Thank you!!!
Several days a week, members of the Rotary Club of Tawa visit Linden School to support a special group of students—children who are learning to read. Among them are students from immigrant families, where English is not the primary language at home, making it difficult to practise reading outside the classroom. Others simply benefit from a little extra encouragement to build their confidence and literacy skills.
During these sessions, Rotary members work one-on-one with students, typically spending 15 minutes with each child over a 45-minute to one-hour visit. These moments are about more than just reading; they help build literacy, confidence, and meaningful connections. The children look forward to their time together, and the joy is mutual—our volunteers cherish these sessions just as much.
Earlier this week, Rotary Club of Tawa President Pat Waite and long-time educator Judith Havill visited the school to donate 20 Rotary dictionaries to some year 6 students.
These dictionaries are more than just books—they’re tools for empowerment, helping students overcome language barriers and explore the richness of the English language in a fun and engaging way.
A touching moment came from the school’s office manager, who shared that her 17-year-old daughter still treasures the Rotary dictionary she received when she was in Year 6.
This project is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
The Rotary Dictionary
Launched in 2008 by Bill Boyd, past Rotary International President, and his wife Lorna, the Rotary Dictionary Project provides illustrated dictionaries to Year 4 students in low-decile schools across New Zealand and the Pacific. Through the Bill and Lorna Boyd Charitable Trust, over 250,000 dictionaries have been distributed, promoting literacy and learning at home and in classrooms. The project reflects Boyd’s lifelong commitment to education and Rotary’s mission to support literacy worldwide.
We have donated these dictionaries for many years now to Linden and other Tawa schools. Bill, who promoted Literacy as an international project, has recently died, but his legacy lives on with the children who have his dictionaries.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Decks decks Ashton Building
We can do a couple of small repairs or additions to deck areas before Christmas, maybe 🤔. Contact Pete Ashton 7days 0274403242
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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