Stories

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.

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.

Donate new PJs to Foster Hope children

Tawa Rotary and Foster Hope would like to thank the Tawa community for their support of the 2024 Winter Pyjama Drive. Around 150 donated pyjamas helped Foster Hope keep children put into foster care warm this winter.

Now that we’re well into spring the focus turns to summer pyjamas for all ages up to 16 years old.

Organiser, Elizabeth Sutton says that Rotary is appreciative of New World Tawa’s ongoing support of the PJ Drive Foster and donations of new summer pyjamas can be left in the donation box near New World Tawa’s checkout.

PS: Foster Hope is still happy to receive winter nightwear for distribution in 2025.

Pictured: Elizabeth Sutton and June Matthews, Wellington Co-ordinator Foster Hope.

Rotary Bookfair, Tawa

After a two-year break, Tawa Rotary’s book fair is set to open on Saturday 5 October in the Tawa Scout Hall, Coronation Park, Oxford St.

Book fair coordinator, Pat Waite, said that it will be a welcome return after unforeseen circumstances have deprived the Tawa community of a supply of quality used books at low prices. The funds raised from the Book Fair allow Rotary to undertake community projects and assist local charities.

Pat would also like to thank people for their generous book donations over the past two weeks, which have significantly refreshed the stock on hand.

The book fair will run until Sunday 13 October with weekend hours 8am-5pm and week-day hours 10am-2pm.

Ian Ferguson MBE - Olympic champion visits Tawa

Really positive feedback was received on Olympian, Ian Ferguson’s visit to Tawa Rotary on 30 July 2024 - we had a great turnout of visitors from our community.

Ian is a very down to earth person who with humility talked about his races, his losses and how he learned the techniques to win.

And win he did –

He is one of New Zealand's top medal winners and 1984 Sportsperson of the Year. He has won 4 Olympic gold medals and a silver, plus 5 World Championship medals for kayaking. He raced singles, doubles and fours, but was most famous as a duo with his doubles partner Paul MacDonald. In 1996 Ian was awarded the Olympian of the Century award by New Zealand's Olympic Association

Ian was awarded the MBE for services to canoeing. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Ian spoke to the young people in our audience – putting his gold Olympic medal around their necks and encouraging them to try out sports, find a sport that they enjoy and have a go. Anyone can be a winner – focus on what you want to achieve and go for it!

Thank you to Mel Waite Photography for the photos of this great evening.

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.

Great speaker! Olympian - Ian Ferguson

Tawa Rotary invites you to hear our guest speaker, Olympian - Ian Ferguson, MBE.

Tuesday 30 July: 6.50pm for 7.00pm at the Tawa Bowling Club, Davies Street. No charge.

Ian was awarded the MBE for services to canoeing. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.

Ian had another big dream after seeing the Worlds’ first man made, totally artificial, white water kayaking course at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. He wanted to have the Worlds’ best artificial course in NZ. Finally his dream was realised, and NZs’ first white water kayaking course opened at the beginning of 2016. It was not just the most difficult Olympic White Water Kayaking course in the World; it was also available for all New Zealanders to enjoy. This facility is operating well with over 100 school children through a day, as well as many corporates, emergency services, rafters and the general public.

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!

Tawa Commemoration Service ANZAC 2024

There was an excellent turnout at the Tawa community commemoration for ANZAC Day. Tawa Rotary participated in this community service - thank you Elizabeth Sutton for organising the wreath; and to Philip Harland who laid the Rotary wreath at the commemoration service.

Ode of Remembrance

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Every minute matters - Heartbeat CPR

Learn CPR. Save a Life!

We hosted a great training session on Heartbeat CPR with Nick Swan, Wellington Free Ambulance on Tuesday 27 February 2024. Visitors from Tawa community also attended. On arrival, some shared that they had experienced family members and friends who had had a cardiac arrest - they wanted to know the latest on how save a life.

Every week on average 6 people have a sudden cardiac arrest in greater Wellington and Wairarapa region. No one is immune from cardiac arrest.

