We had three pupils from Room seven at Riverhills School visit us at Rotary to say thank you for the support and assistance our club has given them in preparing and delivering their Emergency Grab Bag project. The girls told us that our motto of Service Above Self was an inspiration to them and that we were excellent role models for young people. They admitted that they wanted to become members of our club when they grew up. The girls were accompanied by their parents, siblings, Principal and Deputy Principal… a lovely opportunity to “sell” Pakuranga Rotary.

Georgia (Georgie) Chalmers is being sponsored by the Pakuranga Rotary as an outbound Rotary Youth Exchange student to Denmark. Georgie will depart on her 12 month exchange in January 2018. Originally from Canterbury (cheers of support from some Pakuranga Rotary members!) Georgie’s family moved to Auckland after the Christchurch earthquakes. Georgie then attended Macleans College where she was a very keen hockey player and has just completed her Year 13 studies.

Georgie has wanted to go on a student exchange since year 9 so is very excited to now have that opportunity and she will be hosted by the Rotary club of Holstebro in Jutland which is in the north west of Denmark and is a town of about 35,000 people.

Our speaker last Monday was Past President Peter Armstrong who shared with us his involvement and experiences as a member of the above Fellowship.

As our founder Paul Harris said “Fellowship is wonderful, it illuminates life’s pathways, gives good cheer and is worth a high price.

Formed in 1965 the Fellowship has 1500 Rotary members’ world-wide and according to Peter is Rotary’s best kept secret. The Group is divided into global areas including Australasia , Americas, European, and rest of the world. The Fellowship includes 65 Recreational groups and 38 Vocations and in addition to Flying the categories include Banking and Dentistry. The New Zealand section has 38 members and the E club of Aviation , worldwide meets weekly. There are two Fly Ins per annum in New Zealand

Last Sunday,38 Children were entertained by 3 Coaches from Playball Skills who managed interaction with the Kids and it was great fun for the Participants and the Adults looking on. After a scrumptious Morning Tea, the man himself ----SANTA  of course duly arrived in an amazing  Silver Mercedes Convertible and was welcomed by some very excited children. SANTA had just arrived from the North Pole so we were very priviledged to have him first on his very busy schedule.Presents for all which completed a very happy occasion.

Special thanks to Don Bowater and Mike Collins for playing a very important role.

This week, Roger Milne led a team of three speakers involved with the improvement of our environment.

Firstly, Roger Milne gave us an update on the Trees for Survival (TFS) programme.   Already his goal to increase by 25 a year, the number of participating schools has 17 prospects.

As Auckland Council no long provides funding, Roger is seeking commercial sponsorship where TFS is rewarded by commercial sponsorship on a tree/sales basis.

Numbers will be taken over the next few weeks for our Pakuranga Rotary’s Christmas night on December 11.

A fun night for all at Waipuna, 6.00 for 6.30, and at $50.00 per head we have been able to keep the cost as the last two major evenings.

Howick Rotary President Gavin Green has invited us to their Christmas party on Tuesday, 5 December 2017. 

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation?

Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.

How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?

Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.

What impact can one donation have?

It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.

Vodafone has announced it will close its email accounts on 30 November. This includes all email addresses ending in vodafone.co.nz, vodafone.net.nz, ihug.co.nz, paradise.net.nz and clear.net.nz.

Vodafone is encouraging customers to sign up for a Google Gmail or Microsoft Outlook email address and is offering an auto-forwarding service.

If you are one the 250,000 or so people who have been relying on a Vodafone, Clear or Paradise email address, then you will need to get a new email address and update ClubRunner so you still get the Pakuranga Rotary bulletin.

Special guest and speaker this week was our very own District Governor Malini Raghwan, member of the Suva Rotary Club in Fiji.  It was interesting to hear that Malini’s induction into Rotary matters was as a RYLA participant in NZ some years ago.

A few challenges started the address.  First, to keep up the momentum of introducing more women into Rotary membership.  District 9920, with 28% women members is well ahead of the world average of 20% but there is still a way to go.

Ian Balme is a Waikato Farmer with a booming voice and an interesting history of development projects and commercial success.  When he stumbled across the decommissioned Stratford/Okahukura Railway Line 7 years ago he immediately sensed that the unused line and the impressive scenery it travelled through could be utilised in a unique way by creating a scenic train ride in the majestic forgotten world.  Obtaining a 30 year Lease over the line in 2011 was just the first step in creating a viable business.  Rail carts needed to be designed and constructed and refined in a way where all ages could be readily accommodated.  The Rolling Stock had as its pedigree Golf Carts and in designing and developing the conveyances, the comfort and safety of the cart was put before the horse-power – the petrol engines allow a maximum of 24 km per hour (two thirds of the company’s clients are 65 plus). 

