Well done 9940

Figures off the RI web site reveal our District has the greatest percentage of women members.
This is good to see.

The question is - what is your Club doing to increase diversity?  Go here... 

Masterton South - action packed!

Masterton for Breakfast!

Hutt City - on the roll

Pukekura Breakfast & New Plymouth North

Fitzroy - the modern and the not so new

Woodville - making its mark

And how about South Wairarapa

New Plymouth & New Plymouth West Clubs

On the web

I've been thinking!

A web site for some Clubs is in the 'too hard basket'.

It shouldn't be.  In fact, on the web does not need to be a web 'site' as such.

A simple BLOG like I have created here is easily created and is free!

It could contain pictures, a contact number, details of the programme for the week - and could be updated weekly with a simple edit.  

Why not?  I see only 25 Clubs in our 60-Club District has a web 'prescense'.

Let's change that - let's make our Actions Count!  If you need a hand contact Jenny who will be able to assist you.  Or just ask in your Club - it is not a big time commitment and is a lot of fun!

New NZ Business Hall of Fame member - Sir John Ilott

On 28 July 2010 Sir John Ilott was admitted as a Laureate to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. The function was attended by his daughter Susanne McKellar, who travelled from Britain for the occasion. Colleen Singleton, President of the Rotary Club of Wellington, and other District and Rotary International representatives also attended this occasion.

Sir John was a founding member of the Rotary Club of Wellington in 1921, and as district governor of Rotary New Zealand helped form the New Zealand Crippled Children Society [now CCS Disability Action] in 1934-35. He also served as a director of Rotary International and later as second vice-president of the international movement.

John Ilott changed the face of advertising, using his fortune to promote the arts, literacy and a range of worthy causes.

He took over as chief executive of his father’s advertising agency, J Ilott, in 1917, enhancing the agency’s reputation for innovative campaigns for a range of businesses and causes. Under his direction, Ilott Advertising went national and spread to London and Australia.

John Ilott donated his extensive collection of etchings and engravings to the National Art Gallery.

Another of his legacies was the John Ilott Charitable Trust, set up in 1960 to provide assistance to for a range of special projects. The Trust is managed by the Rotary Club of Wellington.

[Pictured:  Sir John Ilott, Chief Executive of Ilott Advertising for 35 years, proudly displays his Rotary Club Chain - supplied by Alexander Turnbull Library]

Always at the ready!

Jenny and I had the opportunity to attend 9 Changeovers at the beginning of this Rotary year.  It was great to see those Presidents who had taken my words literally and had named the Directories for their Club members.  It is always worth remembering, if you have a question, the first step is to refer to your Directory to find the answers.  Second the District web site and finally the RI web site.  We have a wealth of resources at our finger tips.  And never forget - ask your Assistant Governors - they know heaps!!!!

Thanks Taranaki

AG David and his partner Rosalie looked after us superbly while in the New Plymouth area.  The programme for Jenny, the picking up and transporting of us to various places and arranging the itinerary made this week so enjoyable.  To finish off, we met New Plymouth's Mayor Peter Tennant - nominated as one of the world's best mayors!! - where we discussed how Rotary was making a significant contribution to the community.  Thanks Taranaki.

New Plymouth North - a fitting end

Following on from the meeting at Pukekura, AG David arranged for AG Ian from Taranaki 2 to meet us for a coffee.  It was good to catch up and to preview when I return to visit that Cluster in October.  He was also very proud of his newly acquired i-Pad!!  Another 'switched on Rotarian'.  We then drove to Pukekura Park to meet up with the New Plymouth North Club - in the Bellringer Cricket Pavilion.  Now here is a Club with a different style.  It was informal, seats were being arranged in theatre seating style and I soon understood this Club did things differently.  Not only did we have finger food and stood to eat (the cost was $10 per person I think) but the meeting was efficiently run and all over within the hour!!  Their impressive list of projects include Trees for Survival, Books for Babies, the 'Sunshine Coach' for transporting disabled people, involvement in the 'Relay for Life' as well as the support of Shelter Box and Emergency Response Kits.  And to round off a wonderful week in the Taranaki I met up with PDG Stuart Hayton's son PDG Nigel (1985/86).  [Pictured: A light lunch with members; President Warren in charge; PDG Nigel, DG Howard, President Warren]

Up and at 'em at Pukekura!

