August is membership month And what a month it’s been. Our club has been working hard to set ourselves up for the rest of the year and the future ahead, celebrating our successes and our incredible members. Membership month is about letting people know what we’re up to, with the aim of attracting new members. To me, it’s just as much about the members we have in our Rotary community as well. Seeing everyone at the last club meeting, it’s pretty clear to me, how many amazing people we have, and I’m just so inspired by your stories. That’s why I’ve been highlighting some of them in our Bulletins and through social media. One of them is included here again. A real hero.I hope you enjoy it.
This initiative is all about shining a light on the people who make Rotary Tawa what it is. Through these profiles, we'll get to know the faces behind the club, discover what motivates them, what they're passionate about, and why they choose to give their time to Rotary. It's a chance to celebrate the diverse experiences, talents, and stories within our membership, while reminding us that we're all ordinary people doing our best to make a positive difference in our community.
At the end of this, there’s hopefully others in our community who want to be part of this amazing group. I know I did.
I need your help! With that, I hope to rally everyone’s support for a simple yet powerful initiative. Let’s introduce ourselves better to the community. The straightforward task I’m asking of you is to wear your name tag during Rotary activities. Whenever we engage with our community, and wear our name tag, we transform from being “the Rotary people” into Michael, Pat, Elizabeth, Gurtej, etc from Rotary. Simply but effective. I know for myself that I would much prefer attending a club meeting where I already know someone by name, than facing a group of strangers.
Kindness is a superpower I have for some time watched with concern the rise of a right wing party in Germany and wondered how did this happen? The reasons for this are very complex ( I’d be happy to speak 5 min on that if you’re interested) the how, however is rather easy. This party is executing a clear and highly effective strategy. They are pinpointing what distinguishes us from “the others” and blaming a injust need for comparison to their political competition. Insignificant differences are magnified, and the fear of becoming like “them” is a powerful motivator. The reality is unrelated to what “they” are, or have ( or rather not have), but it typically revolves around economic wellbeing, opportunities, and safety (and all too frequently being non European immigrants). “They” are a small segment of the population experiencing hardship, and campaigns have led you to believe this is your fate (unless you vote for their party). There have been similar examples in the news over the past months. I leave you with your own opinion on that.
But why is this important? Because at Rotary we look at what unites us, not what makes us different. It asked us to explore how we fit together and the human beings behind each and everyone that makes your story worthwhile to be told. We are about people, shared experiences and friendship, and above all, the supernatural power that combines us. Kindness. Inclusiveness, diversity, and kindness are not just trendy words, they are a way of living, and at the core of Rotary and all its members. Thank you for being you and the story you carry. I’m looking forward to exploring these. I hope you enjoy this bulletin, the stories, the actions and the amazing things ahead of us. Have a great week!
Michael
Secretary's piece
At our next meeting on 25 August, we look forward to hearing from Dr Gary Lawrence of the Rotary Club of Kāpiti about the Rotary Volunteer Dental Aid Project. Gary has spent decades caring for patients on the Kāpiti Coast while also giving his professional skills to communities in Taveuni, Fiji.
He has led volunteer dental teams working with portable equipment in schools and community facilities, providing examinations, fillings, fissure sealants and extractions, alongside an important emphasis on prevention and dental education. On one two-week visit alone, the team carried out 748 examinations, 645 restorations and 454 fissure sealants.
It is a remarkable example of Rotary vocational service: taking the skills we use in our everyday working lives and putting them directly to work where access to those skills is limited.
There is also a wider lesson here for Rotary closer to home. Social cohesion is not something that belongs only to discussions about migrants, ethnicity or diversity.
It begins with the host community and with the strength of the institutions that bring people together.
Clubs such as Rotary create places where people of different professions, generations and backgrounds work alongside one another for a common purpose.
Service builds relationships, relationships build trust, and trust is one of the foundations of a cohesive society.
Gary's work is a particularly tangible reminder that Rotary's contribution is not simply the assistance we provide to others; it is also the culture of participation, reciprocity and civic responsibility that we help sustain in our own communities.
Quote for the week
Dr. Maya Angelou (born Marguerite Annie Johnson; 1928–2014) was a globally celebrated author, poet, and activist. She rose to international acclaim with her groundbreaking 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which candidly explored her childhood traumas, racism, and path toward healing. Over her 50-year career, she published seven autobiographies, multiple books of poetry, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Last time at Rotary Tawa
The last meeting has been a testament to the remarkable things we can achieve together: locally here in Tawa, across our district, and around the globe.
We heard from Michael, who shared a heartwarming story filled with aroha and kindness from people you would never have expected to shed a tear, yet they did.
We heard from Richard about the remarkable and life-changing experience of attending the Rotary International Convention alongside more than 38,000 fellow Rotarians from around the world. His reflections highlighted the scale of Rotary's impact and the powerful connections that can be formed when people come together in service above self.
