Whanganui woman Marion Johnston to become Rotary district governor

Rotarian Marion Johnston will be inducted as District Governor next Sunday. Photo / Supplied

Rotarian Marion Johnston says she is ready and able to take on the role of district governor for an area that covers more than 50 clubs.

"Rotary provides very good training and I've been well prepared for the role."

Johnston, from Wanganui North Rotary Club, will be inducted as district governor for Rotary District 9940 next Sunday.

This district runs from north of New Plymouth, across to Ohakune and Taihape then Dannevirke and down to Wellington.

"Marion will be responsible for more than 50 Rotary clubs, two Rotaract clubs, seven Interact clubs and more than 1600 Rotarians," says assistant governor for Whanganui Rotary cluster Tony Stuart.

Rotaract clubs are for members aged 18 to 30 and Interact clubs are for members aged 12 to 18.

"This is a prestigious appointment and reflects the esteem in which Marion is held by fellow Rotarians."

Johnston, who runs Whanganui business Holdaways Brake & Clutch in Ridgway St with husband Mike, says she feels honoured to be chosen for the role.

"Rotary provide training for spouses as well and Mike is well prepared to support me in the role."

Outgoing district governor Mitchell Brown will give his final address before Johnston's induction at the Eulogy Lounge at Wanganui Racecourse.

"We are expecting between 150 and 200 Rotarians from right around the district to be on hand," Stuart says.

"The three Whanganui Rotary Clubs are all holding their changeovers at the same venue on Sunday."

He says each of the clubs usually holds a separate ceremony to induct their new president for the start of the new Rotary year which begins in July.

But to celebrate Johnston's appointment as district governor, it was decided a combined ceremony was appropriate this year.