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District 9940 Bulletin June 2020
June is Rotary Fellowships Month
DG John's June message
 
 
Ka mahi te hukuroa i ana mahi.
Well done!  The band of toilers keeps on working.
 
June 2020 sees us further out of lockdown restrictions.  Face to face meetings are starting up again.  Changeovers are being confirmed.
 
The month of June is a time for friendship within clubs and clusters; a time for advancing key Rotary 100 Centennial initiatives at the International, Zone 8 - South Pacific and District level.
 
 
 
 
Internationally, End Polio Now remains our flagship programme.  This work will continue until the job is done.  The United Nations celebrates its 75th anniversary this month so Rotary is reminded of our collective contributions to the UN work right from the beginning https://www.rotary.org/en/history-rotary-and-united-nations . These connections are enduring and continue today across the world, especially through our Peace programmes https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/promoting-peace .  Supporting the Rotary Foundation is how each of us affirm these initiatives and more.
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 A District 9940 Celebration
    
 
You are invited to our District Changeover!
 
 
 
 
It’s been a challenging end to our Rotary year but DG John and I are delighted to be able to invite you to our hybrid face - to- face / zoom Changeover! 
Sunday June 28th from 11.30 for canapes, with lunch served at 12.30.
Lansdowne House is a stunning venue in Masterton. 
Turning 100 years’ old shortly, it is a fitting venue to celebrate our own 100 years!
Enjoy delicious food and wine, celebrating the best of the Wairarapa.
 
We will celebrate District Governor John Mohi’s successful year and look forward in anticipation to incoming District Governor Gillian Jones’s centennial year.
Registration via District 9940 website.
$60 per head, with cash bar. (Free if zooming😊, but we hope you’ll charge your glass.
You may consider donating a portion of the meal cost to one of our Centennial projects). 
Venue numbers are limited so registrations will be accepted on a ‘first in, first served’ basis. 
We look forward to seeing you!
 
15 Keir Crescent, Lansdowne, Masterton 5810
Ample parking available in the grounds
Zoom link will be shared via the website.
 
 
Incoming Governor Gillian Jones looks forward to her year as Centennial Governor 
 
As I count down the last few weeks leading up to my time as District Governor of D9940, I feel excited to have the opportunity to be part of our Rotary history.  What a privilege to lead the District into our centennial year during which we’ll celebrate the achievements of the past 100 years and focus forward to future-proof ourselves for the next 100 years.  I hope you’re all feeling this sense of occasion where we all have an opportunity to strengthen our Clubs towards a common purpose and make a real difference in our communities.
 
I reflect on Kevin’s and my time in San Diego in January at the International Assembly where incoming Rotary International President, Holgar Knaack, announced the theme for the new Rotary year.  Little did we know just how relevant and impactful his chosen theme of Rotary Opens Opportunities would be!
 
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Celebrating a Successful District Assembly!
Who would have thought a couple of months ago that we would have gathered via zoom to hear from a spectacular range of speakers presenting our District Assembly!
 
We had an excellent attendance and a real bonus is the fact that all sessions continue to be available to view via our District website. 
 
I strongly urge you to check out the wide range of presentations. All were entirely relevant to the successful operating of our Clubs today.  
 
They were an excellent opportunity for leaders to upskill, regular Rotarians to broaden their Rotary knowledge and new Rotarians to understand more about this amazing organisation we’re part of: https://www.rotary9940.org/page/Online-learning-sessions
 
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 Congratulations Marilyn Stevens and husband Wayne - District Governor Nominee Designate 2022/23
DG John Mohi can now confirm Marilyn Stevens is officially confirmed in the role of District Governor Nominee Designate (2022-23) for Rotary District 9940 position. Welcome to the DG Train Marilyn. 

Marilyn is an outstanding nominee and is looking forward to the opportunity and the role.  She will join the District Governance Train along with Gillian Jones (DGE), Mark Wheeler (DGN) and myself.  Her background as a Rotarian, holder of several District offices, experience as a local body representative and various roles she has held in the workforce make her ideally suited to the position.  Marilyn and Wayne, her husband, have a long standing commitment of service to their communities.  
 
