Welcome to Rotary Dunedin, where a passion for service and a commitment to making a difference are at the heart of everything we do.

As part of a global network, we bring together people from all walks of life who are dedicated to building better communities through friendship, ethical standards, and meaningful action.
 
With over 10,000 members in 240 clubs across New Zealand, Rotary is driven by the spirit of "Service Above Self"—a guiding principle that inspires us to create positive change locally and internationally.
 
Through fellowship, we work to advance goodwill, peace, and shared purpose. Join us as we connect, contribute, and uplift communities for a brighter future.
About our club
 
Welcome to Rotary Dunedin, a dynamic group of people dedicated to making a difference in our community and beyond. As part of Rotary International, we’re driven by a commitment to service, friendship, and ethical leadership. Our club brings together individuals from all walks of life who are passionate about creating positive change, whether by addressing local needs, supporting youth initiatives, or contributing to global efforts.
 
Through hands-on projects, fundraising, and fellowship, Rotary Dunedin provides a space where people can connect, grow, and make a real impact. We invite you to join us in building a brighter future for Dunedin. You're welcome to join us!
 
We meet on Thursdays at 12 noon at Petridish, 8 Stafford Street, Dunedin.
 
You can email us to find out more
 
Club News
Salvation Army Foodbank
Posted by Katie Slaughter
The Salvation Army Foodbank
 

This week, Rotary Dunedin visited the Salvation Army Foodbank with our President, Anna, to deliver a collection of festive treats. Over the past month, our members have been gathering donations to help bring a little extra Christmas cheer to families in need.

The generosity of our members has been wonderful, and these contributions will help ease the pressure for many during what can be a challenging time of year.

Our visit was a thoughtful reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to support our community. The Salvation Army team does incredible work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate this season, regardless of their circumstances.

We’re grateful to our members for their support and proud to contribute to this meaningful effort. Here’s to brightening the festive season for all. 🌟

 
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Rotary Park
Rotary Dunedin celebrated its centenary year in 2023. With this milestone came the desire to develop a showcase project which celebrates and reflects our long relationship with Dunedin and the wider Otago community.
Rotary Park was originally developed by the Rotary Club of Dunedin (now called Rotary Dunedin) in the early 1950s, opening in June 1956 to celebrate 50 years of Rotary International. Rotary Dunedin has a long association with the Rotary Park and wishes to continue this development, with further enhancements and beautification to improve the site for the benefit of the entire community.


We are planning to develop the park over the coming years in phases, beginning with adding tracks and plantings, and may undertake further developments beyond these first 3 phases, such as viewing platforms, shelters and seating.
 
The project is well underway and if you'd like to join us then get in touch!
 
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Trees For Families 2023
54 trees and shrubs were planted during this years "Trees For Families" event, a joint project between Rotary Dunedin and the "Keep Dunedin Beautiful Committee". Members of the public wishing to mark a special memory were able to purchase a tree or shrub through KDB (they also received a certificate marking the event), planting holes were pre-dug by the Rotary club, and on Fathers Day (Sept 3rd) it was fun to see kids, families, and friends getting their hands dirty despite the grey weathered day.
Planted were: Cabbage Tree (6), Ngaio (4), Kowhai (6), Mahoe (6), Mapou (4), Lancewood (6), Totara (4) & Mingimingi (18). For the first time, plantings were done at Rotary Park (Sheil Hill) as the West Harbour site used for the past ten years has reached capacity.
Thomas Bracken Memorial "Tidy-up"
In 1998, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Rotary in Dunedin, and the  150th Anniversary of Otago-Southland province, two "inscribed rocks" were erected near the gate to the Northern Cemetery. The Town and Country Committee conceived and developed the idea of the memorial to Thomas Bracken incorporating the poets original words, in English and Maori, for the New Zealand National Anthem. The City Affairs committee, working in parallel, designed and installed signs to enable visitors to easily find Brackens grave.
Recently David Mehrtens, son of former member Geoff Mehrtens and ex Dunedin North Rotarian, was visiting the cemetery and recalled that his father had been involved in the project 25 years ago. He noticed that moss and lichen was beginning to obscure the inscriptions, and as a representative for "Wet and Forget" he offered to donate product and to loan sprayers etc if Rotary could provide 2 or 3 members to help him give them a tidy-up.
So on Saturday, five members of the Community Projects group spent two hours applying an initial spray to the two memorials, three "waypoint" markers, the grave itself, a "Trees For Babies" plaque found almost hidden at the edge of plantings done in 2010, and the grave of an ancestor of a random stranger who agreed to take a group photo for us!
Sponsors

Join a project

At Rotary Dunedin, we welcome anyone with a heart for service to join us in making a positive impact. By participating in our projects, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and experience the joy of giving back firsthand. Whether you’re interested in volunteering for a specific event or want to contribute to ongoing initiatives, there’s a place for you in our community. We invite you to bring your unique talents, ideas, and enthusiasm to our team. Together, we can make a meaningful difference and build a better future for Dunedin and beyond. Join us, and let’s create change, one project at a time.

Partner with us

At Rotary Dunedin, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. By partnering with local groups, non-profits, businesses, and educational institutions, we can amplify our impact and reach even more people in need. Together, we tackle pressing issues, from community health and education to environmental sustainability and economic support. These partnerships allow us to pool resources, share expertise, and bring fresh ideas to the table, creating solutions that are more comprehensive and sustainable. Working hand-in-hand with our local partners, we strive to make Dunedin a more inclusive, vibrant, and supportive place for all.

Support your community

Rotary Dunedin is deeply committed to supporting and enriching our local communities through hands-on service, fundraising, and partnerships. We work closely with local organizations, schools, and charities to address urgent needs, fund community projects, and foster a culture of care. From youth mentoring programs and scholarships to environmental clean-up efforts and support for local shelters, we focus on initiatives that make a lasting difference. Every year, our members dedicate countless hours to projects that uplift our neighbors and empower individuals, ensuring Dunedin is a place where everyone can thrive.