Western Hutt - on the move!!

Here is a Club that is on the move - literally!

AG Ian Grigor enjoys a laugh

Tonight Jenny and I joined Western Hutt Club at its final meeting at The Boulcott Golf Club.  Next week they will meet at the Lowry Bay Yacht Club.

Tonight I spoke about the opportunities that come with change and I am sure the members of Western Hutt will use this move to regroup and use it as another incentive to become Bigger, Better and Bolder.  This Club, chartered in 1973 has a proud history, and sponsored the Pencarrow (1992) and Hutt Valley (1993) Clubs.
The Club took the opportunity to thank John who had faithfully been the barman for many years at the Golf Club, and to his credit he won the wine raffle. 

President Ian in charge

President Ian is looking forward to the challenge of relocating the Club.  I had opportunity to recognise Bob Hopkirk in the audience.  It was Bob who was an Inspector when I was a primary teacher - oh, the memories!!

Thanks Western Hutt - Jenny and I enjoyed out visit.

Enjoy Rotary - promote the sizzle!

Make Rotary fun [this was listed in this week's Harbour City Wellington bulletin]

President Carol (Hutt City)

• Travel together to club meetings and projects – or take a club trip together.
• Form a hiking group to get active outside of weekly meetings.
• Go out to Sunday brunch with a group of members.
• Find out what gets a member excited about Rotary.
• Do a hands-on project instead of the regular meeting once a month.
• Identify a signature project - one the club is known for throughout the community.
• Develop a buddy system, pairing up a new member with an existing member.
• Designate someone to round up members who haven't participated in a while and drive them to the club's meetings or events.
• Plan outings to involve new Rotarians and their families.
• Invite families to club meetings.
• Promote the practice of younger members introducing other younger members.
• Organise a New Generations club to target younger professionals. 

For me it is:

"Peter's Perambulators"

• The friendships I've made and continue to make
• The buzz I get when young people 'report back' to the Club
• The smiles on children's faces when given a Dictionary
• The laughter at weekly meetings
• The opportunity to learn from others
• The diversity of people I come in contact with as I do make-ups
• Working together on a common goal and "doing good" in the community and the world
• Knowledge of the history of what has been achieved by Rotary in New Zealand and the world!
• Personal development
• The personal support received when I have needed it
• Opportunity to be involved in world changing humanitarian projects
• Serving others
• Working alongside others who share the same values
• Using my vocation to make friendships and to benefit others

This is the secret in attracting new interest in our service organisation - and to attract new members.  We are what we are!!!  Our Actions Build Clubs - Our Actions Count!

Leadership - so important

As District Governor I work with a wonderful team.

• 12 AGs
• 60 Presidents 
• 2,000 plus Rotarians
• and Jenny!

Not to speak of the advice and support of past District Governors, my District Team (my 6 Chairs and the many Convenors).

Every time Jenny and I walk into a Club, and we have visited 26 so far, we feel very welcome and so pleased to see the respective Presidents in charge of their Club.

Leadership is so important for any Club.

President John from Pencarrow

As I often remind them, remember the L's of Leadership 

Laugh - have fun
Listen - so important
and above all, Lead - this is what your members expect

Blood Pressure Campaign - an invitation to be District Coordinator

We have an opportunity for Rotary to support a nationwide Blood Pressure Campaign. It has great potential and is a good profile opportunity for Rotary to build our communities.
Building on the success of the campaign last year, participating Rotary clubs will need to provide people for one day, on 14th May 2011 at a local New World/Pak and Save supermarket, to support St Johns medical people record blood pressure tests which are being done free. Rotary clubs can display their banner, hand out flyers etc.
The project needs a ‘district champion’ to work in with project initiator, PDG Pat Waite, and PDG Graham Douglass ( New World ) and make this happen. 

If you are interested in being a leader of this project, please contact 

Click image to read

Paul Newsom (District Covenor, Club Project Support – Community), for more information. 

Tel 04 586 4733 or paul@salespartners.co.nz

Find out more about the NZ Stroke Foundation

Four Myths: 

• Stokes and heart atacks are the same
• Strokes can't be presented - there's nothing you can do about it
• Stroke hits without warning
• Stroke only affects older people

Read about the truth here

Polio National Immunisation Day in India - an update

PDG Pat Waite writes:


"Hi everyone. The time is rolling on! It seems only a few weeks ago that Melva and I said “why don’t we go back to India to help with the next polio immunization programme”! One thing led to another and here we are almost into September with 38 wonderful interested people thinking about going with us! The news from India and other polio infected parts of the world is amazing – the incidents of polio outbreaks are becoming few and far between. Have we really licked Polio? Perhaps this might be the last year that Rotarians from around the world will be needed to support the ongoing need for polio immunization. Who knows!

