A bid for Polio

I have secured a $5 note from Mt. Victoria Rotary Club to be put up for auction at the official opening function of College Street Normal School for the new hall and auditorium.  The school has received immense support from local charities in the building of these new facilities and as a result the Board of Trustees has agreed to donate the funds raised from the sale of the Ed Hillary signed note to Rotary for Polio Plus.

The auction is on Saturday night (26 March) and should any Rotarians wish to place a bid, I am happy to take bids on behalf of Rotarians that are not able to be present.

I have had significant involvement in this project over the last two and half years and am delighted that the Board recognises other organisations that endeavour to take on such an ambitious project.  The school are considering having a Polio awareness session within the school which will be great for Rotary's exposure to young minds and their parents. 

I would appreciate it if you could include this in your blog and my contact details (027 240 9320) for any people that wish to bid.

Many thanks.

Regards

Scott

A response from DG Nicolas (9920)

Dear Friends,

In response to the message I sent on your behalf to all District Governors of Rotary  North East Island of Honshu devastated by the recent earthquake,  the terrible tsunami following and  the partial destruction nuclear power plant of Fukushima, I just got this very emotional Email of Governor Hiroji Ohashi,  District 2530, one of the most affected by this terrible series of disasters.

It is not possible to face all of us alone in the vastness of assisting our Japanese friends, whether material or moral. I personally think that often the moral support given is at least as important as material aid. I will suggest to our  District Management Meeting  next Thursday our District will establish a strong relationship with District 2350 and that somehow we "adopt" this District for the coming years by focusing on both material and moral assisting clubs of District 2530 to help their community so painfully stricken.

 

This will not stop us to continue to take care of our other programs starting with assisting the community of Canterbury and our Rotarian friends in District 9970.

I know that unfortunately, in this period, it is much appeals to your generosity. I know I can count on you when I see how quickly and how generous your clubs have already responded to the request that I sent to you last night about the ambulance for Taveuni Island.

You are wonderful and I am really  proud to be your governor in such difficult times.

A big thank you to everyone.

Please let me know now your reactions about  the actions you would wish see  develop to assist the District 2350 and Governor Hiroji Ohashi 

DG Nicolas Spillman

"I must do it - I am a Rotarian"

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

Let me share with all of you, Good News Agency readers, this email I just received from District Governor Hiroji Ohashi, D2530, Japan, a message of pain, courage and hope that throws a strong light on this appalling event. We all pray it will soon be over.

In Rotary friendship,

Sergio Tripi  

From: RI第2530地区　２０１０－１１年度　ガバナ－事務所

Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 2:23 AM

To: Sergio Tripi

Subject: Re: Good News Agency - year 11th, no. 184 - 18 March 2011 (roe)

Dear our Friends, Rotarians, in the world,

Thank you very much for your stimulating.

Although we had the tragic disaster we have never experienced, we are doing the best

for everything we can do.

This crisis gives us a great sorrow.

More images here ...

We have no words affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Many people suffered this disaster died or lost their house. It was a grievous disaster. We all are in deeply sorrow.

We prepared for the earthquake and tsunami because of living in Japan. But It was a larger than our expectation. It was far too big to prevent tsunami.

It was a dreadful.  It is like the hell near the seaside area after it happened.

We (D2530) are now in a big fear that is the problem of the nuclear power plants.

One of Rotarian who is one of Assistant Governor in 10-11 our District is working on the front line to relieve our mind and go back to normal the nuclear energy.  We all trust him and pay one’s respects to him. He said, “I MUST DO IT.” “ I AM A ROTARIAN!”

This crisis teaches us important things again. Those are water, electricity, gas, petrol….and helping each other, LOVE, the strength of human beings.

We pray it the serious case will be safe.

Thanks, Thanks so much for Rotary friendship.

Bonds of Rotary friendship.

With love to Rotarians

D2530 Governor, Hiroji Ohashi

A milestone of sorts

Never did I dream that a simple Blog describing the activities of a District could attract so much attention.  Tonight we have clocked up 30,000 hits on the site!  Thanks for your interest. 

The count down has started - are you coming?

Hello Howard , We have the costumes, the accommodation is booked and registrations are in.  This weekend several of us are heading up to Wairakei for the District Conference and a good time. The theme is "Actions Count" and the entertainment is based on the 1920's Speakeasy days so it looks like an interesting and fun filled weekend. There are world class speakers including Michael McQueen from Sydney who is a social researcher and bestselling author whose books include one about generation Y and another designed to help parents and grandparents pass a legacy of wisdom on to the next generation.

