Sculpture  Unveiling
 
After a considerable amount of time and energy by the sculpture committee,  a lot of support for and from the Auckland City Council, and a great deal of work and vision by the artist Dion, we now have installed our gift to the community celebrating 50 years of service.  
 
Along the way there were doubts and setbacks but we can look at what has been achieved and be confident that it will bring  pleasure to the many people who use the Rotary walkway. 
Calendar
Meeting - 20th November 2023
Howick Club
Nov 20, 2023
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
A month of Giving
Dec 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
 
Rotary Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Dec 01, 2023 - Dec 31, 2023
 
Rotary Christmas Meeting -
Howick Club
Dec 11, 2023
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
 
View entire list
It took a while but ...
 
As noted at the start of the Bulletin, after a long gestation and a lot of work out 50th Anniversary project was finally unveiled. 
From President Govinds address at the unveiling;
 
 "A very warm welcome to you all to this afternoon’s unveiling of this Beautiful sculpture Ngā Manu created by Dion Hitchens. Dion has created several pieces which are part of the Auckland Council’s public art collection 
  • Nga-Manu translates as the tūī squawks, the kākā chatters, the kererū coos and references that it takes all kinds of people to create a community
  • This proverb is about acceptance and being non-judgemental and alludes to how can we be more like the birds and accept diversity as normal, working together to create a better community and environment
It is indeed an honour and a privilege to be here on this very important day for Pakuranga Rotary.As you may know the Rotary club of Pakuranga has worked closely with the council in bringing to life this magnificent piece of Art.The project has been many years in the making mainly due to the delays caused by Covid and we are immensely pleased that the sculpture in now available for the enjoyment of the community and it commemorates 50 years of service to the community by the Rotary club of Pakuranga.
It is pertinent to note that the Rotary walkway stretching 9km from Prince Regent Drive in Farm Cove to the Panmure Bridge was built over several years by volunteers from the Rotary club of Pakuranga in collaboration with council.
We also built the childrens playground on Bramley reserve and both the walkway and the playground are well used,popular community facilities which we are proud to have been part of.
It was therefore apt for The Rotary Club of Pakuranga to partner with Auckland Council to co-commission a permanent artwork for the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway at Sanctuary Point
  • The artwork is intended to celebrate the 2020 anniversary of 50 years of Pakuranga Rotary service in this area, which was commemorated in May 2021 - delayed due to the Covid
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the council for the enormous support and for providing the opportunity to work collaboratively to bring to fruition this magnificent sculpture.
 
I would also like to thank members of Pakuranga Rotary who dedicated their time and energy to ensure the project is a success. In this regard I would particularly like to thank Kelvin Davies and Del Johnston among several others in the club for their dedicated work which has made this possible.
 
We hope this lovely sculpture provides enjoyment to our local community and adds to the beauty of Sanctuary point."
Diwali Evening. 
President Govind and his hard working team set up and organised a first for our club - a Diwali celebration.
Diwali, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights.”
The festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness.
 
This well attended function showcased the culture and food of India along with a display of the many types of Sari by Rotarians, partners and children. 
 
The function was supported and sponsored by: 
  • Anna Elisa Design
  • Yogi B Jewellery 
  • RL Construction services limited
  • A jet services limited
  • La Padella Italian restaurant 
  • New world Howick
  • GWP Consulting Limited 
  • Ovya design studio
  • RG fashions 
Goods and vouchers donated by these organisations were auctioned and $5000 was able to be donated to "I am Hope"an organisation dedicated to promoting positive attitudinal societal change around mental health and offering hope and a voice to our young people.
An ambassador for "I am Hope" , Richie Barnett, a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who represented NZ and captained the national team addressed the event and accepted the cheque. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coastguard. 
 
Howick Sea Rescue, which was later to become Howick Volunteer Coastguard, was formed following a tragic accident which occurred off Howick Beach on 15th July 1956. Three Howick boys, Richard Hugh Williams, 16, and brothers Rex Edward Goddard, 13, and Richard Keith Goddard, 11, ventured out fishing from Howick Beach in what were calm conditions. The weather deteriorated and the three boys were drowned after their dinghy capsized in rough seas.
 
Howick Sea Rescue was formed in February 1957 as a result of that event and has been serving the local community for that last 65 years. 
Some years ago, there was a suggestion that the organisation needed to record its history so that its activities, successes, and failures are not lost and the community, who has supported the organisation since 1957, can appreciate the efforts of a small and dedicated number of volunteers who continue to strive to keep the water off Howick Beach and the Waitemata Harbour a safe place for all to enjoy. The result of that suggestion is a coffee table type history book which chronicles the first 65 years of the organisation. 
 
There will be a book launch at the Howick Library on Friday 7th July, 11am -12pm with copies available at $69.00/copy including GST. Copies of the book are also available from Poppies Books in Picton Street, Howick.
Dates to record in you diary
                       From Your Social Director
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                                             Please have in your diary the following dates:
 
                       Sunday, 5th. November, 2023, Unveiling of the new Sculpture on the Rotary Walkway
                       meeting at the Pakuranga Sailing Club, Bramley Drive, Farm Cove at 2.00 p.m.
                       RSVP by Friday, 27 October, 4pm for catering purposes: publicart@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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                      Monday, 11th. December, 2023, Christmas Party at The Howick Club, 5.30 p.m. for 6.30 p.m.
                      Wear a little Christmas. Superb Christmas Buffet, Santa may arrive, Amazing Entertainment
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                      Monday, 22nd. January, 2024, 1st. Casual Meeting at the Pakuranga Sailing Club, Bramley Drive,
                      Farm Cove at 5.30 p.m.
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                      Friday, 5th. April, 2024, Saturday, 6th. April, 2024 and Sunday,7th. April, 2024, District Conference at the 
                      Sofitel Hotel, on Denarau Island, Nandi. Fiji. Friday ,Cocktail Evening is at Sails Restaurant, Port Denarau.
                      Saturday, Full Day Conference and Gala Dinner is at the Sofitel Hotel. Registrations are now open.
                      Our District Conference was cancelled this year, so lets have a great presence in Fiji from Pakuranga next
                       year and support President Govind and Sandhya.
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                       Monday, 6th. May, 2024 ,our 54th. Birthday Party at the Howick Club, 5.30 p.m. for 6.30 p.m.
                       Wow, you won’t want to miss this Event, an evening like no other.
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                       Friday, 14th. June, 2024 through to Sunday, 16th June, our very own Conference to be held in Taupo.
                       Watch this space.
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                       I look forward to your support.
                       Ian Handisides