For the Sake of Our Children Trust chief executive officer and former head of Work and Income Christine Rankin was a guest speaker at the conference.
Ms Rankin delivered a sobering speech about the state of New Zealand's problems with child and domestic abuse, highlighted by images of the battered body of a toddler who died at the hands of his parents.
Ms Rankin said New Zealanders were too lazy and afraid to speak out about child abuse, with many believing it had nothing to do with them.
"We are on our way to hell in a handcart . . . we are in serious trouble with the social status of this country. For the most part we sit back quietly, and because it's not politically correct to say what we really feel and think, we talk behind closed doors and instead of facing reality we hope that someone in power will see the reality of what's happening.
"Don't think it's a North Island thing because it's not. Child abuse statistics in the South Island are appalling."
She cited many statistics which showed New Zealand was among the worst countries in the world for child abuse, murders, youth suicides, and violent incidents.
Ms Rankin said Rotary was one of the few remaining organisations which had the potential to help rectify the situation, and urged conference attendants to have the courage for progress.
"You might listen to me today and think that it does not apply to you, but it does. I believe Rotary is one of the groups that can help this situation . . . Most people want to help, they just don't know what to do. But I have great hope," she said.
Ms Rankin received a standing ovation from the more than 500 Rotarians attending the conference.
They also heard about various Rotary projects, achievements and challenges, as well as suggestions of how to attract and encourage younger members, and how to maintain Rotary successes into the future.
Personal achievements of individual Rotarians from throughout the district were celebrated.
Those chosen to be sponsored on an international Rotary exchange to New Orleans introduced themselves, and other guest speakers included six-time cancer survivor and motivational speaker Phil Kerslake, of Wellington.
The conference, held at Cromwell College, started on Friday and finished yesterday.
