Stories

Packing Emergency Response Kits

Posted by Scott Burridge

A team from the Club packed over 120 ERKs yesterday. This was the first batch of ERKs to be packed in the latest round, which will eventually total 1000. Many will be sent to Fiji to replenish their store of ERKs, which was depleted after Cyclone Harold hit the islands earlier this year. Some will be held in Auckland ready for shipment to other Pacific nations when the need arises.

ERKs include items that will help provide temporary shelter for families whose homes have been destroyed by cylones and other natural disasters. Also included are clothing and cooking utensils.

ERKs are often the first help to reach devastated communities.

Packing the ERKs is a fun 3 hours and you really feel as though you are helping Pacific Island families at time they will most need it.

Pres Scott donates to Plunket

President Scott delivering cot sheets to Fionna Mills at Glen Innes Plunket.

Five boxes of sheets and pillow cases were donated by Alsco, arranged through a contact of Janette Searle. Plunket is in great need of woollen blankets and cotton sheets. Please let Scott or Boyne Drummond know if you have any that you can donate.

Humour

Time for a Smile for the grandfathers

There were three little boys visiting their grandfather.

The oldest came out and asked his grandpa, “Can you make a sound like a frog, Grandpa? Grandpa (being in a kind of ill mood) responds, “No, I don’t really want to make the sound of a frog now.”

So, the second little boy comes out and asks his grandfather, “Will you please make a sound like a frog?” Grandpa again says, “No, not now. I don’t really want to do that. I’m in a grumpy mood. Maybe later.”

Then the third little boy comes out and says, “Grandpa, oh please… Please, please will you make a sound like a frog?”

“Why do all of you boys want me to make a sound like a frog?” Grandpa asked.

The little boy replied with a hopeful face, “Well, Mum said that when you croak we get to go to Disney World!”

Packing Food Parcels for the Salvation Army

Posted by Boyne Drummond on Jun 17, 2020

The club has agreed to assist the Salvation Army Manukau packing food parcels.

Details of their food parcel programme can be found at https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/welfare

We have initially committed to two events, on the 16^th and 30^th June.

A team of 12 club members with two residents from Epsom lodge attended the first event yesterday. We started at 10am and were finished by 12.30pm, having stopped for a few minutes for a quick lunch. The Salvation Army provided a light lunch and some drinks which were very welcome. We packed 140 boxes of non-perishables in less than two hours and then re-stocked the shelves ready for the next team.

The packing arrangements are similar to our Xmas Hampers project at Royal Oak and once again we demonstrated our expertise for this type of project.

We have another team ready for the 30^th and the plan is to have a group of about 25 members who have done the project which gives us the

capability to assist the Salvation Army on a continuing basis, at this stage we expect that could be once per month for the rest of 2020.

Phil O'Reilly ONZM

Posted by Martin McGahan on Jun 13, 2020

Phil is the Managing Director of Iron Duke Partners. He is a global business leader and advocate. He is Chair of the Board of Business at OECD,(a representation of businesses in OECD member states), based in Paris. Phil is involved in the work of the B20 - advising G20 leaders. He is formally a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). He has acted in a governance or advisory capacity to a number of New Zealand and overseas organisations in areas as diverse as trade, sustainability, diversity, pay equity, manufacturing, tertiary education, child poverty and the future of work. Until recently, Phil was a member of the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) based in Geneva. Previously he was Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s leading business advocacy group, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes.

In a wide ranging and informative address, Phil covered the geo-political environment in light of Covid 19 and how it could affect New Zealand and our ability to trade around the world. How the big two, USA and China, will likely use their influence to leverage future trade access and diplomatic connection.

He talked of Australia being the bright spot for us, having remained largely open for business through C19, and the immediate benefits likely for us. As a small trading nation we need our borders open to sell to the world. We need to put faces in front of faces to make the impact we require to survive.

