Monday 30 December 2013

FAIRFIELD ROTARY’S “CENTENNIAL PROJECT” THAT WOULDN’T STOP

 
In 2001 Fairfield Rotary Club members joined in a working group to plant some 300 trees in Claudelands Park’s stony ground. Recognising the potential of this community-owned park, the club saw the need for a children’s play area, and allocated initial funding, proposing that such a project become the club’s way of marking Rotary’s Centennial Year in 2005. The marketing and sale of engraved brick pavers placed on park borders raised more seed funding, while a grant of $10,000 from Rotarian Elgar Henry’s Graffiti Community Alert Team (Graffiti Cats!) set the seal on the centennial project.

By 2003 a planning group had met with Bill Featherstone of Parks and Reserves and received a very positive response to the concept, and an assurance that Fairfield Rotary’s funding would enable Council to proceed with installation of safe, suitable child-friendly equipment.

Thus, by 2005, The Rotary “Junior Playground” was established at Claudelands Park to formally mark Rotary’s 2005 Centennial.

In 2006, Rotarian Jim Anderson proposed the construction of Family Shelters at the Play Park based upon an Australian design and to be followed by a free community barbecue.  Again the Club achieved success in agreeing design and construction concepts with the City Council.

By 2009 a Family Fun Day at the Park saw wonderful use of the play equipment and also Rotary Shelter number one which was ceremonially handed to Mayor, Julie Hardaker in 2010.

By 2012 the increasing level of family patronage highlighted the need for a second shelter complemented by a barbecue.  Thanks to splendid community support and constant liaison with the City Council, the whole project has been brought to fruition in 2013.

That initial seeding of some $3000 of Club funds saw significant grants from Fairfield Graffiti Cats, the DV Bryant Trust, WEL Energy Trust and Sky City Foundation Trust, plus, more recently, from James R. Hill and Holdfast NZ Ltd.  Together with Hamilton City Council and the Fairfield Club’s own funding from its annual Rotary Book Fair such support has allowed the Club to expend an amazing $68,000 to help achieve this splendid Claudelands Children’s Play Park.

On October 14 Mayor Julie cut the ribbon, opening Fairfield’s Shelter number 2 and revealing our large Rotary Wheel.

 

Sunday 29 December 2013

Charity House Goes Under the Hammer!

Rotary Rotorua Sunrise’s project the Waiariki Charity House has completed its first year after selling at auction. Rotorua accountant Steven Slack the successful bidder getting the bargain of a lifetime- the four-bedroom, two-bathroom transportable house sold for $143,000.

About 100 people turned up at Rotorua PlaceMakers for the December 1st auction, many of them being partners in the project, students and staff of Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotarians and even the new Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick.

Professionals McDowell Real Estate had several interested parties in the crowd, however when push came to shove, Mr Slack's only competition was a phone bidder from Kaukapakapa.

Steven and his wife now have the dilemma of trying to find a place to put the new home. “I hadn’t really thought that far ahead, but we’ve been looking at some sections,” he said.

Through the project, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise members have been able to build a relationship with young people enrolled on the pre-trade carpentry course and the community. “The project has been really positive. It has been a great way to engage with the young people and the hands on learning for them is great, plus we have been able to discuss many of the youth leadership opportunities available to them through Rotary” says Rotary Rotorua Sunrise President Sue Gunn.

Students that attended the auction were very happy to see the house sold. They had put their heart and soul into it, and had learnt so much in the year of their pre-trade carpentry course. The best news for the students is most having jobs or have been offered apprenticeships in 2014.

The project is collaboration between Waiariki, Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, Rotorua District Council and the business community. Many Rotarians are partners in the Charity House Project.

Sue Gunn says, “It has been a real joint venture with Waiariki, local businesses and the community. It creates strong linkages and stronger foundations for Rotary.”

Proceeds from the sale go to Rotary Rotorua Sunrise Charitable Trust for distribution in the community. This year that total will be about $5,000 once costs were taken out.

This project is a five year commitment, building one house each year. Community groups wishing to apply for funding should visit the Rotary Rotorua Sunrise website www.rotaryrotoruasunrise.co.nz.

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Helping our youth push their boundaries in the great outdoors

- By Past President Mike Jaggs, Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki, Auckland, NZ

With over 4500 young people in the last 12 months alone cycled through the various courses available, Kokako Lodge Outdoor Education Camp continues their strong reputation for delivering courses in educational and personal excellence through outdoor pursuits to young people in South Auckland, NZ.


