Why am I a Rotarian?

I am a Rotarian because I believe that today politics & religion are not an issue for my daily concerns & worries. 

Culture, peace, progress, communication and friendship are real priorities to me, and Rotary contributes to achieve results in this continuous search.

Erik Ulrix, past president RC of Lisbon, Portugal, D1960, Member of the RGHF board

Read more ...

Wanganui Daybreak's Report

Wanganui will always be home town to Past RI President Bill Boyd, it’s where he grew up and most importantly to him, the place where he met his wife, Lorna.
I July 2011 will see Bill become the Chair of the Rotary Foundation, the first New Zealander to hold this prestigious position.
Bill used stories to illustrate the importance of the Rotary Foundation. The first was of a girls’
secondary school in Nigeria that did not have a water supply. The girls were required to bring water to school and classes were required to stop when the water ran out. Two Rotary clubs stepped in and, with Rotary Foundation help, were able to install a water supply. A real benefit to the education of the girls.
Another story, also from Nigeria was of a school in a slum , a tin shed where volunteers funded by Rotarians taught the children. In that very poor community it was a sign of caring and hope to the children.
Several years ago the Rotary Foundation realised that if it spread itself too thin there was a danger of achieving nothing; so the Future Vision plan was developed. There are now 6 key areas that align with the Millenium goals of the United Nations and the Rotary International Strategic Plan.  (Our own district, 9940, is a pilot district for this plan)
It was recognised that there are a many developing countries in the world where infant mortality, maternal mortality, low levels of participation in Education poor health status and poverty are rife. A strategic approach is required. The Foundation has developed three goals:  The eradication of polio where there is significant progress; Creating a sense of ownership by every Rotarian in the Rotary Foundation and; Working towards a revamped Foundation.  The end of polio is in sight with significant reductions in new cases in the few countries where it is still endemic.
Bill received a well deserved standing ovation for his speech.

Check out Wanganui Daybreak's excellent Bulletin here ...

Hutt Valley - all go!

Click on the image to view the album!

A picture is worth a 1,000 words!

Here are shots of Hutt Valley Club's leadership day - enjoy!

What are you doing to increase the understanding of Rotary amonst your friends.  I suggest you do this before inviting them to attend a meeting - impart the passion you have to serve others!!

Away this weekend

I am meeting my South Pacific counterparts this weekend for a briefing as part of the new Public Image Coordinators role I am picking up in the new Rotary year.  Although away from my computer, the Blog will continue to post new postings.  I have taken the accounts from 3 different Bulletins on our recent event in Wanganui.  Incoming Foundation Chair Bill Boyd spoke so well and had such important messages for all Rotarians.  Our Foundation is such a vital part of who we are and what we do as Rotarians.  I have seen a greater awareness in District 9940 since the introduction of the Future Vision Pilot and I know this will continue as PDG Tony Fryer (District Rotary Foundation Chair) pulls together his team and with fresh new ideas.  More and more Rotarians are also contributing personally through the Centurion Club.  Even more members need to consider giving money in their wills - another form of support that is recognised by The Rotary Foundation.  Contact PDG Tony for more details.

As this is posted I am in a plane taking off for my meeting.  I would encourage all those Clubs without a web presence to also take off!  You too can have a Blog and can get serious about connecting this way with your community. 

Wanganui North's Report

At a packed venue with 110 Rotarians, partners and friends, DG Howard Tong welcomed and introduced past RI International President Bill Boyd and his wife Lorna. Bill will be Chair of the Rotary Foundation next Rotary year. 

Without notes he held the meeting enthralled with Bill & Lorna Boyd his passion for the Rotary Foundation. He spoke of Polio Plus and its success but also the need to eradicate pockets of the disease in Nigeria, Pakistan and India to prevent re infection. Success in educating girls to enable them to have better lives was inspirational. Providing water to schools so children could receive better education showed us the value of the Rotary Foundation in partnership with agencies such as UNESCO. He also touched on the project of Illustrated Dictionaries in the area of literacy, a great success story.
Bill quoted Mother Teresa: "The greatest lack in the world is love for our nearest neighbour' and "How much love do we put into our actions?".
Our pacific neighbours have many great needs that we can address (the Taveuni Ambulance is one example Ed.)
He concluded by stating that the Rotary Foundation is our greatest power.  DG Elect Bob Smith warmly thanked Bill for his address. All present gave Bill a standing ovation.