On local politics Phil emphasised how our PM is the centre of focus, but he doesn’t think this will last. He is concerned about the government’s attitude to business, but did make the point of highlighting Grant Robertson as being a good friend of business in these times. He talked of how Covid 19 helped re-glue an otherwise disfunctional administration.

Artificial Intelligence - The Rise of the Machines

Posted by Martin McGahan on May 31, 2020

Scott Houston...You might say Futurist.

Artificial Intelligence—The Rise of the Machines!

Scott is a technology entrepreneur and he gave us a challenging, thought provoking and very enjoyable address Monday evening on a subject many probably don’t wish to think about.

What is Artificial intelligence?

The are three main components

1. Computer Vision ie, facial recognition, recognising one animal from another, or inanimate objects.

2. Natural Language Processing—Meet “Ella”, electronic life-like assistant. You can find her at national police HQ, Wellington. This medium, with CV applied helps to develop sentiment analysis by looking at emotional responses such as happiness, anger etc.

Follow this link to see an example of the future interaction we can

expect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5w0oRDOrt4

Scott is a technology entrepreneur and he gave us a challenging, thought provoking and very enjoyable address Monday evening on a subject many probably don’t wish to think about.

3. Automated Machine Learning—

understanding words/figures etc, large data as applicable to say stock market data, financial data, retail analytics. Then training models to ultimately make predictions.

Scott talked of the AI Pipeline: Train—Neural Networks - Learn Predict -Re-train

Scott went on to talk about the impact of AI pre and post Covid 19 on the future. The picture spells out the potential effect.

Newmarket Primary School

Posted on May 24, 2020

It’s said a day in politics is a long time….and so it proved this week!

We were all looking forward this week to hearing from Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central. Unfortunately, Nikki didn’t find her way to our Zoom meeting. it’s fair to say, now we know why.

Instead, we were lucky to have Dr Wendy Kofeod, principal of Newmarket Primary School, and Gayle Hackwell chair of the Board of Trustees, join us. In Nikki’s absence this turned out to be a great opportunity to re-connect with the school on a broader level and for Wendy to share with us what the school has been doing lately, including dealing with Covid 19 and its implications. Rotary Newmarket has a very long and solid association with the school and we have been able to assist in many ways over this time. From digital learning centre (a ground-breaking project for the school with ongoing development streams), garden shed/environment project and assistance to students to advance their education.

Professor Des Gorman

Posted on May 18, 2020

Prof. Gorman’s address on the Club's meeting via Zoom last week was refreshing, challenging and constructive.

Prof. Gorman called on biblical comparison to illustrate how NZ has dealt with Covid 19, citing the “Flood” as his reference point:

Before the Flood: NZ was not prepared for a pandemic, and delayed acting, to our disadvantage. We relied on WHO issuances, which were slow, misleading and actively counterproductive to managing this event.

SkyCity Fire

Posted on Apr 28, 2020

Sky City Fire… As events go, this is one that probably everyone in Auckland can quickly and easily identify with. We know the building, know the location and know the history.

John Booth spoke to the Club on a recent Zoom meeting. John is a career fire professional having served some 40 years in the service. He is a commander in the Auckland Fire & Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) service. John was engaged in the immediate response team as this event unfolded.

John firstly provided some background about FENZ. The Auckland region extends broadly from Wellsford to Mercer. There are 26 paid fully manned 24/7 stations/appliances, supported by a further 40 volunteer appliances across the region. The service has 5 “Aerial” appliances, 2 “Command” units, a “Hazmat” unit and a “Canteen” unit. Of the 26 fully professional appliances, 20 were deployed to Sky City. Other appliances/stations then provided back-up cover to the rest of Auckland. There were some 115 personnel plus 8 executive team members engaged in the event.

The fire started in the roof as a result of a cardboard core from “torch-on” membrane material being inadvertently ignited. This material was being applied to the plywood roof substrate. Also used in this element of the construction was acoustic material, a fabric of multiple components including a “straw” type compound. The fire was fanned by a 30 knot wind, which accelerated the spread of flame.

