banner

The Presidents' Pen

Co-Presidents St. Johns Rotary, Penny McGarry (Ph: 021 702 310), and Lesley Harris (Ph: 027 4935 498)

 
What an Action Packed Meeting!
 
Speakers included Colin Ricketts on the completion of the yearly Have a Go programme, Stuart McEwan on the recent Basketball camp for years 7 and 8 and  Archeologist Dr Hans-Dieter Bader on his work and findings locally. 
 
Also we acknowledged two new Honorary Members, in Christie Rutherford and Alan Mayne, both wonderful Rotarians and ex school mates we hear.
 
Along with the acknowledgement of long service we inducted our newest member Margaret Voyce into our Club. Welcome Margaret.  We are very pleased to have you. Beryl our Membership Director identified 2 possible members and encouraged applications to join from both - Go Beryl!
 
Dinner was enjoyed and complimented (we think), by the playing on the big screen of our entry into Rotary's Got Talent (or in this case not!).  The only talent exhibited is Colin's magnificent job of making us look good !  Thanks Colin.
 
All in all an action packed meeting, sorry it ran a little late but we couldn't leave any item out,
 
L and P
 
Stories
Meeting In Review - June 2nd 2022
Dinner Meeting, Thursday June 2nd:
Present:  20 Members   
Guests:  11 
 
Club Notices and summary of upcoming activity:
  • Change-over June 18th - More details in separate story below
  • District Conference Jun 24 - 26 in Wellington - if you require more details please contact Co-Presidents
Directors Reports:
 
Gary:
  • Extended our thanks to Margaret for allocating the table at the recent Enviro Forum.   He also extended the clubs thanks to Peter B and Colin for manning the desk and sharing the St. Johns messages.
  • Gary introduced Colin Ricket from Yachting New Zealand, who shared a very good summary of this year's Have A Go Sailing programme, and he also took the opportunity to thank St. Johns for their ongoing support.  Despite the challenges this year, we have become a great example demonstrating how the programme could work elsewhere.
  • Gary also introduced Stuart McEwan who reported on the success of the Basketball camp, recently sponsored by St. Johns.  This was also relayed via a video provided by Stuart as per the link provided in last weeks Bulletin, placed again here in case you missed it.  
     
    https://youtu.be/cVyv00xDaq
 
Peter B:
  • Next Working Bee at Apirana Reserve is scheduled for Sunday June 19th, preparing the area for a July 23 Winter Planting Working Bee 
Tom:
  • Nothing new to report.  RYLA all set and Tom has the volunteers he needs.
 
Honorary Members:
Bestowing the Honorary Membership title is not done lightly and there needs to be very good reason behind any nomination and subsequently Board approval.  Our latest two HM's  members were announced at last weeks meeting and clearly their appointment was unanimous judging by the applause. Big congratulations to both Alan and Christie - so very well reserved!!
 
New Member Induction:
Another equally exciting activity that a club can experience, is the induction of new members and for the second time in the last month our Co-Presidents have had the opportunity of inducting new members.  Congratulations and welcome Margaret.  We all look forward to working with you and and benefitting from your knowledge of the workings of local government and and the community.
 
Guest Speaker:
Subject - Exploring the 'Shadow City':  new archaeological discoveries made during the work Kainga Ora have undertaken recently.  Dr. Bader works as a consultant throughout New Zealand.
 
He is mainly a field archaeologist doing the regulatory work, exploration, and excavation.

He comes from Southwest Germany and since childhood has been interested in archaeology and the history of the area he grew up in.  Becoming an archaeologist progressed naturally from this early interest. 

His first professional excavation was in 1984 and he has been working in Aotearoa since 1994. 

Based on New Zealand law, to be recognised as a site of archeological significance, the site / buildings must be pre 1900 and accordingly there is no shortage of sites in Tamaki which is where much of Dr Bader's work is now conducted.

His talk can best be described as fascinating.  Many thanks Hans for giving us your time and sharing your wealth of experience and knowledge with us. 

Club Meetings and Other Important Dates
THURSDAY JUNE 9th - BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER: ZANE RADEMAKER:
Zane is one of the few paid fulltime employees working on 'comms' for Coastguard Auckland, located in Auckland Marine Rescue Centre, Mechanics Bay.  Prior to working for Coastguard, Zane was a keen volunteer Surf Lifesaver, working up the ranks and winning Life Guard of the Year in 2015.  During his time as a life guard he also completed two Life Guard 'exchanges' in California and the UK.  Zane will tell us about his work with Coastguard and share some of his amazing experiences as a volunteer life guard.

 

SATURDAY JUNE 18th - CHANGE-OVER.  Venue: Remuera Golf Club with theme, "Wear A Touch Of Green".  A touch of green to celebrate the 7th Pillar of Service - "The Environment".  RSVP's are essential.  Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to our Club Services Director, Robyn I.

NOTE:  The normal Thursday meeting on June 16th is cancelled.

 

THURSDAY JUNE 23rd - BREAKFAST MEETING  - GUEST SPEAKER: TBC

You're Invited!!!
One of the most important events of the Rotary Year is the Change-over.  This years event is no exception.
 