Getting closer to kick off!

Click on image to go to web site

Hello all and time for  quick update on the Rotary RWC home hosting programme.

Now that the kick off is less than 5 months away enthusiasm is starting to build and you can sense everyone is waiting for the tournament to start. A great time to be involved with the whole RWC  thing

We are seeing a number of new bookings mainly from UK and SA  and are looking forward to a bit of a rush towards the end. We are pushing once more into Rotary clubs in the main rugby countries as this is where are seeing most interest and will soon switch our focus to our cousins from OZ as we think there will demand from there from those who have tickets but not got around to organising accommodation.

We now have confirmed and paid for bookings for Dunedin, Nelson, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, North Shore and Auckland. The main demand has been Auckland where the semis and finals are being held.

There is a trend that some visitors are booking at times when there is no game in town and are obviously mixing a bit of general sight seeing and touring around with seeing games at the greatest sporting event on the planet of 2011. What a great idea.

Finally we will give a final push to clubs in NZ as there are bound to be some Rotarians who have tickets but not got a bed sorted and while we all have friends and relatives country wide they may not all be able to accommodate at that time.

With RWC continuing to release tickets on a regular basis there should be on going demand for accommodation.   

As noted above we are seeing most of the interest for Auckland around the quarter, semi and finals. A number of visitors are touring throughout the country with a final stay in Auckland.

Finally our thoughts are with our friends in Christchurch who are unfortunately no longer hosting teams to their fair city. However there were 2 confirmed bookings to visit Christchurch from visitors from England and both parties have reconfirmed their bookings to go and stay in Christchurch even thou no matches. Good on them and thanks to Kai in Christchurch who on top of everything else has re arranged bookings and hosts. Well done 

Finally again thanks for all being involved  I know that there have been no bookings in some cities and you have people really keen to be hosts and be involved. Fingers crossed that the bookings will still come for every location where games are being played

Best wishes to all Rick Hughes 

Foundation centre stage at Wanganui

President Roger welcomes DG Howard

Lorna and Bill - at home in Wanganui

Last night Jenny and I attended a great event in Wanganui with PRIP Bill Boyd and Lorna.  An event which had a great number of Rotarians but also a number of non Rotarians.  The Cluster was well represented.  This was a night where people could hear first hand from Past RI President and Chair Elect of the Rotary Foundation.  In his unmistakable style Bill was able to clearly relate the focus of the Foundation - three main priorities being to complete the job of removing polio from our planet (we are so close to achieving this!), of making every Rotarian aware of the importance of supporting the Foundation through their personal giving and finally to embrace change and to implement the Future Vision plan across all 1.2 million Rotarians in 2013.

DG Howard with PDG Stewart Frame

I saw AG Judith taking some good notes and I am sure I will be able to provide a fuller report once Wanganui Daybreak's great bulletin is published.  In the meantime it was great to meet new and old friends and to once again have an opportunity to catch up with DGE Bob Smith and Margaret.  The next time we meet in Wanganui will be for the District Changeover on Sunday 19 June.

Looking for a New Generations project?

Paul Fong - Director and Founder of Youth Quest

Youth Quest is a programme in Kapiti that has been designed to inspire the young people and see them reach their full potential in everyday life by learning various life skills.
Youth Quest helps to reduce or prevent youth offending in Kapiti as Kapiti has a high number of youth offenders, youth suicide, and college stand down’s.
We want to see these young people achieve a positive belief in themselves.
The aim is to inspire positive futures by building up their confidence, self esteem self respect, and discipline.

