Since 2012, the Rotary Club of Papakura has proudly hosted the Classic Motorcycle Show—our major fundraising event that fuels a wide range of charitable activities focused on youth development and life preservation.
A key focus of our charitable work is supporting the National Burns Unit at Middlemore Hospital. Our contributions fund specialist nurse training not available in New Zealand, and we also supply essential rehabilitation equipment that plays a vital role in patients’ recovery. This unit serves the entire country as well as the Pacific Islands, making a significant difference in the treatment and outcomes for burn victims across all age groups.
We also champion Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA), a programme dedicated to reducing the number of young people injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents. Students aged 15–17 take part in six interactive sessions that reinforce key road safety messages as they begin their driving journeys. Our club allocates funding to ensure that cost is never a barrier for Auckland schools wishing to participate.
Our investment in the future extends through several youth development programmes.
- Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) brings together around 80 students aged 14–17 for a weekend at Kokako Lodge in Hunua. The camp fosters personal growth, confidence, and leadership while promoting cultural and social understanding among a diverse group of participants.
- We award scholarships annually to students from three local high schools, helping around 10 students each year as they begin their tertiary education.
- The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a weeklong programme at Willow Park, Eastern Beach, for promising young professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential. Participants are challenged through hands-on activities and inspired by industry leaders while gaining a deeper understanding of Rotary’s values and community impact.
Through these initiatives, the Rotary Club of Papakura continues to invest in the wellbeing and potential of our young people and in the preservation of life—both locally and beyond. In the past 12 months, Papakura Rotary contributed $71,800 profits derived from the NZ Motorcycle Show last year into their local projects.
