Rotary + St Johns @ New World = Exposure

A note from a member participating in this weekend's Blood Pressure Awareness Campaign.  Hundreds of volunteers are assisting, raising the profile of Rotary and showing Rotarians are a vital force in our community across the the country.  Search on this Blog for more articles by typing "blood pressure" or "stroke" in the search box.

Thank you very much for agreeing to represent Tawa Rotary at the Stroke Awareness Prevention campaign on Saturday 14 May.

We will be working alongside St Johns volunteers who will test the blood pressure of shoppers at Thorndon New World.   Our role will involve assisting with the site records and handing out pamphlets.  Malcolm Andrews, as District co-ordinator, advises that we are not expected to make any medical assessments or comments – that is for the medical professionals.

Laura helping out at the recent collection for Christchurch
Earthquake Appeal

This campaign aims to provide information to Saturday shoppers about high blood pressure and other risk factors for stroke, and to offer free blood pressure checks.  This is the third year the Stroke foundation has delivered the campaign.  This year the campaign welcomes a new partner – Rotary – who along with previous partners St John and Foodstuffs, help plan and deliver the campaign across the country.

Tawa is asked to provide at least 2 people between 10am and 2pm. 

I will be at Thorndon New World from 9.30am to set up our Rotary banners and ensure the Stroke Foundation kit is available (stickers, pamphlets, etc). 

Our roster  for Saturday is:

 

0945 to noon: Brian and Ellanor Henry, and Laura

Noon to 1pm : Roger Horton and Laura

1pm to 2pm: Richard Hutchinson and Laura

Any queries, please get in touch.  I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Laura

Thanks also to Malcolm (RC of Tawa) and Derek (RC Paraparaumu) for their great efforts in coordination of this District-wide event

NZ Business Week

Click on image to visit the web site

Palmerston North 17-22 July 2011
 

D9940 now 10 years involved!
 

What is NZ Business Week?
A meeting for today’s business minds with those of tomorrow.
A one week intensive residential programme for senior high school students where they interact with the local and national business community.

Places on the programme are available to Year 12 and 13 students. Each place is supported by a business scholarship.
A week combining academic learning where students have direct exposure to business people
and business situations, decisions about marketing, personnel and production that are all part of a day’s work.

A great New Generations Project witha real vocational spin - get your Club to support this wonderful event.

Shelter Box also goes Blogging

Don't forget you can get up to the minute ShelterBox News from their blog.  Go here ...
Our young people are supporting this tangible form of assistance in a big way!!Read their latest newsletter here ...

A night to remember

After a great day with PRIP Frank Devlyn in Wellington, our District has just had a wonderful evening.  We have celebrated international relationships, youth and service.

PRIP Frank and Howard leaning aganst the
pay telescope erected by Port Nicholson

International relationships were celebrated as we were hosted by the Mexican Embassy and the acting Ambassador welcomed PRIP Frank Devlyn - a fellow Mexican - to Wellington.  A group of over 50 attended including Past District Governors, local Presidents and Assistant Governors with partners who joined me in celebrating our connection with Mexico - and our Mexican Youth Exchange student was also centre stage.

PRIP Frank with past Dstrict Govenrors and others
from District 9940

Youth was celebrated as most moved on to the Museum Art Hotel where the Wellington Rotaract Club was Chartered - and certificates handed out to the proud charter members.  This was a wonderful moment to celebrate the work of Jean Phipps and the local charter Presidents - seeing the energy and hope demonstrated by this group of young adults keen to serve the community.  Again the past District Governors celebrated with event along with many other supportive Rotarians.

Finally we celebrated service.  Colin Alford from Eastern Hutt was awarded The Stan Rowe Award for his service to humanity - especially in relation to the Ruchi project and PDG Judy was recognised for her Major Donation to the Rotary Foundation.  Again graced by Frank.

It was a very memorable evening.

Christchurch Update

Go here for the latest news ...

DG Margaret reporting at the 9930 Conference this weekend that the fund collected by Rotary for Disaster Relief has reached $1.4 Million.

This represents the generosity and support Rotary has in the community to make a real difference in the rebuilding of their community.  And remember - the Shoe boxes of Love project

Past RI President Frank Devlyn visits Wellington

Today we welcome Past Rotary International President Frank Devlyn into our District. He was a key note speaker at 9930 Conference in the weekend and is passing through Wellington on his way back to Mexico.

In the short time Frank is here he will be hosted by Luis Enrique Franco, Charge d’Affaires a.i. Embassy of  Mexico in the early evening to an invited group of Rotarians, and then will move to a local Museum Art Hotel to Charter a new Rotaract Club of Wellington at 7pm.