What's Coming Up

WHAT’S UP @		Rotary Newmarket
Tue 4th June	No meeting - Queens B'day
Sun 9th June	Circus Quirkus		Paul Monk paul@montec.co.nz
Tue 11th June	Lunch @ Ellerslie	Draft Strategic Plan pt II plus Christine Fernyhough on her Limited Service Volunteer Program	A must to attend for an update following the feedback from the last presentation
Tue 18th June	Lunch @ Ellerslie	Anthony Grant	The Sculptureum, Matakana
Tue 25th June	Dinner @ Sorrento	Changeover	Farewell Pres David & Welcome Pres Colin
Fri 28th June	Trees for Survival	At Hunua, with St Cuthberts College	Peter Bassett peter-denise.b@actrix.co.nz
Tue 2nd July	Dinner @ Remuera Golf Club	tba
Tue 9th July	Lunch @ Ellerslie	tba
Tue 16th July	Lunch @ Ellerslie	tba
Sat 20th July	Cooking breakfast for Epsom Lodge guests	Epsom Lodge, Salvation Army 18 Margot St Epsom	Martin McGahan martin@comfloor.co.nz
Wed 24th July	Trees for Survival	At South Kaipara, with St Peters College	Peter Bassett peter-denise.b@actrix.co.nz
Sat- Sun 3-4th Aug	Motutapu weekend	A fun and fulfilling weekend working and playing at MOEC	Martin McGahan martin@comfloor.co.nz

Nursing Award Presentations

Posted on May 30, 2019

On Tuesday the club made its presentations of the Ann Craig Memorial Award and the Macfarlane Memorial Award.

The recipients of each award were;

Ann Craig Memorial Award - Elizabeth Saywell,

Macfarlane Memorial Award - Mooney Lee.

Elizabeth was presented with her award and cheque by Scott Burridge and Alastair Macfarlane presented Mooney with the MacFarlane Memorial Award.

Both recipients took the opportunity to thank he club for their awards.

The Religious Diversity Centre

Posted on May 30, 2019

Our Main Speakers at Tuesdays meeting were Ricky Waters and Jocelyn Armstrong,

Ricky is the co-ordinating Chaplain at Manukau Institute of Technology, UNITEC Institute of Technology and Massey University, and Jocelyn is a trustee of the Religious Diversity Trust.

Ricky and Jocelyn spoke about religious diversity in New Zealand and commented on the effect of the Christchurch massacre.

Ricky spoke to the subject of religious diversity and Jocelyn spoke to the Religious Diversity Trust which provides programs in religious diversity aiming to foster an appreciation for and understanding of religious diversity in New Zealand.

Ricky made the point that New Zealand is now religiously diverse and that Auckland is the second most religiously diverse city in the world. Singapore being the most.

This has occurred since the mid 80s when New Zealand immigration rules change from an Anglo-Saxon perspective to a more global perspective with immigrants coming from all corners of the world.

In Auckland 40% of the community indicate an adherence to Christianity. But in addition to that there are Buddhists, Hindu's, Jews, Sihks Muslims Ba Hai, Atheists, Spiritualists, new Agers and and others.

In the three decades since the change of immigration rules New Zealand has become a multicultural and multireligious society the downside of this is that culture has been looked after by state and local bodies but nothing has been the diverse religion conflict that can sometimes create

Ricky made the comment that religion is formed by culture and cultures like what formed by religion. In a number of screen shots Ricky noted that our assumptions about the faith an individual follows is to a certain extent fashioned by our own perceptions.

Ricky also drew our attention to the New Zealand Bill of Rights act which provides that every person has the right to manifest their religion or belief in worship observance, practice, or teaching, either individually or in community with others, and either in public or in private. This provision has implications in education, school and tertiary, the workplace and elsewhere. How will that affect our generally secular society?