The tentative dates are: 9 January and 6 February 2011. These are similar to last year when our group was there. We need 3 days for Polio – 1st day preparation, briefing and promotion (foreigners are an attraction to get people to come out for the programme) and 2nd and 3rd day for immunization. So whilst we need to be cautious with the dates I personally feel that we could work around those and get started!


1. Jim Greenhough is progressing his proposal for funding a television documentary on our journey.
2. The NZ High Commissioner in Delhi has been briefed on our visit and has offered to host a reception in the NZ High Commission for us (if our programme allows time?)
3. Colin and Jan Alford from Eastern Hutt will be in India working with our District water, sanitation and horticulture project in Ruchi and would like to join us for the NID days. So to will be George Borthwick from Courtney Place who was born in India and who will at that time be assisting his brother at a hospital there. 

Kind regards

PAT

Here is the current list going:


Linton and Heather Adams – Hutt City
George Beaton – Takaro
Susan and Allan Binks – Auckland
Murray and Shona Brockelsby – Hutt City
Ann Dale – Tawa
Michael and Heather Fagg – Karori
Francis Fanning – Wgtn South
Jim and Eileen Greenhough – Wgtn South
Deb and Neville Gimblett (and daughter) – Foxton
Brian and Eleanor Henry - Tawa
Gaylene Lines – Tawa
Ken and Margaret Linkhorn - Auckland Robin and Carol Maud – Hutt City
Graeme Millward – Marton and Helen de Leeuw – Makino

Liz and Victoria Sutton – Tawa
Pat and Melva Waite – Tawa
Ron and Margaret Wilson – Hutt City

For polio days only (will be in India at that time)
Colin and Jan Alford – Eastern Hutt George Borthwick – Courtenay Place

Doing good - at Arbor House

Whether Rotarians are involved in large scale or small projects, they all affect the lives of others.  Take this one for example.

The Rotary Club of South Wairarapa are holding an auction in Greytown on Friday 3 September at 7pm.

This old peoples residence has been well supported by both Lions and Rotary service groups.  Last year RC of South Wairarapa refurbished the Arbor House mini van as well as contributing to the Christmas BBQ.  

The auction on Friday is to raise funds towards the upgrade of the driveway - and contributing hand crafted quilts and woodwork items.  A small project compared to others in our District, but making a huge amount for those who will benefit.

Well done - where would our communities be without the contribution of Rotarians.

Another NEWS Flash!

IPP Joy Durrant has just advised me that the initial order for Orsborne Dictionaries for the first two months of this year is:

35 cartons 

which equates to 

2,010 dictionaries!

WELL DONE 9940!  

The kids will love you for it.

How do you like your coffee?

Pencarrow are working on a great project helping Aunty Rosa's orphanage in PNG.

A supporter of Aunty Rosa's Orphanage has provided a supply of kofi (coffee) for fundraising.  According to President John it is delicious! 18 people have tried it and there have been 18 sales. She says if we sell each kilo for $35nz then $20 goes to the orphans. That equates to approx k40 (kina) and k40 keeps a child fed, clothed and schooled for a fortnight. President John gave us a packet and wrote:  "We are hoping that you enjoy this coffee and tell others on your blog - it will be a nice way of you helping these orphans. 

Orders to Pres' John RC Pencarrow while stocks last!! 

Their slogan is
"Where we let the kofi do the talking"

Pencarrow-by-the-sea

IYE student Edna looks on

Rain, wind, a rush from the car, moving into the shelter of the Lowry Bay Yacht Club, greeted by laughter, the warmth of the atmosphere, the friendly handshake, the excitement of projects on the go, making progress, thinking of bigger projects, planning a better use of members skills and becoming bolder in the community through promotion of events.  Pencarrow Club - a haven from the storm, a group of committed people wanting to serve the community, a Mexican IYE student in their midst, partners supporting their partners, all wanting to do good in the neighbourhood.  A fine track record, and wanting to raise their sights even higher.  A President John with a vision to strengthen the Club and grow its influence in the community.  A great night.

Go Foxton!

