At the Rotary Club of Milson, we believe that our community’s future is only as bright as the opportunities we create for our young people. While we are known for our Charity Golf Tournament and community projects, one of our most powerful impacts happens behind the scenes: sponsoring local youth to reach heights they never thought possible.
From the science lab to the sports field, and from international stages to safer roads, Milson Rotary is dedicated to removing financial barriers for talented young minds. Here is how we are backing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and champions.
Igniting Minds in Science and Tech
We are passionate about fueling curiosity. That’s why we proudly sponsor students to attend premier science programs that can define their future careers.
Innovative Young Minds (IYM): We are committed to breaking the glass ceiling in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, and Manufacturing). By sponsoring local Year 11 and 12 female students to attend the IYM residential programme, we help them explore high-tech companies, meet industry mentors, and tackle innovation challenges. It is about showing young women that their place is at the forefront of discovery.
The Rotary National Science and Technology Forum: For high-achieving students eyeing a career in science, we sponsor this prestigious two-week residential programme in Auckland. Students experience university life, visit cutting-edge organisations like Rocket Lab and Fisher & Paykel, and connect with like-minded peers from across the country. It is an intense, life-changing immersion into the world of professional science.
Building Leaders and Saving Lives
Support isn't just about academics; it's about character and safety.
- RYDA (Road Safety Education): Young drivers are our most vulnerable road users. We support the RYDA programme, a workshop that goes far beyond standard driving lessons. Through practical demonstrations and interactive sessions, Year 11 and 12 students learn about hazard perception, risk management, and the crucial social responsibility of driving. It’s an investment that literally saves lives.
- RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards): We invest in potential leaders. Recently, we sponsored Charlotte Sinclair, a young lawyer, to attend the 5-day RYLA leadership camp at Forest Lakes. Through challenges and workshops, participants like Charlotte gain confidence and skills that they bring back to enrich our local professional community.
Local Champions Taking on the World
Our support has immediate, real-world results. Just look at the local talent we’ve helped launch onto the global stage:
- World Kids’ Lit Quiz: When the PNINS team qualified for the World Final in South Africa, Milson Rotary stepped up to sponsor team member Annabelle. The team represented New Zealand with pride, learning invaluable lessons in resilience and culture while competing against the world's best readers.
- International Sports Stars: We were thrilled to support Aria Wood, a canoe polo phenom who overcame injury and intense competition to represent New Zealand in China.
- Future Scientists: We sponsored Abbey Bleakley to attend the NZ International Biology Olympiad selection camp, fueling her passion for marine biology and biological engineering.
- Grassroots Training: Closer to home, we supported the Feilding Moa Harriers Youth Camp, helping young athletes like Sophie and Maddie gain access to top-tier coaching and build lifelong friendships.
Join Us in Making a Difference
This isn’t your grandfather’s Rotary. We are a diverse group of men and women, professionals and parents, united by a drive to lift our community.
Whether it’s sending a young scientist to a lab or a young athlete to the podium, every member of Milson Rotary plays a part in these success stories. Imagine the rush of knowing you helped a local student realise their dream.
Want to be part of the action?
Come along to a meeting, enjoy a meal, and see how we turn "service above self" into real opportunities for our youth. Contact us today!