
Stories
![]() This bus is currently travelling through New Zealand, stopping for Rotary promotion opportunities along the way. You can follow its progress on the District 9940 Facebook page during its travels to Rarotonga. |
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![]() ![]() Amazing environmental encouragement relevant for all clubs in the April 2018 edition of The Rotarian magazine. |
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Monthly publication with highly useful tips and suggestions for clubs. Click here to read. |
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![]() The call-to-action was well answered. Thank you everyone. |
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Sue Cronin (L) and Vicki Crosbie cross the finish line - Pukekohe is best known for its V8 race cars and onions. Sitting in the heart of New Zealand’s richest horticultural land, it was natural the traditional goodie bags for entrants in the inaugural Counties Cycle Classic would be stuffed with local produce! |
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Regional membership ideas publiciation. Current issue here |
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_______________________ 720 ERKs distributed 4,200+ people helped and counting Rotary has done well in helping following Cyclone Gita but let's not let up yet. CLICK HERE for updates and how you can still help. _______________________ |
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![]() Te Ara Piko – The Meandering Path Pauatahanui Inlet is the only large estuarine wetland left in the lower half of the North Island. The Inlet is recognised for its high ecological, aesthetic and recreational values, being classified as a site of Special Wildlife Interest by the Department of Conservation and recognised as an area of Significant Conservation value in the Regional Coastal Plan. |
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![]() There are a series of Clubrunner and Publicity SNAPSHOP guides you might find useful under 'For Rotarians' / 'Documents and Resources' on www.rotaryoceania.zone - a login is needed which is the same as for your club Clubrunner site. Note that the direct links to these guides as below do not need you login to view as have been filed as 'Public' because they do not hold privacy information. These may be updated at anytime so always go back to source (Documents) if possible. The purpose of these is to find the quickest and easiest way for doing things useful for clubs in a way that anyone can achieve a good result using existing software. If there are improvements to any of these you would like or have additional topics that need consideration please email cs.bg.robinson@xtra.co.nz |
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![]() The Rotary Club of Whanganui continues to provide support for a community initiative to educate and upskill people who have found it difficult to secure employment because of their past history. The objective is to create employment for themselves and the wider community. |
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![]() This was as serious as it gets - Category 5 devastated Tonga and caused damage elsewhere in the Pacific. Go to http://www.rotarydistrict9920.org/Stories/updates-on-rotary-relief-efforts-re-cyclone-gita for UP-TO-DATE information on the response by Rotary and details on how you can support the relief and recovery activity. |
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![]() The members of Highbrook Rotary in Auckland have accepted the challenge - will you? May be a bit down and out? Not too comfortable as the least of the reasons having underwear is of use to you. Liz Courtney is collecting underwear for children in Fiji's Squatters camps. They are desperate for girls and boys aged 2 - 4. Children's underwear is very expensive over there and the volunteer teachers, who are funded by Rotary, are wanting to teach the children about health and hygiene. A small action by you can change a child's life. Can you help add to this collection? Ask your President Elect to take your / the club contribution along with them to South Pacific President Elect Training on 2 March so they can taken back to Fiji with the Presidents Elect attending from there, or email Liz at lizcourtney.lc@gmailc.com |
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![]() Did you know that Rotary in New Zealand and Australia are drawing closer together? On 1 July, Australia joins us as part of the new Rotary Zone where instead of New Zealand and the Pacific being a Zone on its own we will be in a Zone that includes part of Australia. We do not lose our self-determination … independence ... call it what you will, but there will be improve synergies, communication and sharing and implementation of ideas that support clubs and strengthen Rotary in our region.