Good on you Foxton!  A great initiative in Building Communities and introducing more people to Rotary.   This is what was written for members to note for their upcoming event!!

SHOWCASE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL SPEECHES

1.Emma Todd (Foxton Beach School) – “Montey”
2.Khree Rauhihi-Betty (Foxton School) – “My Strengths”
3.Enique Lucas-Karaitiana (St Mary’s) – “My Greatest Challenge”
4.Quinten Turner (Shannon) – “Dolphins”
5.Michiel Dykstra (Coley St School) – “Depression”

Members please note:
Not only will we have 5 pupils speaking, but each one will have between 4 & 8 “supporters”
(whanau & teachers), a total of around 25 guests in the club.

WE NEED TO BE GREAT HOSTS!
We will need someone on the door from 5.45pm with a float to collect $12from our guests

(other than the Speaker and one support person) and another to organise and write-out name tags.  I suggest a member (or two) ‘looks-after’ or adopts a school, ensures that they have drinks and sits with them – perhaps a table for each school – and introduces that school’s guest to the meeting at the appropriate time.

Duties for the evening:
- Grace: Chrissy Pedersen
- Introducing Speakers: Bruce McIntyre
-Vote of Thanks: Ivan George
-Stewards: all hands on deck
-Parting Thought: Stan Cull

Could as many members as possible be at the clubrooms by 5.45pm to ensure we are ready for our 25 guests.

What a great night that will be!  Well done Foxton.  Some photos please!!

ERKs - WOW!

FURTHER GREAT NEWS 

Cheques for another 3 ERK's arrived over the weekend which I have registered & sent on to PDG Stuart Batty this morning.
This now brings our Dist 9940 Rotary Club's giving to a total of 23 Emergency Response Kits so far this Rotary Year to Date. 

KIND REGARDS,
DAVE WILSON 

Well done District - a great result  (DG Howard)

Bolder Bulletins!

Hi folks - our Club programmes are well reflected in the quality and content of the various bulletins.  Go to the Becoming BOLDER tab on this Blog to view the District 9940 Club Bulletins I receive each week.  From these you may get ideas, see the speakers attending Clubs, see what is being done to educate members about Rotary and generally consider adopting some of these ideas for your own Club bulletin.  You can see why Jenny and I are having such a great time as we move from Club to Club.  Enjoy!

Note:  Does your Club have an archivist?  Bulletins are a wonderful record of your Club's activities and will be invaluable for members in the future arranging anniversaries and alumni events.

I hope to eventually get all Clubs Bulletins displayed 16 to go!!!  Check if your Club is sending them to me.

Cowboy Logic - Part 2

When President Ray was here in Wellington this week he proudly clapped and danced to his favourite song 'That's Cowboy Logic'.  Click here to hear the song.

He also quoted and referred to a book which we now have a link  It's entitled 'Don't squat with your spurs on -  a Cowboy's Guide to Life'.

In the end it's 'good old common sense' and reinforces Ray's plea to keep Rotary simple!

And some of the lyrics are:

New Weekly RI Update posted

A chance for more laughter - a key
component in any Rotary function!

Weekend reading folks!

The latest RI Weekly Update has been posted - it is on the right hand side under the search box.  It will take you to the latest news and views.

This week there is a very good video on RIP Ray Klinginsmith which is well worth viewing.

Or you can just click here

Go spotting!

[RIP Ray's gathering at Wellington Illot Theatre]
Thanks to Karori Bulletin for the photo (click to make larger)

Who's golfing 10/10/10?

Hi Clubs and Rotarians - do spread the word in your Club

District 9940 Golf Tornament

10 October 2010

Feilding Golf Club

$400 per team of 4 players

A fantastic time is guaranteed

 (closing date 10 September)

Proceeds go to The Rotary Foundation & NZ Leukaemia & Blood Foundation

Visit my previous Blog for further details

All players must have a recognized Club handicap
Be affiliated to a NZ Golf Club
Be a District 9940 Rotarian
Entry forms have been forwarded to all Clubs
View details on www.makinorotary.org.nz

Pomare School - the kids say thanks!

The Rotary Club of Hutt Valley recently completed a gardening project for Pomare School in the Hutt. They spent 2 Saturdays pulling up the old overgrown gardens, laying a brick edging and replanting. Have a look at the project and the hard workers!!!

Here and here

This morning the school put on a morning tea and presentation to the club.  Attending were several members of the working party and President Carl.