Every minute matters. If someone is unresponsive to a shout or a shake, and they're not breathing or moving they're in cardiac arrest. Early CPR increases survival rates to 30%. Using a defibrillator is the best chance for starting a heart - survival increases by 80 to 85%.

A big thanks to Nick and Wellington Free Ambulance for providing this free lifesaving session. Nick encouraged local clubs and organisations to get in touch with WFA for Heartbeat Community CPR training. These sessions are sponsored by the Lloyd Morrison Foundation.

Heartbeat - Learn CPR

Are you up to date on using CPR, particularly if you're first on the scene?

Tawa Rotary with assistance from Wellington Free Ambulance is running a Heartbeat Training session on Tuesday 27 February. You are invited to attend this free session.

A sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Every week, an average of four to five people suffer a cardiac arrest somewhere in Wellington and Wairarapa. Deciding to learn how to administer CPR could be one of the most important decisions you ever make.

Nick Swan is leading our training on behalf of Wellington Free Ambulance - he's our local Heartbeat trainer and Leader for Tawa Community Patrol.

The Heartbeat training session will run for 90 minutes from 7pm to 8.30pm. No cost to attend.

It's NOT a general first aid course. Nick will delve solely into CPR and AED defibrillator use, with time for discussion, questions, and hands-on experience.

See event details - link is on our home page.

Tawa Rotary Concert in the Park 2024

Great excitement as the Tawa Rotary Concert in the Park returns in 2024.

This free family-friendly concert will be headlined by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's popular Jive Bombers ... with local supporting actings including Blue Notes and Tawa Learners' Band.

Book this event in your diary - Sunday 18 February, Grasslees Reserve Tawa from 3pm to 6pm.

Tawa celebrates Pride in Work Awards 2023

A very successful evening and congratulations to the local recipients of the Pride in Work Awards 2023. This annual event was jointly organised by Tawa Business Group and Tawa Rotary.

The guest speaker was quite perfect for the theme of the evening – recognising leaders amongst us. Bronwyn Lord spoke of her experiences starting work at 16, being fired and rehired and eventually owning the business a McDonald Franchise. Her message and challenge to all of us is so relevant.

Photo source: Mel Waite Photography

Pride in Work Awards 2023

Celebrate your employees!

The Tawa Rotary Pride in Work Awards, organised in conjunction with the Tawa Business Group, gives Tawa businesses and organisations the opportunity to publicly acknowledge employees who are outstanding performers in the workplace.

Open to local businesses or organisations based in between Wellington’s northern boundary with Porirua city, the southern end of Grenada North, and Takapu Road to the east and western hills of Tawa.

One nomination per employer or organisation.

Download the nomination form.

Scan and send the completed form to pat.waite@outlook.com

Nominations are to be received before 20 September 2023.

Donations towards Tawa youth development

Hampton Hill and Linden Schools were each presented with a donation towards youth development. Tawa Rotary had hosted a quiz night as a fundraiser.

Pictured from the left: Principal Claire Hughes - Hampton Hill School, Principal Gaylene Hill - Linden School, Elizabeth Sutton - Tawa Rotary quiz organiser.

Tawa Rotary celebrates the year

Tawa Rotary and guests had fun with the Changeover on 4 July 2023. The skirl of the bagpipes, haggis and a touch of tartan marked the end of a fine year’s leadership by President Joe Asghar at a well-attended changeover evening very capably managed by MC Tony Heyward.

A well-deserved Paul Harris Fellow and a standing ovation was given to Ian Munro in recognition of his dedicated support to our Club and community of many years. Departing member Denise Garcia was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a second ruby PHF pin to acknowledge her generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation.

Tawa Rotary looks forward to progressing a new year that strengthens partnerships - particularly working together on service projects; connects with our community; and engages our members together.

Tawa Rotary receives award

Tawa Rotary has received an award from the Rotary District 9940 for 100% contribution on behalf of all members to the Rotary Foundation.

