Feilding Club - receiving the challenge

 

Enjoying our meal

Tonight the weather was wild.  The weather bomb hit the lower half, strong wind and rain, causing slips, flooding and derailments in the lower half of the North Island.  On can say that the warmth of the Rotary Club of Feilding club rooms sheltered us from this storm, but there was a wind of a different kind.  After a spectacular introduction from PDG Eric (which is a feature of another post), I moved into my final presentation to the 5 Rangitikei Clubs.  Feilding, a Club of 41 members, was well represented and partners were in support. The challenge was to identify their true essence, that something which is unique to the Feilding Club and to use this to invite members to their Club.  So many in the community, as was shown with the recent events in Christchurch, are willing and eager to serve their community with no question as to the cost or commitment.  We should not be predetermining the response of people but to be proud of our Club's achievements and to be BOLD and confident in our approach.

Thanks Bill!

Feilding Club has a fine tradition of supporting the Youth Exchange programme (a student who sat next to me tonight was from Sweden), as well as supporting the RYPEN programme and the vocational training programme called RYLA.  They were also getting members lined up to man the gates for the national Dog Show and were identifying sellers for the annual Grocery Grab Raffle.  This Club is one with heaps of potential to make an impact both in the local community and to communities overseas.  It has a proud history to build on!  Jenny and I enjoyed the visit.  PDG Ross was very generous in his thanks - and it was also good to shake Bill's hand - the person who has regularly sent me their weekly Bulletin through the post.  Thanks Bill and thanks Feilding.

12 months on for Samoa - let us remember them

A report received tonight from Takaro Club....

Making their Actions Count!
President David and Dave Wilson

Today was the 12 month anniversary of the Samoan tsunami.
Appropriately we had District ERG Co-coordinator Dave Wilson and Margaret speak at our club as part of their promotional tour of the District.
Dave gave a fantastic presentation, accompanied by a kit, which generated many questions.
At the conclusion of his presentation, in true Actions Count mode, our club presented Dave with a cheque for a ERK. (photo attached)
The challenge is for all clubs in 9940 to do this and support a true Pacific project. 

President David

Ohakune-Raetihi Rotary Club - ready to grow!

 

New member Zane

President Tiri and members

AG Stuart - great venue

Today we visited the Ohakune-Raetihi Rotary Club.  Under the majestic, although somewhat obscured Mt Ruapehu, we journeyed from Taihape to find our motel in Ohakune.  This was after the obligatory walk up and down the main street to view the shops and have a coffee.  After unpacking, we headed off to President Tiri’s home where we met the Board.  This Club is active in the community and has been since the 1960’s.  The main fundraising is achieved through their delivery of the community directories to the homes and farms in the area.  Services include delivering wood to those in need, maintaining a Sunshine Fund to fund requests from the community, to support the Foundation and have recently contributed $500 to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.  After a frank discussion regarding membership and the future of the Club we travelled to their meeting.  We stopped off at our unit with AG Stuart to discuss the District Web Site development.  We arrived at the Country Classic Lodge – a combination of old homesteads and a real treasure trove of antiques and early New Zealand architecture.  The glass of wine, the friendly greeting and the relaxed and convivial atmosphere is all part of the experience of visiting this Club.  They meet weekly but have a

Rotarian David and wife Alison.
President Tiri's wife Dinah

speaker only once a month.  I had the pleasure of presenting a Paul Harris medallion to David Seifert and then had the additional pleasure of inducting a new member – Zane Couper.  The informality of the evening meant the Governor’s Chain was not worn, the jacket was left on the back of the chair as I spoke to the members and their wives.  A challenge was given to the Club to reconsider their goals for the Club, to be more BOLD in their work in the community, and to ensure that they continued their vital role in the community.  Another great night.

Stroke Foundation - 14 May 2011

Hi fellow Rotarians - please  ask your Club if we can identify someone to assist with this very high profile project.  We are encouraging all Clubs this year to be Bolder - and this certainly does that.  Put this in your Club's calendar for next year.

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) to make this happen. If you are interested in being a leader of this project, please contact Paul Newsom (District Convener, Club Project Support – Community), for more information. Tel 04 586 4733 or paul@salespartners.co.nz

The last campaign report reads....