Here are the photos of the fantastic children singing there hearts out!  The DG even got to dancing!!

What are we good at?  Building Communities.

Watch the Hutt News for an upcoming article - we are getting bolder too!

A special guest speaker - Bishop Muru Walters

Lynne Duncan from Pencarrow writes:
Greetings - our club received a very special blessing this week from our erudite speaker Bishop Muru Walters.
The notes for his densely packed talk are attached. I hope you can take the time to read them.
We have received a very rare and precious gift, a taonga.

Although the Bishop reflected upon the four symbols of our newsletter, as artist, theologian and sportsman, we are also aware that he brings a Maori perspective that is very much valued.
All delivered by Muru the man, who led us into his world of creativity, inclusion and surprises. We were asked to consider Creation from nothing through to 50%, with the remainder left in the hands of others to continue or pass on; and equally to consider the habits of dogs when they meet, offering the throat and cuddling the throat. We were asked to consider colonisation as a gift; to consider the effect of the plough in reducing conflict, as people no longer went to dangerous places for food. Or more succinctly, 1 pork = 2000 pigeons.
In giving back to us our symbols as a model for living life in NZ, Bishop Walters identified them as symbols of good, to be interpreted inclusively by us all as privileged New Zealanders.
Tena koe, e hoa, mo to korero pai

RIP Ray visits Karori Club

IPDG David Watt writes:
RI President Ray Klinginsmith was really taken with the history of the Karori Sanctuary (Zealandia), especially to view the outstanding educational displays in the new Visitor Centre. He has joined two former Rotary International Presidents in visiting the Karori Sanctuary, the first being Glenn Estees (President 2004/05) and DK Lee who joined fellow Rotarians at the Sanctuary in 2007 as RI President elect. Both had the opportunity to see the development of the Discovery Area above the Upper Dam, by the combined Rotary Clubs of Wellington

Rotarian David Sercombe writes:
I think Ray was quite taken with the robotic Moa and appeared interested in the new Education Shelter proposal illuminated by the Zealandia CEO Nancy Ward. It was an opportunity to capture a new view of the Boat Shed and Water Tower along with that of Ray.
There were approximately 36 Rotarians and partners present including the Heal's from Cromwell. The walk through the static display was excellent, relating the early formative years of NZ and the natural vegetation and creatures that abounded before the arrival of the dreaded humans to the current time.
Altogether a great place for lunch and as Ray had a very tight schedule it was a little disappointing there was no time to stroll to the Rotary Discovery area to get a better idea of the scope of Rotary involvement. Them's the breaks I guess!

Thanks President Glan from Woodville

AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT AUGUST 2010.

This year, August has 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays, 5 Tuesdays, all in one month.
It happens once in 823 years.

I probably will miss it next time!

Wow!! The DG Blog now has 8 followers - why not also join?

Keep up to date with what is happening in the district - send me material to post along with photos - publicise your events and projects - lets make our Actions Count!
Popularity is spreading - already exceeding the number of hits we received last month of 1,729.

Clubs Get Behind International Projects

On Tuesday, I attended the board meeting of RNZWCS Ltd as representative of all of the DGs in the NZ/Pacific Districts. The Board consists of a representative from each of the NZ/Pacific Rotary Districts. The company prefers to be known simply as Rotary New Zealand, although the WCS stands for World Community Service which involves Rotary Clubs from two or more countries uniting to serve one of their communities.
As your non-government organization (NGO), Rotary New Zealand applies on behalf of Clubs to the NZ Aid Programme (NZAP) for funding for international activities under the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) and the Humanitarian Response Fund (more details at http://www.nzaid.govt.nz/what-we-do/nz-ngo-contestable-funds.html ) Rotary New Zealand also lobbies government on matters of interest to Rotary’s international activities.
The Board’s discussion included:

• Changes in the NZ government’s approach to overseas aid, with the focus on sustainable economic development. Rotary New Zealand needs to be accredited to access funding.
• Government expects funding through the SDF to be allocated 75% to the Pacific in 3 years.
• Rotary’s role in disaster response (RIP Ray Klinginsmith joined us for this discussion – see my earlier blog).
• Polio – RIP Ray is convinced polio will be eradicated in the next few years.

PP Sandra Bartlam and PDG Morris Robertson attended as advisory members. Sandra has developed a birth kit for ERKs and Morris is investigating a health project in Timor L’Este for a possible Global Grant.

