Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Gary Key (Ph: 021 611169), and Graham Fabian (Ph: 021 826292).
Presidents Pen following meeting Thursday 23-6-22 and Conference Wellington.
Greetings dear members / Tena Koutoa mema,
Well, the start of the “Imagine” year for Rotary kicked off with me on my own as co-president Gary went walk about. Well actually it was a road trip to attend the Rotary Conference 9920 in Wellington which was held to coincide with the first official Matariki public holiday celebrating the Māori New Year.
The Thursday meeting was attended by 18 members and the high light was the presentations from members Liz Gunn and Margaret Voyce both enlightening and interesting.
I have a few comments on the highlights of the Conference which had two strong themes. The first being the Rotary International focus and the other the significant importance to Māori for the recognition of the Matariki public holiday.
The Rotary focus is on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and this was delivered (virtual) by Valerie Wafer Rotary International Vice President and DEI Chair
Other very good speakers were Ola Loane from Diversity Works NZ, who also spoke on DEI and I must say his approach was both refreshing, educational and dynamic.
Robert Oliver, a New Zealand Chef, Author and TV presenter spoke of his successful “Pacific Food Revolution” which is similar to Master Chef tailored for the Islands. The purpose being to lower the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) like Diabetes by encouraging people to eat their traditional foods by making it aspirational.
Sir Ian Taylor from Animation Research also gave a riveting presentation about how four young software engineers from Otago University and himself started the Americas Cup “live animation” and has since spread to most significant sports around the world. His organisation is now 19 years old with most of the work emanating from Dunedin.
On Saturday we had our own Peter Boshier present his experiences in the role of Ombudsman and how Rotary played a significant influencing role in his career. Ombudsman originates from Sweden and means “representative” of the people to investigate complaints against Government officials and agencies.
The DEI thing can be confronting depending on how people interpret the application of the principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Personally, I think applying the four-way test is a a good safeguard for covering most of the various interpretations.
I also have this final thought
Inclusion is about seeking to understand other people and their paradigm of the world by just acknowledging their perspective without being judgmental. This builds trust and trust enables positive mutual engagement.
What goes on Tour stays on tour. So, no juicy bits to share but great fun had by all. No our “Rotary has talent” entry did not win but we got a place somewhere.
Note From Editor: Editor sent his apologies for this meeting and extends his thanks to Penny Mc. and Leslie for taking notes which are inserted below:
Both Past Co-Presidents Penny & Lesley were scheduled for Attendance and Host / Thanks and Close respectively - but believe it or not they forgot!!
Notes from Meeting:
John Cornega called the meeting to order introducing Graham F (GF), to his first meeting as our new Co-President.
Graham F continued with a Board report covering specifically;
Auckland East. He outlined the discussions that had gone on between us and Remuera. The feeling of the meeting was a soft approach, no amalgamation, Jointly getting to know each other through projects and meetings together
Breakfast shortfall. GF is doing a budget and there will be a meal shortfall of some $4k. He challenged the members present as to ideas as to how this could be bridged. RGC have put the breakfast charge up 13.8% to $20.50.
GF said he would present his budget to the Board and once it was approved present it to the membership.
Peter B Thanked the volunteers who set a record for numbers on Apirana Reserve working Bee
Penny and Club Services asked members if they could suggest speakers. Lesley advised that the Remuera Golf Club had 'double booked' 7 July for dinner, so do watch this space for a venue change - Possibly Winstones.
Sergeant John Cornaga started the year off on a high with a collection of $121. We're looking good to seeing a good result for the rest of the year! Members please note that the Sergeants fund stands at $4,208. We look forward to hearing what plans our Sergeants have to distribute these funds.
Our Guest Speakers at meeting were club members, Liz Gunn and Margaret Voyce. As is often the case some of the best speakers we hear from are our own members. This meeting was no exception with Penny commenting in her thanks that "the Club had such gems within it's membership and we all got to know Margaret and Liz better - wow!!"
