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The meeting last Thursday was a good start to the day with 21 members and one visitor, Kagan a friend and work colleague of Steele‘s who also attended. Notices included: - The Quiz night on 14 October
- Peter B talked about the benefits of Kiwi Rail's involvement with the Apirana Reserve and also commented on the successful inaugural Churchill Park open day which was held a year later than anticipated due to Covid.
- Gary spoke about Foundation and the importance of supporting this Rotary cause as our club has been beneficiaries of grants greater than what we have donated, with over $200,000 worth of RI support for the ONJA project, plus the ‘Have a Go’ Sailing we support in local schools, as well as the Basketball leadership Camp just to name a few, and encouraged members to donate.
The Sergeant’s session was turned on its head when Patrick was fined for losing his bell but luckily Peter B managed to locate this. The thought of Patrick without his bell brought much merriment to everyone. The guest speaker of the day was Allan who, in his role as District Governor, shared a presentation on Regionalization. Allan was very positive about the pilot that is being proposed and feels that it would increase the potential for partnerships in working together, not just across the district but internationally. He feels that it has the potential to improve efficiencies greatly through joint projects and mentioned Club Runner as something that could benefit from this. Allan believes that this new model would enable easier global access for all and feels that by placing members and clubs at the centre of the framework it will support Rotary to have the greatest impact in the community. It enables better access to expertise and more flexibility within the democracy of the Rotary framework. The regional structures will be quite different and the District Governor role would be superseded to one on more of an area basis. It would enable people and clubs to collaborate more along lines of similar interests or meeting formats as well. The DG role would lose the admin component so that they can be more focused on the actual ‘doing’ and working to connect people. The area leaders would work together on a Regional Council. Allan believes this more flexible model of membership would facilitate collaboration. Allan is keen to work with the members and clubs to explore, develop and test these new models to enable change, because with falling membership, if we do not look at what we can do differently, our organization is at risk of stagnating. This initiative was started in 2019 with Board and Council approval, but the next step is for Clubs to vote in the week of September 19. Gary and Graham will canvas members and will need 75% of members to want change to go back to the district with a yes vote. Then for the District to vote for change it would require at least 75% of the Clubs to register a yes vote. A "YES" vote is only to approve the Rotary International Board to give the green light to explore, develop and test alternative ways of operating, versus maintaining the status quo. To explore the change a transition plan will be established along with rigorous monitoring and evaluation. A "NO" vote would mean no pilot to explore alternative ways of operating. The outcome is not predetermined at all and will be dependent on all Rotarians votes. A parallel model with district governors will continue for another two years during the project while the models are explored and tested after which the final approval may be made. There is one vote per club and an abstention would be counted as a vote against. Currently we are in Zone 8 which includes Australia New Zealand and the Pacific - 21 Districts which would become 60 to 80 small areas with leaders connecting them closely. Questions followed Allan's presentation and people had lots. Kevin spoke in support of change as he sees the potential to draw on larger resources, potentially internationally, to support larger projects in needy areas. John Cornaga asked the question ‘how do we know it will be any better’ to which Allan replied you don’t but that is what the pilot is wanting to ascertain, and there is an expectation that it will be a positive change and will work more efficiently. Further detailed information can be found on the website which your Club Board encourages you to become familiar with. http://creatingtomorrowrotary.org. NB. The Bulletin Editor extends a huge vote of thanks to PP Penny Mc for the write-up above in the Ed's absence. |
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1st DINNER MEETING - GUEST SPEAKERS - OUR RECENTLY GRADUATED RYLARIANS: Always a highlight on our speakers calendar . This year we sponsored five participants and all five will be present to share their experiences and how they see their future unfolding as a result of RYLA. 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8th - COMMITTEE MEETINGS. Attendance at these meetings is not only appreciated, but it's also essential to give all members the ability to have their say in regards to events, projects and activities that the club is or could become involved in. 
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. REAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER - Gary Lord, Auckland Mayoral Candidate. Gary will be the 4th Candidate who we have been fortunate enough to have speak to us and help members decide on who they will vote for in the upcoming Local Body Elections.
The clock's ticking and we are now only 6 weeks away from our Quiz Night. 
$96.60 was cruely withdrawn from members at last week's meeting taking the fund to over $5,000. Now that Sergeant Patrick has had a scent for what's in those pockets and purses of yours, watch out as he gets even more ruthless in the months ahead. 