First built in 1990 by the Stuart family adjacent to the Hunua Falls in the Hunua Regional Park, this 85 bed residential camp has been constantly upgrading both its educational content and its facilities. Kokako Lodge takes its name from the endangered native Kokako bird, and weekly they work towards the return of Kokako to the Hunua Falls area.



Botany East Tamaki Rotarians at the Kokako Lodge opening of the new multifunction administration block

Managed on behalf of the Auckland City Council, the Kokako Lodge Trust with its many sponsors and supporters was proud to open the new multifunction administration block on August 14, 2013. Trust Chairman John Melville noted in his address, “Whilst Kokako Lodge is a not-for-profit organisation, it doesn't mean non-profit. This has allowed us to confidently embark on this building project. We are proud of the sound commercial basis for our organisation. Paying our way is no easy task and I would like to thank Laura Fourie, our Camp Director and her team, who continue to run the camp so professionally.”


Since her appointment, Laura has injected a new level of professionalism and commercial acumen to the running of the facility with continuous improvements in curriculum, training, equipment, facilities and engagement with the South Auckland community. Key sponsors and partners have also stepped up to assist, including the NZ Communities Trust, Four Winds Foundation and the Lion Foundation to name a few. A special thanks from John was also given to the Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki who, “as cornerstone partners with the Kokako Trust have made fantastic contributions this year, as in the past, and their involvement as Board Trustees is priceless.”

As part of their custodian license agreement, Kokako Lodge was tasked by the Auckland Council to work with the group of ten Achievement In Multicultural High Schools (AIMHI) low decile schools to promote outdoor education and support improved educational outcomes for students in AIMHI schools.  These AIMHI schools also provide two Trustees to the Kokako Trust Board. On the day of the new Administration Block opening, Otahuhu College students apply demonstrated the skill and courage required to conqueror the High Ropes challenge course.

With instructors now able to issue National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA) credits on many course subjects, both within the camp environment and externally at schools and businesses, the new administration block plus works underway to upgrade the ventilation in the accommodation facilities and base facilities around the ropes courses, Kokako Lodge is well set to continue delivering their vision of “providing young people with the opportunity to recognise and achieve their potential” for decades to come. 



The Low Down

Kokako Lodge is situated in the foothills of the Hunua Ranges Regional Park, which is Auckland's largest park, at approximately 17 000 hectares.

As part of the license agreement with the Auckland Council, custodianship of Kokako Lodge was given to the Kokako Lodge Trust to work with the AIMHI schools.

Corporate and community group sponsors like the Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki provide Trustees for the Kokako Lodge Trust Board, assist with fundraising for both facility and equipment upgrades, plus assist with camp fees for low decile students who may otherwise not be able to experience such an outdoor education opportunity.

Monday 16 December 2013

Rotary honours Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

LONDON, UK (December 16, 2013) — Rotary International recognized Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II  on Monday,16 December with the Rotary International Award of Honor to celebrate the 60th anniversary of her Coronation. Her Majesty The Queen, who has graciously accepted this prestigious honor, has supported Rotary's polio eradication and humanitarian programs.

The award was presented on behalf of Rotary International at Buckingham Palace, London. Since 1990, the President of Rotary International has granted the Rotary International Award of Honor to deserving individuals. Past recipients of the Rotary International Award of Honor include the late Nelson Mandela, State President, Republic of South Africa; His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI; UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and the late King Hussein of Jordan.

Her Majesty The Queen, who celebrated the 60th anniversary of her Coronation this year, sent her good wishes for the year ahead to all Rotary Club Members in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth and applauds Rotary for its polio eradication program and advocacy efforts: “I am pleased that Commonwealth governments are playing their part in tackling disease and improving health for all. Polio, for example, used to cast its shadow across many countries. Today, thanks to concerted international action, just a handful still need to eliminate polio.”

When Rotary launched its PolioPlus program in 1985, polio struck more than 1,000 children around the world every day. Although the disease is at its lowest levels ever—just 223 reported cases in 2012—polio has never been stopped in Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Rotary made polio eradication its top philanthropic goal in 1985. As the volunteer arm of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary has contributed more than US$1.2 billion and countless hours of volunteer service to ending polio. This includes nearly ₤20 million contributed by the more than 53,000 members of Rotary clubs in the United Kingdom. To date, more than two billion children have been immunized against the paralyzing and sometimes deadly poliovirus.

