Events

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

I’m Katelyn Herman, the Community Engagement Advisor for Ronald McDonald House Charities New Zealand, based at the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside Southland Hospital.

I’ve been in this role since July 2024 and have loved every minute. Each day I’m reminded of the incredible strength and resilience of the families who walk through our doors. While the work can be emotionally challenging—especially hearing and witnessing what families are going through—it’s also deeply rewarding. My why has always been the families we support. Their courage and gratitude inspire me daily, and they are always at the heart of everything.

Prior to joining RMHC New Zealand, I worked in customer service roles where I developed a strong passion for making meaningful connections. I bring that same energy into my current role, where I have the privilege of sharing the impact of our services with the wider community and helping to build lasting relationships with our supporters.

As a mum to a young daughter, I have a personal appreciation for the importance of keeping families close while they must travel far from home for their child medical treatment.

Every conversation, donation, and act of kindness makes a difference—and I’m proud to be a part of a team that makes that possible every day.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: Katelyn Herman - Community Engagement Advisor for Ronald McDonald House - Southland Hospital.

Want to know more about the Guest Speaker Click this link: https://invercargillrotary.club/speakers/825373b2-4c64-4066-93d3-13a8495ea331

Duties for 21st October:

Reception and raffle - Sally Dobbs

Grace - Stephen O'Connor

Introduce speaker - Trish Lindsay

Thank speaker - Helen McCurdy

Parting thought - Richard Russell

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.

Melbourne Cup Social Event 

Level 6, Kelvin Hotel
Tuesday, November 4th
From 4:00 PM onwards

Join us for an afternoon / evening of fun and fellowship as we watch the Melbourne Cup live on the big screen, followed by platters and chatter then presentation of Club Awards.

🐎 Sweepstake activity(s) to be co-ordinated 'on course in Level 6' by Soc

🐎 Cash bar with Eftpos 

🐎 Dress Code - Melbourne Cup Flemington Finery

🐎 Cost: $40.00 per person

Everyone welcome – extend an invite to friends, family, and work colleagues!

RSVP to Michael Blomfield at blue.rider1@hotmail.com

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 7th November 2025

Speight's Ale House

38 Dee Street 

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Head Injury Southland Charitable Trust is a not-for-profit organisation providing free, personalised support to individuals affected by head injuries, along with their family/whānau and carers. Serving the southern region from Queenstown to Stewart Island, we deliver advocacy, education, and community outreach to help people access rehabilitation, reduce isolation, and build inclusive support networks. Because everyone deserves the chance to thrive after injury.

Miranda Kennedy and Michelle Burgess ( Head Injury Southland Charitable Trust)

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: Miranda Kennedy and Michelle Burgess ( Head Injury Southland Charitable Trust)

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit: https://invercargillrotary.club/speakers/aa2e2124-31fe-4f0b-b19b-93f13846d0e0

11th November Lunch Meeting Duties

• Reception and raffle – Stephen O'Connor

• Introduce and thank speaker - Alice Pottinger

• Grace/thanks - Ken Connell

• Parting thought - Hemal Amarasekara

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 & advised at receptionA/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.

James McNamee is the Managing Director of Garston Hops, a hop-growing venture based on his family’s fifth-generation sheep farm in Northern Southland. In a region not traditionally known for hops, Garston Hops is producing distinctive, high-quality aroma hops shaped by Garston’s unique alpine terroir. With deep roots in the land and a passion for innovation, James has helped transform part of the farm into a thriving hop garden, blending tradition with bold diversification. Garston Hops is a testament to what’s possible when heritage, vision, and place come together.

The club’s AGM is scheduled as part of the lunch meeting on Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

The annual financials for the Club and the Charitable Trust for the year ending June 30, 2025, will be presented as part of the AGM.

Club Constitution and By Laws will also be on the agenda.

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker: James McNamee - Garston Hops

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit: https://www.invercargillrotary.club/speakers/09afa179-60eb-41fb-972b-6087e1037357

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.

Once again we will be undertaking hands-on project support for the Santa Parade.   

Each year the Santa Parade floats are given a final check over & clean to ensure they are looking their best for parade day, (Parade Day is 29 November 2025). 

Tasks may include cleaning, painting or other general parade prep so please dress accordingly.

Pizza dinner to follow working bee.