We also heard from David and Jane, who courageously spoke about Lifting the Lid and the devastating challenges many young people face with their mental health. Their presentation was a powerful reminder of the struggles that often remain hidden, and the importance of creating safe spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and connected.
We farewelled a dear friends Tony Randle who passed away recently.
We continue to make incredible progress toward the eradication of polio, with no reported cases in the past 17 days. We support children facing mental health challenges, promote literacy, and empower people within our Tawa community through a wide range of initiatives.
Together, these stories remind us that Rotary's strength lies not only in the projects we deliver, but also in the compassion, friendship, and hope we share. Whether our impact is felt in Tawa, across New Zealand, or around the world, we continue to demonstrate what is possible when people unite to make a difference.
5 min with Michael
David Shackleton
Tony Randle †2026
August is membership month
Since Gurtej joined Rotary, it has been a fantastic journey. He has become a dear friend and is someone who genuinely believes in the good in every person. Here is his fantastic story:
Gurtej is the kind of person you meet once and immediately think, “I want to learn from this guy.” Warm, curious, and endlessly generous with his time, he brings together a rare mix of lived experience, strategic insight, and genuine humility. Based in Wellington for nearly 25 years, Gurtej has become a familiar and trusted friend across Aotearoa’s multicultural, civic, and community spaces and an integral part of Rotary Tawa.
Originally from Punjab, he carries with him a deep tradition of service. Whether he’s helping shape national conversations on diversity, supporting grassroots community groups, or quietly volunteering on community patrols, Gurtej leads with steadiness and heart.
Over the years, he has played key roles in strengthening Sikh visibility and civic participation in New Zealand, including as a founding member of the NZ Council of Sikh Affairs and through long-standing involvement with the New Zealand Sikh Society, Wellington and the Multicultural Council of Wellington.
His work consistently sits at the intersection of identity, belonging, and public service, and he has become a go‑to voice for interfaith understanding, multicultural engagement, and social cohesion.
Gurtej’s contributions span far beyond community halls and meeting rooms. He has helped shape national resources on religious diversity, spoken at Te Papa and major civic symposia, contributed to academic research on New Zealand’s changing social landscape, and supported projects that bring overlooked histories such as Sikh soldiers in the World Wars, into public memory.
Professionally, Gurtej has worked across the public, private, community, and academic sectors, and currently serves as Head of Operations at Multicultural New Zealand’s National Office. His background ranges from strategic advisory roles to aviation security, immigration practice, media research, and business operations
Before settling in New Zealand, he served as a Deputy Commandant in India’s Border Security Force and before that taught at Punjabi University.
What makes Gurtej especially compelling, though, is not just the breadth of his CV. He has donated blood 63 times, volunteered for Community Patrols for years, and remains deeply committed to the idea that service is built on everyday actions, not just formal roles.
Outside of work, he’s an avid trail walker, a travel photographer whose images have more than 23 million views on Google Maps, and a blog writer who reflects thoughtfully on community, identity, and belonging.
Gurtej is someone you can talk to for hours, about history, technology, religion and spirituality, migration, or the best walking tracks in Wellington, and walk away feeling both grounded and inspired.
Some milestones deserve a special celebration, and turning 100 years old is certainly one of them.
Additionally, we've been told that Phil is possibly Rotary's oldest living member!
While Phil's 100th birthday falls in December, his family has invited us to celebrate this remarkable occasion a little earlier, on Friday 9 October, when family and friends will gather to honour a century of memories, achievements, and friendships.
Phil has been a valued member of our Rotary family, and this will be a wonderful opportunity to come together and recognise a truly extraordinary life.
His daughter, Lyn, is currently arranging a venue in Masterton and will advise us of the location and timing shortly.
If you would like to join us in celebrating Phil's incredible milestone, please email Pat: pat.waite@outlook.com
Join us for a fascinating presentation on one of Rotary's most hands-on international service projects, the Rotary Volunteer Dental Aid Programme.
This remarkable initiative sees teams of volunteer dentists, dental assistants, and support personnel travel to remote communities across the Pacific, bringing free dental care, oral health education, and essential equipment to people who might otherwise have little or no access to dental services.
From treating painful dental conditions and providing preventative care for school children, to establishing portable dental clinics and supporting local health infrastructure, the programme is changing lives one smile at a time.
If you'd like to learn more about Rotary Tawa, what we do, and what membership might look like, we'd love to hear from you.
Feel free to email, call, or get in touch. We're always happy to have an informal chat about what we offer, how you can get involved, and the many opportunities Rotary provides to make a difference in our community.
Have your questions answered by the people seeking to represent in the Kenepuru electorate
Join us for a community election forum on Tuesday, 13 October at 6.00 pm at the Tawa Bowling Club.