The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary. We tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. The Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact. See: https://my.rotary.org/en/rotary-foundation.

Pictured from left: Rotary Foundation Director Martin Garcia, Assistant Governor Kay Phillips, Tawa Rotary president Joe Asghar, Tawa Rotary past president Karyn Meade.

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.

Celebrating Rotary concert in the Park

The family Concert in the Park at Grasslees Reserve, Tawa on Sunday 5 March was lots of fun - with musical talent shared by the Tawa College kapa haka group, Gracenotes quartet, Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and the RNZAF Band - Jivebombers. Jason Pine, experienced broadcaster, was the MC.

Around 1000 people enjoyed the entertainment and community gathering with their family and friends. Tawa Rotary hosted the event and provided a popular sausage sizzle. Our thanks to partners - Tawa Community Patrol, Wellington City Council Foxtail events who provided entertainment for the children; and to our sponsors - Lyn Calman of Ray White, and Tawa New World.

Photos: Tawa College Kapa Haka; and Tawa Rotary sausage sizzle.

Rotary Family Concert in the Park

Come along to the Rotary Family Concert on Sunday 5 March, 4pm to 7pm at Grasslees Reserve, Tawa.

Hot on the heels of their 2022 annual tour, the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band will present a free, late afternoon, outdoor picnic concert in Tawa at Grasslees Reserve. This will be an occasion organised by Tawa Rotary for all the family to enjoy great and varied music.

The RNZAF’s Concert Band will be playing music from the Americas (everything from Hollywood hits to South American rhythms) and their Jive Bombers covers band playing a selection of hits ranging from Stevie Wonder to Dua Lipa. Both bands will feature vocalists Barbara Graham and Stephanie Paris.

Tawa broadcaster, Jason Pine, will be master of ceremonies for what will be great family entertainment and a toe-tapping soundtrack to a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

There will also be performances by Tawa College music groups including a Kapa Haka group and Grace Notes barbershop quartet while Tū Mātau Ora will be offering traditional Māori games suitable for children and adults.

A sausage sizzle will be available to supplement the audience's BYO picnic basket.

Successful Rotary book fair 2022

Thankyou Tawa and our wider community who donated good quality books and visited our Rotary bookfair.

This is a major fundraiser that Tawa Rotary held this year resulting in at least $9,000 to support local youth activities. A donation of $1000 has been provided to Tawa Scouts for the use of their hall.

Donate Summer pyjamas - Foster Hope

Tawa Rotary is asking your help to donate new summer pyjamas for children (age 0-18 years) in foster care in the Wellington region - through Foster HopeNZ.

There are over 5,000 children in foster care in NZ, and they usually arrive at foster care with only the clothes they are currently wearing. Many of these children have never had a brand new pair of their own pyjamas. Knowing that someone has shopped especially for them is a huge boost to their self-esteem.

$10 is all it costs for a new pair of child's pyjamas. Help us help Foster Hope by dropping off a pair at our collection point at Tawa New World. Thankyou Tawa!

Congratulations - 2022 Pride in Work Awards

Tawa Rotary and Tawa Business Group recently held the annual Tawa Pride in Work Awards Dinner and Presentation ceremony for this event. Over 100 attended which was held at the Tawa Bowling Club on Tuesday 18 October 2022.

The Pride in Work Award is designed to acknowledge an employee or volunteer, irrespective of age or vocation, who in the eyes of their employer/organisation or customers, displays outstanding qualities in terms of approach, attitude, dedication and commitment to his or her job.

Celebrating our Employees and Volunteers has been a focus of the Tawa Rotary recent programme and the Tawa Rotary Pride in Work event is now in its 3^rd year. We are grateful for our partners in this programme, the Tawa Business Group, for their participation and sponsorship, and all of the Tawa businesses and organisations who put forward nominations. And also to New World Tawa for sponsoring the meat pack prize for the raffle.