Another speaker that we will have the privilege to hear is Ray Avery, New Zealander of the year in 2010 as well as recipient of several other prestigious awards.  Ray invented the innovative lens technology for the Fred Hollows Foundation that enabled modern cataract surgery to be available to the poorest people in the world. The other speakers include Neville Jordan, CNZM, founder of MAS technology; Jo Randerson, author, playwright, theatre director and performer and Paul Soong, an entrepreneur who founded The Church, a design agency that forms a bridge between education and employment for design graduates.  It looks like we are in for a fascinating time. It is not too late to register and we would like more representation from the club.  Port Nicholson is sending 47 members so where are ours?  The conference is for all Rotarians so come and join in the fun. Kindest Regards, Pres Carol (RC of Hutt City)

Foot to the floor for charity

We plan to run this drive from our place at 383 Francis Line Carterton to Glenburn Station through Summerhill, Opanake, Craigie Lea etc to arrive at Glenburn round 3pm.(50 ks from Summerhill gate – 27 ks from here to there)

Click on the poster to find out more!!!

Morning tea and registration at 8.30pm and BBQ once we reach Glenburn.  Vehicle numbers limited –(must all be low range).  Dog trials happening that day at Glenburn which make for a  good spectator sport. Various types of a accommodation  available (50 beds in all) should you want to make a weekend of it. See Glenburn Website.  We did a trial run 10 days ago and it was a magnificent drive  - mind you it was a perfect day.

Would great to see you here.  Wairarapa Rotary Clubs we would be ever so pleased is you included the blurb in your bulletin

Cheers

Alastair and Nicky Orsborn

World Peace - so much needed today!

Elaine Prattley was awarded the Rotary World Peace Scholarship and she along with another female ‘Kiwi’ recipient (Mary Stanley) from New Plymouth, will travel together to Bangkok, Thailand to start a three/four work programme promoting social justice towards conflict resolution, raising money and finding ways to spend it on youth programmes.  Her objective is to share hope in this world, promoting peace.

Elaine with partner last weekend

Elaine describes herself as a kind of dreamer. She had previously come across the Rotary international scholarship when she saw it advertised two or three years ago. At that time Elaine did not think she was quite qualified to apply for the programme. Last year she came across the idea again and decided to apply. This hope eventuated in her Award!

Elaine plans eventually to go to China to continue her work with her husband, who was responsible for setting up the Early Childhood Centre in Tory St, Wellington, to assist young mothers in need. Elaine believes we have two things in life that we own – time and relationships – one lifetime to make it in. 

Elaine and her husband plan to travel and live in China to start a business of sharing their dream. They see hope in transforming communities towards a better more fulfilling life in the longrun. This goal involves bringing people together across cultures, and the scholarship she has just won will go a long way towards setting up, and following this dream through.

In her own right, Elaine is a successful law professional. She has worked as a Crown Prosecuter in Tauranga and works for MFAT as a contract legal adviser in IDG on New Zealand aid projects. Elaine competed against 18 other participants from around the world to win the Rotary International Scholarship.

No other Rotary district has been anywhere near successful as this New Zealand District who have provided five successful peace scholarship recipients.  A commendable achievement for the Rotarians who have been involved in the Award processes. 

(From the Club Reporter - Port Nicholson)

Elaine will be speaking at District Conference this weekend. 

The great 'family' of Rotary

PDG Stuart spots the camera and points it out to
President Bruce

So good to say 'well done'.

Here is the report from Heretaunga Club where we celebrated the service of Past District Governor Stuart and wife Patricia Macaskill.

Well done! 

Read their Bulletin

Wellington Chinese Community support Christchurch

Just one of many events in the capital to raise money for Christchurch, a large contingent of the Chinese community in Wellington, along with Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Karori attended a banquet at the Grand Century Restaurant last evening to raise funds for Red Cross for the Christchurch Quake Appeal. Organized by prominent Chinese community leader, Tony Tong, father of dentist Adrian Tong, in our Karori Club, the dinner raised $14,711, through the collection of money around the tables on the night and the auction of pork meat to the gathering. A cheque was presented to the Red Cross.

South Pacific PETS - more positive feedback!

Past RI President Bill Boyd
speaks with delegates at
the recent South Pacific PETS

President Elect Russell Poole: Last weekend I attended the first South Pacific a President Elect Training Seminar. There were about 300 people in attendance. There was plenty of business conducted as well as networking mix and mingle. One of the key messages was that people join causes not clubs it was interesting to see how that broadens ones thoughts. The whole PETS conference certainly gives a wider perspective on Rotary and how it works. I will be sharing more with you all.