The 2025 Santa Parade date is Saturday 29th November.

Once again we will be undertaking hands-on project support for the Santa Parade, with working bee's on the floats pre-parade and helping out on the day.

The Parade Team are on the lookout for further support for drivers to tow the floats and some other tasks - if you can help or know someone who can please contact Alice Pottinger on 027 2289693 or Ross Wensley on 021 333363.

For more infromation on the parade visit:  https://www.facebook.com/southlandsantaparade

Come and join us for "First Friday" Drinks:

Friday 5th December 2025

Northern Tavern 

Cnr Sydney & St Andrew Streets, Invercargill, New Zealand, 9810

Everyone welcome for a purely social opportunity to connect.

Gavin Evans is the founder of LUG South, a charitable trust and officially recognized Registered LEGO® User Group (RLUG) since 2015. Under Gavin’s leadership, LUG South, has become a community, working together for results greater than the individual. 

Gavin’s mission goes far beyond bricks. With a passion for community,  LUG South has a powerful purpose: using LEGO® events to raise funds for children facing medical challenges across Southland and Otago. Through engaging public exhibitions and creative collaborations, Gavin has helped transform a hobby into a force for good.

A proud descendant of Ngāti Maniapoto, Gavin traces his ancestry to Te Kanawa, a signatory of the Treaty of Waitangi.

In 2022, he was honored as a Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Medallist for his community work.

As an Ambassador to the LEGO® Group, Gavin mentors new ambassadors—his “brickmates”—across the globe, with a special focus on the Oceania region.

Gavin will share the story of LUG South, their latest community collaboration project with the MRI scanner, some highlights from his LEGO® connections 2025 holiday.  Gavin lives and works locally, has 4 adult children, and 1 grandchild.

Want to know more about LUG South ahead of Gavin’s talk – visit https://www.lug-south.org.nz/

Formal Lunch Meeting at the Kelvin Hotel

Guest Speaker:  Gavin Evans, founder of LUG South - Building Community Through Creative Collaboration

For more details on guest speaker and topic visit:   https://invercargillrotary.club/speakers/6d42552c-2814-491f-a1f1-09fbda09836b

9th December  - Lunch Meeting Duties

• Reception and raffle –  Graeme McMillan
• Introduce and thank speaker - Rob Phillips
• Grace/thanks - Ria Bond
• Parting thought - Laurie Wilkes 

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.

Everyone is welcomed to join us at our final lunch meeting for 2025 on Tuesday 16th December 2025

A Christmas inspired menu will be arranged at a  cost of $42 per person

Please extend an invite to partners, family and/or friends to this final meeting.

Bring some cash for the Christmas Raffle and don't forget if you have not already donated to bring an item or two for the Family Work Hamper.

Complimentry parking is included in the cost in the former H&J Smith car park - vehicle registration is reqired to advised at Hotel Reception.

Meals can be paid online or on the day of the Christmas Lunch and advised to the Chief Elf on lunch reception. A/C 06-0925-0022834-00

RSVPs noting any dietary requirements go to Janna by email janna@mwm.net.nz or by phone 03 2141839.

A special meeting is scheduled as part of the lunch meeting on Tuesday, 16 December 2025

The meeting agenda is a vote to adopt the Club Constitution and By Laws following latest amendments.

The annual Working Bee for Deep Cove is scheduled for  23 & 24th January 2026.

Our Club has a long term arrangement for a group to go in to assist the Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust with tasks to tidy up before the schools start visiting.    

Join us for one night or two for service above self. Transport is sponsored by Real Journeys from Manapouri to Deep Cove and return.  You need to bring your own sleeping bag and towel and make a contribution towards food organised for the group.

The tasks for 2026 will be confirmed closer to the time.

Please note space to participate in this club service project is  limited.

If you are interested in being part of the 2026 Working Bee please email or contact Helen Cook who is co-oridnating name(s) on  027 310 8587 or by email:  helencook697@gmail.com

Lunch in the Park kicks off the first Rotary meeting for 2026 on Tuesday, January 27th.

Table will be booked under Rotary from 12.15pm til 2:15 to offer flexibility for people to come at usual time, come later or somewhere in between and stay for as long as you can.

Lunch at own cost / order on arrival

Meeting format is informal with no set timeframes

Everyone welcome!