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![]() Kiwi Jimmy Griffith is working to help and house Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. More than half a million Rohingya people are facing fresh perils living in makeshift camps in Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh where the coming cyclone season threatens to wash away their flimsy plastic shelters. |
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These three seminars are relavant to Rotary in our part of the world and have been developed and made available by District 9465 Membership Chair Kero O’Shea and are based on feedback from his community. These are suitable for all club leaders and membership specialists. Clicking on the Title takes you to some additional information. ![]() When: Nov 23, 2017 7.30pm Register here Have you ever wondered about the power of effective facilitation in Rotary? It is one of the most important sets of skills for leaders. Facilitation is a process to guide and direct work with groups of people such as meetings, planning sessions, and training of our members and leaders. The process of facilitation is a way of providing leadership without taking the reins. ![]() When: Nov 30, 2017 5:00 PM Register here You’d have to be nuts to start a new Rotary club from scratch in our current environment of declining membership and closing clubs. It could only be done by offering a very different version of Rotary. Presenter Mark Huddleston will talk about what makes the Rotary club of Seaford unique and how it continues to grow. Mark will share his top 5 secrets of success at Seaford; initiatives he believes can be employed by any club to improve membership outcomes. ![]() When: Dec 3, 2017 10:00 AM Register here In this webinar, Presenter Jessie Harman will outline the changing landscape for volunteering, and what you can do to strengthen your club. This webinar is a must for anyone keen to ensure their club can successfully attract and retain volunteers now and in the future. |
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![]() Volunteer-run charity GobabyGo today donated 11 specially adapted, ride-in electric BMW toy cars to 11 mobility-challenged Waikato children today. Children like three-year-old Ezekiel, who lives with cerebral palsy, and relies on a tiny wheelchair to get around, or 18-month-old Kingston, who has cardiac issues — among other health challenges — and who therefore tires easily. Show left are volunteers from the combined Rotary clubs of Hamilton with a few of the kids and the cars |
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Kioa is a speck of rock just off the east coast of Vanua Levu, Fiji's second main island comprising 80 households. A focal point of the community is the school but that was in dire need of a renno. ![]() |
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![]() Rotarians from across all the New Zealand-based districts travelled to the Christchurch venue of the 2nd annual National Membership Seminar. The venue was full creating an atmosphere of optimism conducive to full participation and very constructive discussion. Showcased was the absolute latest of successful resources and technique followed by animated discussion of those practices that are making such a difference in raising the membership of so many clubs. Exciting times for Rotary! The discussion, presentations and other resource will shortly be available at http://www.rotaryoceania.zone/page/national-membership-seminar-(october-2017)-resources |
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Easy to read, clear and concise – the ultimate lay-persons overview of The Rotary Foundation Some find understanding The Rotary Foundation confusing. No longer – while there is much detail that can be drilled down into, the following explanation by Mike Webb, a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, is well worth the quick read and can be shared. This year we celebrated 100 years of the Rotary Foundation, our charity Our Foundation has very special qualities as it is an enabling Foundation, it asks us to donate or contribute like so many other charities but it also asks us to get involved and utilise the funds. We give but we also receive. Our Foundation is able to achieve its mission through the generous contributions and active participation of Rotarians and friends of Rotary |
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![]() It is not too late to register: http://rotaryoceania.zone/S…/2nd-national-membership-seminar This seminar is open to all Rotarians who have an interest in Membership. |
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A Rotary Alumni Feature Story ![]() Picture: Natasha on her Prom Night |
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A Rotary Alumni Feature Story ![]() “Comfort zone” isn’t a phrase used when describing Rez’s early life. Her family is Kurdish and her parents’ families had settled in Iran to escape persecution. They became political activists, fighting for Kurdish rights and independence and as tensions escalated in Iran they fled, with their two children, to Pakistan. The family spent the next nine years in the refugee camp of Quetta, where Rez was born and were finally resettled in New Zealand in 1998. |
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![]() The workplace is being reshaped by data science and technology, traditional jobs are fast being replaced with jobs that require new skillsets. The work future will require a whole new approach to education, training and recruitment. Rotary District 9940 is a major sponsor and supporter of the Work in Progress conference being held in Wellington in early November, which is looking at the changing nature of work. |
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![]() A ‘Dunkirk-style’ operation is underway as thousands flee the island’s volcano, which continues to erupt. Funding is needed NOW to help in this desperate situation, Vanuatu is part of Rotary District 9910 and we seek support from Rotary Clubs & Districts in New Zealand and Australia. |
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Doing good in the community is the main reason most join Rotary and there is never a lack of projects in the club and out in the wider Rotary world that people can become involved in. No experience needed, just enthusiasm. The following is a few pictures from a recent Pacific project followed by a description. This serves as an example of what can be done through Rotary.
