It is appropriate we reflect on Matariki the star constellation that can be now seen early morning in the eastern part of our sky this constellation is seen around the world and is known and celebrated in many cultures and languages consisting of seven stars known as the six sisters and the Mother. It is fitting that we can think of Matariki as the Maori belief the rising of these stars heralds in welcoming the New year as we do tonight at our Rotary changeover reflecting on the past and looking into the new Rotary year going forward.
This is as I see Matariki consisting of 3 Pillars and how I believe it interrelates to Rotary.
The first pillar Matariki Hunga Nui Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of the stars we at Pakuranga have lost great Rotarians during our year.
The second pillar Matariki Ahunga Nui Celebrating the present gathering to give thanks for what we have and what we have done during the year. When we look around the world at the unrest and violence that is occurring, we can be truly grateful for what we have in New Zealand we should be truly grateful and yes we have our issues in New Zealand but nothing what people in different parts of the world are experiencing. We can celebrate what we have achieved our donations to St Johns, Life education, Trees for survival, and our commitment to our young people with the Science forum and the Rotary exchange program.
The third pillar Matariki Manako Nui Looking to the future and looking forward to the promise of a new year at tis time in our Rotary year we can look forward to Govind leading the club with his team for the next Rotary year continuing what we have started and introducing new projects as go forward.
Matariki is about what Rotary stands for and as Changeover occurs at the same time of Matariki we can reflect in the Rotary ideal of Inclusion of many cultures understanding and respecting the differences of each other and that each of us are unique in our own ways.
Mike went on to present a Paul Harris Fellow to Allan Vester for his dedication to young people through education, sports musical talents and his work with our club as Past President and Bulletin editor a well-deserved award.
The second pillar Matariki Ahunga Nui Celebrating the present gathering to give thanks for what we have and what we have done during the year. When we look around the world at the unrest and violence that is occurring, we can be truly grateful for what we have in New Zealand we should be truly grateful and yes we have our issues in New Zealand but nothing what people in different parts of the world are experiencing. We can celebrate what we have achieved our donations to St Johns, Life education, Trees for survival, and our commitment to our young people with the Science forum and the Rotary exchange program.
The third pillar Matariki Manako Nui Looking to the future and looking forward to the promise of a new year at tis time in our Rotary year we can look forward to Govind leading the club with his team for the next Rotary year continuing what we have started and introducing new projects as go forward.
Matariki is about what Rotary stands for and as Changeover occurs at the same time of Matariki we can reflect in the Rotary ideal of Inclusion of many cultures understanding and respecting the differences of each other and that each of us are unique in our own ways.
Mike went on to present a Paul Harris Fellow to Allan Vester for his dedication to young people through education, sports musical talents and his work with our club as Past President and Bulletin editor a well-deserved award.
Mike presented the Presidents cup for Club service above self to Dennis Kavanaugh who along with his team has been the engine room of Pakuranga Rotary without Dennis, his team and other individuals who made the club what is today with fellowship, fun and a commitment to providing funds to really good causes in our community.