Marilyn has been a Rotarian since 1993 and was a charter member of the Hutt Valley Breakfast Club.  She has been a member of several clubs in the District and a Past AG (her area being New Plymouth across to Dannevirke and down to Wellington).  Marilyn led a Rotary District 9940 Group Study Exchange to Sweden.  Currently Marilyn is Chair of the District Interact Committee and District Youth Service Chair. Marilyn has also held club positions including President of the Rotary club of Otaki Club.  
 
Marilyn Stevens' working life has included management in the early childhood sector and also a local electrical company.  She has been in joint ownership with her husband of a compressed air and construction equipment company, motel owner and a Field Officer for the NZ Cancer Society.  
This is Marilyn's third trimester on the Otaki Community Board, two of those as Deputy Chair.  Her portfolios there are Strategy & Policy, and Health (she is a representative on three Health Advisory Committees in her Zone), Community Networking Group, and Roading.   
 
We look forward to working with you Marilyn.
 
Ngā mihi
John H Mohi
DG
 
Photos - DG John  Mohi announcing the appointment of Marilyn Stevens as DGN designate 2022-23, to her home club Kapiti Rotary by Zoom 
Homai te pakipaki Marilyn and Wayne.  
 
 The passing of three Rotary Club of Petone Members

Sadly Petone lost Honorary members Brian Fox and Jim Berket, both past presidents of the club, during the COVI-19 lockdown. Also David Hendry a present member of our club and past member of Western Hutt Club.

Stephen Fitzjohn writes: Brian Fox grew up in Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs and went to Rongotai College then onto Teachers Training College and Victoria University. Ultimately he became Principal of Wilford School in Petone and joined the Rotary Club of Petone. He became very much involved in the life of our Club and brought his mother Rita along to many of our functions.

The photo is probably the last one taken of Brian from one of my frequent visits to him. We were looking at the Paul Harris medal amongst other items of treasure.

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Your District needs you!!!!
Please consider joining our District Community Services or Vocational Services Committees to play a role in identifying and addressing how Rotary can respond to the COVID-19 challenges in our District and beyond. We have an opportunity to impact recovery. Please contact Liz Koh - liz.koh@moneymax.co.nz  (Vocational Service) or Kathryn Beattie - kathryn.beattie3@gmail.com  (Community Service)
 
With thanks
DGE Gillian Jones
Why join a Rotary Fellowship?
Posted on June 1, 2020
By Lisa Cook, Rotary Service and Engagement Staff
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, join a global community built around a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience.
Currently, 91 fellowships unite members in friendship and expand opportunities to enjoy their favorite recreational activities, sports, and professions. These groups range from cycling to skiing, Latin culture to jazz, doctors to photographers, and even wine-tasting to beer. View the complete list of Rotary Fellowships. 
This photo relates to the Rotary Health Fellowship.
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The Rotary Foundation Addresses Challenging Times
Rotary is no exception to the stresses that the COVID-19 public health and economic crises have brought to many businesses and individuals.
 
 
We have shown however that we can respond quickly. In the past few months Disaster Response Grants totalling US$4.25million have been made by The Rotary Foundation to address needs in 172 Rotary Districts in areas as diverse as Central Africa, Italy and Ohio.
 
From personal protective equipment, to ventilators, to foodbanks – Rotarians, through our Foundation, have been helping support communities around the world.
 
 
 
 
When the pandemic hit, global grant submissions rose by a third as Rotarians moved into action.
Apart from our COVID-19 response, projects that Rotarians carry out under global grants have increased significantly. The gradual growth in global grants over the years, however, means that our Foundation expects the demand for global grants to dramatically exceed the capacity of its World Fund which matches funds from our Clubs and District for global grants.
An important change is therefore being implemented to global grant funding for 2020-21.
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Telling Our Rotary Stories - 'We need to Speak in One Voice'

Rotary Zone 8 Public Image Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 6 May 2020

For more than 100 years Rotary has united leaders who are committed to using their expertise to take action and improve communities. Awareness of Rotary is high, but public understanding of who we are, what we do, and the value we bring to communities is low. It’s important that we tell our stories in ways that help people everywhere understand what Rotary does, how we are different, and why our work matters. Without this understanding, we can’t reach our full potential and bring more people together and improve even more communities worldwide.

