With the theme of OUTRAGEOUS Rotary Paeroa celebrated the beginning of its 2026/27 Rotary year with a memorable Changeover evening at the Paeroa RSA, attended by members, partners, guests, and representatives from across the community.
The evening opened with a moving kapa haka performance by students from Paeroa Central School. Their warmth, sincerity, and enthusiasm captivated everyone present, leaving many with tears in their eyes and setting a heartfelt tone for the celebrations.
Guests included: Area 1 Community Leader Hywel Bowen and Brenda, Rotary Thames President Ella Lawrence, local philanthropist Basil Morrison, representatives of the Paeroa Business Association Rosie Scott and Rhys Caemichael, and guests of Rotary Paeroa members.
The formal part of the evening started with Rotary Thames President Ella Lawrence leading a tribute to the late Rotarian Warren Sly, followed by a minute's silence in his memory.
In reviewing the past year, President Kelvin reflected on Rotary Paeroa's proud 83-year history of serving the district. Despite a challenging fundraising year, the Club continued to make a significant impact through support for local schools, youth programmes, community organisations, sporting groups, PolioPlus, the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, the Tasman Flood Appeal, and many other worthwhile causes.
Highlights included adopting Paeroa Central School as Rotary's focus school, supporting the purchase of the school's new minibus, assisting Rotary Youth Exchange student Abigail Cox, securing a Hauraki District Council grant to enhance Paeroa's town centre, supporting Janik's skateboard project, and strengthening partnerships throughout the community.
Looking ahead, Rotary Paeroa will continue to focus on the young people of Paeroa and Ngatea, increasing fellowship, growing membership, raising Rotary's community profile, and delivering projects including a Quiz Night, Golf Day, and preparations for the 2027 Garden Ramble and Art Show.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rotary's prestigious Paul Harris Fellow to Basil Morrison CNZM JP in recognition of more than 50 years of outstanding public and voluntary service to the Hauraki district and New Zealand. The award acknowledged his distinguished career in local government and his tireless commitment to countless community organisations.
The Club also proudly welcomed its newest member, Harley Barnett, a mobile mechanic and volunteer swimming coach at St Joseph's School, further strengthening Rotary Paeroa's commitment to service.
Following the formal proceedings, members and guests enjoyed an evening of laughter and fellowship. The fun began with a lively game of Pass the Parcel, where the first forfeit saw Margarete enthusiastically strike a pose for the imaginary Rotary Paeroa Glamorous and Outrageous Ladies Calendar 2026/27—ensuring the new Rotary year got off to a wonderfully entertaining start.
