Tamaris delivered a very fitting vote of thanks to Nicole for her exceptional year as our Club President.
It gives me great pleasure to thank our outgoing President, Nicole Barker.
Over the past year, Nicole has led the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson with enthusiasm, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to service. Under Nicole’s leadership, our club has continued to strengthen its impact both locally and internationally through a wide range of community projects, fundraising initiatives, and member engagement activities.
Nicole, your presidency has been marked by energy, vision, and a willingness to embrace new ideas. From trialling evening meetings to introducing our new weekly payment system, you have demonstrated a thoughtful and progressive approach while remaining firmly committed to delivering a high-quality club experience that reflects Rotary’s enduring values of Service Above Self.
Through your leadership, Port Nicholson Rotary has strengthened its community impact, supported membership growth, and continued its commitment to youth development through our support of a range of Rotary youth programmes, including Goal Setters, which not only provides scholarships and recognition to young people who have overcome significant barriers to success but also showcases our club within the wider business community.
A particular highlight of the year has been the success of Lifting the Lid, our major fundraising initiative supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in Wellington’s secondary and intermediate schools. At the same time, our commitment to environmental projects, including Predator Free Wellington and tree-planting programmes, has continued to make a meaningful and lasting difference.
During your tenure, Nicole, we have raised significant funds through a variety of successful events, including our Grand Night Out, movie night, and our recent casino evening to raise funds for our emergency ambulance to Samoa.
Equally importantly, you have created opportunities for more members to become actively involved in the life of our club. Our highly regarded speaker programme continues to be the envy of many other Rotary clubs and remains one of the hallmarks of Port Nicholson Rotary.
The success of any organisation is built on the dedication of its members, the strength of its leadership, and the guidance of its captain at the helm. Throughout the past year, you have provided that leadership with distinction, steering our club with confidence, purpose, and integrity.
Most importantly, Nicole, you have led with generosity, enthusiasm, humility, and genuine care for both our members and the communities we serve.
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson, thank you for your dedication, your countless hours of service, and the lasting contribution you have made during your year as President. Your leadership has left our club stronger, more connected, and well positioned for the future.
Please join me in thanking Nicole Barker for an outstanding year of leadership and service.