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative includes the World Health Organization, Rotary International, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world.

For more information, visit Rotary.org or Rotary’s Media Center

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Christmas reading from the regional Rotary magazine


Re-energise your Rotary in 2014
 
 

If you are a Rotarian then when you are looking for inspiration & practical ideas to pick up the pace of your club in the first half of 2014, to ensure that it is packed full of positive achievement, a leisurely read of our December 2013 - January 2014 issue of Rotary Down Under magazine during your holiday break is highly recommended.  Undoubtedly the best creativity comes when you are relaxed & have some time to consider how the successful initiatives of others can be adapted in part or in full to your own club’s circumstances, so that this Rotary year ends on a high. 

If you are a not yet a Rotarian this magazine can be read at www.rotarydownunder.org and provides an insight into what Rotary does in our region.  If you are then inspired to find out more call 0800 4 ROTARY (in NZ) or go to www.rotarysouthpacific.org for New Zealand and the Pacific and www.rotaryaustralia.org.au for Australia and near islands.

Rotary … there’s nothing else like it!  Rotary turns conversations into actions. 
 
The magazine includes three sections:
 
1)  Rotary Down Under - Rotary news, views, information and some of the many successful Rotary projects
2) Life and Leisure - the lifestyle section
3) Traveller - travel ideas and offers

Good news in the latest Trees for Survival and Rotary International Youth Exhance newsletters

Click here  for the latest Trees for Survival Newsletter

Click here  for the latest Rotary International Youth Exchange newsletter providing news from inbound and outbound students of District 9920 (part of Auckland and 7 Pacific Islands)

Both provide an insight into their respective programmes and may even inspire you to consider participation.

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone illustrates how to Connect for Good

The “Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone” is the 1rst French speaking Rotary E-Club in the World and has been chartered in 2011 in D.9920 , an English speaking District.

It has become « Sister Club » with 2 Rotary Clubs in Asia , the « Rotary Club of Patumwan » in Bangkok , D.3350 in Thailand, and the « Rotary E-Club of Taipei LungShin » in Taipei ,D.3520 in Taiwan , during the month of October 2013.

The 2013-2014 Presidents of each Rotary Clubs have signed the official Agreement documents not during a « virtual » ceremony but during a true and real ceremony as shown on the pictures attached. As witnesses of this Partnerships were present 2 PDGs and the D.3350 DGN in Bangkok , and the D.3520 2013-2014 DG in Taipei.

“Exchange of banners” have also been done between the newly born Sister Clubs , as well as with the D.3520 DG in Taipei.

Doing this , the “Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone”  which is not an “hybrid” E-Club , wants to show the whole World that it is a real and not a virtual Rotary E-Club , with its own specificities (weekly meetings on Skype , members from all round the World) and that it should be considered as a prominent partner in the future , as it has been participating in 4 Matching Grants in the 2012-2013 Rotary year ,and as 2 Global Grants proposal forms having already been sent to TRF for approval.

Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone delivers on two valuable Matching Grant projects


A Matching Grant for an Emergency Home in Thailand.

Due to the terrible floods that had occurred in Thailand in November-December 2011 , an "Emergency Home" for abused women and children has been “rebuilt” in the surroundings of Bangkok through a Matching Grant along with The Rotary Foundation.

This MG has been done between the Rotary Club of Patumwan , D.3350, as Host Partner , a Rotary Club in Japan as International Primary Partner , and the “Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone” as Secondary International Partner , along with Rotary Clubs from France , Taiwan , Singapore and Finland.

The “Inter Country Committee France-Thailand” was the “link” between all partners in order to raise more funds for this MG, in which  TRF contributed with a grant .

The picture show members from the “Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone” and the Rotary Club of Patumwan  visiting this “brand new” "Emergency Home", and joining to play along  with the children during the "Hand Over Ceremony".  
 
 
Clean drinking water purifiers for schools in Thailand (Matching Grant)
 
Schools for handicapped children and adults have frequently been left aside . So the Rotary Club of Patumwan, D.3350, in Bangkok has done a Matching Grant Project along with a Rotary Club in Japan to equip with clean drinking water purifiers around 50 schools for handicapped Children and Adults in Bangkok and its surroundings.
The “Rotary E-Club 9920 Francophone” has joined this project as Secondary International Partner.
The “Inter Country Committee France-Thailand” joined everyone’s forces in order to raise more funds for this project ; thus, Rotary Clubs and Districts from Finland , Sweden , Singapore , Taiwan , Japan, USA and Thailand have all joined this fabulous project , along with The Rotary Foundation . 
The picture shows members from the Rotary Clubs from around the world participating in this MG during the "Hand Over Ceremony". 
 