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![]() It was a busy Rotary day in Dunedin on just the second day of Spring, despite some not very friendly weather! Rotary Youth Exchange applicants, along with the current group of hosted students, gathered at Berwick Lodge for the weekend full of activities, evaluations, assessments information and fun. The District 9980's RYE Committee once again organised a very successful weekend that for many of these young people is the beginning of a great life adventure. Just along the road, the combined Dunedin Clubs, Mosgiel, Taieri, Milton and Balclutha spent much of the day planting trees at the Sinclair Wetlands. In a project coordinated by Assistant Governor Claire Ramsay, hundreds of native trees and shrubs were planted - a great response to Rotary International President Ian Riseley's request to plant at least one tree for each Rotarian. The RYE students came and joined in, and there was also a great turnout from the Rotaract Club - needless to say, a bit of mud got thrown around and a great time was had by all! |
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![]() 37,530,545 volunteer hours 2,469,011 people involved US$564,986,628 funds contributed US$320,969,437 donated in kind goods and services These are the projects displayed on Rotary Showcase website and represent only a fraction of the projects done in Rotary. Have a look and you will be in awe of the variety and depth of the projects Rotary clubs engage in and the thing to remember is that these are all clubs just like the one in your local community. |
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![]() [See some of the submissions at: http://www.rotaryoceania.zone/Stories/pictures-tell-an-exciting-story ... this collection is over but do not stop taking the photos and sending them in.] Saturday 19 August is World Photography Day! Help create a positive impression of Rotary in the community through photography Send to cs.bg.robinson@xtra.co.nz your best Rotary photo with a comment as to what is it and we will display these next week on the Rotary New Zealand website. |
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The farm, owned by Club member Neville Woodcock and his wife Carole, is one of the largest sheep and beef farms in Hamilton with over 2,000 sheep and 300 cows. The cattle breed is Angus, famous for premium quality meat. The purpose of the farm visit is to provide a real kiwi farm experience to international students as most of the students come of the countries where farming is not common and many of them have not visited a farm before. |
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![]() The West Harbour Beautification Project by the Rotary Club of Dunedin, with support from the the Rotary Club of Dunedin North, involves the creation of exercise opportunities along the 2.3 km stretch of the West Harbour Shared Pathway between the Dunedin Boat Harbour and Maia. The project also includes beautification of the area by planting native shrubs. The project has an estimated cost of $200,000 and all labour is being provided by Rotarians, their friends and families and TaskForce Green. The design of the project has been carried out by Mick Field who is a landscape architect and he is doing the work as a volunteer. He has been made an Honorary Member of our Club for his involvement in this project. |
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Totally!Marton Rotary has for several years been giving Usborne Dictionary Dictionaries to pupils in seven schools in Bulls and Marton, to the excitement of the students and gratitude of teachers who speak of the value of these dictionaries as a valuable tool and teaching aid. The dictionaries are specially designed for children of the Year 4 age group. With more than 1000 colour illustrations accompanying 10,000 entries and 25,000 definitions, and easy to read text students eagerly anticipate receiving their copy as they reach Year 4. Pictured are students at South Makirikiri School. |
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![]() Lincoln and Districts Community Care have their headquarters at 16 Lyttelton Street Lincoln and have been caring for communities surrounding Lincoln in the Selwyn District for just on 40 years. The impetus to establish Community Care Lincoln came about in August 1977, when two Tai Tapu ladies who were Red Cross volunteers approached the Lincoln Medical Centre, requesting that rural families should be given support like those in need in the city were receiving. |
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For the news item click here: https://www.rotary.org/en/polio-pledges-2017-convention |
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![]() After a chance meeting of the Richmond and the Cashmere Rotary Clubs earlier in the year, it was agreed the clubs should join together to assist the people from the Kaikoura area post-earthquake. This was to happen from 7th to 10th April. Seventeen members from Cashmere made themselves available but unfortunately this was postponed because of flooding and road closures in the area due to cyclone Debbie. The visit for the Cashmere team was rescheduled for three days from 29 April to 1 May.Nine members were available to attend on this weekend. |
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![]() “A large part of my university experience was going on RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award programme) and then helping out afterwards, and this was probably the most significant thing that led me to apply for my scholarship. It's really nice to see friends and club members keeping such a strong connection!” – Dr Oscar Lyons Oscar is studying in Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship and has just been appointed Junior Dean. After RYLA, he and several other participants (Michelle, Felicity, Emma to name some) joined Rotary and as young professionals have made an invaluable contribution to their club where they have given back to the RYLA programme as part of the organising team as well as participating in many other club projects, often as the project leaders. |
