South Wairarapa Rotary Farewells its President – Brian Baxter
Last week South Wairarapa Rotary farewelled their President for 2020/21, Brian Baxter. Brian had been with the South Wairarapa Rotary for ?? years and was voted in as President for the annual term of one year. Brian and his wife, Jane Davis, have moved to Christchurch where Jane has been appointed to the Christchurch City Council.
Brian left six weeks before the end of his term as President, so Past President Paul Mason takes over the role until incoming President Anne Atkinson takes over on 1 July. A special evening will be held to welcome Anne into her role as President for 2021/22.
Rotary members vote for their next President during the year prior to the presidency commencing – so there is approximately 18 months from the time of the vote to the time that the incoming President takes office.
The vote for President for 2022/23 has already happened with Tamara Allerhand voted to take over from Anne when her presidency ends on 30 June 2022.
Each incoming President sets their priorities for their annual term. These may be the same or similar to those of the outgoing President, or they could be focussed on something that has occurred within the community. Last year Covid and its effects within our community was a priority, so this became the focus of the Community committee.
South Wairarapa Rotary has seven different committees whose job it is to distribute the funds that the Club receives from running the two annual Martinborough Fairs. Most of this money is spent over the ensuing twelve months within the three local communities of Martinborough, Greytown and Featherston. Some of the money is spent supporting Rotary International’s major cause – the worldwide eradication of Polio.
The seven committees which are Youth & Older Persons, International, Brand and Communications, Community and Public Image (set up to let the public know what we are doing in the community), Environment and Martinborough Fair.
At the commencement of each term of President, the club members get to choose which committee they would like to serve on. The choice of committee is either driven by expertise or the passion of each individual member.
South Wairarapa Rotary’s governance is by way of its board. The board comprises of the President, Secretary, Treasurer and a representative of each of the club’s committees who approve the community grants and financial commitments at their monthly board meetings, along with defining club strategy, its development and priorities.
In addition to running the two annual Martinborough Fairs, South Wairarapa Rotary also run the Martinborough Cycle Fun Run.
If your organisation would like to be considered for financial support, you can find an application form on our website: swrotary.co.nz, or
If you think you would like to join Rotary, please e-mail info@swrotary.org.nz to arrange a chat and to find out more about being a member.
Photo caption: Incoming President Anne Atkinson
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