Jocelyn spoke to us about the Religious Diversity Centre whose aim is to make people comfortable about talking about religion and dealing with issues within religion

The Religious Diversity Centre purpose is to foster an appreciation understanding and deeper relationships among the religious, spiritual and secular communities in New Zealand, and provide an independent and informed voice on religious and spiritual issues in the public sphere.

The Religious Diversity Centre aims to build social cohesion and a religiously diverse society in which all are safe. A society where there is understanding and respect for others different practices and beliefs so that we can work together in productive diversity.

The Religious Diversity centre provides diversity and antidiscrimination workshops is available for professional, business, charity community or religious organisations Jocelyn told us that each workshop is tailored to suit the needs of the organisation or group including half day, full day or two day events. The events are inclusive of everyone whether they be religious or not and contain customised content.

Like it or not New Zealand has changed beyond recognition over the past 30 years and is a multicultural nation of diverse races and beliefs. as such the Religious Diversity Centre has an important place in our society as we grapple with issues of diversity and difference in belief and as we debate the impact of the massacre in Christchurch in March of this year.

Conference - Napier

Posted by Ron Seeto

All Rotarians must attend at least one District Conference!

Meeting likeminded people, listening to inspiring speakers, being updated on Rotary projects locally and internationally, having fun and fellowship, making new friends and more. The recent District Conference in Napier was no exception.

For this attendee, memorable speakers included

Tom Mulholland Doctor Global “Be KYND ….prevention and intervention on wheels..” https://healthythinking.biz/about-us/tom-mullholland/

Nigel Latta “the hard stuff…too much alcohol is bad for us…” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigel_Latta

Janie Elrick “Testing the Boundaries – you only have today – Do it Now!” https://www.linkedin.com/in/janie-elrick-72a20414/?originalSubdomain=nz

Harold Hiltman “Leadership for the Future…Authenticity….Fitting In Standing Out…” http://www.theauthenticleader.co.nz

The venue this year was in Napier Convention centre right by the the seaside complete with all the delights that this little Art deco city has to deliver.

The gala night theme was Art Deco naturally.

There is another opportunity to connect with your Rotary family….Next year it’s closer to home ….Conference is in Auckland !

Sara-Jane Elika - Vocational

At our Tuesday meeting a good turn out of members was treated to a Vocational by one of our newest members :- Sara-Jane Elika.

Vocationals are probably the most important part of Rotary life as they are the means we get to know our new colleagues. Sara-Jane's vocational address was no exception.

Staring with a Mihi and finishing with a Waiata Sara-Jane's vocational was inspiring.

Sara- Jane told us of her upbringing and education and her current activities.

She is married to Ralph, also a new member, since 2007 and has four children the youngest aged four twins aged six and her eldest is nine.

Her father is Samoan and her mother European.

Her father was until his retirement principal at Mount Albert Primary School in the inner-city. When he was appointed to that position was first Samoan Primary School principal in the country. Sara-Jane notes that he is studying for a new career in the clergy.

Sara-Jane told us that her maternal grandfather lived in at Papakura and was a member of the Papakura Rotary club.

Sara-Jane is an alumni of St Cuthbert’s

Ralph and Sarah have been married for 12 years. They met at Auckland University as they both were law students at the time. It was best described as meeting in the middle as Sara-Jane came from Papakura and Ralph is a Westie. Faith is an important element in her life. Sara-Jane and Ralph's children attend or will attend St Michaels Catholic School. Church is an important part of their lives.

Sarah’s brother Onosa’i Auva’a represented Auckland at provincial rugby level and played for the Blues. He also played sevens for New Zealand and was a member of the team that won the gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Having retired from representative rugby Onosa’i is now chaplain at Kings College.

At University Sarah Jane took a law degree and a music degree. She has been admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. It happens that Ralph also has a law degree. This combination and the contact with her brothers teammates led to Sarah Jane and Ralph to set up a sports management business advising young sports people in relation to professional contracts.

