It
was indeed a great honour that Rotary International President Elect – Gary
Huang and his wife Corinna made the long trip from Taipei to Auckland to keep
to his promise of chartering the new multilingual club of Auckland South on 21
May 2014. From stepping off the plane he was warmly hosted by D9910 and D9920
and spent a day visiting the important environmental friendly project being the
Motutapu Island pathway. Cruising over from Auckland to Motutapu Island aboard
the Pacific Mermaid was an experience that Gary will appreciate and knowing
that Rotarians care for every inch of protected island and surrounding native
fauna. On the Tuesday, Gary and Corinna also enjoyed the tradition of planting
a native tree at Rotary Grove, Auckland Domain with Mayor Len Brown.
The
Rotary Club of Auckland South (54th in the District covering
Auckland and the Pacific Islands) is multilingual predominantly Mandarin
speaking with a good cluster from the local Taiwanese community. The
inauguration evening was enjoyed by over 110 Rotarians and friends at the
Commerce Club on Wednesday 21 May. With so many dignitaries and with the past
RI President Bill Boyd – the essence of the evening was of celebrating
diversity and maturity that Rotary and New Zealand was embracing every culture
and ethnicity. Gary in a very Taiwanese yet Kiwi way showed his love of singing
and taught the audience of being happy with a clapping chant. Gary will lead
the Rotary global movement in 2014/15 with his theme – “Light Up
Rotary”…..indeed we all will – and thank you for coming so far given your busy
schedule.
- from David Wong
More information: www.aucklandsouth.rotarysouthpacific.org