Last Monday Pakuranga Rotary gathered at the Pakuranga Sailing Club to unveil the new BBQ which has been a Club project for over three years. The co-sponsors for the project were the Howick Local Board and the Stephenson Family Trust.

Kelvin Davies acknowledged the support of the co-sponsors and also Gary Boles and David Collings from the Howick Local Board. We should also thank the various Pakuranga Rotary Boards and the Community Committees during this time who maintained their confidence in the project despite the extended time frame.

This follows on from my report in the previous bulletin.

The photos above are showing the rebuild of a burnt out building in the hospital grounds which has been declared sound for such rebuild.

The cost of the rebuild will be met in part by the Ministry of Health who will provide the materials. The estimated cost nett of  materials is $25k plus fit out which to a large extent could be provided for by DIK,  e.g. furniture and furnishings.

The revamped building will be to provide a “house” for birthing mothers and family members of hospital patients – (Ronald McDonald House concept) and includes 5 bedrooms, kitchen and lounge.

The Taveuni Rotary team of builders have amongst other activities built 9 teacher houses (photo attached shows 2) comparable to any newly built house in New Zealand.

Building this “house” is now a relatively simple routine undertaking for them.

 

Recently Stuart Batty Director for RNZWCS visited Taveuni Island, Fiji 9920 to evaluate Rotary and MFAT funded activities undertaken since Cyclone Winston.

Rotary’s response is second to none found anywhere in Fiji with School Teacher Housing, Classrooms and Amenities Blocks rebuilt having been the priority,

along with distribution of DIK (school desks, chairs, cabinets etc.) and immediately following the cyclone ERK’s (Emergency Response Kits).

Significantly, all buildings previously built on the island including the preschools suffered no damage from Cyclone Winston.

Rotary’s impact on Taveuni  would not be what it is without the 24/7 commitment of PP Geoffrey Amos.

Whilst on Taveuni, Stuart inspected a number of pending activities including the rebuild of a burnt out building in the hospital grounds which has been declared sound for such rebuild. (see photo)

Dr Lester Levy could have addressed the club on any topic from his wide range of experiences (including Chairmanship of three District Health Boards) but chose to focus on his insights as Chairman of Auckland Transport.

The question posed was, “Is traffic congestion in Auckland inevitable?” The answer was NO but is it likely? YES. Reasons given included the huge current and projected population growth of the city, with or without new migration, caused by greater life expectancy, returning Kiwis, and the burgeoning numbers of international students seeking education here.

Geoff Amos reports as follows:

" Hi Del and Ron,

Today we delivered the two donated Defibrillators to Dr. Alumita, the SDMO of Taveuni Subdivisional Hospital. She expressed her very grateful thanks for this much needed equipment.

One will be kept at the Hospital and one in the Rotary Ambulance. She has undertaken to train nurses and drivers how the to use the Defibrillators correctly and to care for them.

Our thanks to RC Pakuranga and RC Plimmerton for their kindness and support. 

We were fortunate to have RNZWCS Director STUART BATTY & his wife Leslie here when we made the presentation."

Peter Woodcock presented members with a dilemma in terms of Top Schools. This event is eagerly anticipated by hundreds of primary aged pupils and is a great community event but as a club we are finding it increasingly difficult to staff the event. A show of hands made it clear that members value the event and want it to continue. Peter outlined some possible alternatives to Pakuranga Rotary members providing the bulk of the labour force but if numbers on the day continue to decline the longer term future of the event must be in doubt.

First speaker was Cindy Bakewell, herself a Rotarian with the Remuera club. Cindy is a travel broker with NZ Travel Brokers and her key messages were that attending the District 9920 conference in Fiji starting Friday April 6^th 2018 is something well worth considering followed by a great travel deal for those intending to attend.

Cindy has arranged a twenty seat discount with Fiji Airways giving a return fare of $795. Members would have to travel up on the 5^th but can arrange a date that suits them to return. Those interested should contact Cindy. cindy@nztravelbrokers.co.nz

Fresh from the surreal experience of walking through the doors in Wellington as an MP, Simeon Brown spoke on Monday of the privilege and honour he feels to have been elected to represent the Community.  He gave a huge thank you to the Club for its support over the last 6 months.  Simeon is shortly about to undergo a 2 week induction program for new MPs and looking forward to getting stuck in to working hard over the next 3 years.  He has already demonstrated his appetite for hard work during the campaign and if that is any indication, the citizens of the Pakuranga Electorate will be well represented.

