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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!
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:
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.
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 :
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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..jpg)
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. 
How many interact clubs do we have in District 9940?
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.
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 
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!
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.
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. 
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.
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.
Tristan Cherrill, 14, of Paraparaumu College (left), and Paddy McTaggart, 15, of Muswellbrook, NSW, Australia. PHOTO: KAP050917SPLROTARY.jpg)
Have you thought about booking your accommodation yet?
Rotary Christmas Plum Puddings now available to order.
It’s well known that diversity in the workplace leads to more innovation. Women are under-represented in the STEMM sector (
