Our Speaker this Week is 

Andrew Little Mayor of Wellington

Andrew Little (born 1965) is a long‑serving figure in New Zealand public life. Before entering Parliament, he led the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union for over a decade.

He became Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition (2014–2017), stepping aside shortly before the 2017 election—a move widely credited with helping Labour’s resurgence under Jacinda Ardern.

He then served as a senior Cabinet Minister (2017–2023) across portfolios including Justice, Health, Defence, and Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.

After Labour’s 2023 defeat, he left Parliament and later returned to public office as Mayor of Wellington in 2025.

President Nicole

Open Star

Thank you to Rod Badcock and his team at Open Star for a wonderful evening of learning about nuclear fusion. Everyone was engaged to hear about what has been achieved in a warehouse in Wellington and how it stacks up against the rest of the world. It was very inspiring. Please see Marc Rand's report below for further detail.

Brent's garden

We have a hands on opportunity to support Brent just before he takes on his full one role as District Governor in July. We will be tidying up his garden on Sunday June 7th. This is always a fun, social activity so do come along, even for a hour or so. See details below. 

Board Meeting

Following  up on the feedback from the Club forum, the Board discussed the following items at the May meeting-

• Next steps for the Radar awards and change in payment process, In June we will have be one-month period where members can use the new system and pay by the old system until a full move to the new system as of 1 July 2026. An email with the details will follow

• applying for a district grant for some of the costs for the ambulance to Samoa 

• Increasing engagement in committees

Have a good week. 

Supporting Our Incoming DG Brent  

A Gardening Session at our own District Governor Elect Brent's place, is to be held from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Sunday 7 June 2026.

Come along and help spruce up Brent's garden before he takes on one of Rotary's most important and busy roles in the 2026-2027 year.

Brent tells us it's mostly weeding, so bring some gloves and weeding utensils. Brent may need some assistance on the mulcher!  He will try to keep that away from the working area, but some earplugs might be useful. 

We'll be having morning tea at some stage so if you're in the habit of baking, something for the morning tea would be wonderful, please bring it along. Let us know in your reply.

Address: 16 Wade Street, Wadestown. Best to park at the top around number 25 Wade St and walk down the zig zag. 

To let us know you're a starter: please email paula.mcknight@ppmck.co.nz 

Best to reply as soon as but before: Friday 5 June 2026

It'll be a fun and satisfying morning. 

On Member News: Congratulations Professor Bev Lawton - Receiving the a CNZM recognising her services to women's health. It was a proud day for the Lawton Family