The “Down with Blood Pressure!” campaign was part of Stroke Awareness Week, 7 – 13 September 2009. In partnership with Lions Clubs and St John, the Stroke Foundation set up approximately 110 “blood pressure sites” - mainly in participating New World and PakN Save supermarkets - across the country on Saturday, 12 September 2009. These sites provided information to the general public on stroke, high blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke, along with the offer of a free blood pressure check. Early analysis of incoming data indicates that between 10,000 - 12,000 people visited the sites. Of these, many were unaware of their current blood pressure levels, and a higher number than expected had elevated blood pressure readings"

Rotary Club of Taihape – so valuable to the community

Just one of their projects

The sun was shining on Taihape today and so was the welcome we received as we arrived.  President Elect Jan greeted us at our Motel with a fruit basket and a big warm hullo.  President Brian then picked us up and we moved from one successful Rotary project to another, standing on the railway turn table, visiting Gumboot Park and looking at potential projects in the region.  We then met up with the Board at Bill and Jan’s home – and had an informative time discussing projects both here and overseas.  I had the opportunity to convey news about the Foundation Future Vision pilot and also to discuss approaches to marketing in the community.  I quick trip with AG Stuart to their meeting rooms where we were again greeted with typical Rangitikei hospitality.  Taihape is a small Club with 11 members but has a huge heart.  After an

DG Howard, President Brian, AG Stuart

enjoyable meal we sat around the table and discussed the ‘BASICS’ of Rotary and I encouraged them to take a fresh look at their approach to membership and to their Club venue.  We ended with a Club group photo.  Here is a Club who has a presence in their community far greater than their numbers would suggest.  And I was given to privilege to sign their speakers book which has been used since 1946!!  Bill Byford was thanked for his service to RYPEN which is operated out of Taihape and Immediate Past President Francis was presented a certificate for her service to the Club.

The members of RC of Taihape - what a team!

 

Celebrity Debate 13th November 7.30pm

Celebrity Debate 13th November 7.30pm.

Otaki Memorial Hall. 

All Proceeds to Ronald McDonald House, Wellington. 

We will have a cash bar, finger food will be provided, raffles, pre & post debate music. 

Will be an excellent night out, a lot of fun and a very worthwhile cause. Our celebrities are 

• Darren Hughes (Labour MP); 
• Nathan Guy (National MP), 
• Penny Gaylor (KCDC) 
• Grant Robertson (Local identity) 
• Doug Neilson (Statistician for Hurricanes) 
• Ashok Parbhu ( a local guy and works for Royal Society). 
• Chairperson is Nigel (Beach FM); 
• Adjudicator: Chris Turver (Mayoral Candidate).

Ronald McDonald House

Imagine if you had to be away from home for weeks - even months - while your child received specialist hospital care in another city.  Ronald McDonald House Wellington provides a much needed home-away-from home for families of seriously ill children receiving specialist medical treatment at Wellington Hospital. Last year, more than 550 families stayed with us, and the demand for our service continues to grow.  Unfortunately, our current House is too small. We now need to build a bigger House to ensure we can continue to keep our doors open to an ever-increasing number of families in need. Raising the funds needed to build our new House is difficult, but it is even harder turning away a family in need.  We need your help to ensure we can continue to provide Kiwi families with a warm, safe place to stay together at a time when they need it most.

International Polio Day - 24 October

Received from PDG John Cole - our Regional Foundation Coordinator

Dear District Governors

U.N has designated 24th October 2010 as World Polio Day and events have been organised to co-inside with this day.

For the week leading up to this event, The Rotary Foundation will be offering 2 for 1 recognition credit for every contribution of US$100 or more made to polio on-line.

This is a great incentive for Rotarians like you and I to get on-line via member access and make a commitment of a minimum of US$100 towards our $200 Million Challenge.

You are a Governor during what should be a very special year for Rotary International. With commitment from Rotarians worldwide we should reach our US$200 million target during your year as D.G. However to achieve this target we will need continued support from Rotarians, Clubs and Districts.

Thank you for your support and if I or any member of our Zone Team can assist please let us know.

Kind regards

John Cole
RRFC
Zone 7B and part 8 

Rotary International - Office Communication (read here.....)
 

Editor DG Howard:  How can your Club and community mark United Nation's Polio Day on the 24th? 