This will be a great event for those young Charter members and for the District with an expected 80 strong gathering expected.

If you have not read Frank Devlyn's 'Frank Talks' books, make sure you look them up on the RDU web site.

And it is fitting that PDG Morris Robertson will be meeting him off the plane as Morris was District Governor in Frank's year as President in 2000-2001.  His theme that year was interestingly enough "Create Awareness - Take Action"  There is some cross over here with our District theme for this year.

Frank was also Chairman of the Rotary Foundation 2005-2006 - a role which will soon be filled by our very own PRIP Bill Boyd.

USave and Rotary gains!

Yes - that's right and just launched on 6 May.

The current District Governors have agreed to have Rotary in New Zealand associated with the following shopping web site.

The way it works:

You register and nominate that you support Rotary,  25% of the commission goes to Rotary in New Zealand and will go towards national multi-District Rotary projects.  25% goes back to the community by way of prizes, competitions and a million dollar charity give away.  The remainder of the commission goes to the product supplier.

This site gives you access to discounted items as well as on-line 'garage sales'.

Check it out here ...

Yet another way Rotary is increasing its profile in our community as a charity of choice.

From the Heartland - District 9930

Our hosts IPDG Colin and Colleen

Conference in Hamilton - a big success!

From the very start, the delegates gathered to celebrate achievements, to learn more and to enjoy each others company.  This was a Conference where DG Peter led from the front - ably supported by PDG Ian Holyoake and the impressive line up of speakers.

Danae with an inspirational
story

RI Director Stuart was present and gave those who attended a very clear message that if Rotary was to remain relevant there was the need for change and encouraged all Clubs to embrace the new strategic plan focused on strengthening Clubs, increasing humanitarian service and enhancing our public image.  

It was wonderful to have Past RI President Frank Devlyn at the conference.  His personality, his message and his humour was a great input into a very full programme.  

The youth exchange students
entering into the spirit of Kiwiana

We were moved by the personal story of Didi Kalika from the Lotus Children's Centre in Mongolia - a programme of love and dedication and with some much Rotary can do to assist young orphaned children in such a harsh land.  The international  students presented a humorous and entertaining session and demonstrated once again how valuable this programme is.  The Group Study Exchange team from Georgie presented an informative session and we also heard from the 9930 team recently returned from Tanzania.  Throughout the Conference there were presentations from various Clubs on environmental projects (Kawerau), art displays (Greenmeadows), internal music competitions (Gisborne) and fund raising activities

Such a great MC - PDG Ian

from 4x4 rallies (Te Awamutu) to the wonderful 'Plenty' Cookbook fundraising project from Whakatane West.

DG Peter and Wal
(aka Rebecca)

Professor Welby Ings gave a very provocative and challenging presentation on the approach to education and Wiremu Kawiti spoke of his achievements with his own wonderful art.  Sir Colin Meads and Lady Verna were present on Sunday and Sir Colin had all chuckling about the approach to team nutrition, or more importantly his own approach to the advice given to the All Blacks and his approach - telling the conference of the benefit of red meat and 6 teaspoons of sugar!  And they were both honoured with a PHF.

My personal highlight was the inspirational presentation by Danae Cooney - a 17 year old Interactor and

Sir Colin entertained!

Head Girl of Hillcrest High School.  A young adult who has grasped the real meaning of service and the passion of wanting to serve others through humanitarian projects.  Truely inspirational.  Read more here ...

Sir Colin honoured with a PHF

And Saturday night of course was a night of Kiwiana costume and fun.  Thanks DG Peter and team.

The final 1%

Gulp - what an offer!

Click image for the order form

Remeber the 2010 Wine offer from Martinborough House?

They canonly stretch to 120 cases this year, due to frost issues with the 2009 growing season.

46 cases have already sold so please be in quick to ensure your club receives the benefits from this great fundraiser. 

Remember 50% of funds will go to your club for use on your own club projects, and 50% of funds go to the Rotary Foundation.


Martinborough House Vineyard is a private boutique vineyard in Martinborough. It is owned by Simon Manning (Rotary Club of Hutt City Inc) and Brad McAneney (Rotary Club of Wellington North Inc).
We are wishing to offer 120 cases of 2010 Martinborough House Sauvignon Blanc to assist Rotary Clubs in our region. 50% funds raised from the sale of this wine will go to local club projects and 50% to The Rotary Foundation.
The wine is to be offered at $170.00 per dozen, and must be purchased by the carton (12 Bottles).  Cheques should be made payable to your Rotary Club. Your Rotary Club will be responsible to pass half of the proceeds to the Rotary Foundation.
Your support of this offer is very much appreciated and will mean that $10,200.00 will be raised for local community projects as well as $10,200.00 for the Rotary Foundation.
This is the project of two very generous Rotarians who are supporting the Rotary Foundation and the Community - I would encourage you all to support this wonderful initiative [DG Howard]

Breaking News - Future Vision Packaged Grants

The Rotary Foundation Trustees have reached an agreement with Oikocredit International, a Netherlands-based cooperative financial institution that promotes socially responsible investing, to form the first strategic partnership under the Foundation’s Future Vision Plan.

