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
- Winter Camp for Students a Winner
Rotary Bay of Islands has a very strong focus on supporting youth in our community and has long sent candidates, this year from Bay of Islands College, to the popular Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) which is a Youth Leadership experience. This is held over a weekend for Year 11 and Year 12 students and is designed to develop young people’s potential through a mixture of inspirational lecture-style sessions and exciting adventure-based learning.
RYPEN is designed for students who are seen as the upcoming leaders in your school, not those students who are already leading and achieving amazing things or those at the bottom end, but those students who just need a bit of a push and a confidence boost to start achieving at their full potential.
RYPEN has as its principal aim, to communicate to young people taking part in the program a series of ideas, problems, and social experiences that will assist them in forming their own values and moral standards and allow them to broaden their horizons culturally, socially, and academically.
RYPEN weekend is designed to promote teamwork and participation, friendship and social interaction; integrity, respect for other people and their cultures, accountability, empowerment, and leadership.
The camp itself is run by very capable young adults who have previously experienced Rotary leadership programmes, with Rotarian oversight.
The next RYPENs are an Autumn camp at Kokako Lodge, Auckland in March 2025 and a Winter camp at The Y, Shakespeare Lodge, Whangaporoa in August 2025.
- Giant 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.