As your District 9940 representative and a Director of RNZWCS Ltd, PP Martin Garcia reported that:

• Clubs in the District are actively involved in many international projects, particularly water, health and literacy projects;
• 9940 WCS Committee members are developing a Strategic Plan and are looking for Clusters/Clubs to develop a project for a Global Grant under The Rotary Foundation’s Future Vision Plan.
• Funding is being sought from NZAP for RUCHI and Niusawa School Student Welfare Project (Plimmerton).
• Dave Wilson is doing a great job promoting ERKs and 9940 is consequently ahead of any other District in our donations to ERKs so far this year. Warren Irving is doing his usual good work publicizing ShelterBoxes, including a TV appearance.

Remember, if you’re thinking international projects, think of contacting your District 9940 WCS Committee representative, listed on pages 84-85 of the District Directory. They meet regularly, provide advice about projects and funding, and report to me on international activity. You should be on their radar, even if you just have an initial idea for an international project. Congratulations to Clubs in 9940 for the noticeable increase in consideration of international projects.

Howard

Rotary videos on You Tube (District 9970)

This is worth a look!

Keith Walker (PR Director of 9970) writes:

I have been asked by Alan Davies to resend the link to the Rotary Documentary series 9970 has had produced and screened on their local television station CTV. It consists of 8 x 30 minute segments and covers all aspects of Rotary staring with it’s history.

Although the footage features Rotarians and projects in District 9970, the information is generic enough to be of interest to clubs in all districts so we are happy for you to share this with anyone you wish.

The main aim of the series is to encourage new membership.

You can view all the segments on www.youtube.com then put "ctv this is rotary" in the search box.

This is one about RLYA & RYDA

Yours in Rotary

Keith Walker
PR Director
District 9970

Haka Video - didn't they do well

This was the group from Wellington College who gave a fine display when RI President Ray visited Wellington on 23 August.  (Credit to the RC of Hutt Valley Bulletin - thanks Jeff!)

ShelterBox is active in delivering aid into Pakistan.

Greetings from Mosgiel

As everyone will be aware Pakistan is 1/5th under water and up to 7 million people are homeless----mind boggling statistics!!

The focus at this stage is Pakistan, and therefore our key priority, is emergency shelter and water purification. ShelterBox has already distributed 1,800 pre-positioned tents; 624 ShelterBoxes, 10,000 family-sized LifeStraws and 5,000 water containers are currently being distributed in the flood-hit country. A further 1,000 ShelterBoxes are en route along with an additional 10,000 LifeStraws and 5,000 water containers that will be dispatched this week. 2,600 tents are being sent directly from China and we are currently looking at other freight options and capacity for further deliveries.

We have been working with long-standing partner National Rural Support Program (NRSP) to distribute aid to those in need. Mark Pearson (UK) worked with NRSP in June and July to plan distribution procedures in advance of the monsoon season which has wreaked such havoc. At present however the security situation is considered extremely fragile so Mark will not return to the country until a safe deployment plan has been approved. The operations team is receiving high level security reports daily and will review the situation on an ongoing basis.




Mark has worked extensively with NRSP and is confident that aid is reaching the most vulnerable in the quickest time frame possible. NRSP were our main partners for a year following the 2005 earthquake; and with their help we were able to put 25,000 people in our tents in June 2009. NRSP are attending the daily shelter cluster meetings so every tent they have deployed in all affected areas of Pakistan has been processed through the IOM-led shelter cluster. We are getting regular reports and images from NRSP detailing their operations and Mark will continue to manage the programme.

We are also working closely with Rotarian Faiz Kidwai, PDG for District 3270, Chairman of the Rotary Foundation in the District and ShelterBox representative in Pakistan. Faiz has been instrumental in various deployments including the earthquakes of 2005 and 2008, Cyclone Phet in 2010, and many more. Faiz is working on the distribution of 10,000 LifeStraws and 5,000 water carriers; has distributed 800 tents from the pre-positioning stock to Sindh last week; and will assist with further tent distribution as stock arrives in-country. Faiz works closely with the Secretary General of the PRCS (Pakistan Red Crescent Society).


We will continue to assess the level of need and our capacity to respond based on availability of appropriate stock and logistics on the ground.

We would appreciate it if your supporters can give an indication of their financial support we can manage our response accordingly.

(Becky Maynard - ShelterBox-- Head of Fundraising--Helston, England).

Please contact your NZ ShelterBox District Representative or phone NZ 021 452 340 and advise of any likely Rotary Club support so we can update the UK of further support from New Zealand.

