Events

District Governor Dave McKissock invites all clubs and Rotarians to join  the district's second “Weekend of Connection” which is to be held in Timaru on 22 – 23 February 2025.  

The weekend is a collaborative project event,  either painting fences, or assisting with constructing Predator traps.  The project work has a range of physical activities, which will suit all levels of physical fitness and capabilities. 

Event Programme:

Saturday 22 February
9am. Meet at the Timaru Botanical Garden Park Centre on corner of Queen Street and King Street and split into teams for each project.

12pm Lunch

4:30pm Project work for day concludes
6:30pm Everyone meet at the Timaru Town and Country Club 99 Douglas Street, Timaru

Sunday 23 February:
9am. Everyone to meet at the Timaru Botanical Garden Park Centre on corner of Queen Street and King Street. 

1pm. Completion of project and everyone makes their way home.

Food
Each person will be required to provide their own breakfast each day.
Morning and Afternoon tea and Lunch will be provided.
Saturday Evening meal will be at the Timaru Town and Country Club in Douglas Street.

Meals at your own cost, and they range from $20 - $41 depending on the dish.
Drinks will also be at your own cost.
Accommodation:
As there is no accommodation on site attendees will have to arrange their own accommodation.
There are many options available for Motels, Camping Grounds and for those who wish to bring their Camping Vans they also have two additional options to park up, Caroline Bay or at the Town and Country Club.

Event Registration

If you are interested in attending this event please use the following link.

https://forms.gle/hDpCfAxQwCKfkJi48

Sumaria is the General Manager of Awarua Energy. She founded Bluff Healthy Homes Research & Education Project which developed into Awarua Synergy serving Southland delivering insulation, heating, hot water solutions, LED lighting solar PV systems, wind turbines. The company employs 15-22 staff seasonally, 14 sub-contractors, and business working relationships with local councils, social services, local & national, and private funders.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Come and join us:

Friday 7th March 2025

5pm to 7pm 

Tuatara Cafe & Bar 

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect and meet new people.

Please note change of location and new format:  Kelvin Hotel - Level 1 (Resturant)

Tea/coffee and muffins provided, cost $10 pp.

Agenda topics include:

• Club structures including the Charitable Trust and Projects company.
• Update from Directors Meeting

Objectives of a Club forum include:

Fellowship
Opportunity for discussion
Rotary education
Update on Club activities
Member feedback

Supporting the environment is one of the seven areas of focus for Rotary.

Oreti Beach Clean up's have been  a regular event on the projects calendar where all the Club's come together and work collabortively,

The 2025 event is being co-oridnated by Rotary Club of Invercargill South.  Contact person is Paul Cade 0274 732 874.

What to bring; Rotary hi viz vest, gloves, good safe footwear, sun hat and sunblock and / or wet weather gear, drink bottle,

Sausage sizzle planned after clean up.

Brendan is a proud Southlander and a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in civil contracting, local government, and project management. As the General Manager of Engage, Brendan plays a pivotal role in supporting, innovating, and growing the engineering and manufacturing industry in Southland. His focus is on collaboration, connection, new industry, and export opportunities to support the region's economic growth and development.
A family man at heart, Brendan's commitment to Southland is evident in his work and personal life. He is passionate about fostering long-term opportunities for the engineering and manufacturing sector, ensuring that Southland businesses have the support and resources they need to thrive in an evolving landscape.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

The social committee are planning a beach bike ride from Riverton to Invercargill on Saturday 22 March,  starting with brunch at Jacob's bakehouse cafe at 11.30am. 

You could ride there pre-lunch or be transported to Riverton.  

How can you get involved? 

• You can either ride to and from Riverton or just to Invercargill
• Join riders for lunch at Jacob’s bakehouse for lunch at 11.30am
• Support with transport logistics in helping get riders to Riverton.

If you wish to be involved, please contact Ross W 021 333 363.

Please note this event is subject to weather and tide - the postponement day is Sunday 23 March.

Please note there is no lunch meeting on Tuesday 25th March - the next Lunch meeting is 1st April 

James is the Research Manager at the Southern Institute of Technology, and in this role he supports staff research activity across the institution,

and provides advice and training on a variety of topics including the challenges and opportunities of generative AI.