The Board of Edgewater College and Principal, Allan Vester have generously assisted the Pakuranga Rotary for some years with its annual Trivia Evening and President David took the opportunity on Monday night of presenting Allan Vester with a cheque for Edgewater College of $1,000.

Pakuranga Rotary recently assisted the Children’s Autism Foundation to have representatives at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Sydney.  The justification for providing that help was profoundly evident from the address given to the Pakuranga Rotary on Monday night by Service Manager, Gera Veheul.

The Foundation was established 7 years ago to meet needs of parents who were struggling to get support.  It now has 9 staff, including 5 Family Counsel Consultants.  Autism Spectrum Disorder is the name of a group of Developmental Disorders affecting people in different ways.  In some of the more severe cases development is stalled at a 2 year old level.  Those who are Autistic display areas of the brain that are stronger or weaker than normal – the visual part of the brain functions exceptionally well.  Some exhibit amazing memory skills and Autism is characterized by incredible honesty.  However, such honesty can have a downside because the lack of social skills include a lack of diplomacy.

This week Christopher, our exchange student, told us he went fishing. He caught a 50-cm snapper – there’ll be a few of us that would aspire to do that on a regular basis!

Christopher also attended a visit to a Marae, and went to Goat Island to do some diving. With school holidays a week away, Christopher is looking forward to joining members and share their activities with them. You can contact Christopher via Don Roberts.

Read more...

Mike Henderson, CEO of Professional Real Estate, brought our understanding of the real estate business into the 21^st century with a most interesting account of the ways in which technology is revolutionizing the whole set-up.

We came away with the impression that only techno-whizzes could have much future in the selling of property and even then, you could be in danger of being by passed. He bravely informed us that all you would ever want to know about possible purchases is available online quite independent of the firms engaged in the occupation!

This also puts a big question mark over the future of those engaged in property valuation! However he was quite up-beat about the general direction of real-estate activity and obviously relishes his involvement in it. Bill Duncan expressed the thanks of the club for Mike’s most enlightening address.

This week the Club again hosted the Holyoake debate. This contest was initiated by PDG Noel Holyoake in 1983 and has been contested over the years by the three secondary schools in our catchment area namely, Pakuranga College, Edgewater College and St. Kentigern College.This week the Club again hosted the Holyoake debate. This contest was initiated by PDG Noel Holyoake in 1983 and has been contested over the years by the three secondary schools in our catchment area namely, Pakuranga College, Edgewater College and St. Kentigern College.

As much as my summer was relatively busy, this month is just as bad (I don’t think I’ve stopped once but I love it!)

So, because the summer holidays have come to an end now and Greece is far behind in my rear view mirror, it's onto a different chapter involving school and the last couple of months of my exchange. It is extremely weird to think that time has flown by this fast. Everyone always says that the first 6 months go by fast but the next 6 months go by even faster. Faster? When I got told that i just laughed - thinking in my head how is that even possible knowing that for 17 years of my life school has gone by so slow and the years have dragged on. However experiencing it now really puts things into perspective. 

Our speaker this week was Chris Sattler, the CEO of the Company operating float planes from the Auckland Harbour.

Chris has an interesting background, born in Germany, has served in the German Airforce, travelled extensively and indeed visited over 100 countries. He is now a NZ citizen and also a member of the Auckland Rotary Club.

Geoff Amos’s long involvement with the Pakuranga Rotary is well known and members were pleased to have Del Johnson present Geoff with two defibrillators for Fiji.

Geoff took the time to outline three issues he believes are important.

This week Pakuranga Rotary was privileged to have Simeon Brown introduce David Carter, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives as our speaker. The Speaker is elected by members of the House and David has held the role since 2013, following on from Dr. Lockwood Smith.

Ever wondered what Rt Hon David Carter, the Bee Hive's Speaker of the House does?

We expect this will be informative insight into the day in the life of of the Speaker of the House, as well as some gems about how Parliament works behind the scenes.

If you are planning to join us, then please go to Upcoming Events and register so we have an idea of numbers.

Jarrod Lee is an Auckland singer, actor and performer accepted to one of the world’s leading conservatoires, the Royal Academy of Music London.