To support the ShelterBox effort please forward your cheques using the attached Donation Form, or by depositing your donations into the NZ National Bank Shelterbox Trust Account 060 939 0071143 02.


THANK YOU for your continuing support of ShelterBox

Graham Beach
Trustee/co-ordinator
ShelterBox New Zealand Charitable Trust

info@shelterbox.org.nz

Cowboy Logic

Disaster Relief for Pakistan

The Rotary New Zealand World Community Service Ltd (RNZWCS) Board met in Wellington yesterday and it was fortuitous to have RIP Ray there in the discussion regarding disaster/emergency aid specifically and in general.

Clearly, Ray confirmed what has been the accepted view over many years and to use his words “Rotary is not a first responder”.

The issue of first response and recent players that have been soliciting funds from Rotary clubs across the globe to support “a first response” is to be debated at the November RI Board meeting and Ray intimated that following that meeting, the board would make clear its position in regards to specific players which have come to the Board’s attention and to policy in general.

The RNZWCS Board meanwhile has resolved that it will receive donations from Rotary and the public for the purpose of second response except in those cases where our Pacific neighbours through the Emergency Response Kit programme require an injection of funds to replace kits deployed immediately following a disaster/emergency. On those occasions RNZWCS will solicit immediate support for replenishment of kits.

RNZWCS will on each occasion including Pakistan consider all the options available taking into consideration information posted on Rotary’s RI website and that of individual Districts who may directly solicit funds. Prior to transferring funds, due diligence will be taken including making direct contact with Rotary in the affected country or other NGO’s in countries where Rotary is not represented.

Donations must be routed through TNZRCCT via RNZWCS to comply with regulations.

They therefore would suggest that in the current situation in respect of Pakistan, that clubs or individuals wishing to respond do so through internet banking to:

Westpac 03 1702 0192208 02

or by cheques payable to RNZWCS Limited PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543 with clear indication as to the purpose of the donation. 

PDG Stuart Batty

Only in New Zealand!

Hi Inglewood - what a great Bulletin and where else would you see the following:

A fine meeting on Monday

It was wonderful for RI President Ray Klinginsmith to have the opportunity to visit our very own Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand on Monday.  Escorted by PDG Judy Bain and PDG Stuart Batty, Ray and Duane Sterling had an opportunity to meet and greet and to also share common passions in their quest to serve.  Our Governor General is a PHF and previous to this role was a member of the Wellington Rotary Club.

A great event - $3,000 raised!

Well done Pencarrow - a great turn out with two theatres full to watch 'Predicament' - a New Zealand movie that made many have a good laugh - a black comedy.  The friendship was evident, the contingent from Porirua /Sundown and other Clubs in the area - great to see everyone prepared to support each other's projects.  This money will support the children of Auntie Rosa's Orphanage in Papua Nuigini.

World Community Service - a fitting place to end

Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith spent his last hours in Wellington joining the Board of the Rotary New Zealand World Community Service Ltd.  This multi district group meet quarterly at Wellington Airport and it was fitting that Ray pop in before boarding his plan.  

Stuart Batty, Ray Klinginsmith,
Martin Garcia (9940 RNZWCS Board member)

He took time to answer questions but also to discuss how Rotary International should respond to natural disasters like the one currently being experienced in Pakistan.  He reminded us of the fine record we have had in recent years and the generosity of Rotarians, but he did point out that we need to recognise there are many other NGO's (and he specifically mentioned Care International) as groups far better set up to provide the right type of aid in these situations. 

PDG Morris Robinson (Wgtn North)
catching a few short moments with Ray
before he felt to catch his flight

He spoke of the excellent track record of Australia and New Zealand in World Community Service activity and encouraged us to continue with the good work.  He shared his optimism in the fight against polio as well as the work being done to develop more Clubs in Africa and the work with ex patriot Clubs in China.  

He mentioned and held up a book he is currently reading by Clem Renouf entitled Rotary Cares 

So farewell Ray - a delightful leader, passionate, approachable, down to earth in a real 'cowboy' sort of way, and with a wicked sense of humour.  We were honoured to have him on District 9940.  Thanks to Stuart Heal and Rob Crabtree for supporting this visit, along with PDG Judy Bain and RRFC John Cole.  And finally a huge thank you to Christopher Roberston our District Liaison (from Port Nicholson Club) for all the behind the scenes logistics.