A breakfast meeting - something I am use to as we turned up at Pukekura Breakfast Club this morning.  Set in the Plymouth International Hotel, we joined President Rob who was setting up the room at 7am.  The podium was framed with the Club's Charter (established in 1994) the Four Way Test and the Objects of Rotary.  After a delicious breakfast I was asked to address my fourth meeting in the Taranaki 1 Cluster - I am becoming increasingly conscious that Jenny and AG David are now sitting through another explanation of our District and RI theme - they are so supportive!  Following the meeting we sat with the Board as the various projects were explained - again an impressive list - working with local schools, mentoring programmes and detailing the proposed project in Tonga.  President Rob also showed the health survey results based on a questionnaire he gave to members.  A great resource.  And this Club is showing positive growth (see graph of last 6 years) with engaged members. [Pictured:  President Rob leading the meeting; DG Howard working with the Board following the meeting]

Fitzroy - a Club with a mission

When we walked into Fitzroy's meeting, there on the wall were three words - BIGGER, BETTER, BOLDER.

At the Board meeting we focused on how to increase the presence of the Club in the community and how to create a greater awareness of the acitivity of the Club within Fitzroy.  Ideas on projects include a Paul Harris Fellow Dinner, celebrating their 50th birthday and working with the other Cluster Clubs.  This Club has focus and drive.  They see the need to increase their impact and improve their image during the year.  The meeting was special in the presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow to their long standing Treasurer Michael Regan. Again, well supported by AG David Gibson.  [Pictured: Club members enjoying their meal; DG Howard, PHF Michael Regan and President Barry]

PDG Stuart Hayton (1956/57)

Today Jenny and I spent an hour with a wonderful man.  Stuart was the first District Governor of District 9940.  He is 99 and lives in New Plymouth.  We sat and chatted about Rotary, his memories of the war and his time in the Taranaki.  What a privilege.  He was keen to know about the state of membership in the District, he recalled his involvement with ROTA (with PDG Bill Carthew being on the first team) and recalled the District he travelled was from New Plymouth across to Taumaranui and Gisborne.  He spoke of his memories of WW2 when he served in Italy as part of the 25th Battalion.  He showed us his ID papers from when he was part of the intelligence service after being wounded on Hill 318 in Florence.  He spoke of the Italian girls he worked with to have them return to New Zealand as future brides of returning service men.  He said with a twinkle in his eye that after meeting them 'he never darned a sock from that day on!! Born in Wellington 24 November 1910, Stuart lived his young life in the Taranaki - in Hawera, Eltham and later in New Plymouth.  He worked successfully in the plumbing supplies industry and later went on to be Harbour Board Chairman, was awarded CBE and Queens Service Medal.  He smiled as he recalled the meeting of his wife at a local dance and how they polished the dance floor with bags of wheat. A truly memorable visit which I will cherish for many years to come.  [Pictured: Frank Morine, PDG Stuart and DG Howard]

Well hosted in New Plymouth

What is it about Rotarians?  Why are they so accommodating and friendly?  Why does it not surpirse Jenny and me that we are so well looked after!!  This is what we continue to experience with the 12 Clubs we have visited.

Today we were first taken to PDG Stuart Hayton (see my next Blog) and then on to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge which is on the New Plymouth walkway that the New Plymouth Cluster is keen to support with the erection of shelters.  Then on to Tupare - a wonderful home, the beautifully restored Chapman/Taylor home and garden on the hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River - the home of the late Sir Russell Matthews - view more here Rotary has assisted in developing facilities around this wonderful home.  [Pictured: The Te Rewea Rewa Bidge; President Barry (Fitzroy) shows Jenny the gate house constructed by local Rotary Clubs]

News Flash!!

I have been advised that there are only some 22 tickets remaining for the visit of RI President Ray Klinginsmith on the 23 August to Wellington.  Have you got your tickets booked?
Contact Christopher Robertson SOON!
- see the District Web site for more details

Trees for Survival

Here is a win-win situation.  A Rotary Club (New Plymouth West) selects a school (Moturoa) - assistance is given (advice and dollars) to create shade houses, children are excited about seeing the plants grow from seedlings, the community benefits from the plants which are planted at the local port facility (Port Taranaki).  What a great programme!! 

New Plymouth West - same venue/different Club

The beauty of Rotary is the unique, autonomous nature of each Club.  Jenny and I visited New Plymouth West tonight and we turned up at the same venue we went to last night.  The food (understandably) was similar, but the room was laid out differently, there was another excellent group of enthusiastic Rotarians and I had the opportunity to listen and learn from those I met.  President Mick ran an efficient meeting, the sergeant session was extremely well prepared and the raffle winner went home with a wonderful gift basket.  This Club has great plans - like many others, including Cluster projects, a Murder Mystery Dinner to raise funds for Ruchi, a Family Street Market, a Drive-in Movie as well as a number of publicity initiatives.  New Plymouth is well served by our rotary service clubs - and in the process they are all becoming bigger, better and bolder!! Read the next blog about their Trees for Survival project.

