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Stories
Update from DG Mitch Brown
One third of the 2017/18 Rotary year achieved and much achieved by many Rotarians who are Going Wild in our District to see Rotary:Make A Difference!
I have been enjoying Going Wild about Rotary in the month of October with a full program of District Governor Visits and more interesting and amazing District activities in District, over the internet with video conference meetings and a national workshop in Christchurch.
This month is Rotary Foundation Month and clubs are urged to start thinking about any projects for next year that you would like to secure district or global grants.  The RI website and our District website has very good clear information about working through the requirements of both, and of course Adrienne Murray our District Grants Chair (amconsultingnz@gmail.com) and Simon Manning our Rotary Foundation Chair  (Simon@funeral-link.co.nz) are happy to discuss any queries you may have.  We are looking at options to simplify the way in which clubs become qualified to apply for grants and will be back to you with some new options early in the new year.
DG Visits
In the last month, I have been privileged to have met Rotarians and their Presidents and Boards at the Rotary Clubs of Pahiatua, Raetihi/Ohakune, Wanganui, Ngamotu, Hutt River Valley, Wanganui North, Feilding, Taihape, Marton, and Otaki. My thanks to the Clubs for their generous hospitality ,enjoyment of amazing Rotary fellowship, promotion of community projects and support demonstrating Service above Self
Read more...
Special Thanks
Special thanks to all clubs that made a special effort to raise funds to "End Polio Now"
I am aware of Dinners, lunches, breakfast, special collections at meetings, movie evenings with "Murder on the Orient Express" and various other ways of providing funds for this very important project.
We will let you know the amount we have raised as soon as the information is available.
Thank you
Mitch Brown
DG 
District 9940
2017 Miles to end Polio
Rotarians Riding so others may Walk
There are fewer polio cases today than at this time last year, and the virus is endemic in only 3 countries, but our goal is to reach zero.  
We cannot stop until we completely eradicate polio, which is why on 18 November, a team of Rotary staff and I will join Rotary Senior Leaders, Rotary members from Arizona (D5500) and around the world in El Tour de Tucson to raise funds for polio eradication
Read more...
Interact Clubs
How many interact clubs do we have in District 9940?
To find the answer and know where they are?
Go here
What is the Interact Council??
Read more...
Empower your community
According to the United Nations, global unemployment increased from 170 million people in 2007 to nearly 202 million in 2012, about 75 million of whom were young women and young men. October, Rotary Economic and Community Development Month, is a great opportunity to leverage your vocational skills to help meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8: promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all. Read on for ideas on how to empower members of your community.
    Read more...
    Exchange Students Marae Weekend in Pictures
    Thanks to all those involved in making the weekend one to remember and special thanks to Rodney, Marion and Mitchell for lending their support and speaking such wise and thoughtful words over the weekend 
    Lynne Phillips
    Adventures in South Africa for RAGES
    Deb Mair from the Plimmerton Rotary Club and a Board member for RAGES is currently in South Africa working with the Wildlife Rescue teams and other groups  -  a selection from her shared facebook comments
    Note:  Any club wishing to see more of the photo's and listen to some of the stories from Deb's trip please contact her  Deb Mair <dkmair@gmail.com
     
    Our home from home at Indlovu Camp & Research Facility in the Kruger National Park. Working at the RAGES Projects Rhino Mercy & the Back Mambas (APU) with Steph Rugg

    Primal Fear is our emotional response to dangerous circumstances. Spending our nights in a basic hut in the Kruger Park with a flyscreen door between you and Apex predators hightens your survival instinct. There is more action at night in Kruger than during the day. ... zebras settle down to sleep with one staying awake to watch out for predators.  Unfamiliar noises, shrieks, flying insects takes a bit of getting use to as you peer out into the black void of the night humid air. The "jaws" theme tune always comes to mind at night.... we are the prey!

    Off working with the Bush Babies Education Program in South Africa. Teaching the students about Mammals & NZ animals. This project is supported by Rotary.

