Otumoetai is a Maori word meaning, “the tide standing as if asleep”. Contrary to the meaning of its name, the Rotary Club of Otumoetai is definitely not standing-as-if-asleep as it meets each fortnight on the shores of the Tauranga harbour.
Otumoetai Rotary welcomes men and women with the vision “to grow as a vibrant and professional group of diverse , supportive members who make a positive difference by supporting the community”. The club was chartered in 1968 and has contributed several past district governors.
The club has a strong bond of fellowship, usually starting each year with a BBQ, followed during the year with social occasions in members’ homes, with the added mystery of ‘guess who is coming to dinner’.
Youth service is a focus of the club, with strong relationships with Otumoetai College and Brookfield School. Each year the club is successful in placing secondary students at the Summer Science Schools in Hamilton and Auckland. We support the annual Rotary Youth Award (RYLA) with participants from organisations that have supported us in the past.
Recently we have hosted Rotary Youth Exchange students from Germany and Brazil. We have sponsored students from New Zealand to participate in international exchanges.
The club is also active in the community. The club is represented on the board of the Kopurererua Trust and assists in the planting of trees along Route “K”, the northern entrance to the city from the Kaimais. To date around 20 hectares and $1million worth of trees have been planted in the area, which will develop into amazing wooded walkways and cycleways, and will be an asset to the city. The club has assisted at Sydenham Botanic Park, with Anzac Day Poppy sales and Tree of Remembrance for Waipuna Hospice.We have recently also organised musical concerts and an island style Luau. Proceeds from our activities being distributed to community organisations. Our regular fund raising and community activity is a Car Boot Sale early on the first Sunday of the month in the Otumoetai College Car Park. We have 25 to 30 cars turn up with all sorts of bargains.
We have assisted other local clubs with their fundraising activities when appropriate. We have two members who are active in supporting Ukraine charities.
We have assisted other local clubs with their fundraising activities when appropriate. We have two members who are active in supporting Ukraine charities.
If you want to join a club which making a difference for the local and International community, and having FUN and FELLOWSHIP doing it, give us a call.