The 'taupiripiri'

At the visit this evening to New Plymouth West, I had the honour of being presented the District 'talking stick'.  This taupiripiri was first presented to PDG Stuart Frame in 1982 and has been handed to each respective District Governor since that date.  The District Directory explains in more detail the significance of this maori carved stick.  I will be bringing it with me on my future Club visits.  Ray presented it with due ceremony.  This has been yet another significant event on our journay around the Clubs.  [Pictured:  Ray presented the histroy and explained the meaning behind the taupiripiri]

What is 'World Community Service'?

For many in our district, RNZWCS is just another 6-letter acronym.

RNZWCS Ltd is a charitable company that was established to recognise the need to take a New Zealand-wide view of World Community Service. Each of the six NZ Rotary Districts is represented on the Board of RNZWCS Ltd (known generally as Rotary New Zealand).

Rather than read about it, listen to PDG Stuart Batty (WCS Administrator) explain:

http://www.youtube.com/user/CTVinNZ#p/u/10/_kFuG2RnDWg

Our World Community Service District Committee Convenor and RNZWCS Ltd Director is Martin Garcia from the Rotary Club of Tawa.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
If your Club is looking for an international project, look no further - just ask Martin!

Woodville in the NEWS!

Woodville making it's mark in the community - and front page of the "Bush Telegraph".
Hopefully you can view this link to the front page news article.

http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1473112420458&sk=messages#!/photo.php?pid=1519185&id=1277613297&ref=nf

Creative - and healthy too!!

I am so impressed with the creativity of Clubs who keep coming up with new initiatives.  Here is one from the Hutt Valley Club.  Raising funds for ERKS (Dave will be pleased) and reaching out into the community.  I had never heard of "Vegetarian Cooking for meat eaters" before.  Well done!

And with the professional quality of the promo poster I am sure this will go well.

DG Blog readership is spreading!!

I understand Australia reading our DG Blog - but when you see Latvia?  As long as the readership is spreading in your Club - that is the important thing.

Let's keep our District switched on!

Those International Students keep rolling in!!

Elizabeth has arrived, but I can't quite pick which country!!!!!

President Phillip aand John O'Connell from Plimmerton Club were there among many others to welcome Elizabeth to our shores.  Still to come are Ilan from France, Laura from Brazil and Louis, also from France.

New Plymouth starts with a bang!

I always say the noise level of the Club is a good sign of the health of the Club - and New Plymouth was definitely noisy! 

After being greeted by AG David Gibson and wife Rosalie, we were taken to the West End Bowling Club where we met with the Board.  It was good to hear of them submitting an application for a district Grant.  They have big plans for a Picnic Proms next March and also erecting shelters along the wonderful walkway along with the other New Plymouth Clubs.  It was good to recognise Honorary Member Don Holyoake, Don and Gary Brown for their contribution over the years.  A great meeting - and my fist around a fire place!!  Boy it's cold up here next to Mt Egmont!!

[Pictured:  President Barry; Club Members including
Don Holyoake; Theme pins were given to members - in this photo with  President Barry are Don Whitwell, DG Howard, Gary Brown and Don Holyoake]

My key message to New Plymouth - value and use the power of your collaboration with other Clubs to build communities and bridge continents - and bigger clubs aren't necessarily bigger numbers, but bigger goals!

The Shelter Box at 'Ideal Home Show'

At Palmerston North this weekend the Shelter Box was on display and as part of the local "Ideal Home Show".

I am sure the exposure of this wonderful disaster response programme will have drawn a good deal of interest from the general public - well done.

With 24 on duty, all wearing a Rotary vest, a cap and shaking the bucket, I am sure the weekend would have been a great success.  Especially as the team were specifically asked to SMILE, SMILE, SMILE.  Well done for making Rotary Bigger, Better and Bolder in the community.

[Pictured:  Brian O'Donnell, Alan Rowlett, Willie Jensen, John Livingstone]

Clubs with a Vision!

Club Visioning is being picked up by an increasing number of Clubs in 9940.  What is it?  It is a 2-3hour workshop where facilitators (Rotarians from outside of the Club) assist the members to visualise their Club in 5 years and to identify an Action Plan that can be adopted to move them positively forward.  The result of these sessions have been a fresh purpose, new projects, strengths being identified within the Club and the review of practices that have needed to change.  This is definitely something all Clubs should consider.  There are further details in the District Directory and PDG David Watt would love to here from you.

From my records the following Clubs have enjoyed the benefits of this approach:  Stratford, Tawa, Feilding,  Wanganui, Stokes Valley and Petone.  Clubs planning Visioning are Wellington and Awapuni.