    Read more...
    Council of Legislation
    Several weeks ago I wrote to clubs seeking your input on the 38 2017 Council on Legislation Resolutions.
    You can review the proposed 38 Resolutions in detail by going to my.rotary.org/cor/vote
    Based on the feedback received we have voted on the 38 resolutions in accordance with that detailed below.
     
    I would like to thank those clubs and individuals who took the time to respond. 
    This is your opportunity to have our say on how Rotary will be run in the future.
    Graeme Blick
    District 9940 Representative on the Council of Legislation
    Read more...
    Shelterbox
    Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past month. Whether you shared a post on social media, told a friend about us, hosted a 'Shine for ShelterBox' supper, set up your own fundraising page or made a donation - you have helped us make a difference in the lives of others! 

    We are pleased to report that ShelterBox New Zealand is again at the front of Disaster Relief and is proud that three members of our ShelterBox Response Team were deployed to assist with the recent deployments worldwide. Ross MacKenzie and Owen Smith were deployed to the Caribbean whilst Jimmy Griffith was deployed to Bangladesh to assist with the Rohinga Crisis and all are now safely back home.

    A big Thank You to all our ShelterBox New Zealand volunteers for their unstinting and continued service to others in need!

    Learn more about Hurricane Irma> 
    Literacy
    Greetings to Rotary friends from around the world - a special note to  DGs on Literacy matters.
    Firstly, our Vice-Chair (PDG Carolyn Johnson) and I send our best wishes to you and your family in this great year of service. It is a wonderful privilege that Rotary gives us to serve in this way and a year that will remain a highlight of your whole lifetime. Carolyn and I both know the work and time you put into the tasks, but please also enjoy the experience. 
    The Literacy Rotarian Action Group shares ideas on basic education and literacy as well as trying to link individuals and teams to take action. Therefore we would be pleased to hear directly from you if your District or a Club or individuals in your District are doing something in the field of basic education or literacy that you would like to share. Please tell us and if possible send some photos or even video clips. 

    Here are some activities that you may be interested to read about, but also might share within your District.
    To whet your appetite:
    Read more...
    Tree Planting Continues
    2017/2018 RI President Ian Riseley set an initiative in place "to plant one tree for every Rotarian in the World". Inglewood Rotary Club had the greatest pleasure turning up with spades and gumboots to ensure this was done.  24 native trees were planted at Vertical Horizon. After planting, we enjoyed fellowship and a fantastic BBQ dinner was enjoyed by all.
    National Membership Seminar
    75 people went "Wild about Membership" at the Commodore Hotel  in Christchurch on the 28th October. There was a positive buzz throughout the day with plenty of conversation going on at the  break times and lots of good positive feedback at the end of the day.
    We had two speakers from Australia RI Director Noel Trevaskis and PDG Jessie Harman
    Nine separate topics were covered on the day :
    Read more...
    Matched Student Exchange
    Two young men shared their experiences undertaking a six month exchange between New Zealand and Australia at a recent Paraparaumu Rotary dinner.
     Tristan Cherrill, 14, of Paraparaumu College (left), and Paddy McTaggart, 15, of Muswellbrook, NSW, Australia. PHOTO: KAP050917SPLROTARY
     
    Year 10 Paraparaumu College student Tristan Cherrill, 14, and Paddy McTaggart, 15, of Muswellbrook, Australia, thanked Paraparaumu Rotary for the experience.
    “I learned a lot about myself, how to communicate better and how to make friends,” Tristan said. “I also learned that my experience is my responsibility and when I put the effort into something, I gain a great deal.”
    The boys shared photos of their experiences, which included bungy jumping, jet skiing, surfing, water rafting, trekking the Blue Mountains, tramping the Hemi Matenga and escarpment, many nature reserves and concerts.
     