Marton - projects and energy a-plenty

President Gaylene

I recognise that man - Andy Watson

A drive north in the sunshine saw us arrive in Marton at 3pm (a little later than we expected) - and we were greeted with warm hospitality, a cup of tea and the news that I was to be shown local projects while Jenny went off to see David Smith's farm with Margaret.  President Gaylene took AG Stuart and me to Scott Ferry (just ourt of Bulls) where we met with local Bill Gray who opened the 'fire station' to reveal two trailers with pumping gear for local emergencies.  This was a Rotary project by the Marton Club and one they can be justifiably proud of - relevant, 'bold' and meeting a real need.  On the way back to Marton, Gaylene showed me some sites for potential projects being considered including a walkway and bridge connecting two streets through a reserve and assisting with the rebuilding of the local Op Shop that was recently the victim of arsonists.  Returning to the Club rooms we met up with a fantastic group of energetic Rotarians.  They listened intently to my message which was really focused on ensuring they were thinking of how they are perceived in the community and making sure all members were fully engaged in Club activities.  The Board met after the meeting and I heard about

AG Stuart, DG Howard, Bill Gray, President Gaylene

their international water project in Savu Savu, Fiji and the local defibrillator project.  Here is a Club with much experience (chartered in 1946) and a real focus to serve their community.  I am certainly keeping an eye on Marton - and they claim they currently have 13 in their 'gang' to turn up at Conference!!  They were not prepared to reveal their name - I wonder why?

This week's visits - Rangitikei here we come!

Jenny and I pack the car and head north this week - off into the heart of the Rangitikei region.  We will visit Raetihi-Ohakune, Marton, Feilding and Taihape.  These Clubs have a unique passion to serve - some of the Clubs are small in number but have a huge capacity to put Service Above Self.  Back to Wellington on Friday and back to work.  After this week we will have only have 15 Clubs to visit of the 60 in our District.  These visits are rapidly happening.  We are enjoying our time immensely.

Woodville Chainsaw 'Massacre'

President Steve from South Wairarapa writes:

Well, hopefully not a massacre, but we're hoping to do some damage to a few trees in Woodville!
We're looking for a couple more chainsaw enthusiasts to join David Stevenson and myself to go to Woodville on Saturday Oct 9 to help our Rotary cousins up there with their annual wood-chopping fund-raiser. After a couple of hours of chainsawing, you'll be rewarded with a burnt sausage or three, and it doesn't get any better than that, eh? So it'll be a lot of fun and we'll be helping out our Rotary cousins in Woodville as well.
You'll need to pace yourself, though, because that's also the day of the Great Bavarian Night at the Royal in Featherston. 

DG Howard writes:

I am sure there are other enthusiasts out there!

Glan (President of Woodville) has asked if there are any Rotarians willing to roll up their sleeves for their Club.  This is the smallest Club in the District and do need support.  Glan would welcome you all with open arms.  Make your Actions Count!  have a great day out serving the community and a fellow Club and also get some exercise.  How about it?

Let President Steve know by email....

How are plans going for Project Day - 26 Feb 2011?

Actions that you may have taken so far, or are high on your agenda:

• Some Community Project ideas have been discussed among your club members
• You may even have decided upon one idea
• Person now identified as the Club's liaison with the Project Day Co-ordinator, Warwick Johnston.

Remember to keep it simple and have fun. The aim is to raise awareness about Rotary in your Community.
If you need any kind of help just email Warwick at: warwick.johnston@clear.net.nz
And he is keen to hear what you've decided upon as well!

Warwick Johnston
Project Day Co-ordinator.
021 253 8873 

Editor DG Howard:  A list of Clubs and Projects will be compiled and added to this Blog - let's make it a 100% turnout on the day

Pounui Lake walk - the richness of NZ bush

Pounui Lake - a walk in the mist

The intrepid group

Leaving home at 9am on a Sunday morning, Jenny and I travelled with our neighbour and fellow rotarian Sheryl, across the Rimutaka's to the Wairarapa.  We met up with some 20 others from our Club plus some locals.  The weather was blustery and misty, but the company had the usual high spirits and ready to take on the challenge.  What a beautiful setting.  I had never been there before, but nestled in the shadow of the Rimutaka mountain range, we set off to walk around the lake.  As is the case on all these walks, we exchanged conversations with a number in the group and walked briskly through beech forest, fern glades and past giant Kahikitea's. 

Tom the dog

A welcomed lunch break

We negotiated the stinging nettle and hanging rata vines and there were a number who slipped and wore the mud not only on their shoes!  Stopping half way round for lunch, the group regathered and marched on - with the wind and the mist making the excursion a memorable one.  Young Tom the dog was entertaining and no-so-young Bob, the Conference Chairman and his wife Elaine continue to impress with their fitness and stamina.  A great event, lots of friendly banter and boy that shower felt good once we returned home at 3:45.  We are so fortunate to have such wonderful natural areas to enjoy on our doorstep.  Thanks to Dougal and Denise - as well as Graeme Evans for arranging this event with our leader Peter!