THURSDAY JUNE 30th - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: ROGER STAMP - Apirana Reserve Project;
Roger will update us with progress and ongoing plans for the Apirana Reserve Project (Glen Innes) of which our Club is very actively supporting with working bees for weeding, mulching and eventually, planting.
THURSDAY JULY 14th - BREAKFAST MEETING - Committee Meetings - First of the year. A great opportunity to hear what the club has planned, but more importantly, what are your thoughts and how can you participate.
THURSDAY JULY 21st - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: Jon Marshall. Compac Sort - 'Bottle Return Scheme in NZ'
This past weekend, the District Conference was held at Te Papa in Wellington. An excellent contingent of 12 club members (including partners) attended the conference and by all accounts they had a great time. Unfortunately the editor was unable to attend, but fortunately PP Robyn agreed to write a summary of the weekend activity and what a great job she did!! Robyn's story follows below and although some of the antics weren't recorded a couple of photos did fall into the editor's hands - members of St Johns were spotted pre-loading on the streets of Wellington on the way to Parliament where the conference was opened, and subsequently passing through security for our Co-President was touch and go!
Robyn's Conference Report:
D9920 Mataraki Conference 2022 at Re Papa Tongarewa, Wellington
Editor Pete asked if I could submit a ‘short’ report on this year’s Conference, to which I responded this would be ‘my pleasure’. Now I have a very big problem – how to keep it short? I’m thinking the ‘read more’ option might come into play for this Report!
If you haven’t thought of attending our District’s annual Conference, my advice is ‘plunge in and register’ next time! These events are for ALL Members to enjoy and from my personal experience of now four conferences, there are always inspirational speakers and other unexpected pluses that come with attending.
A huge bonus is the ‘team togetherness’ attendance as a Club group creates; and a lovely by-product is the ‘fun and friendship’ fostered within that group as we relaxed into the weekend and spent more time together. We were well represented with a contingent of 12 and also gathered in Gary Langford (RC of Auckland East) as an honorary weekend member.
The stimulation of diverse and inspirational guests speakers to talk about together later; the unexpected challenge to embrace and enjoy Te Reo; the ‘idea-sparks’ kindled from mixing and sharing with other Rotarians, Rotaracters and non-Rotary guests. Altogether a super weekend, absolutely worthy of the time invested to be there.
On Friday we were totally blown away by the Keynote speakers. The majority of our contingent had not heard of two of them and ‘gosh’ were we left impressed!
Valarie Wafer’s (RI Vice President & DEI Chair) presentation was pre-recorded but set the tone for the Conference theme which was: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI). We were all challenged to be aware of our unconscious bias, to consider what ‘belonging’ means and what we must consider changing if we want to Rotary to thrive.
Ola Ioane from Diversity Works NZ (formerly known as Equal Employment Opportunity Trust) spoke about the changing face of what we (in NZ) are; and the different dimensions and different lived experiences of diversity. Ola’s presentation was cleverly jammed packed with info; and he delivered with a vibrance that was infectious.
Robert Oliver, Celebrity Chef from Pacific Food Revolution presented about how he is using a cooking show (getting coverage on TV, Radio and Social Media) to change Pacific people’s eating behaviour. The statistics he told us about are alarming; and his TV show to promote and reveal indigenous food and cooking as the answer to good health was really exciting.
Sir Ian Taylor, Animation Research Limited (ARL) was the final speaker for the day. We may not realise it – but we have all seen the work of ARL. This is the man and company responsible for bringing the public those amazing graphics/animations for the America’s Cup; Golf; Grand Prix; etc. Sir Ian’s presentation was mainly focused on embracing the Pacifica story and the development of Matauranga.co.nz an online learning platform developed to help tamariki learn about the past to navigate to the future. Sprinkled with fun details on where ARL grew from and personal stories – we were all left feeling tremendously fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to such a wonderful speaker.