Peter's Permabulators

I mention when speaking to Clubs the importance of regular activity amongst members and how this invigorates and makes Clubs vibrant.  Clubs that are active are those Clubs where members are engaged and keen to invite others to enjoy the same level of involvement.
Peter Whittington of Port Nicholson Club took it on himself to promote a monthly walking group which has now been operating for several years.  It has also been effective in involving partners and attracting new members to the Club.  Jenny and I have just returned from a fabulous walk to the Belmont Trig in the Belmont Regional Park.  A beautiful day, great company and it was a great walk - absolutely stunning views as you can see.  And believe it or not, not a breath of wind at the top!!! 
[Pictured: Group - (Top Left) fresh and ready to go - and (Top Right) once on top look at the view. (Bottom Left) President Mark looking as fresh as ever and raring to go!! (Bottom Right) what is a good walk without a cup of coffee at the end!!]

What is a blog?

Thanks to all of you for viewing the DG Blog - with now over 1,000 views and climbing!!

A Blog is basically a notebook on the web.

What I write and post is viewed by anyone who care to come and read.

The purpose of the DG Blog is to provide daily snippets of news that come to me as District Governor as I 'hit the road' and visit the 60 Clubs in our District.  I can post items I see in Bulletins, emails that are sent directly to me or items of interest which I believe will be of interest to others.

You can read - and if you want to you can also add comments and become a follower!!  I can't see why we can't have at least 600 followers, that's 10 from each Club)

So keep promoting this DG Blog to all Club members, bulletin readers and partners to see what is going on in District 9940 - there is so much to Blog about!!  Send me material and happy reading!
DG Howard

We're on a roll!

The Blog site I am using is now able to record stats and it is interesting that this blog is starting to create a following.  That's great.  one of my themes is better communication - so let's encourage more in your club to follow it.  Have Club members send me items for the DG Blog.  I also see I only have 3 followers - I am sure more of you would join me.  Thanks to the Bulletin Editors for adding the link to their publications. [Click on image for view]

Where's Wally?

Go to the home page of Rotary International Web Site ......

'spot a known face amongst these?'

Vocational Training Teams

Today I spent the day with PDG Tony Fryer and Margaret Emere (Wgtn North) Brian Lynch and Marion Cowden (Wellington) interviewing 10 candidates for the selection of one Vocational Scholar.  This is the new name for the previously known 'Ambassadorial' Scholar and fits in with the new Future Vision scheme.  Each candidate had to nominate which area of focus they would be supporting (Peace and Conflict Resolution/Disease Prevention/Water and Sanitation/Child and Maternal Heath/Education and Basic Literacy/Economic & Community Development).  The quality of the candidates was very high.  An announcement of the selected candidate will be made shortly.

More PHF's - this time at Terrace End!

It is always a pleasure to see rotarians honouring their own Club members.  In this case at Terrace End 

[Pictured:  Past Assistant Governor Allan Gillingham, Katrine Imrie and Maurice Downing]

Note to Club Secretaries - have you advised RDU of any PHF awards so it can be noted in their magazine?

Well deserved honours

Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd QSO and Lorna returned to the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt on May 31 to a particularly well attended meeting of Rotarians and friends from throughout the Hutt Valley in New Zealand. They lived in Avalon for 22 years, and were very involved in community affairs in the 60s, 70s and 80s, during which time Bill was a highly regarded rugby referee, school committee chairman and tennis player. Bill is also a Past Governor of District 9940, now residing in 9920 Manukau City.

During the memorable evening, Bill made special Paul Harris recognition presentations from the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt to two of their Rotarian achievers:

Dave Smith received a second Sapphire pin for his service to Rotary, especially for membership achievements. He has introduced 123 members to the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt since he became a member in 1963. Of these, 19 have gone on to become club Presidents, and two to become District Governors. Dave has received four Rotary International Presidential Citations.

PDG John Cole was presented a Ruby pin for his outstanding service to Rotary. He joined the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt in 1986, introduced by Dave Smith who is very proud of John’s success. John is Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for New Zealand and Australia from New South Wales down to Victoria and Tasmania, covering 17 Rotary Districts and over 900 clubs.

[Pictured: PDG John Cole and PRIP Bill Boyd, the picture on the wall is of Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary International - other photo Dave and Margaret Smith with PRIP Bill Boyd]

Tawa's new image

Bigger, better and bolder.

President Tony and his team are on a roll.  A new image with banners, book marks and cards, all showing that Tawa Rotarians are serious in wanting to make a fresh impact on their community. 

[Pictured: speakers Kim Clayton and Rose Barker along with President Tony and their new Rotary display stands on view]

Polio National Immunisation Day - WOW!

PDG Pat Waite reports "Numbers of those interested (in travelling to India in January 2011) continue to increase and I have just heard from District 9930 that some members from Hamilton are interested as well so we may well end up having 2 groups if the numbers stay at this level but I realize that things come up and some people will need to withdraw. The Immunization Programme is expected to be at a similar time to our visit in 2009 – mid January.  As soon as I hear I will come back to you all. In the meantime though we need to continue to plan!"

Progress report

In 1988, polio infected nearly 1,000 children every day. In 2008, fewer than 2,000 cases were reported for the entire year. 

Learn more..