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Stem Festival

Tauranga STEM Festival 2025

Rotary was proud to partner with House of Science at this year’s Tauranga STEM Festival, where thousands of families explored the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Our Rotary team — including Linda Ellis, Rob and Jacqui Thompson — worked hard throughout the day at the vibrant pollination-themed stand, which featured everything from live beehives to seed giveaways and planting beds.

With more than 10,000 visitors expected, it was a buzzing day of learning, discovery, and community engagement — showcasing Rotary’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and inspiring young minds.

President Alan Hitchcock Welcome Message

The Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa was chartered in 1981. The club meets every Thursday for lunch at The Fish & Dive clubrooms, 60 Cross Road, Tauranga. The meetings feature a light lunch and a great mix of club members who pack in a lot of fun, humour, and networking. We have a diverse range of entertaining & inspirational guest speakers. Tauranga Te Papa is a strong and vibrant club of around 45 active members who are passionate “people of Action” and committed to engaging in projects of benefit to both local as well as international communities.

PEOPLE of ACTION

You’ll be one of over a thousand young Kiwis each year who get on board to experience the trip of a lifetime. You’ll leave with a whole new set of skills, lots of new friends and a new confidence to take on the challenges in life. The whole voyage is based on learning by doing. You’ll face all sorts of challenges and take part in lots of activities on the ship, on the water and on the shore. Leaving you with a level of self-empowerment only found on the Spirit of New Zealand.

Increased confidence and skills: On Spirit you’ll improve your communication and leadership skills and learn the importance of self-awareness and being a part of a team. As you face the various challenges your confidence will increase as you increasingly move outside of your comfort zone.

New friends and connections: You’ll meet 39 other young kiwis from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Over 10 days you will come to depend on each other, learn tolerance and acceptance and create close and lasting bonds. Once you leave the ship you are connected to the Spirit community for life! You’ll have the opportunity to return as a crew member and share your experiences with others.

Start your adventure today with support from the Rotary club of Tauranga Te Papa. We have limited grant funds of up to $1500-00 available to support 16–18-year-olds.

To apply for a grant, simply complete the application form and forward it to.

Ward Reid wardreid@actrix.co.nz

Spirit of Adventure Trust • Ignite your Spirit of Adventure

Go on bush expeditions, water challenges, sea voyages and height activities to mention a few. The outcome is new confidence, making effective decisions, communication skills, increased determination for those who have left school but not found their direction in life yet. Just to mention a few.

Start your adventure today with support from the Rotary club of Tauranga Te Papa. We have limited grant funds of up to $1500-00 available to support 18 – 26-year-olds attend an experience of a lifetime.

To apply for a grant, simply complete the application form and forward it to:

Ward Reid wardreid@actrix.co.nz

Outward Bound - Outdoor Education New Zealand