Rotary Club of Palmerston North Centenary: 1924 – 2024

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Description: Introduction:
"Rotary was established by Paul Harris in 1905 to serve communities and provide fellowship and enjoyment to members. On 29 May 1924 a group of businessmen met to establish a Rotary Club to serve the Palmerston North community.

Over the 100 years, the Rotary Club of Palmerston North has been very active and this history
records what happened and what was achieved. You will see that the first 75 years was recorded by Ian Malcolm and Arthur Hall. The last 25 years has been compiled by Chris Klein and Stephen Parsons. Both records have been combined to bring the 100-year history together.

The international success of Rotary has come from established Clubs helping other Clubs to form and the Palmerston North Club has been active in supporting six other Clubs to become
established in the region. These Clubs have in turn spawned other Clubs.

It is impossible to list all the projects and events that the Club has supported. They range from
helping individuals in need, to building such major facilities as student accommodation at Massey University, a retirement village for the elderly, an outdoor education lodge, and a classroom in Samoa. The Club has helped a community in Northern India and provided medical supplies to the Pacific Islands. Funds are provided each year toward the eradication of polio.

The Club has a focus on youth through an annual programme involving a youth music festival,
sponsoring upcoming musicians, a circus for disadvantaged children, speech and essay competitions for schools, dictionaries to primary pupils in poorer areas, sponsoring students to
business week, and a science and technology forum. Youth focussed events and community clubs and individuals are occasionally supported for the development of young people.

For 100 years the members of the Rotary Club of Palmerston North have lived up to the ideals of “service above self”. This brief history provides an insight into the people, what they have achieved and the enjoyment and satisfaction they have derived from serving the community.

The current members look forward to setting the course for the next 100 years."

Text by 2025 Club President Dave Gaynor.