Andre's photos transformed here....

Back to sunny Wellington

Bob the 'tree hugger' and Jen

Ever wondered?

Sergeant's play an important role in the Club - their success is the Club's success.  Their ability to extract the coin and occasional floating dollar from member's pockets in a lighthearted fashion is a skill which must be recognised and appreciated by Clubs.  We were at Otaki recently and there was an excellent sergeant session - with two in tandem being most efficient and entertaining at the same time.
I was able to secure the notes used by one of the pair - and it shows what lengths they go to.  Well done Otaki.

Shelter Boxes - creative idea hits the media up north

Update - Personal Emergency Packs - Upgraded

Greetings Howard, 

Thank you for promoting our Personal Emergency Packs. We have sold out of that run completely and I attach a flyer for our current run - the price has gone up but the value is still better as there is an extra ingredient, the foil blanket, and an offer of one free for every ten paid for. 

Now $75

Our current run is 150, and we have already orders for 148! 

We hope to be able to deliver within 3 weeks from now.

We do anticipate another run, and I understand that firm orders received, and invoiced, before 30 Sept avoid the GST increase, even if delivery is (I guess) about six weeks away from now. Regards

David Gledhill (Eastern Hutt)

New promo poster here ...

World Community Service - meaning business

Sandra Bartlam, Martin Garcia,
Fraser Paterson, Colin Alford
Dave Wilson

DG Howard and DGN Graeme

Today Martin Garcia met with his team at Raumati - a sunny day, a full agenda and a group of people with much knowledge, but more importantly a desire to assist Clubs to engage in international projects.  Sandra Bartlam opened her home and enjoyed in sharing reports, exchanging ideas and discussing ways to add value to our Clubs.

Robin Aitken and Barbara Pratt
in deep discussion

The agenda covered Emergency Response Kits (Dave Wilson), Shelter Boxes (Warren Irving - absent), RUCHI/WASRAG (Colin Alford), Interplast (Richard Stephen) along with discussions on communication strategies and Rotary Action Groups.  

I know from my visits that many Clubs want to be involved in international projects but find the whole process confusing and difficult to initiate.  I am positive with the right communication, the correct processes in place and the cooperation of Clubs and Cluster, this will change.  The satisfaction of your Club contributing to the Foundations motto of 'doing good in the world' is within the reach of all Clubs.

Comment: 

What RUCHI is doing is an example of what can be achieved, from water projects through to sustainability. You cannot just provide a pump or a dam or a water tank and walk away. Our responsibility is to always consider the sustainability of any project.

A vocational month is coming up - from District 5010 ( Alaska)

We stay focused on the objectives we have for the world: 

Peace. Tranquility. A true Brotherhood of Man.
Freedom from hunger, from oppression, from sickness.
The freedom to choose our own destinies.
We reaffirm our commitment to our simple Rotary Four Way Test for all
we do and support:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
We reaffirm our commitment to high ethics in all we do. 

And we give thanks for all the blessings,opportunities and responsibilities that befall us as Rotarians.
We continue in this new millennium with optimism, renewed energy, and a commitment to service to you and our fellow men and women.
Please, help us so to serve! Amen.

Have you contributed to Canterbury Earthquake Appeal?

If so, then can you please complete the attached survey which has been sent to all club Presidents.

Only complete the Survey if you have personally contributed direct to the RNZWCS Appeal Account or sent money to an individual Club.

This does not relate to any donations to other Relief organisations (e.g. Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc)

Access the Survey here ...

Another new member - with a desire to serve

Welcoming an international
guest and young member into
Courtenay Place

I had the opportunity to visit the Rotary Club of Courtenay Place this lunch time and spoke about the Rotary Foundation and the Future Vision Pilot.

It was good to be present when another new member was inducted into this small Club - a French man with a background in IT.  He has certainly lowered the average age of the Club.

It was also good to meet up with a visiting Rotarian from 5010 - Alaska (the worlds largest geographic area District) 
More here ...

All in all another great meeting!!

Wellington Clubs supporting each other.....

Let's get behind Courtenay Place as they hold their film evening next week 

Thursday 30 September
6:30 for 7pm
Paramount Theatre
Tickets $25 (includes wine, nibbles and lucky seat draw)

 Proceeds to village water
reticulation projects in Samoa

View previous post here ...

