Welcome to the Rotary Club of Newmarket (Inc)
Newmarket Rotary is an active club of dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. We focus on a wide range areas where we can make a difference, including helping those in need, giving young people amazing opportunities for development, and improving the health of our environment. We welcome anyone who wants to come along and help and have some fun at the same time.
 
Programs that we are involved with are:
 
 
 
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District Conference - 2025
Pictures from last weekends conference with members past and present enjoying the hospitality that only Rotorua can provide.
 
   

Past DG and President Ron reported that he and Sharon were there mostly for the Fun and Fellowship inter alia catching up with old friends and making new ones  … leaving the rotary energy, passion and angst to those with youth or a penchant to hang on 
 
They up with past RCoN member Mike Fraser who introduced us to Russel Toplis’ sister in one of the pix They r both with Tauranga Sunrise who took the best dressed club trophy for the island themed gala night 
 
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Professor Andrew Jeffs
Professor Andrew Jeffs was the final speaker of a busy night...
 
 
Andrew, who is well-known to the club is a professor at Auckland University and works in the Institute of Marine Science at Auckland University he discussed the Caulerpa problem and other environmental issues in the Hauraki Gulf.
 
Andrew gave us an update on the Caulerpa problem, which was first discovered in 2021 in the Great Barrier Island and Kiwi Bay in the Bay of Islands.

The seaweed species, which originated from eastern Australia and the Pacific, has spread rapidly, posing a serious threat to the coastal ecosystems.  The Caulerpa problem is estimated to cost the country $9 billion in lost economic productivity.  It is a serious problem.

The government is funding testing systems to control the spread, including a pilot project using chlorine to kill the seaweed.
 
Andrew told us about the significant impact of Caulerpa on coastal ecosystems, including the destruction of kelp forests and the overpopulation of sea urchins.

The government has implemented restrictions on crayfish capture in the Hauraki Gulf to allow the crayfish population to recover and control the sea urchin population.

The Minister of Fisheries announced plans to extend the crayfish capture ban along the northeastern coast to protect the ecosystem.

The government is also considering establishing marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf to address overfishing and environmental pressures.

Andrew highlighted the government's efforts to address environmental issues in the Hauraki Gulf, including the introduction of legislation for marine protected areas.

Waiheke Island Community group's proposal for a marine reserve in Waiheke is still under consideration by the government.

Andrew encouraged us to watch the documentary "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet," which highlights the global impact of environmental degradation on marine ecosystems.

Andrew commented that despite the proposed marine protection in the gulf he could not understand the government's decision to allow bottom trawling in the Hauraki Gulf despite community opposition.
 
All in all Andrews address was a bit depressing especially with respect to the effect and impact of caulerpa on the marine environment..
 
As ever Andrew's addresses to the club were insightful and gave us all food for thought.
 
 
Environment Awards 2025
Kate Lockton 
 
 
Kate was last years awardee of the Rotary Club of Newmarket Environment Award.
 
She spoke to us about Milky-White Flesh Syndrome in Snapper.

The syndrome is the focus her PhD research.

The condition is predominantly found in the Hauraki Gulf and affects the appearance and health of snapper.

She pointed out the physical differences between healthy and affected fish, noting the white and mushy flesh of affected fish in comparison to the translucent and healthy appearance of the healthy fish.

Kate showed us a visual comparison of three snapper fish, ranging from severe Milky White flesh to healthy.

The affected fish are noted to be significantly skinnier and have reduced gonads, indicating reproductive issues.

Nutritional differences between affected and healthy fish were identified, with affected fish having lower levels of carbohydrates and lipids.

Kate said she was collecting blood samples to identify markers between healthy and affected fish, which will aid in aquarium recovery work.

Kate explained the importance of nutritional analysis, having collected 100 snapper tissue samples to build a nutritional profile.

Affected fish were found to have lower levels of carbohydrates and lipids compared to healthy ones. Blood collection is seen as a crucial step in identifying markers between healthy and affected fish.
The blood samples will be used to measure conditions and assess improvements during aquarium recovery work.
 
Kate outlined the goals of aquarium recovery work, which involves catching live animals and observing them in aquaria for two months. The aim is to improve the condition of affected fish through nutritional means and to measure improvements using blood tests.
 
Kate concluded by thanking those involved in her research and for their support;
 
Karla Butcher• 

John Graham introduced Carla Butcher this years awardee of the Rotary Club of Newmarket Environment Award. He highlightedng her qualifications, research experience, and current master's study in biosecurity and conservation at Auckland University.

Karla spoke to her master's research on regional biosecurity for the Hauraki Gulf, focusing on potting mix and potted plants.

She thanked her supervisors for their support and outlined the structure of her address, including the importance of regional biosecurity and the methods she will use.

Karla explains the concept of invasive species and the importance of preventing species introductions, as eradication is more difficult and costly. She went on to tell us about the process of species arrival, establishment, and spread, and the role of vectors and pathways in introducing non-indigenous species.

Karla discussed the national biosecurity measures in New Zealand, emphasizing the role of the Ministry of Primary Industries in preventing international species introductions. She highlighted the importance of regional councils and the Department of Conservation in managing regional spread once species have arrived.

Karla went on to describe examples of the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems, such as the Hihi and Kokako native songbirds and sea birds that nest in burrows. She explained the high risk of biological invasions from increased plantings, particularly through the use of potting mix and soil, which can transport invasive species.

Karla outlined her methods for assessing the risk to the Hauraki Gulf, including molecular ecology techniques like DNA.

She explained the concept of propagule pressure, which includes the number of individuals arriving, the frequency of invasion events, and the physiological condition of the species. She also discussed the importance of restoration plantings in creating healthy ecosystems but also the risk of introducing invasive species.

Karla provided examples of invasive species found in nurseries, such as big mats of weeds, spiders, and plague skinks, and the role of Auckland Council in managing these risks.

Karla described Auckland Council's plant pass system, which is a voluntary program for nurseries to be registered and follow biosecurity protocols. She explained the pest-free operator program for transporting plants and the challenges of ensuring compliance.

Karla highlighted the issue of invasive species found in plant pass nurseries and the need for better monitoring and data collection.  She then went on to outline her research plan, including sampling potting mix and plants from various locations, and the use of eDNA to identify invasive species.

Karla discussed the challenges of testing the assumption that potting mix is sterile and the need for thorough checks on bulk plants. She described examples of her research sites and the importance of sampling from both mainland and offshore islands.
 
Karla told us of her mobile lab and the process of taking eDNA samples from potting mix and then commented on the implications of her research for Auckland Council and the broader biosecurity efforts in New Zealand.
 
At the conclusion of her address the Karla was thanked for her presentation and then officialy received the club's environment award from Boyne Drummond and President John Hawke.

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Club Information
Newmarket (Inc)

Come join us for a club meeting

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:30 PM
Epsom Community Centre
202 Gillies Ave
Auckland,  1051
New Zealand
On the second Tuesday of the month instead of lunch we meet for dinner at the Remuera Golf Club starting at 6.30pm
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JOIN A PROJECT


Change your community with us by volunteering on a local project.

PARTNER WITH US


We work with groups and organizations of all sizes to accomplish even more.

DISCOVER NEW CULTURES


Discover and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.