James' research background is behavioural ecology and conservation, and he sits on the National Committee on Data in Research and on the Technical Advisory Board of the International Research Data Alliance.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Come and join us:

Friday 4th April 2025

Crafty's Bar & Grill

5pm to 7pm 

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Please note there is no lunch meeting on Tuesday 8 April  - the next Lunch meeting is 15th April 

Our Club has been asked to support with billeting / homestays for 2025 Lincoln Students visiting Southland. 

Greetings! I am the new manager at Citizens Advice Bureau Invercargill, having been in the position for one year. Previously I spent most of my working life in education. I was brought up on a farm near Te Anau and have lived most of my life in Southland. I look forward to sharing with you the services our wonderful volunteers provide for the Southland community.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

*** Event Cancelled ***

The Social committee are planning for a day at the Riverton Races, mark your calendar for Easter Monday 21^st April from 12.00pm.

To help us build this event, please do let us know if you are interested in attending, as this will help with

• Onsite infrastructure requirements
• Catering and hospitality plan
• Investigation of transport options to and from Riverton

If you are interested in attending, please contact Alice P 027 228 9693. More details for this event will follow.

Please note change of location and new format:  Kelvin Hotel 

Tea/coffee and muffins provided, cost $10 pp.

Proposed Agenda topics include:

• Update from Directors Meeting
• Donations
• Club Communications 

The objectives of a Club Forum are:

Fellowship
Opportunity for discussion
Rotary education
Update on Club activities
Member feedback

If you have a suggestion for an agenda item to be included at this or a future forum please email President Michael on blue.rider1@hotmail.com

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 2nd May 2025

Invercargill Pizzeria  

from 6.15pm

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Members are asked to help out on Monday 5th May from 5.15pm to help with the Scottish Hall set up for the 2025 Book Sale.

Tasks for Monday evening include, trestle table set up and unloading of books.

Come to the Back Entrance off car park.

Book Sale Event dates / times:

Thursday, May 29:   8am to 7pm

Friday, May 30:         8am to 7pm

Saturday, May 31:    9am to 5pm

Kia ora, I’m Krista Farley, the Community Activation Manager at Youthline Southland. Our organisation is dedicated to strengthening the Hauora of Southland rangatahi through connection, engagement, and support.

We provide locally trained volunteers who contribute to the national 24/7 helpline, education programmes, mental health resources, and community events to empower young people and ensure they have the tools to thrive."

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Hi, my name is Nell and I’m a student at Southland Girls' High School. I was lucky enough to be sponsored by the Invercargill Rotary club to attend the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum 2025.In January, we spent two action packed weeks in Auckland, learning, meeting new people and having a lot of fun!

Hi, I’m Kimberly, a student at Menzies College who was lucky enough to be sponsored by the Invercargill Rotary Club to attend the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum 2025. Earlier this year, we spent two full-on fun and educational weeks in Auckland. Learning lots about science and technology courses on offer in Auckland, meeting heaps of new people and trying fun new things! 

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Book Sorting with Lunch

Lunch catered by Inner Wheel 

Lunch to be served at 12.15pm - Book Sale Chair Richard will cover off brief notices for event at 12.30pm

Sort books before, or after lunch or both into categories on tables

Further details to be made available closer to the date.

The 44th Rotary Club of Invercargill Book Sale is all set for King's Birthday Weekend.

Dates / times for the 2025 Book Sale are:

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 6th June 2025

Indian at the Crescent

from 6.15pm

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Haylee-Chanel Simeon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa) is the owner of Hayz at the Anchorage in Bluff, where she showcases the rich flavours of Murihiku Southland. Her work has earned national and international acclaim, including being named among Cuisine magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Women in Food & Drink and winning the RWNZ1 Bountiful Table Award 2023/24. Hayz at the Anchorage was also recognised in the prestigious Cuisine Good Food Guide 2024/25. Haylee’s story and kai have been featured globally in Elle Gourmet (Canada), The Financial Review (Australia), and Croatia’s Iće&piće. She has proudly cooked for international guests such as Shaun Wallace (The Chase UK) and comedian Iliza Shlesinger, continuing to put Bluff and Southland on the world stage.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch/cakes, tea/coffe and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Please note change of location and new format:  Kelvin Hotel 

Tea/coffee and muffins provided, cost $10 pp.

The objectives of a Club Forum are:

Fellowship
Opportunity for discussion
Rotary education
Update on Club activities
Member feedback

If you have a suggestion for an agenda item to be included at this or a future forum please email President Michael on blue.rider1@hotmail.com

John Collins is Chair of the Omaui Landcare Charitable Trust, which has been a winner and finalist in recent Environment Southland Community Awards.

