A treat for those who came

Tonight Wanganui was treated to world class talent as Trio Boyarsky took to the stage.  The War Memorial Hall Concert Chamber echoed to the beautiful sound of this superb string trio who have travelled from England to perform a series of concerts.  Rotarian Dawn Sanders QSM has organised these concerts and further ones are planned in Blenheim, Nelson, Dunedin and finally on the 20 August in Wellington at The Old St Pauls.  This Trio plays regularly in the UK and recently toured in Sweden and Denmark.  Proceeds from tonight's concert went to Rotary Foundation.  Thanks to DGE Bob Smith for his efforts in organising this event for Wanganui.  For Jenny and I it was worth the trip from Palmerston to attend.

Rugby Hosting - new web site launched!

NEWS FLASH!

The new web site for Rugby Hosting of Rotarians by Rotarians has been launched!!

Well done to Allan Brown and his team - this is a New Zealand wide, multi-District project.

Go visit

Palmerston North - great plans

It was good to meet up with AG Scott and Hazel prior to the meeting - to view their now home.  Then off to the Palmerston North Club - not sure how my 60 Club diet is working out but the dessert was just too good to pass on!!  The large gathering of members listened attentively to my message and the Board meeting that followed revealed a good level of planning and a focus on building their Club's involvement in both local and overseas projects.  They also have plans to get a large number to Conference to support President Bessy and incoming President Elect David Jopson.  They are working on their Gang name already!!  I will be watching this Club as I will others to see them become bigger, better and bolder.

Why not look here to see what happened at the meeting......

All Blacks - All Pink

Last night Jenny and I watched the All Black/Wallaby test on a big screen in the room we will be having Conference in March.

In front of us sat a group of very happy, positive young women who were all Breast Cancer survivors.  The money from the sweepstake they organised went to their own fundraising campaign.  It reinforced with me the power of the right attitude when facing life's hurdles.  These ladies were a fine testimony to this principle.

Rugby Home Hosting

Keep an eye on the Home Hosting web site.  It is about to be upgraded!!!

Also see this link

This project is gaining momentum!

Look out Wairakei!!

We hit the road Saturday to travel to Wairakei.  The rain over the Desert Road was unbelievably heavy - we arrived to meet up with Conference Chair Bob Moffat and wife Elaine, along with Peter and Barbara Whittington.  It was really helpful to view the facilities which will be used come March!!  Boy - that's only 7 months away.  I am hoping every Club is going to be represented at the Actions Count Conference.  Our programme will certainly be informative and entertaining.  And the venue is superb!!  

Have you thought of your Gang's name yet?  See this month's Chronicle for more details - applications close 23 August so hurry! 

District 9940 Golf Tournament

A Makino Rotary Club request

This is a District fund raising project for Rotary Foundation and clubs throughout the District will be involved.  It would be extra special if we could provide prizes from within the District.

To this end we are asking if each Club could provide a local restaurant voucher ($50 plus). This would be used to add value to our prize giving.

With regard to team entries we have stipulated that all team members must be Rotarians, but if this means a club cannot make up a team, we would be prepared to accept 3 Rotarians and a Rotarian spouse. Best 3 scores are counted.
We would appreciate it if you could promote this event at your next club meeting and indications of your intentions to enter a team can be made directly to me.
We intend for this to be a really fun day with lots of prizes and a full field of 30 teams.
Details can also be found on our Club website www.makinorotary.org.nz 
Download an entry form here

Yours in Rotary
Andrea Mackenzie:
andrea.taxlink@xtra.co.nz

(06) 355 8535

DG Comment: Here is yet another fine project worthy of our support.  Our giving last year to the Foundation rose by 41.8%to $116,072!!  This year we are on track to do even better.

Bolder set of wheels - the DGMobile

They've arrived!  Thanks to Elizabeth Taylor Graphics for the provision of two magnetic decals for our car.  Yes, an endeavour to make our presence felt in the District as we travel around.  The only trouble is, our car is too small!!  The only place they can fit are on the bonnet and on the roof!!! 

They look great - thanks to Christopher (our District Liaison)  and Tim from RC of Plimmerton for making this a reality.