No other organisation is quite like Rotary. By using our unique voice consistently in all our messaging, we can ensure that our communications reflect our distinct character.

 

If we speak, write and design in one voice, our communications will sound, read, and look unmistakably like Rotary. This will give our audiences a better understanding of who we are. Together, we can show the world we’re people of action.

Shaping the Future of Rotary in our Region

You will have read in Rotary Down Under about the work that is being done to shape the future of Rotary in our region.

If you haven’t done so already please provide feedback on three simple questions. 

1.  What is good in Rotary and Rotaract and should be retained?

2. What needs to change and why?

3. In an ideal world, how would Rotary and Rotaract be structured and operated?

Why, you ask? There is further detail here, but simply we want your views so the vision of Rotary can be in the future can be more closely aligned to the needs of its members and the community you serve. Take time to provide honest and bold feedback, either by sending an email to rotaryregionalpilot@gmail.com or by completing the online survey.

Rotarians in our District who are working on this project include Howard Tong, Tony Heyward, John Bishop and Martin Garcia.

Rotary Hutt Valley Elated  - Their Billy Graham Awarded NZOM
 
 
Rotary Hutt City is elated that our Billy Graham has been awarded a Member of NZ Order of Merit for services to youth and the community In The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. 
Billy founded the Naenae Youth Charitable Trust in 2006, through which he opened the Naenae Boxing Academy to provide a positive outlet and strategies for at-risk and disadvantaged young men in the community.
 
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'A bit of a laugh'
Rotary Virtual Convention - Help Set a Record!
Some new information about the upcoming and free Rotary Virtual Convention. Share in a very different experience & see what Rotary in the world is up to. 
 
Join Us As We Set a Record:  We believe that this 1st ever Virtual Rotary Convention has the ability to set an attendance record.  Of the 110 previous Rotary conventions, the highest level of attendance was 45,381.  President Mark and the Convention Committee believe that we have the ability to set the bar even higher.  Members of Rotary, and the general public, from all over the world, have the ability to be a part of this historic effort.  Our program will be world class, the cost of registration is FREE, and people can attend the convention using a computer, tablet or smart phone.
 
On behalf of President Mark and Gay, the Convention Committee and Rotary, we are asking YOU to play a vital role in helping us achieve this record. 
 
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Bear - Essential Service

The Rotary Club of Mount Victoria is promoting this excellent product -  NZ handmade by our local Rotarians.

All profits go towards the Wellington City Mission food banks Soft fabric, washable and reusable scrub caps/ operating theatre hats. One-size-fits-all with adjustable ties.

Please facebook message or email us on mountvictoriarotary@gmail.com to place your orders. Free shipping within NZ for orders over $30. Tax donation receipt can be issued for this purchase.

 Wellington Children's Hospital raffle update!
Back in February DG  John Mohi sent out raffle books for all clubs to sell in aid of the Wellington Children's Hospital. 
Due to Covid 19 the date of closing was extended to the 20th June with the draw to be made on the 30th June 2020. 
Under the terms of the licencing permit all tickets whether sold or unsold must be returned by the 20th June 2020. 
All Tickets and butts to be sent to:    Ann Petherick,   
                                                         10 Porritt St
                                                          Whanganui 4500
                                                          phone 027 3477533
All ticket money to be deposited in Rotary Club of Whanganui Westpac bank account 030 791 0551609 00  prior to 20th June.               
 I would like to take this opportunity to thank those clubs who have so wholeheartedly supported this cause.
With lock down and Covid 19 occurring the goal that was set I regret will not be achieved, but now that  lockdown is now at level 2, could I respectfully ask if clubs can sell any unsold tickets they still have.  
Whanganui is proud to have initiated this raffle in support of a very worthwhile cause.
 
This notice, plus a spreadsheet attachment of each club's raffle selling record, has been sent out to individual clubs' to respond to. 

With Rotary regards

Ann Petherick

Raffle Organiser on behalf of District 9940

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Rotary Club of South Wairarapa  keeps active during lockdown -  
Our Rotary Club members are welcoming the move to Alert level 2, however we have remained active during lock-down, implementing a number of community assistance programmes despite the fact that we could not have our normal meetings, speakers and other activities.
 
