Rotary is a worldwide organisation of business, professional and laypeople people uniting to provide humanitarian service, build goodwill and peace in the world, and promote high ethical standards.
The Rotary Club of Waikato Sunrise was chartered in 1987 and is part of District 9930 which covers the central North Island.
Our members are a vibrant and passionate group of men and women who focus on contributing to both our local and international communities - with a particular interest in youth development.
Within our Rotary club we are broken down into the following committees:
- Membership
- Administration
- Public Relations
- Social Committee
- Rotary Foundation
- Innovation/Logistics
- Youth
- Fundraising/money in
- Donations/money out
As a service organisation, Waikato Sunrise Rotary has internally and externally focused roles and responsibilities. Members offer to help where and when they can with some volunteering opportunities requiring few members and time whilst others involve all members that are able and a lot of time and all the options in the middle. Often family members and friends volunteer as well.
To find out more about joining Waikato Sunrise Rotary, what it means to be a member, read our information for
Regular Rotary Meetings
Waikato Sunrise Rotary is Hamilton's breakfast meeting. We start each Friday at 6:45am with a breakfast meeting at MatteBlack Cafe at the St Andrews Golf Course. Meetings are programmed to conclude by 8:15am.
Community Service
Waikato Sunrise look for opportunities to become involved in community projects or provide community support in Hamilton or overseas. In recent years we have:
- helped prepare a barn for it's arriving animals for Hope Rising Farm
- Transplanted seedlings into pots ready to be used in gully restoration
- sent working parties of Rotarians to villages in Fiji to help refurbish school buildings.
- provided and distributed bark around trees at Melville Primary School.
- provided dictionaries into Melville and Crawshaw Primary Schools for year 4 students.
- supported the Zeal project - a drop-in centre (to foster creative arts - music, art, song) for youth in Hamilton.
- distributed Christmas puddings to Link House.
- distributed gifts to Women’s Refuge.
- hosted a Vanuatu boy for an operation to correct his club feet – a ROMAC project.
Fundraising Activities
Fundraising is undertaken in order to contribute towards various worthy causes. Two prominent areas of focus for Rotary worldwide are - youth development and the goal of eradicating polio. Our club channels substantial amounts of our fundraised money each year to these causes.
Some of our major fundraising activities are:
- Circus Quirkus: this is a professionally-telemarketed fundraising activity for underprivileged children to attend a human circus. It is held annually in Clarence St Theatre. Members are asked to assist with ushering at the event.
- Montana Catering: our key fundraising contract is with Montana Catering and involves members providing hospitality services at key sporting events in the city. This is a hands-on commitment, and all members are encouraged to participate regularly.
- Balloons over Waikato: this is a major social event in the city and our involvement requires the support of as many members as possible – throughout the week but most importantly on the afternoon and evening of the Nightglow. The funds we raise from this event are then donated to a special charity that is selected annually.
- Other fundraising: at various times we undertake other fundraising activities, and we are always seeking opportunities to raise funds. The weekly raffles and sergeant’s sessions also assist us with fundraising.
Social Activities
We have an active social committee who arrange a variety of formal and informal activities throughout the year. All members are invited and encouraged to participate in these activities as they greatly improve the camaraderie of the club.
In most months we have a session of “Friday after 5” where we meet socially at one or other pub in town for drinks and snacks.
Several times a year there may be “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” evenings which are surprise events to enable members to get to know others in a casual home environment.
Then there is the end-of-year function (not to be missed!) and the Presidents Change-over – which is also a great time for members and partners to socialise.
And there may be other events!
How does one join?
We warmly welcome you to attend one of our breakfast meetings so that we can become acquainted. Please complete the enquiry form on our contact us page.