Guest Speaker 

Hayden Devine, Centre Manager 

Hillary Outdoors Coromandel

Members enjoyed an insightful presentation from Hayden who spoke about the development of the organisation's new Marine and Conservation Centre at Port Charles in the northern Coromandel.

Hayden began by outlining the history of Hillary Outdoors, founded in 1972 by Sir Graeme Dingle. Inspired by his own experiences of adventure and exploration, Sir Graeme recognised the transformative power of challenge and the outdoors in helping young people develop confidence, resilience and leadership skills. The organisation later gained the support of Sir Edmund Hillary as Patron, helping establish a legacy that continues more than 50 years later.

A major focus of Hayden's presentation was the creation of the Coromandel Centre, one of the few new residential outdoor education centres established in New Zealand in recent years. Situated in a spectacular remote coastal setting at Port Charles, the Centre uses the surrounding marine environment and native bush as an outdoor classroom.

Programmes include sea kayaking, coasteering, surfing and sailing, all designed to help young people build teamwork, independence, leadership and personal confidence. Hayden highlighted the growing importance of outdoor education at a time when many young people are spending less time outdoors and have fewer opportunities to challenge themselves and connect with nature.

Known as the Marine and Conservation Centre, the facility places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. Hayden shared Sir Graeme Dingle's message from the Centre's opening, emphasising that a connection with nature is fundamental to fostering future conservation leaders and guardians of New Zealand's environment.

Hayden also discussed scholarship programmes that help remove financial barriers for young people wishing to participate, ensuring outdoor education experiences are accessible to as many New Zealanders as possible.

Looking ahead, Hillary Outdoors plans to expand its marine programmes, conservation initiatives and maritime safety capability, helping future generations safely explore and appreciate the unique environment of the Hauraki Gulf.

Hayden is available to speak to Rotary Clubs and community groups. He can be contacted at haydend@hillaryoutdoors.co.nz or on 027 5454 894.

JT Returns from the Indianapolis 500

Our very own petrol head, JT, has returned from the United States still buzzing from the roar of high-octane engines after spending a weekend at the world-famous Indianapolis 500.

JT thoroughly enjoyed both the racing spectacle and the legendary hospitality that accompanies one of motorsport's most iconic events. With more than a century of history behind it, one might expect the organisers to have perfected every aspect of the event. However, JT was surprised to find that some things differed considerably from what we have become accustomed to in New Zealand.

Among his observations were the apparent lack of recycling facilities, minimal fencing, and what he considered to be a rather relaxed approach to health and safety. It was a reminder that major events around the world are often run very differently from those at home.

The only real disappointment of the trip came after the chequered flag had fallen. JT discovered that getting out of the United States proved more challenging than getting in, with domestic and international airline bookings failing to align and seemingly disappearing from the system at critical moments.

Despite the travel frustrations, JT returned with plenty of stories, great memories, and an even greater appreciation for one of the world's premier motorsport events.