 
 

In this ever changing world we are wondering what you think of the Rotary Down Under magazine and where improvements might be made so we are asking ...


RDU 2013 Readership Survey – have your say to help shape the future of your magazine

Rotary Down Under conducts a comprehensive readership survey every two to three years. We need this survey information in order to adjust and refine our content to best suit the needs of our subscribers. There are 50 questions in all which we estimate will only take around 15 minutes to answer.  

We understand and appreciate that your time is precious, so we are grateful for whatever time you can spare in order to help us help you.  Complete the survey to enter to win a man’s or woman’s business suit.

To give us your feedback go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RDUReadership2013 

11th December 2013 marks a decade of achievement for Rotary New Zealand World Community Service


Rotary New Zealand (RNZWCS Limited) was established in 1984 and incorporated on 11 December 2003 in the year following the establishment of NZAID by the then New Zealand government. Rotary historically aspired to a similar ethos since its formation in 1905, as to that behind NZAID, "Towards a Safe and Just World Free of Poverty". NZAID was disestablished in 2009 with the government declaring "Lifting people out of poverty depends directly on increasing economic growth and strengthening trade.” This change reflected the broader view that had been taken by Rotary New Zealand in the intervening years with some significant sustainable livelihood activities established with financial support from NZAID during that period. Since 2009,
Rotary New Zealand has embraced this philosophy with many social and economic development activities being implemented in Pacific countries as well India and Tanzania. Rotary applauds the partnership opportunities that are made possible through the support of government and the public of New Zealand.
The challenge for donors is to avoid creating global “social welfare” as is becoming increasingly evident in some countries, a spokesperson said.. Rotary, historically a volunteer organisation is conscious that to lift people out of poverty requires creation of self-determination through transference of skills and encouraging people to do it for themselves. That is why they recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VSA Volunteer Service Abroad to provide a vehicle for Rotarians to volunteer for more skills based activities.
In the past decade, Rotary New Zealand has also adapted to the change and frequency of humanitarian disasters. The Rotary Emergency Response Kits packed in New Zealand by Rotarians and supporters are now prepositioned in six strategic places in the Pacific. This ensures that as soon as the event permits, with the collaboration of National Disaster Management Offices, distribution of essential items takes place.
The Board of Rotary New Zealand will meet in Wellington on the 10th Anniversary, 11 December 2013 and will reflect on the changes that have occurred in the International Aid and Development Sector in the past decade and endorse its strategic and business plans going forward..
 

Sunday 1 December 2013

Rotary Tauranga Waipuna Hospice Book sale makes huge impact

The Rotary Club of Tauranga was delighted to donate $12,000 to Waipuna Hospice.  This amount was fundraised during a six-day book sale between September 19-24, thanks to Titles of Aongatete Bookstore who generously donated the books, and Tauranga Rotary Club members who also volunteered their time and resources to ensure that the book sale was managed seamlessly.

 
Barbara Thomson with Past President Mark Dean

Volunteers who staffed the book sale were pleased with the interest and generous financial support by many members of the Tauranga community, particularly when shoppers noticed that the funds were being raised to support their local hospice.

Waipuna Hospice Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Thurlow was grateful for the support generated at the book sale. He commented, “Waipuna Hospice are thrilled to be the recipient of the significant funds raised by Tauranga Rotary Club. These funds will go towards resourcing front-line services to have a direct impact on our local Western Bay of Plenty community, both patients and families, and assist Waipuna Hospice in its significant annual fundraising challenge of $2.3 million. Staff and Board members are very appreciative of the effort and time that Tauranga Rotary Club donated to make this event a success.”

The efforts of the volunteer army were also noteworthy. When reflecting on the success of the book sale, Tauranga Rotary Club President Ann Pritchard added, "We felt the book sale for the hospice went well, and almost all club members helped at some point. We would also like to thank those Friends of Rotary who assisted us, and we acknowledge the volunteers from the hospice who came along too."
 -          By Giselle Wansa, Rotary Club of Tauranga
 


 

Rotary … there’s nothing else like it!