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For the Press Release from District 9970 and the Letter from the regional Rotary International Director please go to: http://rotarydistrict9970.org/Stories/for-general-website-visitors-1 |
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![]() Are you a Rotarian visiting New Zealand to watch some Rugby and enjoy the sights? Welcome. We have clubs in almost every community so drop in to a meeting and meet the locals. You will be made most welcome; and get the locals advice as to the best sights, restaurants etc. We are a global organisation so let's also share insights into the best projects and Rotary here and in your part of the world. Most of all have fun. |
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![]() Initially, this is to promote Rotary in our region to the business community as part of the National Publicity and Membership Campaign being primarily run via the Rotary New Zealand Facebook page but moving forward it is hoped that Rotarians and those who wish to specifically want to associate with Rotary will connect with this page. After all, business/vocational networking was the foundation of Rotary. LinkedIn operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 500 million members in over 200 countries and territories. |
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Not even the prospect of heavy rain could spoil the planned Riverside Dinner last Saturday. Because of the forecast of rain, the joint organisers, Warkworth Lions and Mahurangi Rotary, wisely moved the event to the planned wet weather location, New World undercover car park. The carpark was transformed into a 240 seat banqueting hall where over 200 diners enjoyed a roast dinner followed by a selection of desserts. During the meal entertainment was provided by Warkworth Brass Band as they played their wide repertoire of Big Band music. Decoration of the dining area with ships flags and various maritime memorabilia including anchors, oars, lifebelts, navigation lights etc. gave a nautical atmosphere to the event. |
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![]() This is an exceptionally interesting example of this and well worth a quick read. It relates to a project intended to provide literacy for children yet a water buffalo was the best solution! |
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![]() The week commencing 13 March is Rotary's World Rotaract Week and a time to acknowledge the substantial work in the community done by the nine Rotaract clubs in New Zealand plus the four in the Pacific Islands. These young women and men really know how to engage with their communities, particularly with the youth of those communities. Their common interest means they form lasting friendships with their own age group both at home and world wide. If you know a young adult wanting to expand their network of contacts and friends as well as doing good in their community please encourage them to contact a local club - details via www.rotaract.co.nz
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![]() The Pop Up Playground family fun day at Ellerslie Racecourse run by the Rotary clubs of Auckland on Sunday 20 February put a smile on so many faces. The kids and their families had a wonderful time and it was fantastic to see so many turn up.
There was a magnificent atmosphere on the day with Rotarians mingling with families who were interested in what Rotary does. Some of the highlights included the Police performing group, Chiefs and Blues rugby players, JP the clown, China dance groups, Tai Chi, Hip Hop, school groups and a Taiwan Aboriginal Dance. There were also farm animals, soap box carts, kite making, volleyball, a sports zone plus inflatable slides and car display.
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![]() The Rotary E-CLUB 9920 FRANCOPHONE works for Maternal and Child Health Care The ROTARY E-CLUB 9920 FRANCOPHONE (“non-virtual”) has participated in an International Project "Global Grant" as Primary International Partner, with the Rotary Club of Chaiprakan (D.3360) as Host Club, and the Rotary Club of Schwetzingen-Walldorf (D.1860 in Germany), the Rotary Club of Suntec City (in Singapore, D.3310), and the Rotary Club of Patumwan (in Bangkok-Thailand, D.3350) as Secondary International Partners to fully equip a “Mother and Child Health Care Center", thus enabling future mothers and newborns of the mountain populations in northern Thailand (in Chaiprakan) not to be completely isolated during the long rainy season; this Project will significantly reduce peri-natal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, fully in line with at least 1 of the 6 Focus of Rotary International. But all of this could be done only with the help of The Rotary Foundation. On the picture: members of some of the Rotary Clubs participating in this International Project, along with representatives of the Community, during the Hand Over Ceremony. |
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![]() The International Travel and Hosting Fellowship exists to promote and facilitate regional, national and international "connections" between its members. ITHF members travel to all different parts of the world and host members from all other parts. Members' lives are enriched by these connections and cross cultural exchanges.