These awards are designed to celebrate individuals and groups in the community who are taking a leading role in making a significant difference in supporting and enhancing the environment.

The Omaui Landcare Charitable Trust, led by John, has been responsible for "bringing birdsong back to the picturequse coastal location of Omaui." #

# Environment Southland - es.govt.nz

Peter Laurie, Chair, and Christine Dallas, Board Member of Jubilee Budget Advisory Services will be joining us for lunch as the 2025 Book Sale major recipient.

Jubilee Budget Advisory Service offers face-to-face, non-judgmental, confidential and free advice to clients from trained and competent advisors.

The service also offers advocacy, education courses and presentations to help those in need of budgeting skills and financial techniques.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Jubilee Budget Services - Book Sale Donation presentation

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at H&J Smith car park

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 4th July 2025

Main Street Cafe and Restaurant 

58 Kelvin Street - Invercargill

from 5.15pm

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Please join us for a night of warmth, chatter and music as we celebrate the heart of winter.

Please bring a plate of food to share, some suggestions: nibbles, salads, vegetables, chicken casserole, shepherds pie, pasta, dessert, ice cream

Where:  Terrace Street, Invercargill

When:  Saturday 12 July 2025, from 5.30 pm

RSVP:  alice@aspirp or 027 2289693

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: Bobbi Brown, GM Regional Strategy, Great South:  Future Opportunities for Aquaculture in Southland

CFor more details on the Guest Speaker click this link:  https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/3eebbd73-8976-4597-bba3-18033a3e8e49

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at former H&J Smith car park (Please note registration is required to be advised to Hotel Reception on arrival).

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

The objectives of a Club Forum are:

Fellowship
Opportunity for discussion
Rotary education
Update on Club activities
Member feedback

Following on from the June Forum Workshop on Club Projects, the July Forum is also proposed as a workshop.

The workshop will be to discuss the Club Action Plan for the 12 months ahead

Tea/coffee and muffins provided, cost $10 pp.

If you have a suggestion for an agenda item to be included at a future forum please email President Michael on blue.rider1@hotmail.com

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 1st August 2025

Buster Crabb

326 Dee Street

5.30pm start

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Bobbi has over 20 years’ experience in strategic and operational roles and is currently the GM Regional Strategy at Great South (Southland’s Regional Development Agency).  She has recently facilitated the development of the region’s long-term plan (Beyond 2025 Southland) in partnership with the Government and the region’s Iwi, businesses and communities.  This Plan aims to create a shared future vision and pathway for Murihiku Southland acknowledging the need to diversify the economy while also looking after its people and environment. A proud Southlander born and bred, Bobbi has dairy farmed in South Otago with her husband and son for the past 25 years while also balancing a 15-year career as an international netball umpire.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel  ***Please note change of room - now Level 1 Kelvin Room****

Guest Speaker: Bobbi Brown - Future Opportunities for Aquaculture in Southland

Want to know more about Guest Speaker click here: https://invercargillrotary.club/speakers/3a979c3a-749c-41fa-85c7-842ffa245f65

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at former H&J Smith car park (Please note registration is required to be advised to Hotel Reception on arrival).

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.

Unashamedly passionate about the Murihiku Southland region, Mr Fraser grew up on a farm at Heddon Bush before spending a decade in Dunedin where he studied and then worked in the electrical industry before returning to Invercargill. The owner of Miele Apiaries Premium Honey and co-founder of the Southland Food Hub, he has led the development of the Bluff Distillery Company and its iconic gin products.

Bluff Distillery's London Dry Gin recently achieved significant international recognition, winning multiple awards at The Gin Guide Awards in London. Along with many other awards, the gin was named "Product of the Year 2025", a title given to the gin that best combines award-winning design and branding with an exceptional spirit. 

(With acknowledgement to Southland Times)

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: Chris Fraser - Bluff Distillery

Want to know more about the Guest Speaker Click this link: https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/d290956c-f1a6-46ee-a689-ed729621b188

Cost $25.00pp includes light lunch, tea/coffee and parking at former H&J Smith car park (Please note registration is required to be advised to Hotel Reception on arrival).

Meals can be paid online on day of meeting and advised at reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839, Monday prior to meeting by 3pm.