The District Governors in New Zealand have decided to do a National Event around food poverty.
Aotearoa is currently facing a severe cost-of-living crisis, with over 20% of the population requiring weekly food assistance. This urgent need is being felt in our own communities, with food banks under significant and growing pressure.
In response, Rotary Clubs across New Zealand are uniting for the first time in a coordinated, nationwide campaign to combat food poverty. Aligned with Rotary International’s Area of Focus: Community Economic Development, the initiative aims to reduce poverty, strengthen local support systems, and empower communities through direct action.
This highly visible and inclusive campaign encourages collaboration within Rotary Community Groups and allows Rotarians of all ages to participate. The localised impact of the campaign also enables strong national buy-in as we raise both awareness and community spirit.
Key Objectives:
- Collect at least one million (about 1 item per person in food Poverty) non-perishable food items across the country.
- Partner with local food banks, marae, and charities to ensure effective distribution.
- Engage schools, retirement villages, community groups, and businesses as collection points.
- Raise awareness of food poverty and Rotary’s active role in addressing it.
- Promote Rotary and encourage new membership through impactful service.
Scope and Activities:
- Distribute Rotary-branded collection boxes to businesses and schools.
- Organise local food drives and community events.
- Promote the initiative through media channels and community networks.
- Coordinate logistics for the collection, storage, and delivery of donations.
- Use the Rotary Oceania website to track donations, log volunteer participation, and record membership interest.
Rotary Oceania Summit – Napier | 20–22 March 2026 
Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary friends across Oceania – you're invited to join us in beautiful Napier for the Rotary Oceania Summit 2026!
Dates: 20–22 March 2026
Location: Napier, New Zealand
Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/
EARLY BIRD BONUS!Register and pay before 5pm on Sunday 25 May 2025 and you'll go into the draw to win your full ticket price back!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with fellow changemakers from across our region. Let’s shape the future of Rotary together! 
#RotaryOceaniaSummit #Rotary2026 #Napier2026 #PeopleOfAction #RotaryInOceania
Vacancies in our Rotary District.
Do you want to be involved further in Rotary, more than you are at present in your own club?
There are positions for you in:
ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE (RYE)
Become a member of this exciting committee helping our International and local students with their 12 month exchange.
ROTARY OCEANIA MEDICAL AID FOR CHILDREN (ROMAC).
Our ROMAC chair lives in Tauranga and would like someone in Hamilton to help with liaising as most of ROMAC operations are done at Hamilton hospital.
Dear Rotary. Kia ora.
Myanmar and Thailand have been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude
earthquake, causing widespread destruction. Tremors were felt as far as
China when the earthquake hit central Myanmar.
The full extent of damage is as yet unknown, but early reports show
significant destruction across both Myanmar and Thailand.
*ShelterBox is sending a team to Thailand. This crisis and response
will draw heavily on already stretched resources.*
DONATE directly & securely
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
Myanmar’s authorities have made a rare request for international
humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency across six regions.
Similarly, Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in
Bangkok, where buildings are not
designed to withstand such shocks. Vulnerable people in these countries
will certainly be rendered homeless and in need of emergency shelter.
Our ShelterBox team in Thailand will coordinate efforts and determine
how best to support those affected. Your support is crucial in making
this response possible.
We have experience supporting people in Myanmar and Thailand.
*This is a huge humanitarian crisis. *We are grateful for your
consideration and any support you can lend.
Brent Eddy, Chair, ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust
brenteddy@shelterbox.org.nz
*Your donation today will help families made homeless by disaster or
conflict, wherever the need is greatest.*
Thank you for helping us turn despair into hope for people all over the
world displaced from home as a result of disaster or conflict.
Whakawhetai ki a koe mo to atawhai. Haere pai.
Ozone
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
Website
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust
REGISTERED CHARITY CC49035
PO Box 523, 6140 Wellington
Myanmar and Thailand have been struck by a devastating 7.7 magnitude
earthquake, causing widespread destruction. Tremors were felt as far as
China when the earthquake hit central Myanmar.
The full extent of damage is as yet unknown, but early reports show
significant destruction across both Myanmar and Thailand.
*ShelterBox is sending a team to Thailand. This crisis and response
will draw heavily on already stretched resources.*
DONATE directly & securely
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
Myanmar’s authorities have made a rare request for international
humanitarian aid and declared a state of emergency across six regions.
Similarly, Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency in
Bangkok, where buildings are not
designed to withstand such shocks. Vulnerable people in these countries
will certainly be rendered homeless and in need of emergency shelter.
Our ShelterBox team in Thailand will coordinate efforts and determine
how best to support those affected. Your support is crucial in making
this response possible.
We have experience supporting people in Myanmar and Thailand.
*This is a huge humanitarian crisis. *We are grateful for your
consideration and any support you can lend.
Brent Eddy, Chair, ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust
brenteddy@shelterbox.org.nz
*Your donation today will help families made homeless by disaster or
conflict, wherever the need is greatest.*
Thank you for helping us turn despair into hope for people all over the
world displaced from home as a result of disaster or conflict.
Whakawhetai ki a koe mo to atawhai. Haere pai.
Ozone
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
Website
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
<https://shelterboxnewzealand.
ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust
REGISTERED CHARITY CC49035
PO Box 523, 6140 Wellington
On June 21-25, 2025, Calgary, Canada, is the host city for the Rotary International Convention. For Rotarians seeking the experience of attending a Rotary Convention, this will present the ideal opportunity. To travel to Calgary, attend the Convention plus add a time to travel in North America.
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