Read the latest issue of the regional Rotary magazine on-line at www.rotarydownunder.org 

This includes a lifestyle and a travel section

Gold coin + a new underpass = support for the Philippines


On Sunday 24 November the Rotary Club of Karori collected over $3,558 in gold coin donations towards the relief effort for Typhon Haiyan in the Philippines.  Thousands of Wellingtonians had came on a bright sunny day to view the construction of a motorway underpass in central Wellington near the Cenotaph and under Memorial Park.

The "Thank You Rotary" stickers were popular!

Riding the Lake


 

Another successful Rotary Ride the Lake was held on Sunday 13 November and organised by the Rotary Club of Cromwell. Over $2000 was raised for Mental Health Awareness.  The event couldn’t happen without the generous support of our sponsors including; our Prize sponsors: Stirling Sports Cromwell, Rock & Road Cycles, Henderson Cycles, NZ Couriers, Amisfield Wine, NRG Health & Fitness, Subway Cromwell, BP-2Go, Paper Plus, Mitre10 Cromwell. Plus our Support Sponsors; PGG Wrightson, Web Elements, AEDesign, FH Central, Sport Otago, Contact Energy, Megan Ireland Design.

Ride the Lake is not a race but by supporting the event, all participants are winners. Just for the record: 1st across the line: Male – Pete Bartle. Female – Ivonne McDonnall. Social team –Bannockburn Greys. Corporate Team – SF Central Otago. All entrants get to take part in the prize draw. This year’s major  prize (a Specialized road-bike), sponsored by Stirling Sports, Rock &Road Cycles and Cromwell Rotary, was won by Viv Buchanan from Cromwell.

About the same time next year, we can do it all again. Get your bike out NOW and start practising. More info: http://www.ridethelake.co.nz  
 

More than clean air and a great view


In 1986 Milton Rotary Club took a small party (24) on an “independent” tramp over the Milford Track. This was so successful that in the following season 2 trips were run. This project has now grown into a huge enterprise, with more than 16,000 people having participated over the past 27 seasons. In 1990 the Otago Youth Adventure Trust joined Milton Rotary Club to help run the trips, and a few years later the independent “stand alone” Tramping Club was formed.



In the current season (2012-2013), now completed, some 750 trip places were filled. People came from all parts of NZ , Australia and further afield,  participating in 6 Milford Track trips,  4 Routeburn Greenstone tramps, 1 Kepler Track tramp, 3 groups Cycling the Central Otago Rail Trail, 2 “Aspiring” trips, 1 Hump Ridge Track tramp, 1 Catlins trip and 4 new trips to Stewart island, tramping the Rahiura Track.  Also 3 special trips on the Milford, Routeburn and Cycle Trail for overseas Rotary Youth Exchange students.  A total of 26 trips.  All these trips are the “freedom or independent walks” as distinct from the commercial guided walks available on some of the tracks, and each was of 3 – 5 days duration.


Some 60 volunteer leaders and organisers give many hundreds of hours to organize and lead the trips (usually 3-4 leaders on each trip), and attend to the logistics of transport, food, “bookwork”, communications etc. All helpers and Leaders are volunteers, and NOBODY receives any remuneration whatsoever for their efforts. A mammoth task!!


The trips are now well known throughout NZ, Australia, USA, UK etc.  We have had many enquiries for next season when another 28 trips are planned, and half are already full.  Apart from informing the Service Clubs (Rotary & Lions), other Tramping Clubs, past member participants, and responding to requests for information, there is no public advertising, and the fact that our trips fill up so quickly shows that there is a real need for this voluntary service. A significant percentage of people return year after year to join another trip.


Our volunteer Leaders and Helpers originally came from the Milton Rotary Club, and the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, but now other local people, who may have participated in some of our trips, and have expressed an interest, have showed ability in helping. Most are middle aged “Mums & Dads”, with a love for the outdoors, who derive tremendous pleasure from assisting others to experience these truly magnificent adventures. We are proud of the fact that out amateur Leaders have always been able to cope with the occasional emergencies that can happen when taking a large group into what can be difficult terrain or unpleasant weather conditions. Leaders Outdoor First Aid Courses are run bi-annually
     

Those working behind the scenes – attending to the trip bookings, financial accounting, liaising with DoC, the food ordering & packing, organizing transport, boats etc and the general planning contribute many hundreds of voluntary hours in the “office”. We are proud of the fact that over the past 27 seasons, with 16,000 + participants, there has never been a trip booking of any sort messed up by our actions.


