bar.

Our member Heather Baldwin recently shared that volunteering builds a stronger community. At the Rotary Club of Wellingt...
15/09/2026

Our member Heather Baldwin recently shared that volunteering builds a stronger community. At the Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW), we use our unique talents to do just that!
We offer diverse opportunities to match your skills:
• Community & environment projects
• Youth mentorship & education
• Event planning & professional skill-sharing
We meet Monday lunchtimes at The Wellington Club.
💬 How do you want to make an impact? Comment below, or email our secretary at [email protected] to get involved. (Please copy and paste this email address into your inbox, do not click the link).

Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Wellington enjoyed a sneak preview of the Wellington Heritage Festival, running from 24 Oc...
15/09/2026

Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Wellington enjoyed a sneak preview of the Wellington Heritage Festival, running from 24 October to 15 November. Highlights include the Old Government Buildings 150th Birthday Tour, Parliamentary Precinct Trail, National War Memorial and Carillon Tower Tour, Shakespeare in the Ōtaki Rotunda, Hikitia's 100th Birthday Steam Up, The Fabulous Carmen Walk, Hidden Māori Treasures Tour, and more. With 160 plus events on offer, there's something for everyone. Explore the full programme and book now at www.wellingtonheritagefestival.co.nz. The speaker on Monday 28 September 2026 is Anna Fifield, former Editor of Dominion Post. Interested? Please email us on [email protected] ( Please copy and paste this email address into your inbox, do not click the link)
Photo caption: Festival Board Chair Roger Blakeley and Director Alex Hockley.

Can small acts of service really build a stronger society? Our member Heather Baldwin recently shared that volunteering ...
09/09/2026

Can small acts of service really build a stronger society?
Our member Heather Baldwin recently shared that volunteering builds a stronger community. At the Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW), we use our unique talents to do just that!
We offer diverse opportunities to match your skills:
• Community & environment projects
• Youth mentorship & education
• Event planning & professional skill-sharing
We meet Monday lunchtimes at The Wellington Club.
💬 How do you want to make an impact? Comment below, or email our secretary at [email protected] to get involved. (Please copy and paste this email address into your inbox, do not click the link).

"Can I have a turn today?!" That’s the excited shout that greets our volunteers every Thursday morning at Featherston Sc...
07/09/2026

"Can I have a turn today?!" That’s the excited shout that greets our volunteers every Thursday morning at Featherston School!This fantastic volunteer project belongs to our Literacy for Life Satellite Club, and the reading programme is absolutely "humming along." The kids simply love it! We currently have so many dedicated community volunteers and Satellite Club members joining us that we actually have more helpers than the school can accommodate each week.The joy goes both ways. One of our wonderful volunteers recently shared how incredibly rewarding it is to discuss the stories with the children—exploring comprehension, sparking curiosity, and expanding their knowledge. Research consistently shows that adult volunteer literacy programmes like ours provide substantial academic and emotional benefits to young students.As we celebrate International Literacy Day on September 8, this work feels more important than ever. This global UNESCO day highlights literacy not just as a skill, but as a matter of dignity and a fundamental human right.
Want to get involved or learn more about our club? We would love to hear from you! Please email Gillian Jones - paste this address into your email address bar: [email protected]

Ever wondered how 160 events come together to celebrate our region's history?Discover the stories, places, and people sh...
03/09/2026

Ever wondered how 160 events come together to celebrate our region's history?
Discover the stories, places, and people shaping Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui! Join us to hear from the organising panel behind the incredible Wellington Heritage Festival, led by Festival Chair Roger Blakeley.
Get the inside scoop on the 2026 lineup, featuring amazing events stretching from Pencarrow to Parliament, and Terawhiti to Ōtaki.
When: 14 September, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Where: The Wellington Club
Many festival events are completely free, but some require bookings. Come along and learn how to plan your perfect heritage journey!
RSVP: Spaces are limited. Please copy and paste [email protected] into your email client to secure your spot (do not click as a link).

Address

PO Box 10243
Wellington
6143

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share