This page highlights some of our news and a general insight into what our club and Rotary is all about. If you wish to find out more, volunteer, sponsor what we do or even consider becoming a member then please contact us for a friendly, no-obligation chat
Yellow is a colour of sunshine
Rotary Bay of Islands held our ANNUAL Daffodil Day Breakfast in Paihia on 30 August, with many locals returning year after year, because it’s so enjoyable and the connections made. This tradition has been going on for over 20 years. There was a musical trio who’s entertainment was a lovely addition this year, as they sang the songs we know. The Breakfast, as well as Street collections, raises money for the Cancer Society Northland.
Sand can create the most wonderful art
Saturday 6 January 2024
The first project of the year was for the community in the form of the annual Sandcastle Competition.
What an Amazing Sandcastle Competition we had on 6th January at Paihia Beach 
We had over 20 entries (groups), even a fellow Rotarian and his family from San Diego!
The tides and the weather played its part and a wonderful day was had by all as you can see from the pictures shown at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=791019829718670&set=pcb.791023896384930
- Giat Chair for a Giant View
This Giant Chair has recently been placed on the walkway off Florance Avenue in Russell. This not only provides seating for walkers/trampers but also has great views overlooking the Bay towards Paihia and Waitangi. This was made possible by the generous donation from Robin and Maggie Cooter, who were active members of the Rotary Club Bay of Islands since 2005.
They lived in Rugby, England but made the Bay of Islands their base during their 3 month stays here in summer, also, lovingly, referred to as “Sunshine Members”. During their stays here they gave much to the Club e.g. helping on projects, especially the Russell to Okiato Walkway and in return they received fellowship, interesting activities, service to the community and long-term friends.
Michael McEntegart, from the MenzShed in Russell, procured the materials and built this lovely, huge chair. The chair had to be dismantled to get out of the Shed and then re-assembled on site.
The magnificent site where the Chair is located, was identified by William Fuller and he obtained approval for it to be placed here – on the Donny Estate which is maintained by the Kiwi Foundation and the Bay of Islands Walkways Trust.
This Giant Chair will be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the Bay of Islands, for years to come and will become a feature stop on the Walkways.
- Yellow is the colour of sunshine and hope
Rotary Bay of Islands held our ANNUAL Daffodil Day Breakfast in Paihia on 30 August, with many locals returning year after year, because it’s so enjoyable and the connections made. This tradition has been going on for over 20 years.
In addition to the ever popular raffle (great prizes) there was a musical trio who’s entertainment was a lovely addition this year, as they sang the songs we know. The Breakfast, as well as Street collections, raises money for the Cancer Society Northland. See you next year.
- Change of leadership 2024
Changeover on Sunday 23 June 2024 was a special occasion, being the changing of the guard from the current to the incoming club leadership team. Outgoing President Thys summarised what was a very active and successful year, and Incoming President Nadia expressed the assurance the great contribution of Rotary Bay of Islands to the local community would continue, with several new ideas being considered.
- Native plants reach the 8km mark
Active! OH YES! 20 plus from the club including some students from QRC Tai Tokerau along with a similar number from the local community together planted about 300 plants along the track near the Orongo Bay campground. The planting was followed by a social bbq for all involved followed by a delicious cake ‘dessert’ by Chrissie … an essential!
Plants were sponsored by Fixation and the Russell Gardening Club and this now extends the planted pathway to 8kms. Churchill Meats donated the sausages.
- Colour Run was the boost many needed
The Bay of Islands Colour Run was a great success! So much colour and fun had by all. All the participants were ready and wearing white for the start at 10 am on Saturday 23rd March. As soon as they were through the start line the colour fun begun which continued through 7 other colour stations.
The route started and finished at Horotutu along Paihia Beach to Stock port turn around back through Horotutu along the length of Ti Beach to Waitangi Bridge to the finish. We had families and people of any ages take part. A real good family fun day.
Every participant received a medal at the finish.
We had a bluetooth speaker for a young guy Dominic who finished first, a helicopter ride for a beautiful family who were best dressed and a Otehei trip for to visitors to the area who were the most colourful by the end of the colour run.
We had so many generous prize donation for our spot prizes that were loved by everyone who was drawn out of the lucky bucket by name. The Rotary Club raised $2360 which will be spent on community projects.
Thank you to all our volunteers to make this event possible and a Fantastic Fun Day, PKF Bay of Islands, QRC Tai Tokerau, Bay of Islands College, Bay of Bay of Islands Rotary Club members.
We received funding from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board to value of $1460, thank you.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors!
Prizes were sponsored by The Old Packhouse Kerikeri, Greens Paihia – Thai Cuisine, Redwoods Cafe, Jimmy Jacks Rib Shack Paihia, Cathay Cinemas, Zane Grey, Salt Air, Explore, Keri Pharmacy, Alix, Makana, Anne of Craicor, BOI ITM, Banana Boat, Gold ‘n’ Gifts, Cabbage Tree, 4Square, Mitre10 and Repco.
Thank you to all who participated on the day, you were fab!
We look forward our next Colour Run!
- by Donna Smith