The 2022 Pride in Work Recipients are:

Gurehmat Kaur from Jani-King
Joy Paraagua-Garay from Linden School
Angela Ritchie from Longview Home
Sara Scott from Mary Potter Hospice Shop
Becca Johnston from Nada Bakery
Karl Wilson from Nada Bakery
Mary Machacon from New World Tawa
Ants Ransley from Orogen
Jane Lee from Our Lady of Hope Parish
Gary Mitchell from Predator Free Grenada Village and Grenada North
Graeme Walkinshaw from Sprig & Fern
Bernadette Pallister from Tawa Business Group
Treangi Temata from Tawa College
Vanessa Millanta from Tawa Dental Care
Bruce McGrath from Tawa Squash Club
Paige Holtom from The Fitness Portal
Jordyn Mumby from Village Bakery & Cafe

Congratulations to all the recipients of Pride in Work Awards for 2022. The acknowledgement you received shows the esteem in which your nominating business or organisation holds you.

See the photo gallery. [Photos by Kevin Walker, Zapdog]

photo gallery - Pride In Work Awards 2022

Congratulations to the following Pride in Work Award recipients for 2022!

This gallery of photos from left to right:

Pride in Work Award recipients as a group

Gurehmat Kaur from Jani-King
Joy Paraagua-Garay from Linden School
Angela Ritchie from Longview Home
Sara Scott from Mary Potter Hospice Shop
Becca Johnston from Nada Bakery
Karl Wilson from Nada Bakery
Mary Machacon from New World Tawa
Ants Ransley from Orogen
Jane Lee from Our Lady of Hope Parish
Gary Mitchell from Predator Free Grenada Village and Grenada North
Graeme Walkinshaw from Sprig & Fern
Bernadette Pallister from Tawa Business Group
Treangi Temata from Tawa College
Vanessa Millanta from Tawa Dental Care
Bruce McGrath from Tawa Squash Club
Paige Holtom from The Fitness PortalGur
Jordyn Mumby from Village Bakery & Cafe

Pictured with the award recipients are Tawa Rotary President Joe Asghar, Tawa Business Group Chair Darcy Brittliff and Rotary District Governor Marilyn Stevens.

[photos: Kevin Walker, Zapdog]







	Paige Holtom The Fitness Portal (unable to attend)

Exciting news! Rotary Book Fair 2022

Exciting news! ... Tawa Rotary Bookfair 2022 is underway - this is a great community fundraiser.

The bookfair will be held from 8 to 16 October 2022 at the Tawa Scout Hall, Oxford Street.

A great range of good quality books received through donations, thank you.

When? Saturday-Sunday 8am to 4pm; Mon-Friday 10am-2pm

See you there!

My time as Mayor - Anita Baker 2 August

Anita Baker, Mayor of Porirua City, will talk about her time as Mayor and why she supports the water reforms.

Anita Baker was born and raised in Porirua City. She was first elected to the Porirua City Council in 2010. Her journey goes from growing up in Paremata, to solo mum, administrator, community worker, setting up a private college, project manager then Councillor and now Mayor.

Reported in May 2022, she welcomed the Government progress on Three Waters reforms, saying that without the major restructure, Council would not have the resources to deliver water needs to an acceptable standard. [source: https://insidegovernment.co.nz/three-waters-reform-a-wake-up-call-for-porirua-council/]

Tawa Rotary

When: Tuesday 2 August 2022, 7.00pm for public attendance

Where: Tawa Bowling Club, Grasslees Reserve, 13 Davies Street, Tawa

Register your attendance: tawarotaryclub@gmail.com

Malcolm Sparrow, Paul Harris Fellowship award

Congratulations Malcolm Sparrow on the Paul Harris Fellowship award that he received on 19 July 2022 for his services to the community and local government.

Tawa Rotary President, Joe Asghar spoke of Malcolm's significant contribution to the Tawa community over the years - through his many years of service on the Wellington City Council, his introduction of the 'get to know your neighbour' barbeques, his famous Tawa Link news that have had a wide readership and interest.

