Events

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.

A 'hands on' Work Day is scheduled for Sunday 24th August to support Omaui Landcare Charitable Trust (OLCT) and the work they do as an environmental group eradicating pests in the Omaui Reserves so native wildlife can flourish.

Work tasks expected to include bait changing and maintenance work on the tracks.

Participants need strong footwear, coat, water bottle, snacks and a small back pack plus any personal medications required.

The meeting point on the day is 27 Whalers Crescent - Omaui.

The work day will conclude with a BBQ and beverage.

Please confirm your availability to be involved directly to President Michael.  We need to pre-register who is attending on the day. Michael can be contacted on  021 529 581 or by email blue.rider1@hotmail.com.

Option to car-pool to be co-oridnated closer to event date.

In the event of poor weather conditions we will notify  participants if the event is cancelled and arrange an alternative date.

Want to know more about Omaui Landcare Charitable Trust - click on this link https://www.omauilandcarecharitabletrust.co.nz/about

A combined Club's meeting with D9999 District Governor Keith McIntosh is being held, with all Invercargill Clubs invited.

Invercargill Workingmen's Club  - Wednesday 27th August - 7pm - East Lounge - Upstairs

Meals are available from $15 -$25 per meal from main bar - DG presentation starts at 7pm

Please RSVP your attendance to President Michael 021529581

Our 4th Host A Roast  "Fundraiser' is all set for:

Sunday 31st  August  - 12.30pm - Helen McCurdy's - Riverton

Everyone welcome - including families / children !

Host a roast is a Club fundraiser for the Southland Hospital Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Cost is a donation for Ronald McDonald House: $30 per adult (please pay to Invercargill Rotary online or bring cash to lunch)

Bring a plate of nibbles OR salad OR vegetables OR dessert OR anything you like

If you can / want to attend - email bill.trish.lindsay@xtra.co.nz or text 027 685 4713 

Shout out of thanks to our roast host - Helen McCurdy.  

If you cant attend the Host a Roast event you can still support this Club fundraiser and make a donation. 

Donations can be made directly to the Club account 06-0925-0022834-000.

Please make reference / code  "Host a Roast".

The Ronald McDonald Family Room, Southland Hospital, is an extension of the hospital that is directly connected to the Children’s and Neo Natal wards, a place to rest and regroup just moments away from their children.

There are also four overnight bedrooms, which are allocated on a daily basis by the Family Room Supervisor in consultation with the hospital’s medical staff.   

The objectives of a Club Forum are:

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

Agenda for this Club Forum:  Club Communications

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

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

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 5th September 2025

The Rocks Restaurant & Bar 

101 Dee St

from 5.15pm

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

"Give Kids a Chance" Fundraiser - Hosted by Rotary Club of Invercargill North

Friday 5th September - 7pm 

Club Southland - 115 Leet Street 

$40 for a Team of 4 

Got some people you know love a quiz, then come as a Team of 4 or want to join a team of 4 Text Lisa-Maree 027 2304 611 if you are keen to be part of a team.

Or if you have a group of 4 text directly to Anne (North Club) on 0274 380 360

Guest Speaker: Georgina Welsh

For more details on the guest speaker / topic - click link:  https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/050db5f0-5143-479a-82d7-107b3112341b

 9th September Lunch Meeting Duties

• Reception & Raffle prizes - Paul Goffin 
• Grace - Lisa-Maree Fleck
• Introduce / Thank speaker - Helen Cook
• Parting thought - Craig Smith

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.

Please Note: 

Reception and Raffle duty includes organising, bringing 2 raffle prizes to the meeting and selling raffles as you do reception desk duty.

If you can not attend the meeting to do duty as allocated  - please find a replacement and confirm the replacement details to President Michael.

Caroline is the founder and the director of the Loss and Grief Centre. She will share about the service and its community outreach.

Guest Speaker: Caroline Loo - Loss and Grief Centre Director

23rd September Lunch Meeting duties 

Reception & Raffle & prizes -  Alice Pottinger 

Grace / Thanks  - Richard Russell 

Introduce / Thank speaker - Hemal Amarasekara

Parting thought - Ken Connell

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.

Reception and Raffle duty includes organising, bringing 2 raffle prizes to the meeting and selling raffles as you do reception desk duty.

If you can not attend the meeting to do duty as allocated  - please find a replacement and confirm the replacement details to President Michael.

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 3rd October 2025

2 Doors Down - Ground floor - Langlands Hotel

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Jemma Cournane is the Recruitment & HR Coordinator at Niagara Sawmilling, a local company with a rich history in timber processing and a growing focus on innovation and sustainability. Jemma is passionate about people and progress, and helps shape Niagara’s future by curating teams and fostering talent who go on to support automation initiatives. Jemma is passionate about strengthening community ties.
She will touch on how Niagara has grown from a small timber business to becoming an industry leader in innovation, automation, and sustainability. Jemma will also touch on how Niagara is embracing technology like AI and investing in people to future-proof its workforce and support the Southland community.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: Jemma Cournane - Niagara Sawmill

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit: http://https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/3a979c3a-749c-41fa-85c7-842ffa245f65

7th October Lunch Meeting Duties

• Reception & Raffle prizes -  Helen McCurdy
• Grace - Peter Dunn
• Introduce / Thank speaker - Karen POff
• Parting thought - Stuart Collie

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 Social Committee is co-ordinating a new social event:  Oktoberfest 2025 

A  purely social gathering — no fundraising, just food, fellowship, and a dash of Bavarian flair with more than just beer to choose from.

Date: Saturday 11 October 2025 - start time from 4.30pm

Venue: Invercargill Army Centre Hall (corner of Fox Street and Arena Avenue)

BYO BBQ Dinner: 

Bring your favourite BBQ food or how about something Oktoberfest inspired to share —  the BBQ will be fired up to kick off at 6:00 PM.

Event Format:

• 4.30pm     Settle in and enjoy fellowship with new people in a new place 
• 6.00pm     Dinner – BYO BBQ
• 9.00pm     Children required to depart venue
• 10.30pm   Supper provided

Tickets: $10 entry ticket per person, Children free.

$10 includes venue hire donation, decorations, and supper (Drinks at own cost). Eftpos is available at venue.

Please note that unfortuantely the optional Beer Tasting Experience $20 is not proceeding.

To purchase ticket/s - contact Arsalan Abdollahi on 021 109 1172 or email arsalan.abdollahi@abdlra.co.nz

Tickets are cash sales only. Non-refundable – however tickets can be transferred to another person.

Dress Code/Theme:  Attendees are invited to dress in Oktober fest theme but not compulsory.

Event Committee will be in theme, and the venue will be themed blue and white. 

Wanting some costume ideas visit: https://www.oktoberfesthaus.com/blogs/okt/39279809-how-to-dress-for-oktoberfest?srsltid=AfmBOoqCCjMr7Ifou9yfHSP5KliuQIt_mXnPCC9VK7H8M2y_I3r2o8no 

Please note:  Anyone who will be purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages at event must be 18 years or older and be able to provide photo ID on request.

The objectives of a Club Forum are:

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

Agenda for this Club Forum: 

• Club Constitution 
• Club By Laws 

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

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