We operate as a Tramping Club, and as such DoC insist that we must run our trips at “cost”. We are not a commercial operator, and do not seek to become “concessionaires”..  Consequently the only funds we raise from our activities are from donations, Tramping Club membership subscriptions, and “non-trip revenue”.                                


The benefits to the community are twofold.

(1)    There are literally thousands of New Zealanders, Australians and others,  who have always had the wish to  tramp some of our well known tracks (Milford, Routeburn, Kepler etc.), but who find the excellent commercial guided  trips out of their price range, and who possibly lack the experience to undertake a “freedom” walk by themselves.  We provide a low cost alternative, that  allows people to walk these trips in groups,  with     “ low key” leadership. For many it is a “first time” experience, or a re-introduction into the outdoors. Many of the participants are middle aged, and very many continue tramping, by joining tramping or walking clubs, and by participating on other trips with us in subsequent years. It is always a humbling experience to witness a bus load of people, on the journey to the tracks, subdued and doubtful with a “what have we let ourselves in for” attitude, and then to see them on the journey home, buzzing with excitement and high spirits, thrilled with their achievements, meeting different people, and making new friends.  The Hillary Commission spent millions of dollars getting people into the outdoors, and we feel that we are assisting this cause.


(2)  Our constitution states that at the end of each financial year, all surplus funds held by the Tramping Club are to be split equally between the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, and the Rotary Club of Milton. Funds are generated principally by the requirement that those participating in a trip become financial members of the Tramping Club, and pay a subscription. Also we point out that a DoC requirement is that we must run our trips at “cost” but that we would welcome donations. Many people are happy to do this, in appreciation of the service we provide, and donations are the major source of our annual income.   .  As all our activities are run on public land and Dept of Conservation demand that we must run our trips at “cost”, purely as a Tramping Club.


Over the years our surplus funds have been of great benefit to Milton Rotary and the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, and most of them have gone back into the community.  Milton Rotary provide substantial funds for the local Youth Worker, for  the High School, for special needs and grants for students, for bursaries, and the many community and international projects that all Rotary Clubs are involved with. The Otago Youth Adventure Trust has been able to add many facilities and improvements to their 3 Outdoor Education Camps, which would not have been possible without the financial assistance of the Tramping Club. The refurbishment of Tautuku Camp, in the Catlins, the addition of a Gymnasium and  Community Hall at Berwick Camp, and recently the  complete renovation  and rebuilding of the newly acquired Sutton Camp, near Middlemarch, a “specialty” camp, to be used principally  for “at risk” families and children., are examples. 

 
See our Web Site    www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz    

Also see the December issue of Rotary Down Under magazine at www.rotarydownunder.com.au  

Sunday 17 November 2013

Rotary New Zealand response to the Typhoon Haiyan Emergency

Rotary New Zealand has been quick to respond to the Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Emergency

250 ERKs have been offered if RNZWCS gets a request from District 3860 either direct or via Australia.

They have been in touch with Aqua Box (Australian equivalent of ERKs) and they like Disaster Aid Australia are also in contact and will respond to a request.
RNZWCS an agreement with Aqua Box that they will back them up and vice versa if we exhaust supplies when cyclones hit our Pacific neighbours.

RNZWCS is running an appeal through the website www.rnzwcs.org.nz  (not for ERK’s but for immediate response – see below) and NZ DG’s have been asked to pass down to clubs to support. Funds collected will be directed to the 3860 region. On this occasion it is funds for the general appeal that will be most use and not ERK’s which can be sent from existing stock if they are called on. An email put out by DG 3860 clearly says the need is for cash from Rotarians.

RNZWCS has responded through MFAT for a specific request - The request came on Wednesday for tents and due to a very generous donation from an Auckland Supplier, we had 6 pallet loads of gear (three roomed tents valued at $110,000) on Thursday’s Royal New Zealand Air Force flight in Rotary’s name.

The funds raised from the RNZWCS appeal will be used for First Phase emergency response, distributing food, water, clothing, blankets and medicines. The Second Phase will move to include low budget temporary shelters made of locally sourced materials. Third phase will be to build more permanent housing structures, repair school infrastructure e.g. classrooms, provide school supplies and improve livelihoods.