Tickets available from any Rotary Club of Courtenay Place members or Ambience, 14 Elizabeth St. Ph 384-6076

Up early supporting Christchurch

Paul Henry and Pippa Wetzell at Christchurch

New Zealander's are pulling together to support our friends in Canterbury.  A special TV Broadcast is currently screening on TV1 and demonstrates the spirit of those affected as well as those wanting to lend a helping hand.  In the background are local Rotarians cooking thousands of sausages for the crowd that has gathered.  PDG Ross Sknner said yesterday: 

"Just had a meeting with TV1…. A group of us now in Square from 5am!!!!

Why do I belong to a Breakfast club when 7am seems early. Oh well!!!"

Listen to Mayor Bob Parker

A new format for a breakfast meeting

Otaki tonight - a Club with energy

Jenny, Bronwyn and AG Deb

I will if you will.....

President Allan

Jenny and I continue to enjoy our visits.  Tonight was no exception.  Travelling up to Otaki in the sunshine and thinking of those struggling down south in the snow - hardly seems possible.  We arrived at President Allan's farmlet for the Board meeting - a very informative time as I learnt not only of their current projects but also the new ones planned - such as a Celebrity Debate and the Welcome Otaki project.  Here is a Club who is rejuvinating itself through the energy of its members, through innovative ideas in their meetings, inducting new members and having fun

Didn't know service was such fun!

serving their community.  AG Deb was supporting us and we
enjoyed a lively meeting recognising service and inducting a new member - they are well on their way to achiving their target.  Arriving back home just in time to bang up a note for the Blog!!  Keep it up Otaki.

Rotary training for your future leaders - 16 October

We are holding our first RLI training day on the Saturday 16 October in Wellington.

This is the Rotary Leadership Institute training that I have been mentioning as I have visited Clubs.

I am excited about this addition to our training programme in District 9940.

We ask each Club to consider sending one, even two members to this course.

The concept is that the Clubs identify and sponsor their member to attend.

The cost of the initial training day is $85 to cover venue and training material.

It will be facilitated by members of the District who received their training back in July.

For more information visit the RLI web site here....

The programme consists of 3 stages and at the end the Rotarian 'graduates' with an increased knowledge of Rotary programme and they take their enthusiasm back into the Clubs.  It is a fun day, very interactive and suitable for:

• President Elects/Nominees
• new members in your Club
• those you identify in the Club as potential leaders

To register your interest please contact PDG Graham Douglass by email stating name of Club and the name/contact details of the person(s) you are sending to the training day.

Applications close Friday 8 October - register early to secure your place as these programmes are very popular in other Districts.

Canterbury Earthquake - update

Two updates:

• A survey for members to complete - only complete one response per Club, unless you have made an individual contribution directly to RNZWCS.  View the Canterbury Earthquake tab on this Blog for more information
• Second - remember to view TV1 Breakfast Show tomorrow (Friday) morning - Rotary's effort will hopefully receive good coverage

Update from District 9970 - Canterbury Earthquake Relief

Please go to the Canterbury Earthquake Relief tab on this DG Blog to view the latest message from DG Margaret Reeve (District 9970).

Rotary helps TVNZ’s Canterbury Earthquake Breakfast appeal

Watch TV One’s “Breakfast” this Friday (Sept 24) and see Rotary in action!

TVNZ has approached Rotary for help with its plan to screen Breakfast (6am – 9am) live from Cathedral Square, to celebrate the region’s resilience and the hard work going on to rebuild.

The Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise has swung into action and Rotarians be manning the barbecues and handing out the sausages, decked out in Rotary caps, shorts and aprons.

At 6am host of the NZI Business programme, Corin Dann, will take a look at the cost of the earthquake (latest estimate is $4 billion, or 2.1% of national GDP). Then at 6.30am Breakfast's Paul Henry, Pippa Wetzell and Tamati Coffey will host a morning of entertainment including those live performances.

The show will also stream live so it will be seen internationally via the internet.

Prime Minister John Key is travelling to Christchurch for the special broadcast and he will be joined by local dignitaries including Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker during the morning.

We anticipate Rotary will get some screen time - knowing the team there and what they have done to contribute, they will get their time in the spotlight!

There will be a lot of bucket shaking – for Red Cross and the Mayoral Fund. Why Red Cross and not Rotary? Because Rotary is not “first response” in this instance (and in fact most times outside of ERKs and Pacific Island emergencies).

Rotary’s considerable fund raising is going toward Canterbury’s rebuild. We hope the Sunrise team gets a chance to tell everyone how much Rotary has raised nationally and internationally – and to slip in the message about where people can donate! But if you miss it on Friday we will give you an update soon.

More here ...

Yours in Rotary

The Multi District Task Force Communications Team