DG John's  April Message 

He aha te mea nui o te Ao?
He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is people, it is people, it is people
 
April is Child and Maternal Health month in the Rotary world so for us to pass the first financial hurdle in the Zone 8 funding process for Rotary Give Every Child a Future has been a big achievement.  Our centenary project in the Pacific is underway!  Our District has more than carried its weight to help fund this initial stage through our Global Grant contribution of (NZD) $30,000.00. We will deliver 100,000 vaccinations for two childhood diseases and HPV cervical cancer to young people in the Pacific.
 
 
Since Thursday, 26 March 2020 we have been completely overtaken as New Zealand went into Alert Level 4 of lockdown to unite against COVID-19  https://covid19.govt.nz/communities/.  The lockdown will be for four weeks minimum and will impact on our lives and livelihoods for years to come.  Our first response has been to look to our families, then to our work and after that to Rotary.  All our club presidents have set up communication networks to look out and care for our members and their families.  Old and new Rotary friendships, locally and across the world, have been rekindled and affirm our organisation as a connected, caring, international community.  
This week I have chosen to reflect on the themes developed for our 2020 Conference – the one that was not to be.
Rotary Connects the World
Together We Connect
Ko Tātou Tātou e, together we are one
Rotary Connects the World is the 2019-20 Rotary International (RI) theme.  The theme truly resonates as Rotary responds to COVID-19.  RI President Mark Maloney and RI President Elect Holger Knaack see this time as ‘an opportunity for us to demonstrate that Rotary Connects the World in innovative ways… Please visit the rotary.org COVID-19 response page for ongoing updates...  an organization that does so much to protect and strengthen our communities, at home and across the globe.’ 
An End Polio Now message from The Rotary Foundation also connects the world.  ‘The COVID-19 pandemic response requires worldwide solidarity and an urgent global effort. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), with thousands of polio workers and an extensive laboratory and surveillance network, has a moral imperative to ensure that these resources are used to support countries in their preparedness and response.

We can be proud that in the ever-connected world of global health, the polio infrastructure that Rotarians have helped build is already being used to address — and stop the spread of — the new coronavirus, in addition to serving countless other health needs. In Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where polio personnel and assets have a significant presence, workers from all GPEI partners are engaged in surveillance, health worker training, contact tracing, and more. In 13 countries, polio volunteers have been deployed to address COVID-19 preparations and response.’
 
All of us have helped with this work over many years in so many ways.
 
 
 Together We Connect,  Ko Tātou Tātou e, together we are one
is much closer to home as we are confined to our bubbles.  Some of us also have an ‘essential services’ role or even a second work bubble.  All of us are connected to many others.  We may not be able to meet in person but we are connected to extended families, friends and colleagues.
 
Over the past month our connections have been variously strained, sustained, reviewed, reformed and radically changed - perhaps forever in some cases.   Our Presidents, working with the Assistant Governors in 9940, have activated our communication networks.  District leaders have guided their teams to respond in real time to this pandemic.  I will share just three examples. 
 
Firstly the International Youth Exchange kiwi teams have set in place a plan for every inbound and outbound IYE student.  They have looked 12-18 months ahead for future IYE prospects as well.  Our own 9940 team has been exemplary in its contribution to this effort. 
Secondly, our Chairs have been proactive in reviewing their activities across the board.  Innovative Young Minds have a plan B ready to go, as do Rotary Youth Driver Awareness and RYPEN.  The Chair of our District Risk and Finance Committee is planning ahead and so too are the District Advisory Committee.  Our Chairs are connecting, sharing ideas and taking action. 
Thirdly, the Conference 2020 team has now completed all actions post its decision to cancel.  Happily the District has been spared any financial exposure through the cancellation.  Our planning is also freely available to the Conference 2021 planning team. 
At this time many of our colleagues are making significant contributions to our nation’s response to the pandemic.   My heartfelt thanks to all, and to all of us for as we collectively unite and take action against COVID-19.
 
Rotary Connects the World
Together We Connect
Ko Tātou Tātou e,  together we are one
 
Noho ora mai ra
Stay safe
 
John H Mohi