Through the partnership, the Foundation will offer packaged grants for Rotary clubs and districts to work with microfinance institutions within the Oikocredit network. Together, these institutions and Rotarians will identify local needs, develop effective approaches, and structure training programs to improve entrepreneurs’ business skills. 

An opportunity for any Club in 9940 or any other Future Vision Pilot District.

A Man's (and a woman's) Job to be a Rotarian

"After having lived with Rotary during the twelve years of its existence, I can, with fervor and sincerity, say that my faith in its destiny has constantly increased from the day of its birth.

Rotary is and ever has been a little in advance of, and yet in keeping with, the tendency of the times. Rotary is not, like some other good influences, so far removed from the practical everyday problems of life as to seem at times entirely disconnected. Rotary is simple, genuine, true. It abhors deceit and pretentiousness, and had rather run the risk of underrating than to run the risk of  over extolling its own virtues.

It is a man's (and a woman's) job to be a good Rotarian, and he/she who lives up to the precepts will be a good neighbour, a kind friend, a loving husband/wife, a companionable father/mother, and an asset to the community in which he/she lives."

PAUL P. HARRIS, to the Rotary Club of New Orleans, May, 1917.

Read more....

Stroke? Do it F-A-S-T!!

Mark Vivian - CEO of The Stroke Foundation

Mark Vivian, CEO of The Stroke Foundation national office (pictured here) told Wellington South Rotarians at this week's meeting to try to recognise a stroke very quickly like this:

· F for FACE: smile – is one side drooping?
· A for ARMS: raise both arms – is one side weak?
· S for SPEECH: words jumbled, slurred? Unable to speak?
· T for TIME: act fast and call 111 immediately! Get to hospital within 4.5 hours.

1 in 8 New Zealanders will have a stroke at some time in their lives. A third of those will have serious disabilities as a result. Because the brain is affected, it follows that cognitive processes, emotions and physical ability can all be impaired. The good news is that the incidence of stroke is actually decreasing in this country. High blood pressure gives rise to a third of all strokes. Alcohol intake, diet and smoking all contribute too. Hence the project on Saturday 14th May at supermarkets (see below) when 10% of the participants will be invited to engage in longer-term monitoring of their blood pressure. Stroke victims and their carers (family) need active social support from others, to avoid social isolation which is the biggest social impact of stroke.

For more information please contact Malcolm (RC of Tawa) or Derek (RC of Paraparaumu)

Creating Bolder Clubs

http://www.rotaryleader-en.org/rotaryleader-en/en201105#pg2

Read more here ...

RDU - May Edition

Your May edition of Rotary Down Under should be in your letterbox any day now, and in it is a recap of the recovery efforts from Japan, including a report by the editor of the Japanese Rotary magazine, Rotary No-Tomo, and another by Past Rotary International Director and newly trained ShelterBox Associate John Lawrence.
Felicity Anderson has also written a piece that assures us the Rotary spirit is alive and well in Christchurch as that city continues its rebuilding effort. If you'd like to support either fund, you can do so by clicking on the home page of the New Zealand and Pacific Islands Rotary website,  where you will also find all the information you need about Rotary’s response to the earthquake disaster.

Articles featuring New Zealand and the SW Pacific in the May issue of Rotary Down Under:

• 50,000 Kiwis can’t be wrong 
• Varayame’s Feet: A long journey for Varayame 
• Walk on the Wild Side 
• The service centre for Rotary PR
• Rotary Aust Conference
• Message of thanks from Japan
• Sydney CBD: United We Stand for NZ
• What’s the best age to join Rotary?
• President captivates Adelaide
• Beyond our imagination
• Theory to practice in days
• Rotary spirit alive and well
• Birthday gong for Rotary
• Rotaract worldwide
• The bus has finally arrived
• It took 13 years and $1.4m
• NZ Survey Findings 

Youth Congress - a call for candidates

UNICEF NZ is offering 50 young New Zealanders (years 12 or 13) the chance to learn more about the world, share ideas about how to make a difference and gain the skills needed to take action for children!

‘BE THE CHANGE’ UNICEF NZ YOUTH CONGRESS, 15-17^TH JULY 2011

To mark the end of the International Year of Youth, the UNICEF Youth Congress will have a strong focus on children’s and young people’s rights, particularly the right to have youth voices heard. 