That’s the elevator speech you find on ITHF.org, and here’s what those words mean in application. Jim and I joined ITHF 6 years ago ... |
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![]() Mike was brought up in Middlesex and went to school in Harrow (the grammar school at the bottom of the hill) he was involved with his church as a senior server, a keen member of the scout group and continued to play rugby.
Mike served his articles in London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. He then moved to the West Country and heads a practice in Wells.
Mike joined the Rotary Club of Mendip in 1976 and has had most jobs in the club (except Treasurer), he was President in 1981-82 and became District Treasurer for five years from !986 then after two years as Vice Chairman Mike was District Governor in 1994-95. Mike led a Group Study Exchange team to New Zealand in 1991.
With other club members Mike has made a number of charity films for Sightsavers and other charities in India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Malawi and in GB and I.
He sat as a Justice of the Peace for ten years and now serves his community as Trustee, Treasurer or Auditor for many charitable and sports organisations nationally and locally.
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![]() The theme for the 2017-2018 Rotary year, Rotary Making a Difference, was recently announced by RI President Elect Ian Riseley. Ian is a member of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia. Read more at: https://www.rotary.org/en/2017-18-ri-president-ian-hs-riseley-announces-his-presidential-theme or via www.rotary.org |
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![]() Check out Rotary.org’s modern, new look Rotary.org, our public-facing website, has a fresh, contemporary look that clearly answers the often-asked question: “What is Rotary?” It’s the first step in a two-part update to our entire website: first Rotary.org, and then My Rotary. See what's changed. |
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![]() Jessica came to NZ this year on a Rotary Foundation Global Grant scholarship from Virginia. She earned a Master of Teaching in Learning to be a high school English teacher from Canterbury University but what has been most memorable and life-changing for her has been the experience of living abroad. “Along with all the tramps and travel in this stunningly beautiful country it is almost a case of where have I NOT been?”
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![]() Thank you so much for supporting Red Nose Day 2016 for Cure Kids!
Cure Kids were thrilled to announce that, thanks to generous Kiwis like you, $748,000 has been raised so far, which will go towards funding vital child health research. Rotary Clubs across New Zealand got involved this Red Nose Day by holding fundraisers within their clubs, collecting donations during club meetings, running social media ads, as well as offering merchandise to people at their local shopping centres and supermarkets.
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![]() Members of the Rotary clubs of St Johns, Franklin and Manukau City Sunrise (some pictured here) have recently participated in ‘Walking Stars’ for cancer research. As Alex McKenzie said, "Just over 4 hours half marathon walk thru inner city Auckland - night life we don't normally see!!!"
In weekly walks preparing for the event, not only have the participants improved their own health and fitness, but they have welcomed any others including family and friends to join in even if not actually taking part in the event itself. This is yet another illustration of the camaraderie that Rotarians build together that motivates them to become involved in a wide range of activity that benefits those in need. The fellowship that resulted was amazing and the publicity for the clubs and for Rotary was huge ... getting the Rotary brand out into as many events as possible does us all good.
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![]() The mission? To raise upwards of $150,000 to $200,000 for the Breathing Space Southland Trust, which oversees a night shelter established in 2013 for Invercargill’s homeless.
A number of clubs in Invercargill joined forces for this project where there was an emphasis on Rotarians contributing their vocational skills in the organisation and building of the houses and only paying for professional services to fill skill gaps.
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![]() At the Friday 18 November dinner for Cure Kids ‘Celebrating 45 years of breakthroughs in child health research’, Cure Kids member representing Rotary, Past District Governor Beryl Robinson accepted on behalf of Rotary in New Zealand and the Pacific a Cure Kids Founder Award as recognition by Cure Kids for Rotary’s role as founder in 1971 (to celebrate 50 years of Rotary in NZ) and as an on-going partner of Cure Kids.
Beryl received this special plaque for Rotary, and replied that Rotary continues to have a close relationship with Cure Kids, as Rotarians are on the board, researchers and staff, plus of course all of the fundraising and event participation support that comes year after year from Rotary clubs and individual Rotarians. Rotary is extremely proud of Cure Kids’ achievements, so we will continue supporting Cure Kids. |
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![]() In the early hours of Monday 14 November 2016 there were two severe earthquakes in the remote Kaikoura area of the South Island (Rotary District 9970) of New Zealand. There has been substantial damage in the region, particularly to infrastructure such as access via roads and rail. Some damage was also caused in the Wellington region (Rotary District 9940).