     
    Letter from  PDG Hugh Lavery  and Karen

    Thank you so much for having us at your meeting on Thursday night.  Karen and I thoroughly enjoyed the (affectionate) ribbing we received !, it was like we were “Dreamin’”

    On reflection, the night was one of the best Rotary nights we have had.  The program was excellent and varied – so well done to all who put it together and for making it so enjoyable. 

    Read more...
    News
    ROTAFEST 18
    Have you thought about booking your accommodation yet?
    If you haven't done so already, please confirm your booking in your diary and scratch out the weekend of May 11-13 May 2018 to attend the Rotary event of the year - RotaFEST 18- A Festival of Rotary!
    PDG Glen Caves as our District Events Chair is heading the committee that will deliver an outstanding weekend of Rotary information and fellowship, with great jazz music and international performing artists, great food and speakers. Coupled to the Rotary opening of the WildBase Recovery Centre on Friday the 11th and culminating in our District Training Assembly on the Sunday.  The Saturday is a packed day of conference, festival and fellowship for all to enjoy. Soon you will be able to register and pre-book accommodation, so look out for and keep an eye on your email and District Website
    Read more...
    Vacancies
    Situations Vacant !!
     
    District 9940  - Chair PUBLIC IMAGE District Committee
    We are looking for a Rotarian with knowledge and experience in promoting, marketing and providing coordination across the District and for Club support of our Rotary District Public Image responsibility and committee. A great opportunity to support our communications team with our Webmaster, Bulletin Editor, Facebook Coordinator and Marketing Coordinator.
     
    Your expression of interest would be gladly received by District Secretary Nigel Ramsden email - nigel.ramsden@xtra.co.nz by the 5th November 2017.
     
     
    Nominations are called for District Governor 2020-2021
    Nominations are invited for the position of District Governor 2020-2021 for District 9940.
     
    Clubs are invited to nominate Rotarians with suitable leadership qualities for the position who, additionally, must have completed a full 12 month term as club president.
    The District Nominating Committee will consider nominations in March.
    Nominations should reach Trustee and DAC Secretary Tony Fryer, <mailto:nafryer@xtra.co.nz> by 8am Wednesday 28 February 2018
     

    Tony Fryer

    nafryer@xtra.co.nz

     
    Read more...
    Opportunity for VSA Speakers:  Connecting Communities
    VSA is New Zealand’s largest and most experienced volunteer agency working in international development. We have recruited more than 3000 New Zealanders over the past 54 years. We bring together New Zealanders and our Asia-Pacific neighbours to share their skills and experience, working to transform lives and create a fair future for all. 
    For many years Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) has offered speakers to community clubs like yours throughout New Zealand. Last year we were delighted to accept invitations from Rotary clubs in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, Whakatane, Whangaparoa and Dunedin.

    We know that there are many more Rotary groups throughout New Zealand and in 2017 we would like to reach out to more of them.
    Read more...
    Rotary on the Move
    A newsletter that you can subscribe to.  Latest membership Zone newsletter - Rotary on the Move
     There are some great tips and a range of strategies to be offered to Clubs. Please use this info to support Club membership Directors and their club strategies and membership programs across the District through your next Club Cluster meetings and discussions with your Presidents.
     Please also note the inference to investing in ourselves and membership for the future with Interact and Rotaract clubs.
    To read the November edition click here
    Read more...
    Christmas Pudding time
    Rotary Christmas Plum Puddings now available to order.
    The “Original Rotary Christmas Pudding” (in a tin) will be offered to all clubs again this year by the Rotary Clubs of Kaukau and Karori acting as the distributor for District 9940.
    Many of you are familiar with these traditional Rotary gifts and it is appropriate that we remind you of some of the benefits in purchasing this great product.
    Read more...
    Up Coming Events
    What is happening out there
    If you would like an event that your club is putting on advertised here and/or in the website please let me know  bulletin9940@rotaryoceania.zone
    Please share what is happening in your club with your Rotary colleagues
    Read more...
    Porirua Pop Up Shop
    Monday 11 November to Sunday 18 November
    17A Hartham Place
    Porirua
    Great bargains.  Lots of good reading
    Good quality pre-loved ladies clothing