Please see a copy of your invite below and please RSVP to Club Services Director, Robyn I asap!  See you there!!!! 
 
New Member Profile
We are delighted to have inducted three new members in recent weeks and, although these members have been introduced to the club at recent meetings, not all members have  been present when these introductions have been made.
 
To ensure that all members have the "inside story" on new members, effective immediately we will invite our new members to share a brief profile that can then be published in the Bulletin.  Our first two profiles have been written by Alex Billington and Maddy Faber
 
Alex

Hi all, it’s a pleasure to be a part of Rotary, and to meet more of you over the coming months!  Currently, I am a CFO advisory at a start up called Oxygen Advisors, and I’m loving the opportunity to be in the startup and tech space and helping write some of New Zealand’s next success stories. 

Graduating from University with a background in public health, finance and tax, I love understanding the why behind society and systems.  Since then, I've had experiences in health tech, construction before heading deeper into the big smoke at PwC.  I’m really passionate about making a meaningful difference and providing a unique perspective to some of the underlying characteristics of Rotary and its place in an ever-evolving society.

 

Maddy

Kia ora team! 

As you’ve probably heard at meetings before, I’ve been involved with Rotary for a while, both my parents are Rotarians and were heavily involved with Rotary Youth Exchange.

I was the President of Wellington Rotaract for 2 years, was the Rotaract District Representative in 2019, attended 9940 RYLA and was awarded a PHF through Rotary Wellington.  I’ve always felt strongly about doing my part to make the world a better place, and I think that’s part of what makes being a Rotarian so exciting. 

At the moment I’m working at NZ’s only full service US law firm (which has been quite a bit of learning as a NZ trained lawyer) and it’s been great to see Kiwi businesses still thriving despite COVID.  It’s keeping me busy, but I’ve always enjoyed a challenge. I’m still working on re-finding all the best parts of Auckland after being in Wellington for 6 years, but I’ve really enjoyed being a whole lot closer to family. 

Introducing St. Johns Rotary 2022 Committees
Recently Co-Presidents Elect, Gary & Graham announced their Leadership team and committees for the new Rotary year.  The updated list of committee members below includes our recent three inducted new members:
 
CLUB SERVICE:  DIRECTORS  Lesley and Penny
 
Committee members in no particular order;  Murray,  Graham,  Peter W,  Colin & Beryl Robinson,  Steele,  David H,  Gary and Patrick.
 
 
YOUTH/COMMUNITY:  DIRECTORS Kevin and Liz 
 
Committee members in no particular order:  Miles,  Aubrey, Mark, Hugh, John L, Simon, Claire, John C, Andy F, Gavin, Muriel, Tom, Chris H, David J, Penny L, Robyn, Michelle M,  Maddy and Alex.
 
 
ENVIRONMENT and SCIENCE: DIRECTOR Peter Buchanan
 
Committee members in no particular order: Cheri, Ruth, Brian F, Alex, Lynette, Isabella, Angus, Michelle F, Tricia, Christie and Margaret.
 
 
Rotary International Convention - Melbourne May 2023 
Have you ever wanted to attend a Rotary International Convention - well now is your chance!
 
It is unlikely that it will ever be more accesable, or at a lower cost, than attending next years international convention, which will be held in Melbourne, May 27 - 31.  There will be a special registration price made available 4th-8th June.
 
There has been some talk that St. Johns muster together a group to attend - if anyone is potentially interested, please let the Bulletin Editor know and we will keep you appraised of registration news.
 
For all the details click on the following link for a copy of the online brochure.
 
District Needs Your Help!
We have received the following email from District - Can you assist?
 
If so, please contact Kirsty as soon as possible.
 
"Dear Lesley
 
This email has been sent to all NZ Club Presidents and Secretaries.
 
As a district we are requiring help with a couple of  issues.  Can you please ask your club members if they can help or if they know anyone who can?
 
1. ERKS  - Goods will be arriving in July/August and a  minimum 500sqm warehouse is required in order to pack these.  If you know of anyone, Willard Martin (4kiwimartins@gmail.com) is happy to follow up any leads.
 
2.  Reviewers - we have a number of entities within the district who are looking for someone to review annual accounts.   Please contact me if you know anyone or can do so yourself.    
 
Kind regards
 
Kirsten Hawke"
Birthdays & Anniversaries
This Weeks Members Birthdays:
Nil this week.
 
This Weeks Spouses Birthdays:
Nil this week.
 
This Weeks Club Anniversaries:
Nil this week.
 
This Weeks Wedding Anniversaries:
Nil this week.
 
    Invitation To Attend Zone 8 2022 Conference
    Our Club has received the following invitation.  Details on how to register are available via the link at the end of the following e-mail:
     
    2022 ZONE 8 ROTARY & ROTARACT
                 'BETTER TOGETHER' CONFERENCE
    Dear Rotary Member,

    Early bird tickets are now available for all Rotaractors and Rotarians in Australia, New Zealand and across the Pacific to attend the Zone 8 Better Together Conference in Canberra from October 28-30.

