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.
Club News
Innovative Young Minds 2026

Michael Nestman, President Tawa Rotary, had the privilege of attending the Innovative Young Minds (IYM) event at Parliament in July 2026.

Founded by Rotary Hutt City in 2006, IYM has inspired more than 1,000 young
women to explore STEM careers through a unique week-long programme of hands-
on experiences across technology, healthcare, defence, policing and other STEM
fields.

Hearing from alumni who credited IYM as the moment they discovered their future
career path was particularly inspiring. Most impressive of all were the 40 students themselves. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and ambition were remarkable, and a powerful reminder of the impact Rotary can have in opening doors and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders, innovators and scientists.

Rotary Tawa has sponsored Sophie Mendez this year, an exceptional student from
Tawa College. We shall meet her later in the year to hear back from the fantastic and
often hands-on experiences of her week.

Pictured: Michael Nestman, Sophie Mendez

Welcome Charlene to Tawa Rotary
We have welcomed another new member, Charlene Peters to Tawa Rotary. Pictured, President Pat Waite, Pres elect Michael Nestmann and Charlene.
Concert in the Park - perfect day!
 We were very fortunate with the weather for Concert in the Park, with an estimated crowd of around 900. We have received very positive feedback about the day. All the musical groups were amazing and keen to do it again next year!
 A lot of work behind the scenes, plus great entertainment on the day at Grasslees Reserve, Tawa.
 Thank you to the following:
 Jive Bombers, the Tawa Learners Band, Kapa Haka from Tawa School, Jazz Band and Barbershop quartets from Tawa College. 
 Fox Glove providing children's entertainment
 Murray Cameron as the MC.
 Sponsors who made this Concert possible: Lyn Calman from Ray White Real Estate, Mexted Motors, New World Tawa and Sprig & Fern Tawa.
 
 See more. 
Read more...
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
Read more...
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.
 
 
Read more...
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. 
Read more...
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.
Tawa Rotary celebrated its 50th anniversary
Tawa Rotary celebrated its 50th anniversary 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 50th 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]
 
See our Facebook for Club updates!
Rotary International News
‘One simple word’
‘One simple word’
Leaders highlight the power of gratitude at The Rotary Foundation Donor Summit
Talking reading and Rotary with Dolly Parton
Talking reading and Rotary with Dolly Parton
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
A safe transition beyond the wire
A safe transition beyond the wire
A Rotary club in Kansas helps women break the cycle of incarceration and elude dangers on the outside

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About Our Club

The Rotary Club of Tawa has been helping local and overseas communities since 1969.

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 5:45 PM
Tawa Bowling Club
13 Davies Street
Tawa
Wellington,  5028
New Zealand
Phone:
022 362 0253
Email:
tawarotaryclub@gmail.com
Fortnightly meetings. Contact for more details.
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