Sarah Jane is a passionate singer. She has won a Tui award and an number of other awards over the years as a consequence of her abilities.

Since leaving university she has had many roles first as a mother and wife, then providing performance to musicians in diverse areas including entertainment law, event management and the development of business plans in the creative industry.

In some background reading your editor discovered that Sarah Jane had been a production manager for the Sunday current affairs program, a production assistant for fair go, and event manager for Parachute Festival. She has also lectured atMAINZ Tai Poutini Polytech, mentored for the New Zealand music commission and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Auckland the Centre for Pacific studies and unitec for contemporary studies.

In 2017 Sarah Jane was the winner in the emerging leader category of the governance New Zealand annual awards ceremony. She has as well gained number of ministerial appointments including appointed chair of the content committee for National Pacific Radio Trust, as a board trustee of the League for Life Foundation founded by the New Zealand Rugby League and as chair of the Community Legal Services South Trust.

Finally, and that is not enough, she is a director with Ralph of Elika consulting group which combines their considerable skills to provide a full service strategic consultancy across public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Sara-Jane will be a valuable member of our club.

Welcome.

Janette Searle - Take My Hands

Brian McMath Reports (from the field);

On the evening of 22 November our member Janette Searle's social enterprise Take My Hands won the Partnering for Good Award at the 2018 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards. The win was achieved in the face of significant competition as other heavyweight finalists in this category included Akina + NZ Post, KickStart Breakfast (Fonterra/Sanitarium/Ministry for Social Development), KiwiHarvest & Living Water Partnership (Department of Conservation/Fonterra).

The evening was a big one as well 680 guests with 4 Government Ministers including Ministers Parker, Sage, Nash and Henare.

Clint Jones

Clint Jones “Best Two Jobs In The World”

A full house at the Remuera Golf Club was treated to Clint Jones’ enthusiastic explanation of his two passions, both based on his involvement with the New Zealand marine industry.

Clint is Managing Director of Oceanmax, the developer and distributor of “Propspeed” an innovative anti-foul coating for submerged metal parts, most notably of use on marine propellers, underwater struts and similar boat fittings. From its origin as a local niche product Propspeed, in a few short years, has become an internationally sought-after brand exported to 30 countries worldwide and has been gathering export momentum. Most recently Oceanmax/Propspeed has twice been named “Vendor of the Year” by US-based West Marine, the world’s largest marine retailer.

The company’s rapid rise in the marine market was assisted by grants from both New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Callaghan Innovation. The operation employs 22 staff in NZ and has five full-time representatives in the USA. Other marketing is accomplished through agency partnerships, other co-operative trade relationships, and increasingly social media. Ever larger market options beckon, for instance planned sea trials on one of Carnival Cruise’s 25 ships as a possible foothold in the commercial market. Clint says there has never been a better time to be a NZ exporter.

Whats Coming up

Helen O'Sullivan - CEO Ockham Residential

Posted by Colin Lucas on Jan 23, 2018

Pres Michelle welcomed guests, friends from the Penrose Rotary club and members for the first meeting of 2018.

Our guest speaker was Helen O’Sullivan CEO of Ockham Residential a major player in the Auckland apartment market.

Helen gave us an update on Ockham’s activities in Auckland and took us through some of the apartment complexes that it is built in the past few years. She then closed with a brief discussion on the Ockham foundation what it seeks to achieve and similarities with the aims and objects of Rotary.

Ockham’s aim is to provide residential buildings containing affordable apartments but which are built in a world-class manner.

Ockham aims to build buildings that

are beautiful, appreciated by the local community and improve the local built environment.
Contain appropriately dimensioned rooms
are constructed with durable materials require minimal maintenance and which age gracefully,
provide high levels of on-site amenity for the residents of those buildings and their visitors.
Are constructed using best practice to ensure residents comfort and minimise ongoing costs.

Ockham is taking advantage of the new Auckland unitary plan which makes greater density possible. Some of its buildings are being constructed in places that one would not ordinarily expected multi unit residential blocks to be constructed. “Daisy” in Eden terrace is an example.