MENZSHED Manawatu

In the recent edition of the Awapuni Bulletin I read:

 

Thankyou to the club for its expression of support in this project. This is something that I have felt strongly about for sometime. There is a very small steering group to set the ball rolling and get the application for funding underway in order to get a lease on a shed.

So there will be plenty of opportunities for us to participate as individuals and as a club. 

I must say that the response from the community has been incredible. There are a number of these throughout the country, and they appear to be very successful, so with your support, and that of other groups I cannot see why this shed will not be the same. We went and spoke with Takaro Club on Thursday evening, and they have indicated their support, and one of their members is part of the steering group. So…. watch this space.

(President David Chapple)

And remember this?

A top project for any community

The future is in their hands!

Today DGN Bob and I were invited to attend the national briefing of Ambassadorial Scholars, Peace Scholars and Vocational Scholars in Wellington.  Tonight we joined them for a meal at the local Chinese restaurant - ably coordinated by Brian Lynch and his team.  I was provided the opportunity to meet and speak to them and this gave me the opportunity to once again stress the core values of Rotary - that of Service Above Self. This is a service we give without counting the cost, a service that costs nothing but our time, our talents and hearts. All the great gifts in this world are not costing in currency but certainly involves an investment of ourselves. The service to our friends in Christchurch, to the underprivileged, the young, the aged, the community and to those charities we wish to support. The best gift is our free service. This is a group of scholars from around the world, keen to learn and to give as they increase international understanding.

Facts about the Christchurch Earthquake

This article was spotted in an Auckland-based Rotary Club's Bulletin - informative and relevant to our understanding of events that have occurred recently in Christchurch.

Well worth a read.  More ...

And here is the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay Bulletin

How is your Club responding to the disaster?

Remember you can contribute through the RNZWCS web site to the District 9970 Earthquake fund.

Becoming BOLDER!

Rotary District Publicity Programme: Well, you’ve seen the TV ads…now look out for the
billboards.

Foundation Educational Programmes alive!

This weekend a gathering of scholars involved in the various Foundation educational programmes is happening in Wellington.  Ambassadorial Scholars, Peace Scholars, Vocational  Scholars - all meeting to share ideas, the develop contacts and to further the cause of The Rotary Foundation.

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.

The motto is simply "Doing Good in the World"

New Zealand's Rotary International President(1959-60) had to say:

Harold T. Thomas

Rotary Club of Auckland, New Zealand

RI Theme: Vitalize! Personalize! Build Bridges of Friendship!

“We have reached a stage where the all-important factor is the will to peace in the hearts and minds of men — the new and slowly developing sense of oneness, the newly born conscience of mankind.”

— The Rotarian, July 1959 

There is no better time to belong to Rotary and to support the ideals of The Rotary Foundation and all it stands for.

Discover how New Zealand and Harold T Thomas inspired the development of the Group Study Exchange programme - read more here ...

Read the latest Update here ...

And this coming Rotary year we have our very own Past RI President Bill Boyd becoming Chair of The Rotary Foundation.

And here she is .....

This is the Wellington Free Ambulance that Taveuni Island residents will be receiving as a gift from the Rotary Clubs of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Your Club is now asked to contribute towards this multi District Project.  Together we can achieve great things for others.


Contact your DG

RYLA = Rotary Youth Leadership Award

Click to view the video

Make sure your Club considers sponsoring
a young leader for our next RYLA

Read more...

District Conference - only one week away!

Those coming - check your name is on the list

350 are coming

It is not too late to register

Wairakei - 25-27 March

I recognise that man!

PDG Pat Waite is the Chair of the Skylight Board of Trustees.  He, like many Rotarians, has a passion for doing good, and especially helping children.  As a registered New Zealand not for profit Trust, Skylight offers services to  those facing tough times of change, loss, trauma and grief - whatever the cause, and whatever their age. This site offers information, downloads, support resources and options, extensive links and hope and encouragement for those facing tough life situations  - and for those caring for them.  The Tawa Rotary Club is funding the purchase of leaflets and books that can be used in Christchurch for those children suffering the trauma of loss and disruption to their family life.

Read more ...

Wow - what a course!

Are you a golfer?

Then why not come early to the District Conference on Friday 25th March at the Kinloch Golf Club.  Designed by Jack Niklaus (who thinks this course is his best yet), the course will ensure you have an outstanding experience.  

Details are:

Kinloch Golf Club, 261 Kinloch Road, Kinloch.

Tee off time - 9.00am.

Cost $150 per round plus hire of golf cart.

Contact Ian Paterson if you would like to play