The Rotary Club of Lake Taupo meet every Monday at 5.30 pm at Rotary House, 12 Story Place, Taupo. The Club was chartered on the 18th of November 2016 at Rotary House, Taupo and is the result of a merger between the Rotary club of Taupo and Taupo Moana. Membership at that time was 42. The current Club President is Deborah McCarthy.
The Club raises money for local and international causes including polio eradication, shelter for disaster stricken countries, and medical aid. Last year the Club held a free Christmas dinner for the less fortunate in Taupo. Club members also volunteer their time with Oxfam and the Lake Taupo Cycle challenge. The club has regular guest speakers and has held public meetings, including one with local election candidates.
In terms of fund raising, the Club's main events are the Rotary Charitable Golf Tournament and the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. This is New Zealand's biggest cycle event and is held on the last Saturday of November each year. The event has a 42 year history commencing in 1977 with 42 participants. It now attracts over 7,000 participants each year from over 20 countries. The long event is a 160 km one lap circumnavigation of the Lake. There are also fourteen (14) other event categories available. Proceeds from previous events have gone to the Taupo Volunteer Fire Brigade and St Johns Ambulance, amongst other community and charitable groups.
Another source of revenue is Rotary House, Taupo. The venue has a lounge that is able the seat 50 people, and a large hall with a stage that can hold between 150-300 people. It is a versatile and flexible event venue for public meetings, community meetings, family reunions, and wedding and birthday functions.
The Club has recently been gifted a Rotary Community Van from the Taupo Council. The van is available free of charge to eligible community groups.