Click Here  to watch as Rotary District Governor John Rickard and ShelterBox Response Team member Arnold Kelly talk about the Typhoon Haiyan Emergency Appeal on “Canterbury Life” by Canterbury Television

Sunday 3 November 2013

PM John Key acknowledges Rotarians good work


Whilst visiting the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell on 24 October, the Prime Minister took time from his busy schedule to meet local Rotary members. Volunteers from Cromwell Rotary, give their time to assist the park during its major events. Rotary members will be  helping with the electronic ticketing at the ‘Highlands 101’ event, on 8-10 November.  Funds raised by Rotary volunteers, end-up supporting local and international good-causes.  A great example of how Highlands Park is integrating into and supporting the local community.

 

Picture left to right: Rotary members:

 

Richard Jackson. (PM) shaking hands with; Murray Kennedy (President Cromwell Rotary). Denis McEntyre. Neroli McRae.

Friday 1 November 2013

Schools support World Polio Day 24 October 2013


Thursday 24 October 2013 was World Polio Day.   The primary aim of World Polio Day is fund raising and awareness, but it’s also an opportunity for young people to learn:

  • History.  The history of medicine and campaigns against disease reflects the history of social change and the emergence of the modern world. 
  • Science.  The science of vaccination is a fascinating subject for all ages – perhaps starting with Edward Jenner in the 1790’s and the first discovery of this most vital of medical principles.
  • Geography.  A discussion about vaccination in terms of geographical, religious and economic differences would help to place in context different cultural approaches to medicine.
 
The Principals of our Otahuhu Primary Schools were approached to see if they would like to participate in celebrating this day with wearing an article of purple clothing with a coin donation.

The significance of the purple clothing relates to the fact that when children get immunised en masse against Polio their pinky finger is dunked in a purple dye to indicate that they have been vaccinated.

The schools thought it was a great idea and it was decided to celebrate the day on Friday 25 October.

Emphasis was placed on the fact that every dollar donated would be matched by $2 by the Bill Gates Foundation.

The schools Fairburn Road, St Josephs, Otahuhu Primary, Panama Road and Otahuhu Intermediate are all low decile  schools which makes their efforts outstanding.   The total raised by our schools was $1500.00.

"Even though we are a decile 1 school I think it is important that our children know that there are always others worse off and that they can give too." 

Ironically we had cross country on the same day and we could celebrate our running skills and think of those unable to do so."    Colleen Margison, Principal Panama Road School

Thursday 31 October 2013

LYDIA KO - ROMAC Ambassador

LYDIA KO, New Zealand’s most successful golfer and one of the world’s most successful female golfers, has become an ambassador for Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children ROMAC), Rotary’s multi-District project which brings children from Pacific Island countries to Australia and New Zealand for life saving and dignity restoring surgery that is not available to them in their own countries.

Lydia is very well known in golfing circles and the recent announcement of her intention to turn professional at the young age of 16, means that her profile can only get bigger.

This news comes on the back of a developing Rotary relationship between NZ and Korea, with Rotary Districts 9910 and 3730 having partnered a successful ROMAC Matching Grant project in 2012/2013 and having agreed to repeat this with an even larger Global Grant project partnership in the 2013/2014 Rotary year.

Both Matching Grant projects support ROMAC’s work with the high incidence of congenital heart defects in children in Vanuatu and sits alongside a number of other Global Grant partnerships between D9910 and other Korean Districts that are underway to benefit the health and education of the Vanuatuan people.

ROMAC is extremely grateful to Lydia for her interest in supporting its work in the islands and looks forward to a partnership that will raise its public profile and financial support which ROMAC needs to continue its work giving more children lifesaving surgery.
Professional tour wins as an amateur: 

2012 - Womens’ NSW Open at age 14 (the youngest player to win a professional golf tournament) and winner Canadian Women’s Open.
2013 – NZ Women’s Open, Canadian Women’s Open.