    Read more...
    Karori Garden Trail
    The Karori Lions garden trail, to be held on 25 and 26 November from 10:00 am - 4:30 pm, features 12 outstanding Karori gardens including Zealandia. Tickets are $25 each and are available from all gardens on the day (only Zealandia will have eft-pos) or in advance from the following retailers:
    • Mitre 10, Crofton Downs
    • Paper Plus Select, Karori Mall
    • Marsden Books, Marsden Village, Karori
    • Twigland Gardeners World, Johnsonville
    • Palmers, Miramar
    California Home Garden Cafe, Lower Hutt. 
    Read more...
    Plimmerton Rotary Garden Trail
              Gift vouchers are available  -  these would make wonderful Christmas presents.
    13 Gardens  - large rural through to the smaller urban gardens.
    Check out details here
    Read more...
    International Rotary Cricket Tournament  -  India

    Rotary District 3012 in India is delighted to be hosting Rotary International Cricket Tournament for two days from 24  to 25 Feb 2018 in the Cricket Stadium in Noida, India.  We are passionate about the game and the players.

    Robert Armstrong ( rob.armstrong1@xtra.co.nz)  will be the contact and co-ordinator for District 9940.  Rob has all the details so please get in touch with him.

    Read more...
    On line Membership Courses
    New interactive online membership courses
    Are you looking for ways to connect with new members? Do you want to learn more about membership leads? Is your club diverse? Find strategies for tackling membership challenges in the Learning Center.

    New courses include interactive modules that allow you to choose your own adventure. After reading a scenario, you’ll get to decide what to do. You can even see what happens when you choose different actions. Whether you use these courses at learning events or on your own, they offer a fun experience for everyone. 
    Read more...
    Innovative Young Minds 2018
    It’s well known that diversity in the workplace leads to more innovation.  Women are under-represented in the STEMM sector (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and manufacturing) . 
    Hutt City Council and Rotary Hutt City want to change that.
     
    Planning for Innovative Young Minds (IYM) 2018 is underway. Your club President and Secretary have already received an email along with a report on IYM 2017.
    IYM is a hands-on experiential week, where female students who have an interest in STEMM subjects get a taste of the numerous career pathways open to them. Students visit tertiary institutions, Crown Research Institutes and technology businesses and get involved in activities prepared by their hosts.  
                                                                          
     
    Read more...
    Toronto Canada  RI Convention
    Join us at the 2018 Rotary International Convention, 23-27 June, where the vibrant city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, will be yours to explore.
    Don't know where to start? Take a ride on an iconic streetcar to discover Toronto's main Chinatown, one of five in the metro area. Or visit Casa Loma, an authentic castle with historic architecture and beautiful gardens. And don't forget to stop by the Hockey Hall of Fame, where you can try Canada's national pastime yourself.
    Early-registration savings expire soon, so register today!
    Don't forget to share the excitement by downloading the convention promotion kit or checking out the Facebook event page
    Read more...
    Upcoming Events
    Distric 9980 Conference, Dunedin
    May 04, 2018 – May 06, 2018
     
    District 9940 Conference
    May 11, 2018 – May 13, 2018
     
    District Training Assembly
    May 13, 2018
     
    District Training Assembly 2018
    May 13, 2018
    9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
     
    RANZE Expression of interest forms due
    May 15, 2018
     
    District 9930 Conference Taupo
    May 18, 2018 – May 20, 2018
     
    Closing date for Foundaiton District Grant applica
    May 31, 2018
     
    RI Convention, Toronto, Canada
    Jun 23, 2018 – Jun 27, 2018
     
    RANZE NZ & Australian students go to Australia
    Jun 30, 2018
     
    RANZE NZ-Aus matching exchange full applns due
    Jun 30, 2018
     
    Bulletin Editor
    Adrienne Murray