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Welcome to Tawa Rotary

Do you want to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

New Rotary members - Cheree and Mike

Tawa Rotary has welcomed two new members to our club - Cheree Ratapu-Foster and Mike Foster. We're delighted to have you both join us.

Feel inspired? Want to make a difference in our community?

Contact us for an informal chat about Rotary, what we do or join us at our next club meeting or project. Email: tawarotaryclub@gmail.com

Stock the Pantry - Tawa Foodbank

We came together to collect food and essential items for local families in need. The food bank in Tawa has never been so busy!

Thanks to our sponsors – New World Tawa, Sprig & Fern, Guardian Funeral Home. Tina provided face painting; and Tawa Fire Service contributed as well.

The weather was great and our service organisations worked exceptionally well together. Tawa Rotary, Tawa Interact, Inner Wheel and Salvation Army. Thanks to our community for your donations - 3 large trolleys full, sold about 180 sausages and cash donations were received.

To everyone who helped, a huge thanks, once again for a fun and successful day

Tawa to become more project focussed

Tawa Rotary recently celebrated the start of the new Rotary year with incoming (and returning) President, Pat Waite, outlining the coming year’s project-focussed programme. Pat said that the Club is keen to hear about other projects or needs in the Tawa community that Rotary could help with.

The meeting also reviewed the achievements of the past year, and welcomed new member Gary Abbott (photo - Gary and Pres. Judith Gray).

We acknowledged two longstanding members, Malcolm Andrews and Paul Drummond, who received Honorary Memberships, and remembered with affection three other longstanding members, Richard Hutchinson, Bill Sommer and Robert Tredger, who passed during the year.

Outgoing co-presidents Judith Gray and Pat Waite were thanked for their leadership. Acknowledgement was made of members, Judith Gray, Elizabeth Sutton and Richard Herbert, and former Rotarian Malcolm Sparrow who received awards for their community service at last month’s Tawa Community Civic Awards ceremony.

Chilly nights ahead - Pyjama Drive for Foster Hope

Join Tawa Rotary's Winter Pyjama Drive for Foster Hope!

As the nights grow colder, it’s time to spread warmth and kindness in our community! Tawa Rotary is proud to launch its annual Winter Pyjama Drive in support of Foster Hope, and we need your help!

How you can help: You can make a difference by donating a new pair of winter pyjamas for children aged up to 16 years old who have been placed in foster care. Your generosity will ensure these kids stay warm and cozy during chilly nights.

Where to donate: Drop off your new pyjama donations at the designated bin located at New World Tawa.

Photo: At the drop-off point at New World Tawa are (from L. to R.) Lyn Calman (Ray White), Elizabeth Sutton (Tawa Rotary), and Ashleigh Jackson (New World Tawa)

Tawa Concert in the Park 2025

Close to one thousand people enjoyed yet another great February Sunday afternoon's entertainment at Tawa Rotary's Concert in the Park. The concert, compered by Murray Cameron, featured a diverse lineup of musical performances, starting with the welcoming sounds of the Tawa Learners' Band.

The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Jive Bombers, with guest singer Moira Jean.

Supporting acts included the stirring sound of the award-winning Red Hackle Pipe Band, an energetic performance by Te Rōpū Ngahau Tawa School Kapa Haka and the polished singing of Tawa College's Blue Notes choir.

Pride in Work Awards 2024

Seventeen local employees and volunteers received Pride in Work Awards at an Awards Dinner in Tawa on 15 October 2024. They were supported by a large gathering of family, friends and work colleagues. Guest speaker for the occasion was local body politician, sportsperson and sports commentator, Ken Laban.

The Tawa Rotary and Tawa Business Group Pride in Work Award allows Tawa businesses and organisations to acknowledge and celebrate the special pride each of the recipients takes in their work.

Tawa Book Fair 2024 a success!

A celebration to thank the Tawa community and friends for a successful bookfair this year.

Over $14,000 was raised for Life Flight Trust and Tawa community and youth projects.

Tawa Labyrinth at Coronation Park

This new community project is underway!

Tawa Rotary is funding the development cost of a labyrinth as a gift to Tawa to recognise Rotary’s 50 year presence in Tawa. The idea for a labyrinth was one that came from the community. We heard that people were looking for a quiet place to spend time quietly reflecting on life, similar to labyrinths in Porirua, Johnsonville and Lower Hutt.

The design for the Tawa Labyrinth was developed by Tawa College student, Alastair Binns and its shape reflects Tawa’s Bucket Tree. With the agreement of Tawa Scouts and Guides, Tawa Central Kindergarten and the Tawa Community Garden, and approval from Wellington City Council, it is being constructed on the Council-designated site at Coronation Park.

Thank you Tawa - Restocked Pantry

An urgent appeal was sought in Tawa to help restock the depleted supplies of the foodbank.

The Salvation Army’s Tawa foodbank received several trolley loads of groceries and more than $700 from the sausage sizzle.

Thank you Tawa, to New World and those who helped on the day!

Donation to prevent youth suicide in Tawa

$11,000 was raised and donated to Tawa College to support the prevention of youth suicide.

Principal, Andrew Savage, received this donation at Tawa Rotary on 18 April 2023. He spoke on the challenges that students and teachers face in today's society. His excitement over the donation was palpable. Andrew's plan to support over sixty youth and teachers is humbling. Some great goodwill come from the work that has been done by the Building Hope Committee to raise these funds.

Tawa Rotary celebrated its 50th anniversary

Tawa Rotary celebrated its 50^thanniversary over the weekend of 9 and 10 April 2021.

On 4 April 1970 at a dinner held at the Wellington Overseas Terminal, Rotary International presented the Charter for the new Rotary Club of Tawa to the Club’s Charter President Eldon Armstrong.

Fifty years later the Rotary Club of Tawa planned to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of that evening with a weekend of activities. Unfortunately, COVID-19 interrupted the planning. The celebration was held in April 2021.

Over the 51 years, Tawa Rotary has contributed to the infrastructure of Tawa through numerous projects, as well as to a wide range of youth and international initiatives and projects.

Paul Harris awards were awarded to Past District Governor Martin Garcia for his service to Rotary and to Dianne Patchett for her significant service to Inner Wheel, a project in Nepal and teaching. Two of the club’s Charter members, Murray Jensen and Rewi Chaney, supported by Robert Armstrong entertained with great stories of the Club at its very beginning.

A book on the 50-year history of the Rotary Club of Tawa has been published and copies are available for purchase at $20 each. To buy a book, please contact tawarotaryclub@gmail.com.

[Photos: Kevin Walker]

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