Welcome to our first District 9999 Newsletter for our region, from Jan Boustead - District Governor, District 9999.

Rotary District 9999 joins New Zealand and the Commonwealth in mourning the loss of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II, and our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family at this sad time.

Welcome to the first District 9999 Newsletter under our new District Governor, Jan Boustead.

The District 9999 Transition Management Team gave a lot of thought to creating a District Governor’s ‘chain’ that was relevant and represented our new District 9999. As a result, a Breast Plate carved from West Coast Pounamu by Garth Wilson was created. The Breast Plate is housed in a handcrafted box made of Southland Beech.

The Transition Management Team has taken a strategic approach to composition of the District Board. The role of the board is to ensure we stay focused on a future where our district thrives.

A total of 22 grant applications were submitted by the due date to the District Foundation Grants (DDF) Committee to fund projects within New Zealand and around the world.

On the coldest week of the year David and I set off for a week of visits with Dunedin Rotary Clubs. While the early mornings were chilly, we were warmly welcomed at each meeting. The week started extremely well with a breakfast meeting with St Kilda Sunrise members at The Black Dog Cafe. It was a pleasure to support the induction of three new Rotarians and to present them with their pins and certificates.

Looking to start a new club? Or simply looking for new ways to refresh your club?

RYLA candidates will be able to choose between camps at Queenstown and Christchurch next January. Nominees for selection to attend the camps are currently being considered and clubs are being urged to start their club selection process.

Rotary Young Totara Awards develop the potential for young people to be leaders of the future.

The Wanaka Rotary Club under the leadership of George Scott has created a Winter Crop Competition for farmers in the Upper Clutha Area.

Does your Rotary Club want better engagement with your local High School? Do you want to some Young Leaders in your club? Do you want to create a new generation of future Rotarians? If you have answered yes to any of the above, The Rotary Club of Waimate has a plan for you.

Turn up when you can and do what you can – that’s the motto for the new hands-on Rotary Satellite Club of Southland chartered on March 12.