While Malcolm and his wife Karen have now moved to the Kapiti coast, Malcolm noted in his thanks that he will always regard Tawa as a great community to be part of.

Come and hear - Walking 3000km! Dame Kerry Prendergast

Dame Kerry Prendergast - English Coast to Coast

Tawa Rotary and guests enjoyed Dame Kerry Prendergast's story on her amazing experience and challenges on walking the Te Araroa Trail. This trail is 3000 km from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff in the South Island, NZ.

It was certainly a story of many challenges and highlights along the way - through crossing the rivers and trying not to get swept away, to noticing the differences in the landscape and climate between the two islands. It was a really tough journey - that she shared through walking with her friends and the support of her husband meeting the small group at various points on the journey with supplies.

Dame Kerry Prendergast DNZM, CNZM is the former Mayor of Wellington and former Vice-President of Local Government New Zealand. In 2019, she became a Dame Companion for services to governance and the community, after being awarded a CNZM in 2011 for her services to local government. Dame Kerry was also awarded a Lifetime Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government. She is a distinguished Alumni of Victoria University of Wellington, and continues to serve the community through her many roles ranging from Wellington Free Ambulance to the New Zealand Community Trust.

Dame Kerry really enjoys walking - she’s walked in the footsteps of pilgrims and Romans, hiked New Zealand’s great walks, trekked to Machu Picchu and climbed Mt Kilimanjaro. In 2014, she walked Spain’s El Camino de Santiago, and in 2017 Hadrian’s Wall as well as the English Coast to Coast.

[source]: Walking the English coast to coast which took Dame Kerry 13 days.

Tawa Rotary changeover 2022

Tawa Rotary celebrated the achievements of the past year under President Karyn Meade's great leadership, and welcomed the incoming president Joe Asghar.

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdown for the Delta variant that happened in August 2021, Tawa Rotary delivered numerous projects, provided sponsorship through community grants, key speaker events including partnership with the Tawa business community. Projects included the masks in schools campaign, Foster Hope, book bags for neonatal, the ball to fundraise for the Milkbank, Stuff the Trailer for Tawa Foodbank in partnership with Inner Wheel, and more.

[photos courtesy of Zapdog]

Brad Olsen on Budget 2022

Tawa Rotary and Tawa Business jointly hosted a great talk by Brad Olsen on 31 May 2022 - he shared his views and knowledge on important issues for the New Zealand economy, with reference to increasing inflation, followed by the Budget 2022.

Brad Olsen is a Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions and can communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable, and useful manner. With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community, and social sectors, Brad often brings together a variety of views, data, and emerging trends to inform advice and analysis to key decision makers across New Zealand.

Brad is a community leader and is New Zealand’s youngest Justice of the Peace. His work in the community has been recognised a number of times: he was named New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader in 2016, one of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 25 to Watch in 2019, and Young Wellingtonian of the Year 2020.

As a young person, Brad brings a different perspective to key opportunities and challenges that New Zealand faces and is keen to unlock more potential across businesses and communities. Emerging trends continue to accelerate the pace of change across the world and in New Zealand, and Brad focuses on understanding these trends as they evolve and highlighting way to enhance outcomes for local communities.

Sewing book bags for neonatal babies

Tawa Rotarians and family have been sewing book bags for neonatal babies. Elaine shared her inspirational conversation with staff from the Wellington hospital neonatal unit about an idea to give babies their first books contained in book bags.

We sparked into action with the ambition to make 250 book bags and we're well on the way. Two Rotary nights so far have been used to produce these bags. The production line includes cutting to ironing to sewing.

Come and Hear! Insights on New Zealand’s Budget 2022 by Brad Olsen

Tawa Rotary and the Tawa Business Group are excited to welcome our community to join with us to hear from Brad Olsen, one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators, who will share his insights on this year’s Budget.