Courtenay Place - refreshing their vision

President Wayne led a meeting with lots for us to think about - and he promoted the events like the Makino Club Golf Tournament on 10/10/10 and the International Convention in New Orleans.  The links to my past involvement in the Salvation Army are strong.  The sergeant session was a well thought out session which encompassed everyone and was after I had spoken.  Good to also have IPDG David and Michelle in the gathering along with John Bishop from my own Club.  It's been a busy week with Wellington Clubs - and tomorrow we head to Taupo to view the facilities for our Actions Count Conference in March.  Then on to Palmerston.  Never a dull moment.  View the meeting's photos here.

Wgtn North - like being back home!

A Thursday lunchtime meeting at Wgtn North Club - we were made to feel very welcome.  This is one if the clubs that I supported as Assistant Governor a few years back.  Familiar faces, surroundings and friendship.  A Club where PDG Ross, Morris and Tony were present.  A Club that has my old boss (Francis Small) as a member.  A Club who has Rory O'Connor as a member - a former Secondary School teacher (he wore a black gown!! when he taught me Social Studies) and also shared a stage with me at Tawa College.  And President Miles led a good meeting.  And they are cruising again this year - repeating their successful fund raiser of last year!! 

Read the book - now see the movie!!

A great Bulletin article - Carterton

AS TO THE BIGGER, BETTER, BOLDER FUTURE – We are looking forward to the Visioning session which will set the Club on its path for the next few years. Please think about what we are doing well now, what we could do better, what we don’t enjoy and should be dropped or amended . Everyone’s ideas are important as we need collective buy-in if we are to remain relevant, enjoyable and contributing.
It may seem drastic but the Rotary Club of Crawley, Australia. found the formula which worked for them. In November, 2009, a core group of six experienced Rotarians (average age 65+ including four Past Presidents) decided that if they wanted radical change it was easier to start a new Rotary Club than try to change an existing club, where most members were perfectly happy with the traditional model.
One month later, boasting 31 Charter Members, they applied for Charter of the RC of Crawley. Breakfast meetings commenced in February, 2010 with 60 members, mostly new to Rotary, Currently their membership stands at 85 and they expect to reach their target membership of 90. The average age of members is 45 years with a large contingent under 35 the youngest being 20 years-of-age.

- extract from RDU August 2010 p10
The Rotary Club of Crawley is about developing relationships that make a difference to business and to the community. The Club provides its members with many opportunities for service and fellowship. http://www.rotarycrawley.org.au/

THE CRAWLEY GUIDING PRINCIPLES ARE:
1. Enact the ideal of service as a worthy way to “give back” to the community
2. Promote friendship and fellowship based on high ethical standards, common courtesies, humour and caring.
3. Seek the active contribution of members through collaboration with like-minded people.
4. Minimise the management structure and associated processes and positively foster member’s involvement in decision-making
5. Leverage the expertise and strengths of our members involvement in Club activities according to their capability and capacity
6. Use modern communications technologies to expedite business and expand Club activities.
7. Be relevant to a younger group by being flexible and responsive to their needs.
8. Provide experienced Rotarians to mentor younger members
9. Offer those of limited finances a way to participate by contributing in kind
10. Encourage young members in the 20-30 age groups by providing sponsored membership fees and meals for a period of time.