I can honestly share that we rolled out of the door on Friday feeling like we had already experienced a jam-packed; value-added weekend. But wait – there was more! Drinks and nibbles hosted by Ainie at the Kwok Wellington apartment; a quick and sumptuous local Thai meal; and then navigating our way through Beehive security to enjoy an evening function of the pre-recorded Rotary Talent Show and then ‘live’ Cheese Wheel tasting. Some of us were also lucky enough to spy Wellington’s Matariki Fireworks display from Parliament’s windows. WOW so much for one day!
We wondered if Saturday’s line-up could possibly measure up to the day before, and well yes, it did. Starting with Keynote Speaker Peter Boshier (Chief Ombudsman for NZ) well known to our membership who fittingly talked about ‘fairness for all’ and how (if embraced) different viewpoints and experience enriches us all. And who knew Peter was so proficient in Te Reo?
Followed by Jessie Harman (Rotary International Director) over from Australia who shared Rotary’s focus for the next year which included: increase of DEI; increase of new types of clubs; greater collaboration with Rotaract; emphasis on partnerships and emphasis on raising Rotary’s profile.
Jessie’s talk segued nicely into a Rotaract Led Panel Discussion led by Shaun Peacock (our past-member who is fully immersed in a number of Rotaract leadership roles). The discussion was provocative again challenging us to consider Diversity within our communities and membership; Equity and how to overcome obstacles; Inclusion and unconscious bias and the effort it might take to change. Ingrid Waugh (Call to Action Facilitator) then led a breakout workshop on DEI which generated useful discussion at our tables, a selected sample of which was then shared.
And in among these serious presentations and discussions, the professional MC’s (Rachel Petero & Simon Wi Rutene) ensured we kept to time as we also enjoyed DG Steve’s presentation of District Awards and DG Elect Allan’s info and invite regarding next year’s District conference at Karaka (March 30 – April 1) planned deliberately early to actively encourage members to consider attending the next Rotary International Convention to be hosted in Melbourne on 27-31 May 2023. And should I mention our increasingly uninhibited dancing to the iconic song Poi E, cleverly used to keep us alert and laughing between sessions.
The close of the conference was celebrated with the ‘Shining Stars Gala Dinner’ where guests were able to celebrate Matariki stars by incorporating sparkle into their attire, which actually energised us all. A great meal; great company; and even some dancing ensued before we glittered our way out the door.
Kudos to DG Steve and Edith Chaney for hosting a superb conference in Wellington and to their Conference Chair (Leanne Jaggs) for the massive organisation that went into the weekend. Our contingent had a wonderful time.
Robyn Ingram
P.S. What may also seem unbelievable is that we did not win the Skit, but we got the most laughs!!!
District Change-over will be held on Sunday July 3rd from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm. Like our own Change-over, this is an important event in the Rotary Year and St. Johns member and DG Elect Allan Smith and his wife Sue are looking forward to seeing a good turnout from St. Johns. As a reminder the details are;
Dates: Jul 03, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Venue: Carlton Gore Bowling Club, 126 Market Road, Epsom
In last weeks Bulletin there was a mention of the Working Bee on June 19th at Apirana reserve. The Bulletin publishing deadline didn't allow us to run an in-depth story, so here it is thanks to Peter Buchanan.
A record turnout occurred for the first working bee of the St Johns 2022-23 Rotary year, in fact just 12 hours after Changeover! A group of 17 enthusiastic gumboot-clad members, partners, and friends met at 9am on Sunday 19 June at Apirana Reserve, Glen Innes – coordinated by Ken, Nanda, Roger who began the restoration of this neglected weed-infested 'reserve' 2.5 years ago.
Preparations at the Reserve are well in hand for a third year of planting of sapling native trees, with relevant land having been sprayed and partly levelled. Our work was to shift a giant 30m3 pile of wood mulch, using shovels, wheelbarrows, and bucket chain-gangs, to form a multitude of ‘molehill’ piles of mulch across the area for future planting. Later, holes will be augered between these mulch piles – ready for planting and spreading of mulch around plants on 23 July.
