Aotearoa, New Zealand rich with imagery, fires our imagination and encourages us to dream of how we can contribute to building a better world.
Matariki is one such image. The concept is not unique to us. We share the stars in the Pleaides cluster with the world and with cultures across time and place. The themes behind Matariki are sharing, reflecting, dreaming and planning. Matariki is also a time when we give special acknowledgement and love to the recently departed.
Thanks for a wonderful year and best wishes for 2019-20
An edited version Of DG Marion's speech at District 9940 Changeover on Sunday 7th July 2019.
As District Governors, when we first meet our RI president at International Assembly (DG training), we’re charged with carrying his message and theme for the year to Rotarians throughout our Districts, and to keep our Clubs informed and inspired.
When Barry Rassin announced his theme ‘Be the Inspiration’ I immediately thought ‘now that really is a great theme’ –it’s one we can apply to ourselves as individuals in all facets of our lives and one our clubs can relate to; they can apply it in their interactions with each other and with communities local and global.
RI President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney’s theme for 2019-20, Rotary Connects the World, asks Rotarians to strengthen the many ways that Rotary Connects the World, building the connections that allow talented, thoughtful, and generous people to unite and take meaningful action through Rotary Service.
Mark joined Rotary in Florida as a member of the Tampa Hyde Park Rotary Club. On return to Wellington joined the Rotary Club of Wellington and was President of the Rotary Club of Wellington 2016/17.To support his Rotary activities, Mark is General Manager of the New Zealand Government’s Aviation Security Service, which he joined in October 2013.
Mark came to the Aviation Security Service after serving with the New Zealand Defence Force for almost 38 years, finishing as the Land Component Commander.
"A wonderful event today at Wharewaka in Wellington with the Rotary District 9940 Changeover ceremony".
Well done PDG Marion for a great year and after 12 months in the hot seat, the DG Chain of office being handed to DG John H Mohi from PDG Marion Johnston."
Rotary's activities and celebrations to mark 100 years of Rotary in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific Islands were officially launched at Government House in Wellington on 20 June 2019.
An audience of more than two hundred were introduced to Rotary’s plans which will lead up to the celebration of 100 years of Rotary achievement in Auckland in 2021.Most importantly, it is the impact we have in our communities that we should celebrate during this time.
Governor-General Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy. District 9940 Governor Elect John Mohi introduces the history of Rotary in our part of the world.
Julia Froetschl (Committee member and past RYLA participant) has just come back from an amazing weekend at the RYLA National Forum in Brisbane. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn and share ideas of RYLA programmes held in Australia and New Zealand.
What exciting changes will we make to the 2020 programme?
Hutt Valley Rotary is honoured to be delivering the RYLA programme for the Lower North Island (District 9940) and to be part of the wider RYLA network.
Whanganui Daybreak meeting on the 17/06/19 was a meeting for the ages this morning; the YOUNG ages!
After two years as an associate member, Rochelle Howard was inducted as a full member of the Club. Rochelle already holds a Paul Harris Fellowship for her work with SHINE Interact Club, and their relationship with Daybreak will only get stronger. Rochelle becomes our youngest member, dropping the average age of the membership!
DGE John Mohi and I ( DGN Gillian Jones ) were privileged to share the farewell of the current RYE students at Lynne Phillips' home. A spectacular group of young people who have had an amazing Kiwi experience under the guidance of Lynne's committee. What a great programme.
Photos - Gillian Jones with Lynne Phillips and outgoing RYE students at Palmerston North with DG John Mohi.
All wearing farewell Aotearoa bone pendants - mauri ora.
On Tuesday 26 June Makino Rotary had its annual Change Over where I ( President Glenn Coogan ) gave the President’s chain over to our new President Wayne Gordon.
We celebrated my final meeting by recognising two more outstanding people with Paul Harris Fellowship awards. Raewyn Allan has been a member of Makino Rotary from 19 years and has spent 14 of those years as club secretary keeping our records and pointing the past and present presidents in the right direction. Raewyn initially joined Rotary to spend more time with her husband, Mark, one of our past presidents, and Snr Constable John Samuela, while not a rotarian yet.
At Volunteering New Plymouth's Award Presentation night - held at New Plymouth District Council on Monday the 17th June, a Rotarian and local volunteer well known in the Taranaki district, LeAnne Blakelock received an Individual National Volunteer Week Award. LeAnne was nominated by Inglewood Rotary Club for all the work she does in the Community. She is a valued Rotarian, and the Board Chair of Vertical Horizons.
A fabulous evening meal was held at the boarding establishment of Feilding High School to conclude the 75th anniversary of the Rotary club of Feilding. President Russell Cameron welcomed visitors from other clubs along with AG Alan Deighton, Past AG Richard Wishnowsky and Assistant DG elect John Mohi. Visitors included Past District Governors, Presidents, Principal of Feilding High School, members of his team and Head Boy. The meeting was appropriately held at L.J. Wild House, Feilding High School - L.J. Wild was a charter member of our club and the second President.
The oldest honorary member, Eric Rose, cutting the 75th anniversary cake, assisted by the newest club member, Alison Everett.
President Jocelyn started her year with presentations to the 10 community groups that the Board selected as recipients of $1,000 each from the Levin Rotary Club: PresidentJocelyn was also was awarded a PHF in recognition of her huge contribution to Rotary and the community.
Organisations recognisedfor service to the community were: Arohanui Hospice Levin; Levin Boy Scouts; Levin Girl Guides; Levin Women's Refuge; Riding for the Disabled , Levin; Salvation Army Levin; Food bank Levin; Victim Support Horowhenua; Waitarere Surf Life Saving Club; Youth Health Centre.
June / July has been an exciting time with club and district changeovers. I am sure all Rotarians will have a wonderfully enjoyable and productive 2019/20 Rotary year.
What an amazing organisation Rotary is !!The Rotary Theme for August Membership and New Club Development.
Please forward all Bulletin contributions to me no later than Friday 9th of August.