For more information, please contact:

Pip Bennett,

pip@unicef.org.nz

Unite for Children

Whakakotahi mō te Tamariki

UNICEF New Zealand

Tel +64 4 8159370	Tel 0800 243 575
Fax +64 4 815 9389	Shop 0800 537 739
www.unicef.org.nz	blog.unicef.org.nz
Join us on Facebook and Twitter

Help us Bang the Drum for children’s rights in the Pacific!

Max Actions Count!

Tonight I was invited to attend an information evening held at James Cook Hotel in Wellington.  The Wellington Central Club with just over 20 members had invited members of the public to attend an evening where PDG Dexter Bambury (a member of the Club) spoke of the benefits of belonging to our organisation.  I was asked to give information from the international perspective, our soon to be inducted Rotaractor Eva-Marie spoke of the role she is playing in the District with social media.  President Auke welcomed all to listen and to ask questions.  Finally President Elect invited those attending to join them for their next meeting and to consider joining. 

The energy, the interest, the targeted questions and the attendance are all great indicators that this Club is ASKING.  In fact it was member Max you was thanked for his efforts in cold calling many who attended this event.  Well done Max and well done Wellington Central.  It was good to see President Colleen from RC of Wellington also supporting the occasion.

And they handed out a great pamphlete entitled:  "For goodness sake, join us at Rotary Wellington Central"

President's role is vital

Reported in one of last week's Bulletins by a Club President:

The theme for my year has been Breaking the Mold.  I think that we have started to achieve a few changes that haven't been too radical but have generated a bit of vibe and enthusiasm in the club.

It is vitally important that we keep Rotary and our club a vibrant and fun place that people look forward to coming to and being part of.  Some of you are very forthcoming with ideas, most of which we have embraced.  The club belongs to us all so I welcome ideas and suggestions from you for keeping the energy going.  (President Carol - RC of Hutt City)

It is important we support our Club leaders and also those coming in next year. A vibrant Club has a better chance of attracting those who want to join to better our world.

Shelter Box reaches for the sky!

Shelter Box Disaster Relief features on Air New Zealand In Flight

Air New Zealand has featured a YouTube item on the Rotary sponsored Shelter Box Disaster Relief in its listings for In-Flight information.
Rotarians can see the new mini-documentary by clicking on the link below.
Shelter Box mini Documentary

Don't you love this!

Hi fellow members,

Just a quick note to let you know that a team from the club with the help of a friendly roofer will replace the Plunket rooms roof this Saturday 30^th April. We have had delivery of the materials and have a fine weather window.

We are starting on 8am and should be finished in the day. If you wish to come and have a look at the workers, shout encouragement or offer advice come along.

We have a risk management/safety plan so you just can’t wander in as are there are some inherent dangers with the job and we have mitigated these.

Be great to see people and we will update the club with progress on Monday.

Regards

President Geoff Savell (RC of Johnsonville)

Serving and Building Communities

Wanganui South's Report

Club news & notes:
Address by Past Rotary World President Bill Boyd – A large gathering of local Rotarians, wives, partners and guests enjoyed a relaxed but inspirational address by Bill, a well known identity to many of us and an “old boy” of the City. Drawing on his personal experiences of a few of the many thousands of projects undertaken by Rotary Foundation in many parts of the world, Bill illustrated with some heartwarming stories the indomitable spirit of individuals and communities in the face of adversity and how the support of the Foundation has contributed to positive outcomes. The Foundation has a 90 year old history as a not-for-profit corporation supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation who share its vision of a better world. The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Bill will become the Chairman of the Foundation next year and is looking to continue the work in hand to make funding contributions more relevant with “getting to the source of the problems” being the driving force. Outcomes of the Future Vision pilot that District 9940 is participating in will also be part of the visionary process to ensure that the revamped Foundation is in the right shape to go forward in the future. The District simplified Grants scheme with the partnership support of a Publisher as envisaged by the Future Vision initiative has already played a part in the distribution of over 63,000 dictionaries to low decile school children in NZ. Bill stresses the need for every Rotarian to continue making voluntary contributions to enable the work of the Foundation towards fulfilling its mission. He also believes that every Rotarian should take ownership of the Foundation and to view with pride the outstanding contribution our organisation makes towards a better world. A timely reminder to all Rotarians from a person who has dedicated a large slice of his life to “Service Above Self” and has reached the pinnacle of our worldwide Organisation.

Future partnerships - The Rotary Foundation Trustees have reached an agreement with Oikocredit International a Netherlands-based cooperative financial institution that promotes socially responsible investing, to form the first strategic partnership under the Foundation’s Future Vision Plan.