This page highlights some of our news and a general insight into what our club and Rotary is all about. If you wish to find out more, volunteer, sponsor what we do or even consider becoming a member then please contact us for a friendly, no-obligation chat
Yellow is a colour of sunshine
Rotary Bay of Islands held our ANNUAL Daffodil Day Breakfast in Paihia on 30 August, with many locals returning year after year, because it’s so enjoyable and the connections made. This tradition has been going on for over 20 years. There was a musical trio who’s entertainment was a lovely addition this year, as they sang the songs we know. The Breakfast, as well as Street collections, raises money for the Cancer Society Northland.
Sand can create the most wonderful art
Saturday 6 January 2024
The first project of the year was for the community in the form of the annual Sandcastle Competition.
What an Amazing Sandcastle Competition we had on 6th January at Paihia Beach 
We had over 20 entries (groups), even a fellow Rotarian and his family from San Diego!
The tides and the weather played its part and a wonderful day was had by all as you can see from the pictures shown at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=791019829718670&set=pcb.791023896384930
- Beach Dig Brings Sunshine to All
On Saturday 17 January 2026 who had more fun, the kids, the parents or the organisers?
Looking at all the smiles and laughter, everyone had a great time (especially the parents in the sack race
)It was an awesome day on the beach for everyone, with sack races, tug of war, 3 legged race, egg & spoon races and prizes galore from our annual beach dig.
We’re so thankful to live in the most beautiful place, with an amazing community around us.
- Are you between 20 and 28 yo (or know somwone who is) and want a proven leadership development opportunity? Yes? Then read on …
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) 2026
RYLA is a programme promoting youth leadership aimed at young aspiring leaders aged between 20-28. Since its inception in 1960, thousands of young people around the world have benefited from RYLA. Many have gone on to be outstanding leaders of their families, their businesses and the communities in which they live.
The programme is focussed on:
- Leadership theory and skills;
- Leadership in practice; and
- Team situations to apply the skills learned, with the aim of developing:
- Self-awareness and self-reliance;
- Confidence to lead in any situation and
- Communication and networking skills
It brings outstanding facilitators and inspirational leaders together to share their knowledge and modern leadership practices with participants (a.k.a delegates) at a week-long live-in camp. It is not an “Outward Bound” experience, but there are physical aspects involved that are well within the reach of all young people with an average level of fitness.
Delegates need not be already in leadership roles but must have left school and must be aged between 20 and 28 years old in the year the programme they attend is held.
Each Rotary district in New Zealand conducts its own RYLA programme, usually once a year.
The next RYLA programme applicable to Rotary Clubs in District 9910 (Northland and northern and western parts of Auckland City) is being organised by the Browns Bay (Auckland) Rotary Club and will be held from Sunday 21st June to Saturday 27th June 2026 at the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education Centre (MERC), Long Bay, Auckland.
The attendance fee for each delegate is $1,437.00 including GST if paid by 31 Dec 2025, or $1,518.00 including GST if paid after that date but no later than 28th February 2026.
The Bay of Islands Rotary Club will pay half of the attendance fee for a suitable person, preferably, but not necessarily residing in the southern Bay of Islands area to be its delegate at this programme.
Anyone wishing to be the club’s delegate must apply on the application form available from the 2026 programme organisers at www.rotarybrownsbay.org.nz . More information about the programme can also be obtained from this website. To access the information and the application form click on the RYLA-Rotary Youth Leadership Award tab and then click on RYLA Flier 2026 (for information) or RYLA Form 2026 (for the application form).
The form will need to be down-loaded and completed by hand, then scanned and emailed to the club secretary at lynda.alesana@gmail.com no later than Friday 28th November 2025.
All applicants will be required to attend an interview with a small panel of club members at a date to be advised before being finally accepted as the club’s delegate.
- Yellow = happiness, optimism and hope = Daffodil Day Breakfast
The club hosts an annual Daffodil Day Breakfast in Paihia to raise funds for the Cancer Society and this year we had 80 guests! This was held at the Scenic Hotel on Friday 5 September where all were treated to a spectacular breakfast and enjoyed much laughter and conversation. A huge thanks to all and to the sponsor for the Raffle that generated huge enjoyment. See you all again next year.
- BBQ for Foodbank
On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 between 9am and 3pm there will be a sausage sizzle outside ASB Bank, Williams Street, Paihai to raise funds for the Foodbank. Volunteers wanted for a 2-hour slot (Call Donna or email joinus@boirotaryclub.co.nz )
- Daffodil Day Breakfast Friday 5 September 2025 – a popular annual event not to be missed this year
Each year this event is a sell out because it is such fun for such a great cause. If you would like to contribute a prize for the Raffle please contact Donna – could be something small like a quality bottle of wine through to a ticket to an experience of some sort … the options are endless.