When: Tuesday 31 May, 5.45pm Drinks available (cash/Eftpos); followed by Brad's presentation

Where: Tawa Bowling Club, Grasslees Reserve, 13 Davies Street, Tawa

Refreshed hanging baskets in Tawa

Tawa Rotary assisted with putting up refreshed hanging baskets along the Main Road shopping area.

The Main Road hanging flower baskets were established as a regular feature in the Tawa business centre in 2012. These days the project is managed through the Tawa Residents Association, with funding shared between Tawa Business Group Inc., Tawa Community Board occasional grants and personal donations. Labour is provided by Tawa Rotary. We are grateful to Anneke from Embrace Design for the current flowers.

If you would like to assist this project or contribute funding, please contact Richard Herbert at herbert.r@xtra.co.nz.

Comfort while your dog exercises at Taylor Park

Having noted that dog owners often brought their own seating with them when exercising their dogs at the Taylor Park Dog Exercise Area, the Rotary Club of Tawa saw an opportunity for a community project.

Last year we celebrated our 50^th Anniversary of service in the Tawa community and, as part of this celebration, identified several community projects it could contribute to. Rectifying the lack of seating at the popular exercise area was one of them.

In 2021, a proposal was put to the Wellington City Council for the installation of a Rotary-sponsored commemorative seat. The Council agreed to the proposal and, in March 2022, a park bench was positioned in a sunny, dry location overlooking the recreation area.

In assessing Rotary’s proposal, Council staff recognised the lack of sufficient seating and, as a result, the Council has also installed two additional bench seats near the entrance.

Tawa Rotary wishes to acknowledge the Wellington City Council’s support of the project, and it’s our hope that park users will now be able to spend more time relaxing while their dogs enjoy the freedom of being unleashed.

An inspiration! - Lazy Sneakers

Maia Mariner spoke to Tawa Rotary on 15 Feb 2022 about her inspirational idea for Lazy Sneakers - a not for profit project to free up unused (lazy) sneakers to enable her peers to participate in sports.

Maia was only 12 when she developed this idea. She noticed that some of her peers couldn't participate in sports because they didn't have the appropriate footwear. Her idea was to set up a sneaker bank to help her friends playing basketball. Lazy Sneakers was launched in 2018.

Maia is now in Year 13. She talked about material hardship that she could see in her community - not all things are equal and material poverty is a huge problem that we need to find ways to address. Through this venture, she noted that the 'demand is really there'. What started as a simple concept has grown to now providing sneakers for children, student athletes, families and social services in New Zealand. Lazy Sneakers is also receiving international interest from Australia.

With full support from her family, this project has extended to creating a movement. A network of young ambassadors has been established to help with managing demand and distribution. It's particularly important to show respect as conditions for distribution, so that recipients are treated well - no judgement for why they need sneakers.

An early indication of success is that over 7500 pairs of sneakers had been collected and 5700 pairs distributed for free - numbers have since grown. By end 2023, the goal is to collect 10,000 sneakers for distribution.

Current needs include more storage space for shoes and more marketing to recruit more young people to help with collection services across New Zealand. Lazy Sneakers has been established as a charitable trust.

Maia has received numerous awards for Lazy Sneakers including an invitation from the Governor General in 2018 and recognition from the Prime Minister in 2020.

Lazy Sneakers' motto is "motivate your sneakers. Be active in the world".

[pictured: Maia Mariner, founder of Lazy Sneakers]

Sunhats for Linden School students

In response to the recent request for help from Linden School, Tawa Rotary contacted Gaylene Hill, the Principal of the school and got an update on their needs. Thanks to the generosity of the Tawa/Linden community and Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA) they have received stationery and swimming togs see Stuff article), but still had a need for sunhats, especially with this current heatwave.

Having obtained a small number to confirm they meet the needs of the school, Tawa Rotary will now continue to source more sunhats over the coming weeks.

Donation to Children's Hospital

On 1 February 2022, Tawa Rotary presented Adrienne Murray, Chair of the Rotary 9940 Children’s Health Trust, with a donation of $5000 towards the Whanau Rooms at the new Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital.

