Aspiring Rotary

It’s on tonight!

If you haven’t already got your tickets to our Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers event tonight - then make sure you do using the below link 👇

https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers

🗓 Tonight – 28 Feb 2026
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
⏰ 5–10 PM
🎟 $35

See you there!

Event to ‘spark conversations’ about mental health Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers at the Lake Wānaka Centre brings together Lou Vincent, Glen Thurston, Kathryn Wright and MC Matt Chisholm for an inspiring night of rural mental health stories, practical tools, social connection, and fundraising for Mental Hunts. ​

This Saturday night in Wānaka, not long to go now.

If you’ve been thinking about coming along, this is your nudge.

In our rural communities, we’re great at getting on with things. But when it comes to mental health, it’s not something we should have to carry on our own and this night is about opening up that conversation.

Aspiring Rotary is bringing you Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers. A good, honest evening to yarn, listen, and support Mental Hunts , who are doing incredible work for mental wellbeing in our rural communities.

🗓 This Saturday – 28 Feb 2026
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
⏰ 5–10 PM
🎟 $35

You’ll hear true stories of downfall and redemption from ex Black Cap Lou Vincent, MC’d by Matt Chisholm, with powerful, real-life talks from Glen Thurston and Kathryn Wright.

No fluff, just real stories, real people, real conversations.

There’ll be a bar on site, food available, and a live auction with some great prizes, all proceeds going straight back into supporting rural mental health through Mental Hunts.

Grab a mate, grab a ticket, and come be part of something that matters.

🎟 Tickets here:

https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers/tickets

Please note: This event will include discussions around mental health challenges, including su***de. Recommended for ages 16+. Parental discretion is advised.

🦌 LIVE AUCTION 🦌

As part of our upcoming event, Bush, Balls & Breaking Barriers, we’re bringing you an incredible live auction packed with experiences, gear, and local favourites, all thanks to the amazing support of businesses 🙌

Here is what is up for grabs :

⸻

The Ultimate Hunting Package

• Return helicopter flights with Backcountry Helicopters
• Guided hunt with Chris McCartney from Lake Hawea Hunting Safaris
• 45L Arete & Meat Hauler Frame Combo from Hunters Element
• Hunt Mate merchandise from Hunt Mate
• Filleting knife from NZ Safety Blackwoods

⸻

The Weekend Away Package

• 2 nights for 2 people at Walnut on Russell in Wānaka
• Go karting + mini golf at Highlands Motorsport Park
• Cardrona carting experience with Cardrona Alpine Resort
• $100 voucher for The Stoaker Room
• $100 voucher for Relishes Cafe

⸻

Health & Wellness Package

• 6-month membership + heart rate monitor from BFT Wanaka
• 2-night safari tent stay at The Camp Lake Hawea
• 2-person sauna pass with The Secret Sauna

⸻

The Adventure-Ready Package

• Milwaukee chilly bin loaded with goodies for your next mission
• 5-person pass to a Hunting Development Course

Thanks to Placemakers Wānaka
⸻

This is your chance to support an incredible cause, and walk away with an unforgettable experience!

Grab your tickets now and be there on the night, you won’t want to miss this!

📅 Saturday, 28 February 2026 | 5–10pm
📍 Lake Wānaka Centre
🎟️ Grab your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/bush-balls-and-breaking-barriers

We had a social night playing bowls…but truthfully, we all turned up for the snacks 👀😂

A massive thanks to Heather for putting on such a great night! And for the team at Wānaka Bowling Club for your patience and advice. We appreciated all of your help!

Aspiring Rotary is all about supporting our community and enjoying good company , we work hard but we also have a ton of fun and boy do we have an awesome crew.