Go WILD about Rotary - Month ONE – Starting the Rotary Year
In reflecting on the year ahead our first goal is to ensure that we are organised and ready to start the new Rotary Year.
But first: the year to Go Wild about Rotary was officially launched at Palmerston North Fire Station with over 180 Rotarians, partners and guests. To kick off the proceedings Emcee John Stevenson (AG Wairarapa) introduced the JorJaz dancers. A rousing upbeat choreographed rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” brought all to their feet with a standing ovation. District Governor Martin Garcia summarised an amazing year of “Rotary Serving Humanity”. In acknowledging the achievements of clubs and District Leaders DG Martin awarded a Presidential citation to the Taihape Club, Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to Bulletin Editor Adrienne Murray, Club Development & Membership Chair Deb Gimblett, Outgoing Foundation Chair Graeme Blick and Webmaster Richard Stephens. He also awarded Governor’s citations to outgoing District Secretary Carol Green, Public Image and Comms Chair Joanna Newlove and AG’s finishing their term - Trish Brown, Ric Hughes, Kevin Conroy, Nigel Ramsden and Christine Jones. The District Club Bulletin award went to the Rotary Club of Carterton Bully editor, John Stevenson.
After summarising the successful year of re-establishment of RYPEN to the RC of Inglewood, and Taranaki Clubs hosting the New Plymouth based District Conference and District Assembly, DG Martin concluded his year leading the District with the transfer of the District Governor’s chain of office to DG Mitchell Brown. Newly installed DG Mitchell & Fiona welcomed the new District Governor train, including DG Elect Marion Johnston and Mike, DG Nominee John Mohi and Lane, IPDG Martin Garcia and Denise, and finally PDG Simon Manning was welcomed; to the District Leadership team as “the glue” - and the role of Vice Governor of our Rotary International District 9940.
DG Mitchell took the opportunity to recognise the significant contribution and support that President Elect (RC of Tawa) Denise Garcia has provided to IPDG Martin Garcia. Denise was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship from the District.
After the awarding of the Rotary pins of office to Marion, John and Martin, DG Mitchell outlined International President Ian Risely’s theme for the coming year, “Rotary: Making a Difference”. RI President Ian Risely’s key messages were to focus on Club Development & Membership to improve our Clubs’ strength and vitality, as well as starting new clubs that attract a new generation of Rotarian. Clubs should contact District Club Development & Membership Chair Tony Heywood to gain assistance and support for club membership and club development opportunities.
We must also focus our efforts and attention to continue our financial support for the Rotary Foundation to End Polio Now. Our Clubs are encouraged to commit to raising funds that will contribute to our share of the eradication of Polio in the world. Clubs should contact District Polio Chair Michael Fagg to ensure their programmes of support and project are communicated to District Chair Michael and contributions and projects are coordinated and supported..
For succession and support of the environment of the future, RI President Ian Risely challenged us to plant a tree for every Rotarian. The district key contacts for this programme and our environmental focus are RC of Whanganui President Tom Carter and RC of Carterton Rotarian Mike Palmers. DG Mitchell proudly acknowledged President Tom Carter’s gifting of the first two native trees to be planted in the District to commence the programme. The two native trees, Griselina Littoralis Broadway Mint. This native with a Maori name of Kapuka is a hardy evergreen plant which reflects the qualities of Rotary and serving Rotarians. They are tough, hardy, resilient and thrive when presented with a challenge!!
If you need support with your goal of planting a tree for every Rotarian in your Club then please contact Mike Chalmers from the RC of Carterton or President Tom Carter from the RC of Whanganui. They will be able to support our Clubs projects to plant a tree for every Rotarian between now and 22 April 2018.
In aspiring to RI President Ian Risely's Presidential Citation that all Rotary Clubs can achieve by planning to contribute to these key areas of action in the coming year;
We have the opportunity to expand the Rotary Friendship Exchanges and Anneke Wolterbeek will be our District key contact for Rotarian's wishing to engage in this program. Anneke has a planned program of fellowship exchanges set for the coming years, so please contact her for further information or offerings of support.
Please also note at the first of our AG's Club Cluster meetings this month with our Presidents and Club representatives that we reinforce and seek action to have our Club plans noted in Rotary Club Central along with our Volunteer Hours summarised and recorded for the year.
Please enjoy the first months of this Rotary year where we will Go Wild About Rotary. But first please ensure we reinvest our Rotary Clubs and our Rotarian's by ensuring all Clubs have representation and attendance at the upcoming RLI and Club Development and Membership workshops scheduled over the next 8 weeks.
I look forward to visiting our many clubs and hearing about how our new President’s, their Club Boards and planning for a year to Go Wild About Rotary will culminate in us all attending RotaFEST - Our Festival of Rotary in the Palmerston North Square, May 11-13, 2018.
Yours in Rotary and Going Wild about Rotary in Month ONE
Mitchell Brown (Fiona)
District Governor 2017/18
District 9940
