The spirit of Rotary was in full flight recently as Rotary Papakura hosted a vibrant joint meeting to welcome District Governor Kirsten Hawke and District Governor Elect Jyoti Singh. The evening saw a fantastic turnout, with a large contingent of members from both Papakura and Rotary Manurewa-Takanini filling the room with energy and fellowship.
Celebrating Local Impact
During her address, DG Kirsten was quick to highlight the visible and vital role Rotary Papakura plays in our community. From the festive joy of the Christmas Festival to the high-octane success of the Motorcycle Show, she praised the club’s ability to turn passion into community action.
She noted that our club’s strength isn't just local—it’s felt across the District. A point of particular pride was that our very own Current President will be stepping into the prestigious role of District Rotary Foundation Chair this coming July.
The Backbone of the Club: Our Members
Kirsten spoke warmly about the "multitude of youth programs" our members tirelessly support. Whether it’s improving literacy, promoting dental hygiene, or championing driver education, the hands-on involvement of our members remains our greatest asset.
"Your members are the backbone of the club," Kirsten remarked, acknowledging that the deep-rooted connection to the local community is what makes Rotary Papakura a standout.
Honoring Our Legacy
DG Kirsten acknowledged the "living history" within our ranks, paying special tribute to our long-standing members who have dedicated over 35 years of service to Rotary. Their experience provides the foundation upon which our newer projects are built.
Looking Ahead: The Napier Summit
The DG also looked toward the future, putting a spotlight on the upcoming Napier Summit next month. She encouraged as many members as possible to attend, noting that these gatherings are the perfect opportunity to recharge our "Rotary batteries" and share ideas with the wider District family.
Recognition of Generosity
A highlight of the evening was the formal presentation of a 'Club Annual Donor' Level 1 Certificate. This award recognizes our club's consistent and significant financial support of the Rotary Foundation, ensuring that our impact reaches not just our neighbors in Papakura, but communities across the globe.