In addition to good humour of the hard-working participants, we were also fortunate to have fine weather and the encouraging leadership of co-President Graham from the ridge-top and of co-President Gary among the workers on the plain. Graham was particularly proud of the dimension of his piles.
With a satisfying feeling of accomplishment, we completed the task by 11.15am; then cleaned up ahead of a social catchup over coffee. At the coffee-bar, we were visited by Elena from the Sustainable Business Network, who will be invited to speak at Rotary about this large environmental business-linked organisation. Ken & Roger will also speak about the Apirana Reserve project at our breakfast meeting on 30 June.
The photos below, in order, show Before, During and After.
Ken, Roger and Nanda also sent a thank you note to the club, via Co President Gary. Click on "Read More" to read;
As readers were advised last week, we were unable to include all the pictures taken at Changeover in the last Bulletin, but we have more for your viewing today.
Murray is looking for volunteers to assist with packing on Wednesday 29th June - 9.00am to 1.00pm.
This is one of those projects that sits under the radar, but is happening every month on the 3rd Wednesday and in months where there are 5 Wednesdays we are also needed to do an extra day.
Murray and his merry men and women have contributed, in volunteering hours, significantly and if you would like to join the packing chain gang, please contact Murray asap.
For members interest, the following email from the primary Rotary coordinator of this project, Alan Haywood, was received by Murray last week. This highlights the magnitude of this project and our thanks to Murray for the coordination of our involvement.
You great Club Coordinators for the Salvation Army food packing
We had a good pack again this morning – thanks to all those participating. Colin Knox & I have worked out that over the last 12 months at Mt Wellington our Wednesday teams have packed 14000 food boxes. And that’s not including the occasional RYLA packs that have taken place on a Saturday morning, nor the Papakura Club’s generous support for the Salvation Army at Manukau as well. In addition to this being a great Rotary project, that’s tremendous community support. Thanks again to each of you and your participating Club members, and from the Salvation Army, for all that’s been achieved.
Next Wednesday, 29th June, being a fifth Wednesday of the month, as mentioned we could do with a couple of volunteers from each Club to make up our numbers for the pack. Just as it works for you and them.
9 -12 noon. 18 Allright Place. Masks being worn.
So an inter-club pack is not a bad way to end something of the service part of a Rotary year! Your help is much appreciated. But the need is still there in the new Rotary year, and so will we be.
An 82 year old man was recently allocated a new doctor at his local medical centre. After two visits and exhaustive lab tests, the doctor told the man that he was doing 'fairly well' for his age. A little concerned about that comment, the man couldn't resist asking him a question. 'Do you think I'll live to be 90?' asked the old man 'Do you smoke tobacco, or drink beer, wine or hard liquor?' the doctor asked 'No,' the man replied. 'And I don’t do drugs, either!' 'Do you eat steaks, sausages and barbecued Ribs?' the doctor continued 'Not really. My former doctor said that all that red meat is very unhealthy!' 'Do you spend a lot of time in the sun, like playing golf, boating, sailing, hiking, or bicycling?' 'No, I don't, except for a little bit of walking’ replied the man. 'Do you gamble, drive fast cars, or have a lot of sex?' 'No,' said the man The doctor looked and him and said, ‘Then, why do you even give a damn?’
...and another;
Does your hand shake when you fill the gas tank? Feel nauseous when you go to pay the bill?
Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Gary Key (Ph: 021 611169), and Graham Fabian (Ph: 021 826292).
Breakfast Meeting Thursday June 24th.
THURSDAY JULY 7th - DINNER MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: Viv Beck - Auckland Mayoral Candidate.
THURSDAY JULY 14th - BREAKFAST MEETING - Committee Meetings - First of the year. A great opportunity to hear what the club has planned, but more importantly, what are your thoughts and how can you participate.
Murray is looking for volunteers to assist with packing on Wednesday 29th June - 9.00am to 1.00pm.
