The headline in the Herald following the election was "Now The Mahi Begins ". What made that headline standout was that it used Maori but didn't see the need to translate . The idea that mahi is now recognised pretty widely as meaning work serves to show that as well as  Te Reo Maori night classes overflowing, we non attenders at those classes are slowly adopting Maori words and phrases. Mokopuna, mana, whanau, Aotearoa, Tamaki Makaurau, korero, and kaupapa, haere mai are increasingly used and more widely understood. Every primary age child can confidently belt out the National Anthem in Maori [even if the tune continue to challenge] and the seven stars of Matariki hold no fear. 
 
While there is still a long way to go, President Alison stepped up to the lectern and did her bit. As for many of us, speaking in public in a second language is a daunting prospect so congratulations Alison. Kia ora Alison.
 
Alisons musings.  
 
It has been a busy few weeks with Rotary;
  • Steve and I were guests  at Inner Wheel’s Spring celebration
  • I, with other club members,  attended the opening of the playground at Stanhope school of the Rae and Ernie Johnston tepee playground
  • The Pakuranga Rotary Club Trophy for Community Spirit and Leadership  was at the Edgewater prizegiving awarded to Connor Magatogia.
  • The Board has agreed to sponsor students for both RYPEN and RYLA – great to see these programmes up and running.  If you know of potential RYLA students contact Trish Plowright
  • The Board has also agreed to sponsor Sunnyhills School for Trees for Survival
  • Top School plans are progressing – Trish and Nick will be looking for helpers, with past experience for this programme.
  • The Carnival plans are in hand – Save the Date - Sunday 21 March.  Linda Agnew and her team are looking for help for the organisation.
  • We had our first induction of a member  to our club for the 2020/ 2021 Rotary year – Sojung Yoon, who is a teacher at Farm Cove Intermediate. 
 
Ngā mihi,
Alison.