We're pleased to announce Rotary South Pacific's Regional Council Chair; Learning & Development Director; and Fundraising, Partnerships & Grants Director.
Rotary South Pacific is pleased to announce the next Regional Council Chair, Jennie Herring; Learning and Development Director, Liz Courtney; and Fundraising, Partnerships and Grants Director, Peter Rogers, who will guide our Regional Council and respective Portfolios through the next phase of the Regionalisation Pilot in Zone 8 from 1 January 2026.
Jennie, Liz and Peter will join other Regional Council Directors, Edith Chaney (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director), Liz McDougall (Public Image and Marketing Director), Amanda Barnes (Service Projects and Programs Director), Stephen Lovinson (Rotary Community Nominee) and Joe Martinovic (Rotaract Director). The position of Membership Director is still under consideration.
Regional Council Chair – Jennie Herring
Jennie Herring will lead the work of the Regional Council and oversee the management of all Regional Council activities. Rotary Journey
Jennie joined the Rotary Club of Ōtāhuhu Inc in 1997 and was Club President 2007-2008, Assistant Governor from 2011 to 2013 and District Governor for District 9920 in 2015-2016, her District theme was ‘Share your Passions - Inspire All’. Since this time, Jennie has mentored seven District Governors.
In her 27 years in Rotary Jennie has held multiple high-level District roles including two Zone roles; Assistant Rotary Co-ordinator 2016-2019 and 2022-2025 Endowment/Major Gifts Advisor. Other high-profile roles have required Jennie to be an Australian Company Director, a Director of Rotary Down Under (RDU) 2017-2023, leading the Editorial Committee. Many other roles have required skills in Board Liaison and change management strategic planning and implementation. Jennie was a Paul Harris Fellow in 2004, a Sapphire in 2012 and 2014, and became a member of the Paul Harris Society in 2015, as well as a Bequest Donor and a Major Donor in 2016.
In 2018-2020 Jennie held the position of Co-Chair of South Pacific President Elects Development Seminar, a national training programme open to all Districts in New Zealand. Currently Jennie is Chair of RozOps Limited (trading as Rotary Oceania), a position she has held for the last six years.
Leadership Skills
Jennie’s high level of ethics, leadership and collaboration demonstrates her capabilities and integrity to guide the Regional Council – Rotary South Pacific. Jennie possesses the strategic management skills, financial acumen, and resilient leadership needed to navigate the challenges of this new structure. Her aim is to provide experienced governance to lead the Regional Council to significantly increase the reach and impact of Rotary and Rotaract in Australia, New Zealand the Pacific Islands.
Awards
Jennie was awarded the Rotarian of the Year Award for D9920 2024/25.
Learning and Development Director – Liz Courtney
Liz Courtney will create opportunities for members to learn, develop, and thrive in the South Pacific.
Rotary Journey
A Past District Governor (D9970, 2014-15), Liz has held multiple roles including Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 7B (2017-2020), ARPIC for Zone 8 (2015-16 & 2020-2022), and has served as Zone 8 Public Image Advisor (2022-24). She is the current Chair of the Rotary International Joint Learning and Development Committee ( 2023-26), shaping global learning strategies for Rotary Leaders.
Liz and is the Vice Chair of RDU, where she is a Director and Counsellor and the Vice Chair and founding partner behind the Rotary Community Breast Milk Bank Inc.
Having been the Vice Chair of RozOps Limited for the last 4 years, Liz is now an Independent Director, expanding her portfolio to include partnerships and projects, and is a member of the Philanthropic Society, building bridges between Rotary and future-minded donors. She played a role in the formation of District 9999 and continues to guide its public image strategy.
Learning and Development Experience
Liz Courtney is known for her ability to bridge vision and action across all levels of the organisation. Liz’s facilitation expertise spans Rotary Leadership Institute, IA and Global Institutes, and she currently leads the GELS and GNLs programmes for 2025-26, mentoring new facilitators and collaborating with RISPPO staff and regional leaders. Her strategic acumen has guided national learning initiatives, including co-chairing South Pacific Presidents Elect Seminars across New Zealand and the Pacific region.
Awards
A major Donor, Benefactor, Chair Paul Harris Society in D9999, Liz embodies Rotary’s spirit of giving. Liz was awarded a Canterbury Volunteer of the Year Award (2022) and the Rotary International Royce Abbey Award.
Fundraising, Partnerships and Grants Director – Peter Rogers
Peter Rogers will drive initiatives to secure resources and partnerships that enable sustainable programs and innovative projects for Rotary in the South Pacific.
Rotary Journey
Peter joined Rotary in 1990 and served as President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne (2015–16). He inducted 29 new members, introduced an under-40s category, and contributed $55,166 to The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund. Under his leadership, the club earned a Presidential Citation.
Past positions include Assistant Governor, District Chair of Australian Rotary Health, and President of the Rotary Club of Melbourne. He facilitated the Council on Legislation’s approval for corporate membership, earning District 9800 the Rotary Innovation Award. With over 30 years as a member, he continues to champion Rotary’s visibility and fundraising efforts, advocating for “One Voice” with government and partners.
Peter is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow (2008, 2016).
Fundraising, Partnerships and Grants Experience
Peter is the incumbent for this role. As the Emeritus Chair of Monash University’s Engineering and IT Foundation, he played a pivotal role in advancing education and research initiatives. He sits on the Board of the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, contributing to strategic decisions that shape the future of medical innovation. Throughout his career, he has successfully secured over $100 million in funding for Monash University and millions more for critical research projects, including groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine. His leadership has consistently focused on leveraging engineering expertise to drive medical breakthroughs, while also championing diversity and inclusion by encouraging women to pursue careers in engineering.
Awards
Notably, Peter is Member of the Order of Australia for his contributions to encouraging women in engineering, supporting Indigenous communities, and applying engineering to advance medical innovation.