ABOUT DISTRICT 9920

District 9920 is a geographic area covering a half of Auckland, New Zealand

and the seven Pacific nations of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia,

Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga.  This is the largest maritime district in Rotary and this unique Pacific influence

provides Rotarians with wide ranging and interesting service opportunities.  In this area there are

53 Rotary clubs of which a third are in the Pacific countries.

 
Rotary Oceania Summit
 
 
 
Rotary Oceania Summit – Napier | 20–22 March 2026 🌟
We are going big and have amplified the district conference for 2026. This is a multi district event covering all 5 districts of NZ and the Pacific Islands
Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Rotary friends across Oceania – you're invited to join us in beautiful Napier for the Rotary Oceania Summit 2026!
🗓️ Dates: 20–22 March 2026
📍 Location: Napier, New Zealand
🔗 Register now:
 
 
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate with fellow changemakers from across our region. Let’s shape the future of Rotary together! 💙💛
Home Page Stories
Rotary Club Honors 12 Students at Four-Way Test Banquet
Rotary Club Honors 12 Students at Four-Way Test Banquet
The Rotary Club of Pago Pago recognized 12 outstanding high school students at its Annual Four-Way Test Banquet on Saturday, May 2, at Paradise Restaurant in Nu'uuli.

Each award recipient received a $500 cash award, commemorative shirt, certificate, and banquet dinner with Rotarians and their families. The Four-Way Test Award recognizes students who exemplify Rotary's ethical code through their actions and character. The winners are selected by the vote of each school's senior class.

This year's recipients represent 12 high schools across American Samoa:

  • Jackie Dafi Pula (Nu'uuli Vocational Technical High School)

  • Mitchel Ben Faleafaga (Manumalo Academy)

  • Joeli Taga'i (Leone High School)

  • Mathius Lutu (Pacific Horizons School)

  • Veronica Fuataga (Fa'asao-Marist High School)

  • Nissi Taalolo Pula (Tafuna High School)

  • Solomon Ualesi (Iakina Adventist Academy)

  • Fagamalama Uiagalelei (Samoana High School)

  • Fiao'o Logo Jordana Lito (South Pacific Academy)

  • Lilien Maleeah-Jonita Ve'e (Manu'a High School)

  • Helayna Tafua (Faga'itua High School)

  • Timutoa Niuula (Kanana Fou High School)

Reverend Iasepi Ulu of Fagatogo CCCAS Church delivered the keynote address. Club President Raymond David provided opening remarks, while Vocational Services Director Debbs Cox gave closing remarks. Justin Tuiasosopo served as master of ceremonies.

The Four-Way Test, created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, asks: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotary Turns Marathon Day Into Double Duty for End Polio Now
Rotary Turns Marathon Day Into Double Duty for End Polio Now

Rotary Clubs of Manukau Sunrise and Pukekohe proved that when plans collide, Rotary spirit steps up. With the Asics Hawkes Bay Marathon already locked into their calendars—right on top of the Epic Day of Service—these clubs didn’t back down. Instead, they levelled up, transforming their marathon entry into a bold, high‑visibility double‑duty mission to champion the End Polio Now campaign.

PDG Leanne Jaggs powered through the 21.1km half‑marathon walk, while the support crew—District Governor Kirsten, Glynis, Deann, and Mike—took on the 10km event with equal determination and a whole lot of flair.

And when we say flair, we mean it. To maximise public awareness and spark conversations, the team paired their bright red Polio shirts with equally bright tu‑tu’s. The result? They were impossible to miss, widely noticed, and frequently cheered on by fellow participants and spectators. District Governor Ken from 9930 even greeted DG Kirsten and Mike as they crossed the finish line, adding an extra burst of Rotary camaraderie to the day.

This is what happens when clubs think creatively: one event becomes two opportunities—fitness and service, visibility and impact. Imagine the momentum we could build if more clubs turned their existing commitments into double‑duty events that amplify Rotary’s work in the community.

Rotary in Action, French Polynesia
Rotary in Action, French Polynesia

A Spanish Rotarian serving as a crew member on the Star Breeze—an ocean liner that calls into Raiatea every week—generously passed on a large supply of life jackets. As you know, these vessels must regularly renew their safety equipment, and instead of letting perfectly good gear go unused, he chose to put it back into the community.

We coordinated the donation to several outrigger schools across our area, and the reaction was extraordinary. The kids lit up the moment they saw the jackets, proudly trying them on, while their coaches expressed genuine gratitude for receiving equipment they could never have accessed otherwise. The enthusiasm, the smiles, the sense of being supported—it all made this simple act feel incredibly meaningful.

Claudine Goche, RC Raiatea Tahaa

Neo Natal Kits
Neo Natal Kits

Rotary Club of Savusavu: Transforming new Moms and Babies Lives

We believe that every child, and their mum, deserves the very best possible start in their life and so we made a commitment to provide everyone that needs it with a brand new, free, ‘Baby Box’. 

  

Approximately 500 babies are born in the province of Cakaudrove every year, with the majority of them delivered in our one hospital in Savusavu. The hospital maternity staff tell us that many of these mothers have come by bus from many miles away and arrive with virtually nothing to care for their baby or themselves.


Celebrating Women of Rotary: Leadership, Service, and Progress Across District 9920
Celebrating Women of Rotary: Leadership, Service, and Progress Across District 9920

As part of our month-long celebration expanding upon International Women’s Day, Rotary South Pacific has proudly shone a spotlight on our Women of Rotary throughout March — recognising the extraordinary contribution of women who inspire, lead, and serve across our region.

