District 9920 annual conference coincided with the first Matariki holiday and that formed part of the theme of the conference.
Pakuranga Rotary had a contingent of 12 attendees, many fewer that halcyon days of the past but never the less enough for us to have the second largest club representation.
Thanks go to Ian for his organisation and all the attendees for having a great time.
The Matariki values of commemorating the past, living in the now, and walking together into the future were to the fore over the two days.
This was an appropriate focus as many of the speakers paid tribute to Rotaries past while encouraging a diverse, equitable and inclusive future for Rotary.
The idea that Rotary needs to change to ensure it remains relevant was to the fore. But change creates uncertainty and there will be questions about why change is needed, about the direction of change and what a future Rotary club and organisation might look like. That wont sit comfortably with everyone but members should not be concerned.
Much of the change is likely to occur in new clubs rather than in every established and traditional club. An important role for traditional clubs will remain, both in the work they can do in the community and in the fellowship and support they will continue to provide for their members.
Below is a snapshot of some of a great range of speakers.