Our response to the lock-down restrictions was to set up five area-based networking groups within the club membership so people could  keep in touch, support one another - especially those who were in a bubble of one – and to better focus on each area’s emerging COVID 19 crisis needs.
 
The groups were: West Greytown, East Greytown, Featherston, Martinborough/Pirinoa – which became known as Martinoa - and widows and widowers. Each group was allocated a leader who was responsible for maintaining contact with and among members.  The leaders also had weekly meetings via Zoom to oversee and coordinate activities.
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‘USING SCIENCE OF RESILIENCE TO STRENGTHEN ROTARY CLUBS DURING COVID-19’
RI Zone 8 Public Image Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 6 May 2020  
From Rotary Voices. Article by Jenny Stotts. Posted on May 14, 2020
 
Jenny Stotts is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Athens Sunrise, Ohio, USA. She is the membership chair of District 6690. She is also a licensed, practicing social worker, child advocate and trauma specialist.
 
 
 
 
Resilience is the process of adapting in the face of adversity. When we experience a traumatic or stressful event, our brains activate a number of pathways to protect us. These biological processes help keep us safe. It’s in the recovery from these events that we grow and change and become stronger.  Many of us are living this reality right now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The good news is, there are ways to grow our capacity for resiliency. And we can use this time to strengthen Rotary, by working together to grow and foster resilience in our fellow members and our clubs.
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The Rotary Club of Johnsonville continues to support charities during Covid19 Lockdown

 

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Johnsonville has donated $9,000.00 to charities in May 2020. 

This is to assist our local community at this time when many in our community are affected by financial strain due to the Covid 19 lockdown and its economic impact.

The Charities who received donations reflect the areas with the greatest needs at this time, such as the foodbanks and organisations helping families and young people cope at this time.

The photos show President Pravind's daughter Shaanvi de-bagging 60 kilograms of rice for Kiwi Community Assistance during lockdown; Johnsonville Rotary President, Pravind Singh, handing over the donation cheques to Kiwi Community Assist's Michelle Rowe and the Johnsonville Foodbank (Debbie Avison).

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RYDA & ROTARY - Connecting the Dots
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hello again to our Rotary friends
As you may remember from our previous updates, we've been busy sending learning resources to our schools.  These include lesson ideas, boredom busters, road safety tips and RYDA extensions - all designed to ensure road safety remains a topic of priority for communities across New Zealand.
One of the resources we've sent to schools included a revision quiz for students who had already attended the RYDA workshop to refresh their learning and re-enforce key messages.
Using an app called Kahoot!, we were able to design a fun, interactive quiz that students actually enjoy taking.  But why should our students have all the fun?  We thought you may enjoy the opportunity to refresh your road safety knowledge and put yourself in the shoes of our students by getting into Kahoots! with us.     
If you'd like to take the quiz, here's what to do:
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Imagine Your Club Projects in a Hi-Quality Video

We need your help to build up an extensive picture of the many facets of Rotary in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Don’t miss out. Here is an opportunity for your Club and our District’s projects to be considered for two hi-quality videos that are being prepared about Rotary in NZ and the Pacific Islands. One video will go on the Rotary Oceania website and the other will feature at our Rotary Regional Conference.

 

 

Our clubs do some amazing projects, so please support these video initiatives to ensure the final videos truly represent what we in District 9940 are doing to support our communities. 

The photo is of the extremely successful Marton Skate Board Park Project   

 

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Tour Aotearoa 2020 - Assisting Kapiti Youth
Stuart completed the Tour Aotearoa 2020 raising $15,000 to assist Kapiti Youth on similar pursuits such as Outward Bound, encouraging them to realise their potential.
 
Stuart said it was an epic adventure requiring a certain amount of resilience and resourcefulness dealing with a number of mishaps and breakdowns of his own and others, but a totally awesome and enjoyable experience of amazing scenery, warm supportive fellow cyclists and members of the largely rural communities. And he lost 15kg in the process- a huge and much needed bonus!
 
