News
Doing what we can and supporting others.
The District Governors recent visit  that is detailed later in the Bulletin had a focus on growth and support.
The new arrangement whereby we look for opportunities to work more closely with our Rotary Community Group [RCG] is aimed at addressing the issues that many clubs are facing with the added focus of attracting new members by the work that we do. 
 
One potential shared initiative involves young peoples mental health and a brief introduction to that possibility is contained in this Bulletin. 
That initiative can also apply within individual clubs and as members we are all able to look for ways that we can support initiatives that our own members have. 
 
Many of the enduring projects that we now have in Rotary such as Trees For Survival and the National Science and Technology Program were once the idea of a single member who managed to get the support needed at the start from within the club. 
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Calendar
Partners' Night Meeting - 7 Oct 2024
Howick Club
Oct 07, 2024
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Meeting - 21 Oct 2024
Howick Club
Oct 21, 2024
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Meeting - 4 Nov 24
Howick Club
Nov 04, 2024
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Diwali Evening Fundraiser
Pakuranga United Rugby Club
Nov 10, 2024
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
 
View entire list
Upcoming Speaker
“My Garden and Miss Universe” 
Blessed with an abundance of energy, Val Lott, is a well-known Howick icon devoting much of her life to community service. 
She is a very driven and successful fundraiser on behalf of several organisations, raising more than a million dollars for the NZ National Eye Bank. 
Other organisations she has raised money for include the Laura Ferguson Trust, Yellow Ribbon, Plunket, Cancer foundation, and the Child Cancer Foundation, including coordinating the NZ Cripple Children’s Annual Street Appeal. 
 
 
 
She has also spent a great deal of time with the elderly in our community over the past 30 years. 
On a personal level, Val played Auckland representative Netball and gave up much of her time coaching and umpiring for over 20 years. 
She was also a member of the NZ marching squad 
An entrepreneur by nature, Val loves to dress with style conducting confidence and grooming classes for many decades. 
She is best known for her organisation of countless Beauty Pageants, making her instrumental in building confidence, friendships, and life skills in so many young women including Miss Howick, Miss Auckland, and Miss Universe New Zealand. 
 
 
 
An avid gardener, Val Lott is renowned for delightful garden tours and parties she hosts at her hidden gem, nestled in Howick. 
The hostess-with the-mostest, shares her pride and joy unveiling a beautiful story with different points of interest giving pleasure 
to the many people who visit whether it be a garden tour, small weddings or a private group for morning tea and lunches
District Governors Visit
Speaker this week was District Governor Vidya Nand who was accompanied by Kirsten Hawke, D.G. Elect and Joyti Singh, D.G. Nominee – quite a distinguished line-up!
By way of introduction we had the revelation of the Rotary theme for the year –‘The Magic of Rotary’ by the current World President Stephanie A. Urchick. She also gave an overview of the goals for the year which included the continuation of empowering  women and girls and Mental Health awareness plus a challenge to grow Rotary with the creation of new clubs. 
Vidya gave some encouraging news that our District 9920 had the largest increase in membership in the last year
General emphasis was on making Rotary relevant, attractive to new members and engaging for current ones with the backing not only of the Rotary Learning centre but also of the local support network and District Community Leaders – see 9920 website.
The goals of any project undertaken should consider these questions:
  • What impact can it have in promoting the Rotary brand?
  • Who does it reach by way of prospective new members?
  • Does it engage the membership, giving them satisfaction?
  • Does it open up new possibilities for further development?
9920 priorities include strategic plans for the next two year, portfolios of action plans, club action plan templates, embracing the Regionalisation Pilot, collaborative growth plans with identified community leaders, a focus on growing Rotary through its public image and with development of youth and embracing the Building Better Communities Project – no pressure!
Clubs were encouraged to make good use of the Regional Council expertise, especially in the promotion of rotary to attract new members.
An increase in Polio Plus and Foundation giving is also desired.
Finally Vidya gave a heads-up for the joint 9920and 9930 Rotary Districts Conference which is to be held in Rotorua from 16 to 18 May next year at the Energy Events Centre.
Vidya’s talk engendered a number of questions including about ways to keep Rotary affordable, something which has obviously engaged the organisation at all levels. Those present were appreciative of the updates and thanked Vidya by warm acclamation.
 
Dictionaries. 
Both Riverina and Anchorage Park Schools were visited by Peter Woodcock and Bill Duncan recently where Year 4 pupils received their illustrated dictionaries per courtesy of our club and the Bill and Lorna Boyd Trust.
In total 43 dictionaries were presented. Then a further visit by Bill and Joan. 

As always the pupils were delighted with their gifts, proudly writing their names on the inside of the front cover and flicking through the book avidly once seated.  They enjoyed a quick game of word find with the biggest challenge being ‘Xylophone’.  The photos say it all really!
In both schools there was a good sense of order and both staff and pupils were very welcoming.  It is always a delight to be part of these occasions.
 
A Potential Joint Project
I recently attended a Zoom meeting with other Presidents in our "Rotary Community Group - RCG" of 12 clubs where a proposal was put forward with a view to getting wider support.
The project has a focus on youth mental health.
 
The  cost associated with making a real difference are not insignificant and there will need to be considerable support across the RCG to get this project off the ground. 
As more information comes to hand I will pass that on to members via the Bulletin and at meetings. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
There is no doubt that support for youth mental health is needed.
For those with an interest in this topic I can recommend Jonathon Haidt's latest book The Anxious Generation
Diwali Invitation