Cyberclubs, a new way to contribute to your community. Would you join one?
A new type of service club is emerging which aims to modernise these important community organisation and keep them relevant for future generations.
Ruamahanga Lions in Wairarapa is one of the international organisation's cyber clubs which eschews regular meetings and uses technology at its heart.
Club secretary Jennifer Taylor said their emphasis on using technology to organise themselves and get together just for projects.
Taylor said many younger people have a desire to contribute to their communities but may not have time for fortnightly dinners or other regularly meetings that the traditional club organise.
Lions International has just rolled out its own app which can be used as a centralised communication hub with facilities such as instant message and a news feed to keep members in touch with club activities.
"Lions International, and New Zealand, are trying to lift their technology game in response to changing times and trying to attract younger generation," Taylor said.
Ruamahanga Lions is a mixed gender club and has only been going a year.
The club has a contract with the Department of Conservation to look after Anzac Bridge Reserve south of Eketahuna.
The club is planting more natives at the reserve on 4 August and they welcome volunteers.
Club president Sandy Hayes said the cyberclub model is working well and they are all able to keep in touch with the club's activities online.
She said the club is going well and they are happy to welcome new members.
She said many of their members work in Wellington so they would find it difficult attending meetings, so the cyber option is ideal.
The club has its own Facebook page Friends of Ruamahanga Lions
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52.1% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.1% Critical thinking
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30% Resilience and adaptability
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2.9% Other - I will share below!
Calling South Wairarapa Artists!
Wairarapa Art Trail is inviting local artists to be part of our 2026 Art Trail, happening 26–27 September 2026.
If you have a studio or art space and would like to open your doors to the public during the trail, we’d love to hear from you!
📧 Please email your expression of interest to: wairarapaarttrail@gmail.com
Let’s showcase the creativity of South Wairarapa together — feel free to share this post with fellow artists!
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