He intends to do other brevits and would highly recommend bike packing to everyone as the best way to tour a country and meet its people. Stuart is very grateful for the support of his family, friends and of course Rotarians, many of who followed him on Spot Tracker - but most of all for the support and companionship of Vic who unfortunately had to pull out due to illness.  
Anchorage International Rotary Club 'Sweeps the Streets Clean'
 
In 2007 a Rotary Friendship Exchange group of Alaskan and Russian Rotarians, from District 5010 had a very successful visit, to our District 9940.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In 2010 husband Stephen and I ( also a Rotarian) visited Penny (our Alaskan visitor)and Chuck May, members of  the Anchorage International Rotary Club. Sadly Chuck passed away a few years ago. 
 
They were wonderful hosts and we were so warmly welcomed at an Anchorage International Rotary meeting. We have maintained a lovely friendship since 2007. I thought it would be really good to have a view of how Rotarians, on the other side of the world, are connecting with their community during Covid19. Freya Ed;
 
Anchorage International Rotary Club tells the story -
"It was a gorgeous day for our #PeopleofAction to volunteer in the community. We cleaned Wisconsin Road, Balto Seppala Park, side streets and Lake Hood Elementary School. THANK YOU ROTARIANS and especially to Neil for bringing the Straightline sweeper! "
 
In the photo, Penny May is 4th from the right. Penny adds, "It was great to be out in the sun and give each other virtual hugs! Our meetings are via zoom so this was our first club project." Rotary District 5010  
A couple of important items from our District ICT Chair Richard Stephen

1) For Presidents and Secretaries - Membership updates in Clubrunner

REMINDER !!

If you have not already done it, please now take the time to update your Club executives in Clubrunner for the new 2020-21 year. At the same time, don't forget that on 1 July, RI will invoice you for your membership level as at 1 July. So if your club is expecting or preparing for any changes as the year changes over, don't forget to update your club membership before 30 June, otherwise you will be billed extra members. If you need help for a quick refresh on what to do, please call either Gary Gloag - Levin club or Richard Stephen, District ICT Chair.

2. District zoom account - pre announcement.  

The district now has its own zoom account. It can host one meeting at a time - ie no time  overlaps.                         

So, in addition to the zoom booking service that has been available on the rotaryoceania website for some years, District Leaders and Clubs now have an additional option with the District account. We are currently arranging a simple booking system for everybody. This will be on our District website.However, with only one licence available and potentially heavy demand now that lots of us know how to use zoom, and the needs of the District leadership, we are seeking guidance from our DG train John, Gillian and Mark on what if any prioritisation policy might be desirable associated with the booking system.

Watch this space - and the District website for the go-live announcement before 1 July !

Classifications in Rotary
The classification principle goes back to the start of Rotary in 1905 when Paul Harris and his friends decided that members should come from different classifications so as to represent a cross section of society and not become another focused self interest group.
 
Classifications were so important that Rotary International established a committee in 1923/24 to review and to make a list of acceptable classifications and clubs were advised that a list of members and their classifications be sent regularly to the General Secretary.
 
 
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Impact of Covid19 on Polio Eradication
 
 
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 Rotary Foundation Funds are really needed asap to count for this Rotary year!!
 
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A  PLEA -  SE to update club information!! Now is the time !!

Its that time of year again - heading for the change!

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Bring it on: RYLA 2021 -   27th to 31st January 2021

 

 

The RYLA committee and alumni are working hard to bring a vibrant programme to nominees in January 2021. With all the uncertainty right now, what we can say is that we'll be ready to light up the New Year in January with RYLA in whatever form we can.  

 

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Editor's comment
July 2020 is the first month of our New Rotary Calendar Year. 
The theme is 'Starting the Rotary Year'
We are to farewell DG John Mohi (Lane Mohi) who has been inspirational in the leadership of District 9940 during challenging times.
We will welcome DG Gillian Jones.  All District Rotarians will wish you a great year Gillian (Kevin) and we look forward to your time as our District Leader.
Contributions to the July District 9940 Bulletin will be very much appreciated and I am sure will be reflective of a new way of connecting and working.
No doubt there will be some interesting and innovative changeovers within the District.
Some clubs may choose to defer celebrations.
The final acceptance date for articles/stories is Friday 10th July  
All stories need to be as a word document and kept to a maximum of two pages. 
 
 
Kia kaha
Kia ora rawa atu
Freya Kerr 
Bulletin Editor
Freya Kerr