What are our guiding principles? 
From Carterton Bulletin - 09 August

Dear Fellows
For reasons best left unexplored I have taken an interest in tracking down the Friendship Tree that Paul Harris planted (reputedly planted?) on the occasion of his visit to Wellington on 15 April 1935.
Paul and Jean Harris arrived in Wellington at 7am Monday 15 April 1935 on the Makura, from Sydney. They were met at the Wharf by a contingent of about 20 Rotarians and then proceeded to a civic reception at the Town Hall hosted by Mayor T C A Hislop. They then went to a joint meeting of the Rotary Clubs of Wellington and Masterton, and were greeted by a representative of the Dickens Fellowship. The meeting was addressed by then District Governor of New Zealand J M A Ilott.
Paul Harris referred to his interest in the writings of Charles Dickens, the Boy Scouts and Salvation Army and congratulated the contributions of “those tight little islands”(Britain)
The Evening Post of Monday, April 15, 1935 reports
"In reply to the welcome, Mr. Harris said it was a very great privilege for anyone to have the opportunity of speaking to such a group. He alluded briefly to his recent visit to Japan and Australia. International good will, said Mr. Harris, must depend upon understanding and the understanding must be general. Reference was made to national feeling and varying customs of the people of different countries. He said that every man who viewed everything as being wrong which could not be measured according to his own yardstick was unwittingly or wittingly doing something against his own country. Rotary was doing its full work in assisting in the spread of good will and better understanding, he said. All we had to do was to communicate a little more freely and fully with other people than we had done in the past.
"If we as Rotarians consider ourselves ambassadors of goodwill, I am sure we will bring about a better and happier day" he remarked. Rotary, he added, had been successful in all countries in which it had been established, for it was based on the solid rock of fellowship.
At the conclusion of his address, Mr. Harris was presented with a carved Maori box such as used by chiefs in the old days in which to keep their treasures."
This must be the Maori box that sits on Paul Harris’ desk to which Linton Adams refers.
The Evening Post reports that the Harris’s left for Christchurch the same day, but the evidence seems to be that they stayed with the Ilott family and travelled to Christchurch with them the next day. Certainly John Ilott is reported as addressing the Christchurch Rotary Club the next day.
Whatever, it does not leave a lot of time for tree planting.
The newspapers of the time, The Dominion and The Evening Post, feature the visit prominently, with a number of posed group photographs, but no tree planting.
Ilott was not “Sir John” at the time, he was knighted in the 1950s.
Any information to track down the elusive Friendship Tree would be appreciated.
 

Yours in Rotary Service

Stephen Brown
Immediate Past-President
Rotary Club of Wellington

Office address only is:-
228 Tinakori Road
Thorndon
Wellington 6011
P O Box 12 293 Wellington 6144
Phone (4) 472 1458 Fax (4) 472 1459 Mob 021 460 643

Of such value - each child is special

District Literacy Coordinator Joy Durrant reports:

Click on the article to make bigger

"Here’s is an example of a school enjoying the gift of Usborne Dictionaries from a local Rotary Club (Port Nicholson).
The Dictionaries are designed to help students, from year 4 upwards, to enhance and improve their learning. They are very special Dictionaries – not only do they include word definitions, they have lots and lots of pictures so really bring alive their messages. In all they are very enjoyable and interactive even though through the more traditional medium of the printed form.
By using the dictionaries efficiently children explore spellings, meanings and derivations for example by using alphabetical order, abbreviations and definitions with understanding. One of the most positive aspects of being able to use a dictionary is that it helps to develop autonomy and confidence in the learner – one of the core goals of education. Hence these dictionaries are a great support to individual schools and their goals for their students.
Usborne Dictionaries are given as a gift from a Rotary Club to a child (and not a school) for that child to retain – thus they are a gift for life and life-long learning."

Please vote - Membership Month

Hi readers - whatever side of the world you come from, please vote using my membership survey.

How did you get involved in rotary.  It would be good to know.

See on the left hand side - select one or more ways you were introduced to Rotary.

Thanks....

Eastern Hutt - a meeting of cultures

Serving Porirua Basin - Building the Community

Doing good in the world!!!

Ray Avery, inventor of medical devices that save the sight and lives of millions of the world’s poor was recognised by this award for outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation. Ray Avery, 62, is a former street kid turned scientist whose low cost, sustainable medical devices, invented in the garage of his Mount Eden home, are making a difference to millions of the world’s most vulnerable. Read more....

Ray will be one of our keynote speakers at the district Conference in March 2011 at Wairakei. Has your Club worked out what your 'gang' is going to be called?

Inglewood's 50th birthday

Last night there was much celebration in the Taranaki as Inglewood celebrated it's 50th anniversary!  Members came from near and far to remember old times, meet old friends and celebrate the service this Club has given over the 50 years.  Founded by Stratford Club, this is a Club which has a proud history.  Their Bulletin displayed an impressive combination of photographs, some of which I have placed on this page.  IPDG David, DGE Bob amd PDG Pat were also present.  Well done Inglewood.