The Rotary Club of Ellerslie Sunrise sponsored Jarrod to attend the Rotary Youth Leader Awards developmental programme six years ago, after which he decided to give up his job to follow his dream of becoming a professional performer.

They invite you to join them to experience a wonderful new talent along with students from Michael Park School.

August: Membership and New Club Development

This month we will be focusing on attracting new members.

Having the Rt Hon David Carter our guest on 7 August provides an excellent opportunity to invite prospective members. 'A day in the life of' the Speaker of the House and insights into behind the scenes at the Bee Hive promises to be an evening that should be of great interest to a wide audience.

I urge you all to play your part in making Pakuranga Rotary successful.

New Membership Options

Shortly members should receive an email with proposals for new membership options. Some of these mirror the ideas have already been implemented by others. They include Corporate, Associate and Family membership options.

Our aim is to get others involved with Pakuranga Rotary and demonstrate what makes Rotary different from other service organisations. Once they have gained insight into the ideals of Rotary and want to get more involved.

In his thumbnail talk, Anil spoke of his humble origins in India in a home where the monthly income was approximately $NZ 10. Attending an ‘English’ school with his two brothers he excelled enough to secure his place for 10 years.A move to Hyderabad was a culture shock but again, his academic ability saw him selected as one of 50 from all of India for a course in IT – he’d never seen a computer before this move at the age of 20!

Now, with his wife and two children, he is happily part of the Kiwi scene, heading the IT section of Barfoot and Thompson. His message to all is ‘Dream Big’ – it has certainly worked for him!

Now studying for a Master’s Degree in Psychology Philippa outlined her experiences as a member of an international team of 15 on Project Starfish, working to support children at risk of becoming victims to human traffickers in Thailand and Cambodia. Rotaract provided the connection. The skilled team offered services including dental work, medical profiling, agricultural development, water-culture systems, providing musical instruments and vocational training – all with the goal of ensuring a safe future for the young participants in the Mission Shelter.Language incompatibility didn’t prevent close bonds between children and team members and Philippa found leaving very hard. Two charitable organisations working with vulnerable children and abused women, INVADER and HAGAR were given practical and financial support by team members.Philippa is committed to continuing this involvement and sees herself using her university studies to the benefit of needy young people, most likely in the same geographic area in the future.

Nick and Denise can be justifiably proud of their enterprising daughter as can our club which has given support to make this experience possible.

Follow the read more link to see more slides of Philippa's experiences.

Oh what a night as the song goes. We enjoyed an evening of fun and frivolity with excellent brain teases, nice nibbles, cool refreshing liquids and an MC (Duncan Loney) in many guises including a Suma wrestler that was finally a knockout and carried of the stage.

Lots of smiling faces, happy winners of the excellent auction items and medal wearers after being the winners of the quiz. Even Harold from the Life Education Trust had his happy face on for all the photos.

The results of the fund raiser are yet to be determined financially but it looks like a good one and up to last year’s profitable level. A special thanks to the total team involved. They know who they are A great job well done. We achieved the result we were looking for and I am sure we will be back next year.

Once again our Pakuranga Rotary is participating in this great Rotary Initiative. For the last 40 odd years we have hosted an Inbound International student and at the same time we have sponsored an Outbound student to an overseas Rotary District.

Our Inbound student this year is Christopher De Blanck from the City of Haderslev in Denmark. Christopher arrived last Thursday having spent 40-hours either in the air or in Airports (10 hours in Singapore).

He was hosted by Don and Bev Roberts for his first two nights and on Saturday moved to his Host Family in Howick where he will spend the next three months.

Chris is now a student at Pakuranga College.

His first visit to our Club will be next Monday so please make him very welcome.

How to recycle plastic bags and other soft plastic packaging.

See: Soft Plastic Recycling Programme Auckland Region

It’s all about vastly reducing the volume of your rubbish which would otherwise be destined for a landfill.

Please encourage this both at home and at work.

Collect : Drop : Recycle

At our Mini Assembly earlier this month, President David outlined that some meetings will be different from the norm.

Our meeting this week was an example of either a night-off or fellowship only night. For these meetings members can still have a meal in the Restaurant at Waipuna just like any other week.

If you attend on one of these nights, then you will need to wear your Rotary badge and sign the attendance sheet as normal to qualify for the $30.00 meal.

You’ll be informed in advance when the next fellowship only night is going to happen.

Trivia Night 

This was a credit to Graham Kearns and his team putting together a very worthwhile fund raising effort in association with the Life Education Trust Counties Manukau. The high jinks of our master entertainer Duncan Loney added to the success of the evening and hilarious entertainment.