For more information go to:

http://www.youthquest.co.nz/index-2.html

Or read their newsletter here ...

If you want a good speaker, a worthwhile cause to assist young people and to make a difference - this is a great organisation.

Planning for Changeover

Yes - that's right - the year is almost at an end.

Here is a thought for your Club on Changeover night.

Offer the President a bound copy of the years' Bulletins!

It is also a wonderful way to start your archive - if you don't already have one.

Also what about this as an idea? A cariacture of your President.....

I have had several enquiries since I mentioned it at District Assembly Public Image workshop.

Ring John on 04 562 6221 or email him for details

Carnival for Christchurch - volunteers wanted

Hi Howard

Here is the latest for the 'Carnival for Christchurch' event,

We are still looking for more helpers for the day or part of the day at Trentham Racecourse on Saturday.

Anyone who wants to help with the manpower, either for a couple of hours or all day please contact me direct via email or phone.

Major publicity is happening Wednesday around Wellington, at Courtenay Place, Civic Square and several other places as well as on the TV breakfast shows either Thursday or Friday. Also several papers are doing editorials.

 

Radio networks are doing the radio promotion, mainly through Classic Hits, but also there sister stations.

Facebook is also a major part of the promotion of this event, through the Wellington Racing 

http://www.facebook.com/CarnivalforChristchurch?sk=info 

and many of the bands.

Attached is an up to date flyer, and also the opportunity for Corporate sponsorship if anyone is interested (this will close Friday Lunchtime)

More details here...  

Regards

Kevin

Kevin Joyce

Secretary & Past President

Rotary Club of Upper Hutt Inc.

Cell; 0274 463 568

Ph / Fax; 04 526 3231

Email; joycecon@xtra.co.nz

www.rotaryclubupperhutt.org.nz

http://www.rotarynzrugbyhosting.org/

P O Box 40-131

Upper Hutt

Dare to ASK some telling questions!

Bigger, better, bolder Clubs - how do we get there?

Are we running around in circles, with no clear purpose or direction?
Why would I want to join my Club?
Do we have regular opportunities to serve others or do we just "meet and eat"?

Are we a fun club?

Is our venue the best to attract new members?

Are we active in multiple projects at the same time?

Are we actively telling others about what Rotary does in the community?
Do we have lots of various activities involving many?
Are we always doing what we have always done?
Do we get nervous if we can’t see the outcome?
Do we move slowly before making a final decision?
Do we take chances - are we flexible and keen to accept change?
Are we looking at better ways to provide service?

Are we willing to try new projects/programs?

Do we get excited in exploring the unknown?
Do we like to be challenged…and to experience success?

Remember that your Actions Count!

The need for Rotary is even greater

Dear Graeme

and fellow Rotarians in Wellington,

With this colourful and happy picture I send you greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Easter 2011.

This picture was created by children and mothers of the Chernobyl region while attending a recovery period in Drushnaja, Belarus, co-sponsored by our Rotary Club. We are happy that we could contribute a bit to bring back hope and confidence to some of those badly affected by the disaster of Chernobyl.

Unfortunately, manmade and natural disasters continue to disrupt our well-being as recently experienced in Christchurch, Fukushima and the Arab world. That means there will be no end to Rotary to lend a hand.

I do hope that the worst effects of the Christchurch earthquake have been overcome meanwhile and normal life can return.

 Warm regards

Dieter

Another Club President in Action!

Well, well.  Caught in the Action!

President Sharon Duff from the Rotary Club of Wanganui taking a bite of the action!  Sharon was one of the judges at the local Monty's Surprise annual apple competition and appeared as a representative of the Whanganui Regional Primary Health Organisation.  The caption read:  Pip, Pip, Hooray.  A great community slice of action with President Sharon in the thick of it.  Well done Sharon!  Front page of the Wanganui Chronicle.

This week (27 April) Past RI President and incoming Rotary Foundation Chair Bill Boyd will be attending and speaking at a special function in Wanganui - it will be another piece of Action in Wanganui.