📰 Rotary Paeroa Club Bulletin

Meeting 5 May 2026

May Rotary Theme is Youth Service

 
 Read on to find out what happened at our meeting, what’s 
coming up, and who will be doing what at the next meeting.

Guest Speakers 

Sam & Rino of Bluelight

Guest Speakers – Sam & Rino Paeroa Bluelight

Rotary Paeroa was pleased to welcome Rino Wilkinson, accompanied by committee member Samantha Anderton, who delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation on the work of Paeroa Bluelight and its commitment to supporting local rangatahi.

Rino explained that the organisation’s kaupapa is centred on empowering young people through positive experiences, meaningful connection, and creating safe spaces where they feel valued and supported. At its heart, Paeroa Bluelight is about helping young people thrive while building stronger community connections.

The pair outlined the impressive range of events delivered for local youth, including energetic Bluelight discos, skateboard competitions, trips to Super Rugby and Warriors games, and the ever-popular annual excursion to Rainbow’s End. These initiatives provide many young people with opportunities and experiences they may not otherwise have access to, creating lasting memories and building confidence along the way.

Rino acknowledged the tremendous support Paeroa Bluelight receives from local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, whānau, and community organisations, noting that every contribution helps sustain this important mahi.

The key focus of the presentation was a proposal for Rotary Paeroa to partner with Bluelight in supporting the purchase of a mobile PA system, with a target budget of up to $2,500. Such a system would enhance event safety, improve communication, and create more vibrant, professionally run community events.

Importantly, Rino emphasised that this was about far more than purchasing equipment — it was about investing in youth engagement, participation, and creating stronger community connections throughout Paeroa.

It was an impressive presentation highlighting a valuable opportunity for Rotary Paeroa to support the future of our local young people.

🗣️ TWO MINUTE SPEAKER

 

Veda’s “two-minute” talk transported members to Raglan, where she recently spent the weekend with Jenny amid a lively folk festival and the excitement of waka ama racing on Whaingaroa Harbour.

While the folk festival proved a little too “esoteric” for their tastes, the waka ama races captured their full attention. Competitors tackled a demanding 20km course, paddling 10km up the harbour before returning against the tide.

Veda explained how waka ama is far more than a sport — it is deeply rooted in Polynesian voyaging tradition, promoting teamwork, whānau, and connection to the water.

Particularly inspiring was meeting members of a Russell team, including an impressive 83-year-old paddler still rowing twice weekly, proving age is no barrier to passion and perseverance.

The experience left Veda and Jenny wondering whether Rotary Paeroa should explore a waka ama tradition of its own on our local rivers.

 

 Bits & Pieces of Interest And importance

✅ Ratification Approved
A donation of $500 was ratified for the Sir Keith Park Memorial Fund tablets.

🚌 Central School Minibus
Excellent news — all systems are go for the purchase of a 2020 Ford Transit minibus for Paeroa Central School.

⛳ Golf Day Postponed
Sadly, due to the clash of duck shooting season and multiple golf tournaments, our Charity Golf Day has been postponed.

📱 A Messenger Mishap
President Kelvin offered his apologies to Marion following an unfortunate hyperspace communication crossover involving a capitalised “POSTPONED” message. He wishes to reassure members that he does not intentionally shout in emails, Messenger, texts, or letters — only very occasionally in person, and generally only when communicating with an eleven-year-old granddaughter.

Kelvin also freely admits that, as a self-confessed “old fart,” he is not entirely fluent in modern text-speak. A classic example being his once genuine belief that LOL meant “Lots of Love” — a misunderstanding awkwardly demonstrated when he used it in a message to the wife of a friend whose husband had just passed away. A timely reminder that technology can be a dangerous thing in the wrong hands.

🙏 Why Do Rotarians Say Grace?
Rotary remains politically and religiously neutral, welcoming all people regardless of race, religion, gender, or political views. The tradition of saying grace has evolved into a non-denominational expression of gratitude, reflecting Rotary’s universal values of thankfulness and fellowship.

🏛️ $10,000 Grant Discussions
Margarete, Jenny, and Kelvin will meet with Hauraki District Council and the Paeroa Business Association next Monday to discuss next steps for the recently allocated $10,000 grant.

💉 19 May – End Polio Now Presentation
District 9930 Polio Committee members Michelle Tanner and James Khare will present on Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign. A 100% member turnout would be fantastic.

🍸 Business After 5
As a new member of the Paeroa Business Association, Rotary Paeroa will host a Business After 5 event at The Refinery on Thursday 20 August.

👥 Board Volunteers
Thank you to Marion and Eugene for stepping forward as Guest Speaker Organiser and Sergeant respectively, while Connor will support youth initiatives. We still require a President Elect.

🎉 Changeover – 30 June
Our Changeover evening will be a Partners and Friends Night at the RSA. In keeping with Rotary’s 2026/27 theme, “Create a Lasting Impact,” the suggested dress theme is: Dress to Impress and Make an Impact.

🌶️ Social Events Coming Up

  • Flat Tac Capsicums visit — late May/early June.
  • Thai Dinner & Cinema outing — plans underway. 

🎅 Looking Ahead
It may seem early, but planning will soon begin planning for the Paeroa Santa Parade, where Rotary Paeroa will once again have a float.

📖 And Finally…
All members should be prepared to lead the Four-Way Test when called upon. Consider yourselves warned!

🙋 Volunteers still Needed

🏫 Central School Support

  • Weeding the gardens (initial working bee, then ongoing)

  • Marshalling at sporting events

Start spreading the word!

🗣️ Voices from the Floor

  • No calls from the floor

🗂️ Meeting Duties – 21 April

  • Sergeant: Eugene

  • 2-Minute Talk: Rich

  • Hospitality Includes Hall Set-Up:Marion

  • Dinner Thanks: Matt

  • Intro Speaker: Kelvin

  • Speaker: Michelle Tanner and James Khare

  • Thank Speaker: Walter

  • Stewards: Steve & Veda

  • Parting Thought: Dennese

  • Raffle: Aloma