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.

Disclaimer: BRACE YOURSELVES July is a hella jam packed month with a lot of adventures !!!

So firstly, I’ve made it through 6 months of living by myself in a strangers home who is now one of the most important people of my exchange year. And secondly, due to learning a language that is completely different to English and sounding completely different I am genuinely struggling with English too which is rather weird. 

Since my last report, I was lucky enough to have been taken to Malmö, Sweden by our district chairman (Thomas) alongside 6 other students who are also in this district. It was a simple day trip taking 30 minutes to travel there by train on the 26th of June. Malmö was pretty and similar to Copenhagen however a lot less busy and distinctly cultural compared to Copenhagen. We took a lot of random photos, went to a free art exhibitions, drank a lot of coffee which was on Rotary (thankful for that because we are all broke). 

 

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)

The greatest danger for most of use is not that we aim too high and we miss it, but that we aim too low and reach it - Michelangelo.

If you want something you have never had, you've got to do something you have never done.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Whether you think you can, or you can't, you're right - Henry Ford.

People wait all week Friday, all year for summer, and all life for happiness.

Keep an eye on the horizon and pencil in the following into your calendar:

• Bramley BBQ - 30 October we plan to christen the efforts of Kelvin Davies, Del Johnston and the team
• Murder on the Orient Express - 9 November is a movie premiere to support Rotary
• Children's Christmas - 3 December Santa will be visiting
• Christmas dinner - 11 December we will be cutting the turkey

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.