Website:
www.romac.org.nz
Email: 
info@romac.org.nz 

Southern Wild Food Festival - will you be going

Preparations for the inaugural Southern Wild Food Festival have taken a big step forward with the launch of the Festival logo, website and Facebook page.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, who is a Rotary Club of Invercargill Honourary Member, with Henry the Tuatara (111 years old plus) trying out some huhu grubs and crickets and getting into the mood of the festival
The Festival, being organised by the Rotary Club of Invercargill in New Zealand, will be held on February 15, 2014 at Stadium Southland, to coincide with the A2B Yacht Race.
Rotary Club of Invercargill President Mark Bain explained, “We were thinking about new ways we could generate money for the community, when someone suggested the idea of a wild food festival. It will be along the lines of the Hokitika Wild Food Festival, but with a Southland flavour.” The aim is to have a sustainable, world class event that showcases the Southland community.
Mark and Festival volunteers made public the festival logo, designed by local Rotarian and well-known graphic designer, Allan Derrick. “The logo can be viewed two ways. Viewed one way it is a plate with a knife and fork; and the other way to look at it is that it is a person. This encapsulates what the Southern Wild Food Festival is all about – people having a great time and enjoying good food,” he said.
The Southern Wild Food Festival website is at: www.southernwildfoodfestival.co.nz or www.wildfoodfestival.co.nz. It was built by Invercargill business, Jump Frog.
The Facebook page is at: The Southern Wild Food Festival.

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, who is an Honourary Member, surrounded by Rotary Club of Invercargill members wearing Southern Wild Food Festival tee shirts
Mark said the website and Facebook pages were the two main ways members of the public can keep up to date with how preparations for the festival are progressing, and both will be updated regularly, so people are encouraged to like the Facebook page and put the website in their favourites.
He added, “It’s going to be a great event and we want people to enjoy the build up with us. Proceeds from the annual Southern Wild Food Festival will be used by the Rotary Club of Invercargill to fund community projects. The recipient of proceeds for the first festival will be Rape and Abuse Support Centre Southland.”
“It is an ambitious and complex undertaking, but the beauty of Rotary is that it has a lot of skilled people who want to help serve the community we live in. Everyone has something to offer. We have also been blown away by the positivity and support we have received from the rest of the community.”

Rotary invitation: An amazing opportunity to grow your leadership skills in business, Rotary and life


Do you want a high value day of leadership inspiration and wisdom from top line speakers, including lunch and tea break refreshments, all for just $50?

On Thursday 14 November 8.30 for 9am to 5.15pm at Novotel Auckland Ellerslie you can be a part of one of the most exciting opportunities available through Rotary by completing and returning the Future Leaders' Seminar Registration Form availavle via www.rotaryinstitute.org.nz .  This will be an interactive day of presentations by leaders with a special message to inspire, supported by facilitated discussion groups to build on the speakers messages, share inspirations and next steps. 

Future Leaders' Seminar is an annual event held at a different location around New Zealand and Australia, so with this year being in Auckland, it will not be this convenient again for some years.

The seminar is themed Waves of Change and Oceans of Opportunity.  It is about leadership rather than being Rotary specific, so it is suitable for any Rotarians, Rotaractors and Ambassadorial Scholars who want to grow your leadership skills in Rotary, business and life. 

The programme and speakers include:

Leadership : the Value of Leadership to Business, Rotary and Life.  Presenter is Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Peter Townsend

Vision : the ability to reflect upon the current situation, identify a preferred future, take calculated risks, and / or use initiative to develop an approach or way forward that aligns with Rotary's beliefs and values. Presenter is award winning Speaker inspiring audiences internationally, Coach, and Author Cath Vincent 

Passion : the ability to maintain a high level of energy and focus on the vision/approach, directing action towards this, bringing others along with you.  Presenter is leader of NZ Rheumatic Fever Programme and UK Obesity Programme Bronwyn Petrie, plus Kilmarnock Enterprises Chief Executive Michelle Sharp 

Communication : the ability to communicate the vision and passion in a way that has people "buy" into it.  Presenter is Past Rotary Coordinator Rob Crabtree
Commitment : the ability to work towards the vision.  Presenter is Business New Zealand Chief Executive Phil O'Reilly, plus Professional Director Ted Van Arkel 

Action : the ability to make decisions and take action, maintaining these over time.  Presenter is Regional Public Image Coordinator Howard Tong 

Go to www.futureleadersseminar.rotarysouthpacific.org for more information, and complete and return the attached registration form as soon as possible. 

Please note that Future Leaders’ Seminar participants have the opportunity to also attend Rotary Institute (conference) Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November at the same venue (this is highly recommended but optional).  Register via www.rotaryinstitute.org.nz.

Future Leaders’ Seminar and Institute are further explained in Rotary Down Under October 2013 on page 29 which is also available online at www.rotarydownunder.org.

If you have any queries please contact Beryl Robinson via email berylrobinson@rotarydownunder.co.nz  or 021 652 802.