Helen, as well is being Ockham’s CEO is also owner of an Ockham apartment stop that in itself speaks volumes for the quality of the apartments Ockham has constructed.

Ockham foundation supports initiatives encouraging critical thought, independent thinking and attempts to foster a sense of social justice amongst students.

Although in its early stages the foundation has funded first foundations scholars studying in the science faculty of the University of Auckland, funded an outdoor classroom and nature trail at Grey Lynn PrimarySchool, funded postgraduate scholarships in statistics at the University of Auckland and is working with Nga Rangatahi Toa and organisation assisting youth excluded from schools to re-enter educational and training pathways from which they would otherwise be barred.

Helen then commented upon Ockham projects completed and under construction. These included Hypatia on Khyber Pass, the Turing building in Grey Lynn, Station R, opposite the Mount Eden railway station, the Issac, again in Grey Lynn, Wamka in Ellerslie, the Ockham building on Sandringham Road, Tuatahi in Mount Albert, Set in Avondale, Bernouli Gardens in Hobsonville and finally Daisy again in Mount Eden.

This is a fine body of work by any stretch of the imagination.

Helen gave a very interesting address which shows clearly the pathway of residential development that will be followed in metropolitan Auckland and particularly the inner-city. To see more about Ockham go to www.ockahm.co.nz

Christmas Party

David and Rosemary Bradshaw very kindly hosted our Christmas Party last year. An enjoyable evening was had by all so thank you David and Rosemary for your hospitality.

Some photos that I took are attached in no particular order.

Riding for the Disabled

Sarah Heydon was our keynote speaker.

She spoke on behalf of the Auckland Eastern suburbs Riding for the disabled. Sarah is a former member of our club and as a professional director. She as chair of Cavalier Corporation, a director of ports of Auckland, GMS science and the cooperative bank. She is also chair of New Zealand Riding for the disabled.

Riding for the disabled has been in existence for over 40 years. The association between Rotary and Riding for the disabled is of similar vintage.

Sarah gave us a rundown on what it takes to operate Riding for the disabled in Auckland. An area to ride on as required, there are health and safety issues to monitor, horses to find and train, funding to obtain volunteers to recruit and riders to select.

Riding for the disabled relies on pony clubs throughout the country to support its programs. The Auckland Eastern suburbs Riding for the disabled used to be headquartered at St Helliers Bay pony club. However because the land upon which that pony club sits has been transferred to Ngati Whatua who want to use the land for other purposes Riding for the disabled have relocated to the Meadowbank pony club.

Riding for the disabled uses a lot of resource. Specialised equipment for the riders which needs to be cleaned maintained and secured. Staff have to be trained operates safely. There are strict operating requirements before Riding for the disabled can be undertaken. For example, one rider needs a horse and three helpers. There are six horses required for a lesson. In addition there is a coach overseeing the process and a physiotherapist. Sarah told us 25 volunteers a week are required.

Akina Social Enterprise Award Winners - Cottonseed

Cottonseed.

We welcomed repre

sentatives of cottonseed for the presentation of the social enterprise award award co-sponsored between Newmarket Rotary and Akina. A short video clip was played setting out how Akina operates. It provides work for migrant woman in the clothing industry. The enterprise sources material in the woman so clothes which are then sold funding the further acquisition of material and so on. The Akina award will go to fund the acquisition of further sewing machines giving employment to women who would otherwise be unemployed.

Cottonseed enables women to work, organise how they work manager how they work and gives control to them. As an enterprise that empowers those woman to take control of their lives, something they would not otherwise have been able to do.

We were told the women with whom Cottonseed work come from Somalia, Ethiopian, Thailand and Pakistan amongst other places.

Cottonseed was a worthy winner of the Akina/Rotary Newmarket Social Enterprise Award.