While significant and devastating these earthquakes are in a remote area of New Zealand and the rest of New Zealand is 'open for business'. Despite these and the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes these are rare events ... just real bad luck to have two events within a few years. Rotary will no doubt play a substantial role in helping the communities affected over time but no initial Rotary emergency response has been needed with this being organised via Civil Defence and other Government agencies.
There have been many expressions of concern and messages of support from around the world to Districts 9970 and 9940 and these are appreciated.
District 9970 Governor Arie and RNZWCS Stuart Batty will visit Kaikoura and the region when the roads reopen and meet with community leaders as there is no Rotary Club in Kaikoura or the region. While initially it may be difficult to reach Kaikoura itself, Cheviot, Culverden and Waipara region are likely first stops.
They will endeavour to establish a Rotary Community Corp amongst them to assist Rotary in providing support for the reestablishment of community initiatives. If the same pattern follows that of Christchurch following their earthquakes, there will be a number of groups in need of assistance particularly around the welfare and wider needs of children and young persons. Rotary is aware that Lions International is very active in Kaikoura and will contact them with a view to collaboration.
Following inquiries from within New Zealand and overseas an Appeal has been set up
Rotary New Zealand will be working with members of the New Zealand Disaster Relief Forum to provide any support that is called for. Any specific concerns as to welfare of people etc. email info@rnzwcs.org
Kaikoura and surrounding districts which is in District 9970 does not have a Rotary club. Appeal funds will be distributed to community activities resultant from the Earthquake as approved by District Governor 9970.
Four Donation Options Quoting Activity No. 999
Internet Banking Westpac 03 1702 0192208 01 - Swift Code WPACNZ2W IBAN Code 031702
Paypal at http://www.rnzwcs.org/donate/
Give a Little at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/earthquake
Cheque to RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand), PO Box 20309, Christchurch 8543
For more information email info@rnzwcs.org or our contacts listed on http://www.rnzwcs.org/aboutus/
Further updates will be posted on www.facebook.com/rotarynz as appropriate as Rotary’s involvement in the recovery occurs over the coming months.
Of interest:
The Rotary International Board of Directors has authorized the formation of the Disaster Network of Assistance – Rotarian Action Group. The DNA-RAG provides advice and support for all aspects of disasters ranging from preparedness through long term recovery. DNA-RAG can be contacted for assistance by email at dna.rag.contact@gmail.com.
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![]() Way back in May 2016 Darrell Phillips was a judge at the Plimmerton Rotary Rotary Best Speaker Awards, a speech contest for adults with special needs. He was so inspired by the experience that he write about the contest for his Toastmasters club and it then went on to be published in the Toastmasters International magazine (read here). This is an example of the great publicity Rotary can get from its projects and all participants in our projects should be encouraged to share their experiences to their own networks.
This story was also published in the August issue of Rotary Down Under magazine. Contestant Samuel Goddard is pictured presenting his speech.
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![]() Eleven Rotary clubs in the Christchurch area have combined to maintain the Christchurch 360 Trail which is a 140 kms long walking/cycle track that goes around Christchurch, NZ. Recently the 360 Trail Committee took part in the Breeze Walking Festival and 20 people walked the trail in eight days. It was no mean feat. Rotarians provided “tail end Charlies”, co-ordinators and a BBQ for lunch on the longest section of the trail.
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![]() As Rotarians, we are a network of inspired individuals who translate our passions into relevant social causes to change lives in local and international communities.
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
We are the backbone of our city and district, we care about our people and we make a difference. Why are we successful? What makes us stand out from the crowd? Through the five Rotary Clubs in Rotorua, what have we achieved locally and internationally?
These were the questions we wanted answered to inform the people of Rotorua of what the five Rotary Clubs have done in Rotorua in the past, the present and what future plans we have that will benefit the local community.
We are all very good at getting on with the project or task in hand. However, we are not so good at telling our success stories and how we make a difference! So some means needed to be found ... and was.