The money was raised through a Christmas Raffle, that was strongly supported by the Tawa Community and takes the total raised to $392,000 of the $400,000 Rotary is providing for the fit-out of the 2 Whanau rooms in the new Children’s Hospital. See more

Pictured from left: Adrienne Murray, Tawa Rotary fundraising lead - Elizabeth Sutton and Tawa Rotary president, Karyn Meade.

Get your gifts wrapped - great cause!

Get your Christmas gifts wrapped at Outlet City, Tawa!

Tawa Rotary is wrapping gifts from 10am to 2pm on weekends, and the week before Christmas. For a gold coin donation - all proceeds go to the new Childrens Hospital, Wellington. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Return of our Unknown Warrior

Air Marshal Sir Bruce Ferguson - 'The Return of our Unknown Warrior'

Air Marshal Sir Bruce Ferguson KNZM, OBE, AFC, spoke at Tawa Rotary on 28 September 2021 on the return of our unknown warrior to New Zealand.

Then Prime Minister the Rt Hon Helen Clark asked Sir Bruce as Chief of Defence Staff to take charge of a significant mission to find and bring home one of our New Zealand soldiers who had fought in World War 1. His story was very moving and gave us an indepth understanding of the journey.

On Armistice Day (11 November) 2004 the body of an unidentified New Zealand soldier was laid to rest in a tomb in front of the National War Memorial in Wellington. He had been one of some 9,000 New Zealand soldiers who were buried in unknown graves overseas. His body had been excavated from Caterpillar Valley Cemetery on the Somme (in northern France) and brought to Wellington. After an all-night vigil at Parliament, the Unknown Warrior was given a full military procession through the streets of Wellington before an estimated crowd of 100,000. The body was then interred in a tomb designed by New Zealand artist Kingsley Baird, which featured greenstone crosses representing the Southern Cross. [https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/34145/the-unknown-warrior]

Joining with us to Sir Bruce at the Tawa Rotary meeting were Inner Wheel Tawa, Tawa Lions, Tawa RSA, honorary Rotarians, and Rotarians' partners. A real pleasure to see all.

Charity Ball for community milk bank

Charity ball for Community Milk Bank

This fundraiser is for a community milk bank - by Tawa and Plimmerton Rotary and Fine Cuisine.

A new date is proposed to hold the Charity Ball on Friday 15 October 2021 at 7.30pm.

Venue: Boat Shed, Wellington.

The event timing is subject to COVID-19 alert level 1, and if more than 100 guests are permitted.

Featuring Wellington Band, the Jive Bombers.

Tickets $45 per person.

Book a table of ten and get two free tickets.

email: elaine@finecuisine.co.nz or text 0274497502.

Facemasks donated to Tawa College

Facemasks for Tawa College students

Tawa College Principal, Murray Lucas was grateful for the 200 masks donated for the students. These disposable masks are to address an immediate need in the interim.

Pictured from the left are Tawa Rotary President Karyn Meade, Murray Lucas and Rotarian, Elizabeth Sutton[15 Sept 2021]

Rotary has kicked off a big campaign to donate masks for students. More than 2000 masks were donated to Porirua College students during the week.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/126419257/excitement-laughter-as-more-than-2000-masks-donated-to-porirua-college-students-and-their-families

Apply Now! - Rotary Youth Leadership

Applications are sought in September 2021 to register for the Rotary Youth Leadership (RYLA) Programme 2022. We are looking for applicants - worthy young emerging leaders from our Tawa community, 18 to 24 years old.

All the details are on the RYLA 9940 website (www.ryla9940.co.nz).

As a first step, apply to register your interest online at https://www.ryla9940.co.nz/apply-now

Building Hope Fundraising Lunch

Come along - Building Hope Fundraising Lunch on 31 August!

Due to COVID-19 Alert Level restrictions, we regret to advise that this event has been cancelled.

This lunch is to raise funds to assist the prevention of youth suicide in our community.

Great feature speakers are Sir Graham Henry, Preston Lyons and Jason Pine, MC.