Pakistan - the District Response

A response has been received from RI (see previous post).

I recommend that Clubs continue to support ShelterBox as our preferred response to longer term disaster needs. 

Our primary aim in the District is to meet Pacific disaster responses through ERKs.  Your Club will need to decide how you balance your giving to ERKs and ShelterBoxes, but clearly our priority over the year should be ERKs.   So I would promote ERKs while also recommending ShelterBoxes if your Club is looking to meet longer-term needs.

I am attending a World Community Service (RNZWCS Ltd) board meeting today.  I may be able to add to this following the discussion which will certainly be an agenda item. 

Having said that - all Clubs are autonomous and are free to decide their own response that suits their members and ability to respond.

DG Howard

Pakistan - RI response

Dear Rotarians:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent floods in Pakistan, and we are touched by the commitment of Rotarians to assist the communities affected by this disaster. Rotary International is coordinating relief and recovery efforts, and we are writing to you today to provide you with information on how you may work through Rotary to make a significant contribution toward alleviating this major humanitarian crisis.

Rotary International coordinates information and provides resources on club and district disaster relief efforts. When informed of local relief initiatives, RI shares updates about these efforts on the RI website. Rotarians wishing to contribute funds or donated goods to disaster victims can visit the website or contact RI Staff at relief@rotary.org to learn about current relief and recovery efforts.

Also, The Rotary Foundation has established the Rotary Pakistan Flooding Recovery Fund for the purpose of collecting funds in the form of cash and District Designated Funds (DDF) to be used to assist disaster affected areas of Pakistan. The funds will be collected until 31 December 2010 and will be used as the Foundation’s match for Matching Grant applications that are received for disaster recovery efforts. Details about the fund are available on the RI website.

We have been in contact with District Governor Syed Balkhi (District 3271) and District Governor Shehzad Ahmed (District 3272) to offer assistance in publicizing any relief efforts that clubs in Pakistan are implementing. An article will be posted to the home page of the RI website with details on Rotary club involvement in relief efforts and how you can help.

As always, when organizing a response to a local or international disaster, we encourage Rotary clubs and districts to work with experienced emergency relief organizations such as UNICEF, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Doctors Without Borders, ShelterBox, Aquabox, and World Water Works to meet the immediate needs of victims affected by the disaster.

It is our hope that with your meaningful and rapid response to this appeal, you will be able to help rebuild the future for millions of innocent people affected by this crisis. Thank you for your commitment to helping disaster victims.

Sincerely,

Ed Futa

Ed Futa, General Secretary
Rotary International

A District Gathering - what a show!

What is the buzz?  Tell me what's happening?

Reminds me of a musical - but then again it was a 'show' tonight that had many performers and a touch of drama.  31 out of the 60 clubs represented and 5 out of the 6 New Zealand and Pacific Islands Districts represented.  A great turn out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Opening Curtain

Act One

Drinks in the Council Chambers

Ray moving amongst members, shaking hands, freely conversing, sharing ideas and answering  questions.  Mayor Kerry was generous in offering the stage setting - along with props and finger food.  The beverage was enjoyed by all and Kerry also moved freely amongst those gathered.

Act Two

Kapahaka group in full cry!

Such youthful passion.

Moved into Illot theatre - all 302 in the cast, to be greeted by a Wellington College kapahaka group in full cry - greeting us with conch and haka, and at arms length to the guests  who sat transfixed in the front row.

Act Three

Scene one - a message and welcome from our Mayor Kerry

Mayor Kerry gives her message

Scene two - a message from RI President Ray - along with musical accompaniment

President Ray captivates
his listeners

Scene three - presentations were giving for Polio Fund and two well deserved PHF sapphires (to be described in a latter posting)

Scene four - thanks to our guests that was graciously accepted.

Mayor Kerry receives the thanks of
District 9940

The message - let's look to change, become relevant, exploit the passion that exists amongst members, be public in what we do, be ethical and stick to the basics of service.  Ray challenged us - New Zealand once has the highest per capita of Rotarians - what are we doing about it?  He says generation Y asks two questions:  1)why do we do things that way? 2) why do it at all?
Building Communities Bridging Continents is what we do best! Let's do so with a passion.

Final Curtain

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Think about this statement:  

"Rotary is a world wide network of inspired individuals who turn their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in our communities."   

This was contributed by RI Director Stuart Heal at the end of a Rotary Foundation dinner that was held following the final curtain.