The LETS team of Judy, Sarah and Harold contributed to the success with the prizes, auction items and purchase of tables.

We have never had such involvement from a partner for our fundraiser trivia quiz night and their efforts will be rewarded once final figures are known.

'A day in the life of' the Speaker of the House

The Rt Hon David Carter will be our guest on 7 August.

David’s address will provide insight into the role he plays in the running of Parliament and an insight into how Parliament works behind the scenes. He is very skilled at handling interjectors, noisy back benchers, points of order and has been known to eject members for the house. So look out Rotarians, any unorderly behaviour will receive the treatment it deserves.

Our Sergeant will be more than happy to carry out Mr Speakers commands. This is an evening not to be missed. Guests and partners are most welcome.

Our Speaker deserves a full house.

Triumphs and Trivia 

Elizabeth and I are looking forward to having some fun at our Triumphs and Trivia evening on Saturday. There are some great prizes and auction items on offer.

We even have an online auction for Santos FC White Soccer Jersey Signed by the great Pele.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/sports/sports-memorabilia/soccer/auction-1370307953.htm 

Monday Night

There will be no meeting on Monday night - We're making a difference. You are still welcome to meet and share a drink or have dinner with friends.

There are still has a couple of tables to complete a full house for Trivia. Please, if you have some sporting contacts or people who enjoy a fun night out with other like-minded persons who would like to test their general knowledge, then let them know we have a great night planned for them.

Contact Alan Davies now at abdavies@xtra.co.nz or phone 021 535 556 and he will do the rest.

Triumphs and Trivia evening is on this Saturday - There are great prizes to available win and check out the interest auction items to win so give them the opportunity to be there and take the plunge yourself if you haven’t done so already.

Bring your friends and family along on the 17th of July for a night of great entertainment.

Gray Bartlett is coming along to speak about his 30 years in the music industry plus he will give a short performance.

Check out his website for more info on him:
http://www.graybartlett.com/

At Changeover I received a few comments/questions as to how the Tour went this year and although President Peter did announce the results at a May meeting, along with twice commenting within his ‘President Reports’, this report will give you an overview of this year's event, and detail what is planned for 2018.

Our exchange student Eva, unfazed by the failure of computer technology recounted some of the details of what had been an amazing twelve months. In that time she had travelled widely across New Zealand in both main islands. She had taken part in many Rotary activities including RYPEN and assisting with the raising of $5,500 for the emergency boxes. She had engaged in many school activities including the school production of Young Frankenstein as well as making many friends on the way.

Paying tribute to her three host families Eva recounted how they had welcomed her so openly into their families and taken such wonderful care of her. This year had been the best year of her life and she was certain that it had changed her life in a really positive way. Common to many of our exchange students, Eva clearly understood that she had had the opportunity to do more and see more than most of her Kiwi friends and she thanked Rotary for that.

Click the read more link to see the slides Eva, was going to present.

Ted van Arkel a prominent business figure in New Zealand and well known to many Rotarians took us on a journey through hs career attesting to the power of a positive attitude and taking the opportunities offered.

Ted had moved as a child with his parents from Utrecht, a University City in the Netherlands to Ohakune. He was unsure why his father, a baker, had made such a move but remembered that his mother did not like the change and within six months they had moved to Auckland. Educated in standard Auckland schools Ted left Mt Albert Grammar after the fifth form and began what was to be a wonderful career in retail at Woolworths.

HELP NEEDED FOR TREE PLANTING:

Sunnyhills Primary Trees For Survival planting

Planting date is the 4th August in Hunua. (Rain delay day is 11th August)

Volunteers names please reply to roger@tfsnz.org.nz

If you have never done this before, it’s a fun day – really worthwhile albeit physical !!

Last Monday, President Dave Andrews gave us a synopsis of the upcoming year at his “Mini Club Assembly” held at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre.   The evening was a review of where we were at and then where we would like to be at the end of the next 12 months with Dave noting that we were at a turning point.

Fruehauf Trailers Vocational Visit

Upcoming Trivia Night

Harbour Bridge Walk

Bangers to Bluff Alzheimers Fundraiser
29th March – 9th April 2017

At 9.30am Wednesday morning, 29th March, in wet unpleasant conditions, Miss Auckland, Michelle Isemonger sounded her battery blow horn, President Peter dropped the clutch & the Mazda Green Goddess began her journey from Buckland Beach Yatch Club in Half Moon Bay on the Bangers to Bluff Charity Fundraiser rally.