District 9920 stands tall as a leader in Rotary’s evolution, with women now representing 38% — and growing — of our membership. This remarkable milestone highlights just how far our movement has come since 1986, when the Council on Legislation made one of the most transformative changes in Rotary’s then 81-year history by opening membership to women. The change has since shaped a stronger, more dynamic, and inclusive Rotary.

The pace of progress within our District has been outstanding. We’ve witnessed incredible leadership from women stepping into pivotal Club and District roles — trailblazers who are shaping the next generation of Rotary leadership. This month, we have special reason to celebrate two of our most inspiring leaders who have been recognised on the global stage for their exceptional service.

Past District Governor Leanne Jaggs (2009/2010), the youngest and second female District Governor in District 9920 history, and current Chair of the Rotary International Strategic Planning Committee, has been honoured with Rotary’s prestigious Service Above Self Award. One of only 150 awarded worldwide each year, this acknowledgement reflects Leanne’s unwavering dedication to Rotary’s ideals, her remarkable service to local and global communities, and the inspiration she provides to Rotarians everywhere.

Past District Governor Jennie Herring (2015/2016), currently serving as Regional Chair of Rotary South Pacific, has also been recognised for her outstanding impact. A passionate advocate for The Rotary Foundation, Jennie’s leadership in fundraising, project execution, and strategic advancement has been instrumental in fuelling Rotary’s life-changing initiatives. For her exceptional commitment, Jennie has received the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service — a fitting tribute to her deep and tireless contribution.

Together, Leanne and Jennie embody the spirit of Rotary — service, leadership, and the courage to create change. Their achievements remind us that when women rise, Rotary rises with them.

This current Rotary year it is also our privilege to serve alongside another great Woman of Rotary, our District Governor Kirsten Hawke (2025-26)

As we close this month of celebration, we look forward with pride and purpose — inspired by the women of District 9920 who continue to lead us forward into an even more vibrant and inclusive Rotary future.

The Children Waited Nearly Nine Years for This 
The Children Waited Nearly Nine Years for This
 
Dreketi Village, Qamea Island, Fiji – November 2025
The District School at Laucala in Dreketi village has finally begun its long-awaited reconstruction, nearly nine years after Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji in 2016. While many communities received support to rebuild, the Laucala School faced unique challenges that delayed its restoration.
Background
Cyclone Winston left a trail of destruction, but the Laucala School initially survived the storm. However, the loss of trees behind the school led to soil instability. Nine months later, a rainstorm triggered a landslide that destroyed the school, leaving children from Dreketi and nearby areas without a proper learning environment. Makeshift classrooms sprang up in storage sheds, the local church, and any available shelter, ensuring education continued despite the adversity.
Community and Rotary Taveuni Response
With government resources stretched thin, the responsibility of rebuilding fell to the villagers and teachers. Rotary Taveuni, led by Past President Peter Brown, stepped in to raise the necessary funds. Despite being a small club of just 10 active members, Rotary Taveuni, with support from District 9920 clubs, Australian clubs, and a generous donation from a local resort, successfully raised over $250,000 for the project
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
Transporting building materials from Suva to Qamea Island posed a major logistical challenge, requiring a sea-going barge and experienced crew. Government funding was unavailable, but the ‘It’s Time Foundation’, directed by Rob Edwards, raised an additional $70,000 to cover these costs. Materials were sourced from local businesses, and in October 2025, the barge arrived at Dreketi village, greeted warmly by the community. A touching video of this moment is available at https://taveunirotary.com/rsfu, and photos documenting the journey can be found at https://taveunirotary.com/tr9d
Looking Ahead
Construction is progressing on schedule, and children are expected to start in their new school in early 2026. The new facility will feature off-grid electricity and air conditioning, setting a positive example for Rotary clubs across Australia and New Zealand. This achievement demonstrates that with determination and collaboration, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
 
Contact Information
  • Rotary Club of Taveuni: info@taveunirotary.com
  • Project Details: phbrown20@gmail.com
  • It’s Time Foundation: rob@robedwards.co
  • Media Contact: Paul Purvis, Phone: +61403442764 
For further details and to access additional materials, please visit https://taveunirotary.com
 
Below is the current state of the school
Previous
Next
District 9920 Facebook Page 
RSS
2026 Photo Awards: The extraordinary ordinary

The pictures featured in the 2026 Rotary magazine photo awards reflect the extraordinary ordinary

Through Rotary, a police officer expands her worldview

Through Rotary, police officer Joanne Serkeyn expanded her view of how to make a difference. In July, Serkeyn will become the governor of District 7090

A monumental club project in South Dakota

Members of the Rotary Club of Custer, South Dakota, played a role in the construction of the Crazy Horse Monument and continue to support its federation

Rotary to scale proven water and sanitation initiative in Haiti

Program aims to improve living conditions and reduce waterborne disease by 25% in three local government areas in Haiti by 2030

After life, a return to the earth

Conservation burials, green cemeteries, and environmental convictions are reshaping how some people think about death

Previous
Next
Rotary Links
District Events Calendar
View More...

June 2026

S
M
T
W
T
F
S
07 08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28
29
30
01
02
03
04
Links
Home page Links
RDU One Stories View here
Upcoming Club Events

Others