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![]() New sponsors and support were the extra bonus of our recent Westhaven Rotary project aimed at providing local primary school students in Auckland, NZ with attractive and productive edible gardens. “Not only did we achieve a significant upgrade to the school’s edible gardens that the students will enjoy for years to come, we also attracted major sponsors, including Bunnings Warehouse and Countdown supermarket, who then engaged more sponsors on our behalf,” says Rex Billington, President of the Rotary Club of Westhaven.
The project aimed to bring new life to the school gardens that had fallen into disuse by refilling the existing planter boxes, creating an all-weather path around the garden and filling the boxes with edible plants that the students could eat.
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![]() In looking for a new way to ‘go to the people’ and inform them about Rotary in their area Rotarians in Dargaville and Whangarei, NZ noted there were vacant shops in their local shopping areas that of they could create a display in would place them firmly amongst the crowds out shopping. So the Rotary ‘Pop-Up Shop’ was born.
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![]() From small, tentative beginnings in 2001 The Howick Rotary Club’s "Bookarama", second-hand book fair has grown into a major local event and fundraiser which has provided a win win win for everyone. It is not many Rotary projects which have a list of a dozen winners.
The first winner is the environment which benefits from the relocation of some 25,000 pre-loved books with new owners and the appropriate recycling of over 5 tonnes of waste paper rather than its consignment to landfill.
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![]() More on Rotary Recreational Fellowships HERE and if there isn't one there for you ... start one.
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![]() Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) nearly 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 26 confirmed as of 19th September 2016.
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![]() My Rotary Exchange in Form 4 (Year 10) literally changed my life and came at just the right moment in my schooling career and gave me my first introduction to leadership and other new skills.
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It's been just short of five years since I returned back to the U.S. after my life-changing time as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar to New Zealand. Prior to my time in NZ, which started in February 2011, I was pretty insistent on a career as a health practitioner but my experiences in New Zealand changed my future direction dramatically ... for the better.
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![]() The Rotary E-Club of WASH has just chartered, and, while its meetings might be held in cyberspace, its roots are distinctly and terrestrially Kiwi. Its home base is Dunedin, and it’s sponsored by two District 9980 clubs: Dunedin and Dunedin East.
The WASH – water, sanitation and hygiene – E-Club is the brainchild of Rotarian, and former Dunedin club president, Dr Steve Atkins. Inaugural e-club president Dr Chris Bloore has also paid tribute to assistant governor Lesley Brook, who, he says, has contributed an “enormous amount of work” in bringing the club to life. |
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![]() "I am on a cyclical journey with Rotary that keeps on giving and is an important part of my life”. – Robbie Francis.
Robbie’s experiences have contributed to an amazing project developing a culture of disability inclusiveness through environmentally, ethically and economically sustainable trade with this illustrated by the documentary at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIoqArGl3qk
For more on her Rotary journey …
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Please send this to us, along with a picture if possible of you or some activity while on the programme. We are not expecting a finely written prose or long (a paragraph would be OK) ... if, in your own words (even bullet points), you are willing to share with others so more people will be inspired to become involved with Rotary's programmes we would be delighted.
Did you take part in and of Rotary's youth leadership or exchange, vocational or scholarship programmes? Send to cs.bg.robinson@xtra.co.nz
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![]() Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by :
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![]() Take one passionate, determined Australasian Vocational Training Team, add backing from District 9980, throw in a Rotary Foundation global grant, and what do you get?
Mindboggling” progress in Mongolia’s maternal health system – and hundreds of mothers’ and babies’ lives already being saved each year, thanks to a very special delivery: childbirth education.
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![]() Great to see Rotarians across New Zealand supporting Stroke Awareness Day by facilitating blood pressure checks on 1 October. Remember the song ‘Staying Alive’? You want to stay that way? Strokes kill far too many people and are preventable which is why Rotary is supporting the national 2016 Big NZ Blood Pressure Check Day.
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![]() Rotary supports activities and training to improve education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to ensure that all people have sustainable access to basic education and literacy by: 1. Involving the community to support programs that strengthen the capacity of communities to provide basic education and literacy to all; 2. Increasing adult literacy in communities; 3. Working to reduce gender disparity in education; 4. Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to basic education and literacy. |
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![]() Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
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