Rewards and awards at Porirua Sundown

DG Howard, brother Bevan, June and Jenny

President Wendy leading the meeting

President Wendy, Wayne Poutoa, DG Howard, Jenny Poutoa

Tonight we visited Porirua Sundown.  Here is a Club that has a great history and meets in the Mungavin Blues Restaurant - a lovely old building reflecting the history of the area.  We met with the leaders of the Club, ably led by President Wendy - and each Director explained their plans and the programme was presented - including Healthy Heroes in local schools, 264 Dictionaries delivered to Year 4 children, Market Clean up (working with the Lions Club), RYPEN and IYE programme involvement, movie nights, fashion shows and a 'Night in the Garden'.  Their Christmas Wrapping raises over $6,000 which they share with the local Zonta Group.  This is a Club of 25 members and 24% of the membership are Centurions, donating $100 per year to the Foundation.  The meeting was lively and two awards were given.  One to a long standing Bevan Smith who received an Attendance Certificate for 38 years of membership.  The other was a Commendation Certificate to a non-Rotarian - Wayne Poutoa - a local social worker with an ability to work effectively with the youth in Waitangirua.  He was introduced by Peter Savage.  It was good to see my brother Bevan at the meeting - his wife June Campbell-Tong.  Again I was ably supported by Jenny, and AG Glynis and husband Fred.  Good also to catch up with our District Support Chair Dale Williamson and Jenny.  A great night - but boy, did it rain!!!

RI President Ray promotes "Cowboy Logic"

Over the next few months I will be posting some Cowboy logic which promotes common sense, getting back to basics and doing what needs to be done. 

"If the fence is broke - fix it!!"
 

#1:  If you think you're too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with an active mosquito.

Wainuiomata - one very active Club

 Tonight Jenny and I were entertained and enjoyed the generosity of the Wainuiomata Club.  President Pierre and his team outlined their activities and my page of notes was overflowing.  A well run Book Fair raises large sums for the Club - and to encourage member involvement, the Club has entrusted them with portions of this fund to use in the community.  The members suggestions are then considered by the Board.  They have contributed to ROMAC, organised Christmas Parades, provided Industrial and Tertiary scholarships, worked on the Nepal Youth Opportunity programme, sent books to Nigeria, funded Shelter Boxes and contributed to disaster relief, cooperated with Lions on other community projects, staged a Fashion Parade and helped organise a Skateboarding Competition for the youth.  And much, much more.  This Club of 24 members punch above their weight!  The meeting in the local Fire Station was marked with laughter, a very ruthless sergeant session, an award for contributions to Club life and a Paul Harris Fellow.  And to top it off, a cheque for $2,000 was presented to the Fire Brigade for their generosity in allowing free use of their rooms for their meetings.  This Club certainly Builds Communities in Wainuiomata.  Thanks also to AG Mark and partner Anna for their support and for Ruth showing Jenny some of the local gardens.

The race is on to be a 100% Centurion Club

The Centurion Club

As a Rotarian you are invited to make a personal contribution to the Rotary Foundation and be part of the District 9940 Centurion Club.

What is The Centurion Club?

The Centurion Club was introduced in District 9940 by Past District Governor Judy Bain in 2003 as a means by which individual Rotarians and others could donate a minimum of $100.00 to The Rotary Foundation, AND obtain tax relief as a donation to a charitable trust (All donations qualify for a 33% rebate rate with no limit). There is no maximum level of donation to The Centurion Club.

How to Join?

It is simple and easy. Just fill in a form, obtained by downloading from the District website, enclose a cheque or request a "direct debit" mandate form, and post it off to Christopher Robertson, the District Centurion Administrator.

His address is shown on the form. To obtain the form, click here and download it in PDF format. When complete, print two copies, and send one to Chris Robertson, retaining the other copy for your files.

Chris will route the money received from you through Guardian Trust and the New Zealand Rotary Club Charitable Trust so that you, the donor can derive the tax benefit, and you will receive in due course a receipt that can be used to support your claim for a tax rebate.