    The conference will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra and the Saturday night dinner at Old Parliament House.

    The conference is set to be the first in-person zone event since the COVID-19 pandemic and is shaping up to be a celebration of all the best our Rotary family has to offer. This includes a range of excellent speakers and sessions across the weekend.

    Australian Army Major Alex Rubin was deployed as part of the Australian contingent to rescue the Wild Boar soccer team in Thailand and will headline the conference. Major Rubin was also involved in the Northern NSW flood recovery effort and will no doubt captivate the audience.

    Another keynote speaker will be New Zealander Suran Dickson, founder of Diversity Role Models, a charity that tackles gender and sexuality related bullying by encouraging empathy and critical thinking in young people.

    In addition to tickets going on sale, booth registrations have also opened for the Rotary Showcase and the conference team are also taking expressions of interest in hosting a breakout session over the weekend.

    The conference organising team are aware that COVID-19 is still in the community, but are confident everything is being done to ensure a fantastic time in Canberra for everyone.

    Governor Elect and Governor Nominee training will take place immediately ahead of the conference from 25-27 October also at the National Convention Centre Canberra.

    To purchase tickets, register for a Showcase booth, complete a breakout session expression of interest form or find out more about Canberra head to https://conference.rotaryzone8.org/ today!

    Sincerely,

    Andrew Giumelli & John McKenzie
    Zone 8 Better Together Conference Co-Chairs
    Time For A Smile
      • Two older gentlemen, Fred and Sam, went to see a movie. Merely minutes into the movie, Sam heard Fred rustling around. It appeared that he was reaching under all of the seats. “What on earth are you doing, Fred?” asked Sam. Fred indignantly responded, “I had a caramel in my mouth and it dropped out. I’m trying to find it!” Annoyed, Sam told him not to worry about it — they could get him another caramel later since that one was ruined by now. “But I’ve got to,” said Fred, exasperated. “My teeth are in it!”
      • An older gentleman shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, rather painfully, onto a stool.  After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split supreme. The waitress smiled kindly at him, asking, “Crushed nuts?” The older gentleman replied.  “No… arthritis.”
      Rotary Four Way Test
       
       
       
       
      Next Meeting:
       
      Thursday June 9th 2022
       
      Breakfast Meeting Meeting - 7.00am for 7.15am.
       
      Venue: Remuera Golf Club
       
       
      Speakers
      Jun 09, 2022 7:00 AM
      Living the Dream - Surflifesaving & Coastguard
      Jun 16, 2022
      Changeover is Saturday 18 June
      Jun 18, 2022 6:00 PM
      View entire list
      Upcoming Events
      Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
      Jun 15, 2022
      9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
       
      Club Changeover
      Jun 18, 2022
      6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
       
      Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
      Jun 29, 2022
      9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
       
      Food Parcel Packing at Salvation Army
      Jul 20, 2022
      9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
       
      Orakei Volunteer Expo
      Auckland Netball Centre
      Sep 17, 2022
       
      View entire list
      Meeting Responsibilities
      Thursday 9 June MORNING
       
      Set Up / Set Down
      Ingram, Robyn
       
      Greeter
      Gibson, Steele
       
      Attendance
      Street, Tom
       
      Host / Thanks / Close
      Bell, Patrick
       
      Saturday 18 June EVENING - CHANGEOVER
       
      Changeover Team
       

      Club Contacts

      Co-Presidents': 
      Penny McGarry 021 702 310 &
      Lesley Harris 027 4935 498
      Secretary, Treasurer & Apologies: 
      Alex Gatt 021 571 722
      Presidents' Elect: 
      Gary Key 021 611 169 & Graham Fabian 021 826 292
      Club Services: 
      Robyn Ingram  022 0200 171 
      Foundation: 
      Gary Key 021 611 169
      Community: 
      Hugh Scott Russell 021 0813 7313 & John Lewisham 09 5288908.
      Youth: 
      Tom Street 021 685 651
      Science Technology & Education:
       Peter Buchanan 027 434 1832
      Sergeants: 
      Michelle Forman 021 0277 9456, Angus McPhee  09 575 1007 & Cheri Joliffe 021 037 7559
      Membership: 
      Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
      Bulletin Editor: 
      Pete Walsh 021 747 858. pawalsh07@outlook.com
      Club:
      www.rotarystjohns.club
      Area Governor:
      Ashwini Sadhu
      021 305 261,
      email: marysadhu99@gmail.com  
      Our Meetings:  (Subject to COVID19 Restrictions)
       
      We meet Thursday for breakfast at
      7:00 am for 7:15 am start,
      except for the first Thursday of the month, when we meet in the evening at 6:00 pm for dinner.
       
      Remuera Golf Club
      120 Abbotts Way
      Remuera
      Auckland 1072
      New Zealand 
       
      All Rotarian's are welcome 
      including family members.
       
      Others wanting to visit are most welcome - please phone or email:
      Beryl Robinson 021 652 802. Email: berylrobinson@xtra.co.nz
      Subscribe to Bulletin
      Subscribe to our eBulletin and stay up to date on the latest news and events.
      Feeling Good By Doing Good In Our Community