Kia ora e te whānau o Rotary,
Along with hands-on activities for my own club – rat trapping on the waterfront as part of the Predator Free programme and collecting funds from car parking at the Wellington waterfront markets, our District is very busy.
The Rotary Youth Enrichment Programme (RYPEN) took place in the Kauwhatau Outdoor Education Centre on the outskirts of Mangaweka this weekend. A fantastic programme for our secondary school rangatahi which will give them a sense of confidence, belonging and motivation. We thank our teams who organise and run this wonderful event for our district.
I enjoyed the Innovative Young Minds (IYM) Quiz Night run by RC Hutt City where a packed house of close to 200 people had a great night. Quiz Master and Hutt City President Craig Deadman kept us reaching to the far corners of our brains for answers to the questions…did you know that Mick Jagger was a backing vocalist on Carly Simon’s “You’re so Vain” ?!…the things you learn at quiz nights – well worth an evening out and with the auction and raffles they raised over $10,000 for the programme.
I visited the Wellington North and Levin clubs as well as attending the service for Past District Governor Ross George. Unfortunately I couldn’t make the service for Past District Governor Michael Leggott and his wife Ailsa who passed away within a few days of each other.
Wellington North (who recently combined with Karori) and Levin are stalwarts in their communities. They both have strong local ties and signature projects. Wellington North run the annual Khandallah Fair and are currently working on the Birdwood Reserve project which will build a new bush track on the approach to Zealandia in Karori (another Rotarian inspired project). They also provide a number of scholarships to tertiary students, provide support to Mary Potter Hospice and many other projects.
Levin have their own signature projects as well as supporting the robotic surgery equipment in Palmerston North Hospital (along with other central clubs), supporting the local foodbank, trailer loads of wood to raise funds, a busload of attendees to WoW and more. One activity I found of particular interest was the donated beast - the meat was processed and supplied as meat packs to Levin’s Hope Hub Free Store to help local families and individuals in need.
Both clubs are in good spirit but are considering ways in which they can bring in new members. Start with a plan – think about who the best demographic will be and will suit your clubs vibe…and then make a plan as to how you can approach and attract them. With a plan, you have a roadmap to success. Also don’t forget to ask people if they want to be a Rotarian as you will give them the opportunity to say YES!
It was a pleasure to celebrate Honorary Rotarian Phil Harland's 100th birthday on Friday with present and past Rotarians from Tawa. Now living in Carterton, Phil was a 37-year member of the Rotary Club of Tawa but has also been a member in many of his postings around the world as a trade ambassador for New Zealand. Members of Tawa arranged for letters from Past RI President Ian Riseley and current RI President Olayinka Babalola, and a PHF award. Congratulations Phil – a momentous achievement!
I know you will preparing for your World Polio Day events - the flyer below in this bulletin will show you how to register your event - we need to push on and finish the job and End Polio Now.
Don't forget to register for the dinner with Rotary Foundation Chair-Elect and Past RI President Gordon McInally. I would love to have your support to showcase several of our districts projects and launch our ‘Say NO to Domestic and Family Violence campaign. We are incredibly fortunate to have a past Rotary International President come to our district and we should make the most of it. Let’s show him how we enjoy our Rotary with fellowship, fun and fulfilment.
Ngā mihi nui