Public recognition of a contribution to The Centurion Club is by presentation of a certificate and pin at a club meeting, presented by either the District Governor or the Assistant Governor. This is encouraged, as a means of promoting the scheme. However, it is recognised that some Rotarians wish to have their contributions remain confidential, and such confidentiality will be respected, if requested.

Find out more about the Rotary Foundation (FAQ's) HERE

Brothers in Service

When at Eastern Hutt I was introduced to a 'brother' - his name is Errol Tong.  He was claiming he had no tie to wear - this was quickly addressed as I had a spare theme tie to present him.  And in the audience was his sponsor - David Smith - who has introduced a world record number of people into Rotary - a stunning 123 have joined because David 'asked'. [Pictured:  David Smith - 'ASK' is his middle name; Errol and Howard Tong - we have more than service in common]

Eastern Hutt - heaps on the go!

Meeting in a local cafe, the Eastern Hutt Board outlined to me their plans - Ruchi continues to be a real focus, along with work with local schools, looking at vocational opportunities and becoming excited over the opportunities to work closely with other Clubs, both locally and over seas.  Then off to Avalon Pavilion.  Warmth, laughter, Indian costume and lively discussion met Jenny and me as we walked into the room.  President Deane lead a meeting that included cultural dance, a Paul Harris Fellow (Judy Dearsely), recognising a sponsor for the latest meeting and much, much more.  PDG John Cole was present to introduce the PHF for Judy, Bill Day was present from Port Nicholson as well as Judy's sister.  A great meeting and an opportunity to accept the challenges of another Rotary year.  And they may be the first 100% Centurion Club!

[Pictured: PDG John Cole introducing Judy; Past President Judy thinking "Who are they talking about?"; local dancers who played a big part; Bill Day supporting the occasion]

Wellington - our 'mother' Club

The first Club to be chartered in New Zealand in 1921.  The largest Club in the District.  A Club who has achieved so much in its time.  About to celebrate it's 90th anniversary next year.  A Club with many projects both big and small.  A meeting with distinguished members, with new members and some who have been with the Club for many years.  A Club meeting at lunch time in the middle of Wellington.   A Club with even further potential to be realised.  The Club working to get German Ambassadorial Scholar Xaver Hausner and Ollie Macndoe from North Cape to the Bluff on a bicycle to raise funds for Polio. Change is being embraced - even the old name badges are being farewelled.  President Colleen has a great team with focus and big goals.  A great visit to a great Club. [Pictured:  Out with the old 'Dinner Plates; A new member inducted; President Colleen at the helm]

ERK's find many uses

It is good to see the Emergency Response Kits (ERK's) being well employed for other purposes in Fiji.

Membership Resources - statistics and much, much more....

The Membership Minute is an e-mail newsletter that provides membership development ideas, resources, and tools.

It features:

• The latest research on Rotary membership
• Suggestions about where to find and how to recruit qualified, committed Rotary club members
• Ideas for creating or enhancing new member orientation programs
• Tips and trends for keeping and retaining members

Go to http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/GeneralInformation/MembershipResources

and click on The Membership Minute.

Peter Harvey (IYE) Reports:

Wonderful weekend together with all students here to date.

Many thanks to Phil and Sharon Hankinson yet again - the “newbies” had a wonderful introduction to the Kiwi way.

Following some time on the Police launch some team building was essential so later in the day we all headed off for some “paintball war games” where the young women turned out to be capable and ruthless.

On Sunday some good community work doing the kind of voluntary activity that says much about the Rotary value of commitment to service. Planting shrubs to save the dunes in Eastbourne with Pencarrow Rotary in appalling conditions that would have deterred all but the most stout-hearted. Good to see the students there and a great turnout from Pencarrow members as well.

Tomorrow Laura arrives!

August Schedule for Club Visits

A powerful statement at the start of Membership Month

The power, influence and capacity of Rotary to do good in the world is something that inspires me to work even harder to encourage those I know to join our organisation.  I suggest you share the following clip with your friends and professional colleagues to have them better understand why we are in Rotary.  Remember - the power of personal recommendation and the need to ASK!