As Kenepuru is a brand-new electorate, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their vision, priorities, and plans for our community.
The evening will be moderated and will feature questions submitted in advance by community leaders, as well as questions from the audience on the night.
Whether you're passionate about local issues, curious about the future of the electorate, or simply want to make an informed decision before voting, this promises to be an insightful and engaging event.
We're also looking for a moderator and someone to livestream the event.
If you have experience in either role, or know someone who would be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to help make an important community event accessible, engaging, and successful.
Please get in touch if you can help or can recommend someone who can. We look forward to hearing from you!
To date, candidates from the Green Party, Labour Party, National Party, New Zealand First, and the Opportunity Party (TOP) have confirmed their attendance.
SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Quiz Night at the Sprig & Fern!
Get ready for a fun-filled evening of friendly competition, laughter, and community spirit at our Quiz Night on Saturday, 27 September, from 6:00 pm at the Sprig & Fern, Tawa.
We have just confirmed today, that the proceed will go to WellFed an amazing local charity helping whanau to get ahead in life.
Some of you will remember them from our OPen evening.
Gather your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours and put your knowledge to the test, all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds from the evening will go towards a local charity, which will be announced soon.
Whether you're a trivia champion or just keen for a great night out, everyone is welcome. Come along, enjoy the atmosphere, and help us make a difference in our community.
Rotary Oceania is exploring a nationwide initiative to raise the awareness of Domestic and Family Violence, and promote safer, stronger communities across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Rotary in Australia has already introduced the campaign across the country and the impact is certainly life changing for many. Rotary clubs in Australia have had a dramatic increase in awareness and in some cases membership due to the exposure of this project and this is what Rotary does best.
Family violence is one of New Zealand's most serious and persistent social issues. Our Domestic Violence campaign is grounded in primary prevention changing the attitudes, behaviours, and social norms that allow violence to occur. Instead of waiting for harm to happen, we work to stop violence before it begins by Promoting respectful relationships, Encouraging early conversations, Building community awareness and Supporting young people to develop lifelong skills.
Our Rotary Oceania's project team have been diligently working behind the scenes to introduce the Rotary Say No to Domestic and Family Violence campaign across New Zealand and Pacific Islands. At this stage we have been working on a District/ Club tool kit in readiness to provide to all clubs. As well the team have been communicating with key stakeholders such as the Police, Ministry of Social Welfare, Rape Crisis NZ, Family Violence NZ, White Ribbon, the Salvation Army and several others both nationally and district wide, and they all extremely keen to work alongside Rotary.
The initiative will focus on two key activities:
Purple Fridays – encouraging Rotary members and community members to wear a purple Rotary T-shirt on Fridays to raise awareness and start conversations about family violence.
A District Purple Walk in November – aligned with Rotary clubs across Australia, bringing our communities together in support of family violence awareness and prevention.
The campaign will be ongoing and sustainable, year after year if we get the buy-in by all clubs.
The following are dates for tree planning work bees that Conservation Tawa (aka Friends of Tawa Bush Reserves) have scheduled
Sunday 9th August working-bee from 1pm, Forest of Tawa - meridian road
Tuesday 25th August working-bee from 1pm, Forest of Tawa - meridian road
Sunday 13th September working-bee from 1pm, Woodburn Reserve lower stream riparian
Tuesday 22th September working-bee from 1pm, Woodburn Reserve lower stream riparian
Richard Herbert is our conservation champion. If you interested in joining, please contact Richard: herbert.r@xtra.co.nz Add text here
The post scriptum section
A personal note from Michael
Throughout my career, death and dying has been a topic I have remained deeply engaged with. It is an area that touches every one of us and our whānau, often during some of life's most difficult and vulnerable moments. The conversations can be challenging and, at times, confronting, but they are also profoundly important. They invite us to reflect on dignity, choice, compassion, and the support we provide to those nearing the end of life.
Dying Matters Week, an international initiative that encourages open and honest conversations about death, dying, grief, and bereavement. The campaign aims to break down the stigma surrounding these discussions and help people feel more comfortable sharing their wishes, supporting loved ones, and planning for the future. At its heart is a simple but powerful message: talking about death and dying matters
I am privileged to be hosting a series of workshops about Assisted Dying across New Zealand, creating safe spaces for open, respectful, and thoughtful discussion on these important issues. My workshops are scheduled for Tawa, Wellington, the Kapiti Coast, and Napier. Additionally, there are a wide range of topics and events scheduled in Tawa, Wellington and across all of Aotearoa.
If you would like to know more about Dying Matters Week, please feel free to explore the resources available online or get in touch with me directly.
I acknowledge that assisted dying, and discussions about death, dying, and loss, are sensitive subjects, and some people may find this information distressing. If you find this content upsetting or would like support, you can call or text1737 for free to speak to a trained counsellor at any time, free of charge, 24/7.