Tues 31 August 2021 (midday to 2.30pm) - t

Venue: Porirua Club, 1 Lodge Place, Porirua

$85 per person. Cash bar available.

Book your tickets: buildinghopelunch@gmail.com

Pay Tawa Rotary Club account: 02-0552-0015577-00.

Nominations sought for Tawa Rotary Pride in Work Awards 2021

Nominations are sought before 20 September 2021 for the Tawa Rotary Pride in Work Awards.

The Tawa Rotary PRIDE IN WORK AWARDS, organised in conjunction with the Tawa Business Group, gives Tawa businesses and organisations the opportunity to publicly acknowledge employees who are outstanding performers in the workplace.

Let’s celebrate your employees’ achievements!

Stuff the Trailer for Tawa Foodbank

A successful community project, Stuff the Trailer, has been held on 31 July for the Tawa Foodbank.

Many thanks to all for your participation in making today's Stuff the Trailer another successful community project for Rotary and our joint partners in this venture being Tawa Inner Wheel, One Agency and the Tawa Salvation Army foodbank. The day was even more blessed by the wonderful weather and no wind.

Sarah Opie conveyed her grateful thanks for our help in replenishment of their food bank shelves, in readiness for the 2nd half of the year, as a result of the Saturday’s effort.

Tawa Rotary - Duties Description

Judith Gray, our Club Services Director, has helpfully provided a description of the tasks for each of the duties that you may from time to time be rostered for. This document may by downloaded here.

Please arrange a substitute if unable to attend or you have to leave early, and ALSO please let Judith know.

Important for catering: please register guest attendance and apologies for non-attendance on MONDAY BEFORE MIDDAY to: tawa.rotaryapologies@gmail.com.

For the 2017/18 Longview Roster, see here for more.

Tawa Rotary’s 2018 Book Fair -
Preliminary Announcement

In 13 weeks you’ll be able to restock your reading pile. The date for the Book Fair has been pencilled in for the two weekends of July 14/15 and 21/22.
“Why the picture of Sparky, New World Tawa’s all-electric delivery van?” you might ask. Because we’ve already had requests to pick up large collections of donated books and we’re grateful for the loan of the Sparky to allow us to do this.

Tawa Community Service Award -
Judith Havill

Posted on Apr 13, 2018

We offer congratulations to Tawa Rotary member Judith Havill, who was recently nominated for a Tawa Community Service Award. Judith was presented with her Award certificate at the meeting of the Tawa Community Board held on the 12th April, by Board chair Richard Herbert.

See more for the citation details ...

Nominations sought -
Tawa Young Employee Award

Posted by Don Rushworth

Tawa Rotary in association with the Tawa Community Board are launching new Vocational initiative for 2018: The Tawa Young Employee award.

Details regarding the criteria for eligibility may be found at the following URL: http://www.tawalink.com/tcca_rotaryaward.html and this page also provides a link to the downloadable nomination form that can be completed by the nominee’s employer.

Rotary's highest honour to Pat Waite

Our congratulations to Tawa Rotarian and Past District Governor Pat Waite on receiving Rotary's highest honour - the Service Above Self Award - presented by Rotary International President Ian Riseley on 6 March 2018. Outstanding news and very well deserved recognition of the significant time and talents that Pat has shared to help others.

Photo credit - Svendsen Photography; from left, Melva Waite, Pat Waite and Ian Riseley.

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.

After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.

All (54) Tawa (12) Community (10) Rotary (7) 2022 (2) community (2) fundraiser (2) keynote speaker (2) Awards (1) business (1) economy (1) education (1) employers (1) event (1) not for profit (1) Paul Harris award (1) project (1) Tawa Business (1) young New Zealanders (1)

Celebrate your employees!

Get your gifts wrapped - great cause!

Air Marshal Sir Bruce Ferguson - 'The Return of our Unknown Warrior'

Charity ball for Community Milk Bank

Facemasks for Tawa College students

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