District 202J
Central South Island East Coast
Lions District 202J welcomes you to our district webpage
District 202J covers much of the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island from Rakaia to Milton, and inland from Middlemarch up through Otematata and Tekapo to Geraldine. The district covers the flat plains of Mid-Canterbury and South Canterbury, the rolling hills of North Otago, and tussock and native bush covered hills behind Dunedin and beyond. Rivers like the Taieri, Waitaki, Rangitata and the Rakaia, and our many lakes make our district great for freshwater anglers. Saltwater fishing is also rewarding with many varieties caught including blue cod and groper.
Ashburton is a busy farming supply town surrounded by lush plains that support many different types of farming. Extensive irrigation schemes allow full utilisation of the land. Sheep, cattle, and deer are farmed in conjunction with numerous varieties of crops, both vegetable, seeds and grain.
Timaru is built around a thriving port that services the South Canterbury farmlands. With the rerouting of S.H. 1, Timaru is again a quiet peaceful town.
Oamaru is famous for its Victorian look and feel. Walking down Harbour Street is like stepping back into the 19th century. Be careful not to get run over by a penny-farthing cycle!
Dunedin is the main city in our district. The “Edinburgh of the South” lives up to its name with a statue of Robbie Burns in the Octagon at its centre. Dunedin is a university city with over 18000 students. Even though Dunedin has a population of approximately 125,000, it is New Zealand’s largest city by area, stretching from Middlemarch on the Strath Taieri plain in the west to Waikouaiti on the east coast and Mosgiel south-west of Dunedin, and including Otago Peninsula. Other attractions in Dunedin are the historic Edwardian-era railway station, the albatross colony on the northern tip of the peninsula at Taiaroa Head, Larnach Castle, Olverston, the University of Otago buildings, Speight’s Brewery, and the new roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium.
202J Meeting Dates (to be advised)
NEWS
Zone 4 Junior Speech Contest
"The Lions Clubs of Zone 4 held their annual Junior Speech Contest at Fenwick School Hall in Oamaru on 3 August 2025, with 26 talented students from school years 5 to 10 taking part.
Speech topics ranged from Rubik’s Cubes, ethnicity/racism, dogs, toilet paper, vapes, dawn raids & their legacy to AI, mental health, and people & the environment — showcasing a truly impressive variety of ideas and perspectives. A big thank you to all the students, families, and supporters who helped make the day a success!"
District Governor - Mike Wingfield
District Governor Mike Wingfield
Theme: “Together with purpose -We Serve.”
Mike began his Lions journey in 2009 as a member of Timaru Suburban Lions, where he first served as Programme Convenor before taking on the role of President in the 2014–2015 Lions year.
His dedication to service saw him join the District 202J Cabinet as Zone Chair in 2016–2018, followed by four
years as Youth Coordinator. He later served as Regional Chair and Cabinet GST Coordinator.
In 2017, Mike transferred with the New Zealand Police to Dunedin and became a member of Dunedin Balmacewen Lions, the club his father also proudly belonged to.
He went on to serve as their President in 2022–2023. From there, Mike progressed through Cabinet roles as 2nd Vice District Governor, then Vice District Governor, and is honoured to now serve as District Governor for District 202J for the 2025–2026 Lions year.
Outside of Lions, Mike is married to Lion Lynn, who is also a member of Dunedin Balmacewen Lions.
Together, they share three grown sons and eight grandchildren. Mike serves as a Sergeant in the New Zealand Police, and in his spare time enjoys keeping active at the gym, cycling, and playing golf.
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