Garden Design Fest Update

Posted on Aug 23, 2017

Nathan Saminathan gave us an update on the Funraising Committee and, in particular, reminded us about the Garden Design Fest in November.

Auckland Garden DesignFest 2017

The Auckland Garden DesignFest is back again, featuring some of Auckland’s best professionally designed gardens.

This unique weekend festival, November 25-26, allows visitors to meet the designers and visit up to 20 private gardens across Auckland.

Organised jointly by the Garden Design Society of New Zealand and Rotary Newmarket, the DesignFest raises funds for Ronald McDonald House, Garden to Table and the Rotary Club of Newmarket Charitable Trust. Optional guided bus tours are also available.

Tickets for the Auckland Garden DesignFest will be available from 01 July at iTICKET, plus various garden retailers and onsite at the garden gate. Choose from $65 all garden tickets, $10 single garden access or three gardens for $20. See website for early bird ticket offers.

For more information visit www.gardendesignfest.co.nz/

DG Malini Raghwan's Official Visit

Posted on Aug 23, 2017

Ron Seeto introduced our new District Governor Malini Raghwan in his usual elegant style.

Our new District Governor is continuing to support and strengthen clubs in the district. She highlighted efforts globally to correct gender balance. Globally women populate 20% of membership, NZ has 28% but Newmarket has only achieved 5%.

Malini awarded President Michelle with a Women in Rotary pin for being one of the 51 women presidents this year in our district.

Another problem was highlighted, which was the average age within Rotary which only has 5% under the age of 40.

Humanitarian services was discussed and RCON is doing well in this area.

We are also doing well with enhancing our public image and awareness and understand the need to boost the Rotary brand.

RI President Ian Risely has asked clubs globally to help build better environment stability by planting more trees including mangroves.

Another request from Mr Risely is for clubs to log volunteer hours on a weekly basis in the clubs. This is for statistical purposes so we can have a better understanding of Rotary's impact on our communitees.

Malini’s main focus is:

Help improve water and sanitation services in Fiji and the Pacific Islands
Help maternity and child health services in Fiji
Provide resources for women’s refuge and welfare (help combat trafficking and abuse)

Michelle gave the vote of thanks as well as a gift of a Ruby Seeto tea towel to Malini.

Changeover 2017

Posted on Jul 05, 2017

The venue was the Remuera Golf Club. The theme was Movies: Heroes and Villains!

It was a fitting end to a good year for the club. We ate. We drank. We celebrated our many achievements.

All the while, dressed in some amusing costumes. There were Bat men and Bat women. We had a visit from Darth Vader. Even Donald Trump turned up! This writer will let you decide if he was deemed to be a hero or a villain.

Later on, the official chains of office were handed over from a Jedi Knight to Wonder Woman ... I think that says it all.

Rapport Report

Presentation Of AEDs

The club is sponsoring AED’s for placement in Auckland. We are putting 5 in various places. The first AED was handed to the Salvation Army for placement in Epsom Lodge. Eric Turner accepted on behalf of Epsom Lodge the AED that we had obtained.

In addition, President Simon presented representatives of the Salvation Army in Royal Oak Mission a cheque for $8,000.00 to support the Christmas Hamper Programme. Last year, the Mission produced 450 hampers. The Mission is the second largest food bank in Auckland and offers all sorts of support to those who need it in the area. The people who receive hampers are those who the Mission has worked with.

Mini vocational – Ric Buchanan

Members received a mini vocational from Rick Buchanan, a past president of the club and presently Treasurer. At the beginning of his address, Rick noted that when he was President, our present President Simon was 14 years old.

Rick gave us an interesting background to his life. His father worked for Qantas and so travelled a lot, particularly to the United States. As a consequence of those visits, Rick seemed , together with his family, to be the first to have jeans and all the other bits and pieces that the American’s produced in the 50’s and 60’s.

