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 Speaker
Mayor Toby Adams
What a great speaker we had in Toby Adams, Mayor of the Hauraki District. Toby has served as Mayor since 2019, after previously being Deputy Mayor, and is well known for his strong involvement at both council and regional level.
Toby shared insights from his wide‑ranging roles, including his work on council committees and regional initiatives, as well as his involvement in key local projects such as the Paeroa Wharf Street waterfront and townscape revitalisation. His commitment to the community is very hands‑on — as a volunteer firefighter with the Waihi brigade, he often answers call‑outs himself.
Those who work with Toby describe him as practical, collaborative and highly knowledgeable, with an impressive recall of council history and finances. Despite this, he is quick to credit teamwork rather than individual achievements and remains focused on keeping rates affordable, protecting core services, and ensuring Hauraki has a strong voice in regional and central government decisions.
As Toby puts it, “I consider myself one of the most accessible and approachable Mayors in New Zealand. I’m the same person at every meeting I go to.” A refreshing and community‑focused approach that certainly resonated with our members.
🗣️ TWO MINUTE SPEAKER
With Veda laid low after bringing a Perth bug home with her, Jenny kindly volunteered to take her place. Jenny is the co‑owner of the Longridge Country Estate retirement village, and her “two‑minute” story gave a powerful insight into how women in business still do not always receive the same level of respect as men, even when they are equal business partners.
Her experience—summed up by the unspoken sentiment of “What about me? I am here too”—was particularly evident when she and her business partner were seeking funding to break ground on what would become Longridge. Jenny persisted, overcame the hurdles placed in her way, and today has every reason to be proud of how Longridge Country Estate continues to grow and develop.
Bits & Pieces of Interest And importance
At the most recent Directors’ meeting, it was proposed that up to $15,000 be contributed towards a replacement minibus for Central School. This proposal was subsequently ratified by members attending the Club meeting.Jenny has volunteered to undertake a club survey to better understand what members want from their Rotary membership. Before Jenny ventures into these potentially rough waters, it would be helpful for all members to sign in to the District 9930 website, click on Membership, and have a read.
Following our grant application to Hauraki District Council for funding to improve the aesthetics of Paeroa’s main street, we are pleased to confirm that we have been awarded $10,000 to put the project into action. We are now awaiting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the formal grant documentation. Watch this space!
Golf Day – 3 May Prizes and players are still required. Central School has kindly volunteered to run the sausage sizzle.
Guest Speakers 5 May - Rino & Samantha - Bluelight Back To Basics
BREAKING NEWS Marion has kindly volunteered to take on the role of custodian of the speaker programme for 2026/27, and husband Eugene has stepped forward to serve as the Club’s Sergeant. Hats off to them both, and thank you for your willingness to support the Club!
đź“… Socials
Left Bank Cinema & Thai Dinner
Work In Progress
Vocational Visit – Flat Tac Capsicums (Pipiroa)
Working on the date and time likely late May
🙋 Volunteers still Needed
🏫 Central School Support
Weeding the gardens (initial working bee, then ongoing)