Rick’s mother was born in Tahiti so he has a significant French connection, although on a recent visit to France, he discovered that he had cousins living in Victoria Avenue. Rick is married to Adele. They met in 1969 and got together after Rick completed his University studies and subsequently married in 1792. Rick and Adele have 2 children; Stewart who lives in UK and is a Investor Relations Manager for a Norwegian shipping company and Amanda is married and lives in Auckland.

Rick is an Accounting professional. He is a sole practitioner who discovered, after working in the corporate environment and the Partnership environment, that he preferred sole practice. He has been in sole practice in 30 years and loved every minute of it.

Rick has been a member of the club for 30 years. There are 15 members who are longer serving than he. Been Treasurer twice for the club and has been on the Board since 1998. He has had the privilege of serving 19 Presidents, which has been a very rewarding and interesting exercise.

Rotary has brought Rick many rewarding jobs. For example; he recently attended Mt. Albert Grammar School to present a June Grey Scholarship to a female student from that school to enable her to attend or support her attendance at Auckland University.

When Rick is not at work or participating in Rotary, he likes watching sports and supporting his family.

Belinda Vernon

Posted by Graeme Orchard

Keynote speaker was Belinda Vernon, a 15 year veteran and foundation trustee of the Motutapu Restoration Trust who ROCON share a significant relationship on Motutapu where we have been involved since 1990. Belinda gave a précis of the efforts the Trust has made in fulfilling it’s vision of restoring the natural and cultural landscapes of Motutapu since it was originally established. Key accomplishments of the Trust include:

Eradication of possums and wallabies from Rangitoto and Motutapu by the Department of Conservation which was declared predator free in 2011
Fenced off forest remnants on the coastal fringe and inland
Built a nursery to raise native plants on the island which opened in 1992 by the Duke of Edinburgh
Organised volunteers to plant over 500,000 native trees and plants on hillsides and wetlands
Achieved 95 hectares of planted native forest in 18 years and witnessed native plants having grown over seven metres tall
Rescued large areas of native forest from invasive weeds including moth plant, woolly nightshade and apple of Sodom with an intensive volunteer weed programme
Organised two pre-eradication bird surveys by Ornithological Society of New Zealand who recorded 27 native bird species including kereru, NZ dotterel, tui, grey warbler, variable oyster catcher (all indigenous)
Taken part in two pre-pest eradication reptile surveys
Fenced off 15 hectares of Central Gully to exclude stock
Funded contractors to make the initial assault on moth plant infestation in Central Gully
Celebrated in 2010 the eradication of seven remaining pests - ship rats, Norway rats, mice, rabbits, hedgehogs, feral cats, and stoats by the Department of Conservation
Delighted in the island being declared pest free in August 2011
Witnessed the natural return of the bellbird and kakariki to Motutapu - first sightings in over 100 years
Welcomed the first of many translocated endangered/severely threatened native species (takahe, tieke) in 2011, a programme that will extend out at least 10 years.

2012 saw the release of the Coromandel brown kiwi, more takahe, more tieke, whiteheads, shore plover into the volunteer planted native forest of Home Bay

Bill Stead

Posted by Neil Shah on Mar 30, 2017

Our guest speaker at Tuesdays meeting was Bill Stead.

Bill has been involved installing large water projects all around the world.

The water business consists of resources, treatment, distribution and wastewater. Roughly 20% of water is lost through distribution.

The water business around the world is dominated by 2 French companies, Suez and Veolia.

From a historical point of view, the Romans started water distribution. The next big breakthrough was chlorination. The first biological systems were implemented after the Thames began to stink.

Today, most of the problems related to water now are political and local challenges, not engineering.

Bill has worked on projects such as sewage treatment plans in Guangzhou and water treatment in Tianjin plant and North Ireland.

In Auckland, the current problem is that our reservoir was created when there were no suspended solids in the run-off. As the area has grown, clay solids now run off into the reservoir when it rains.

Also, much of the other drinking water isn’t properly treated. Roughly 60% of rainwater tanks are contaminated. There are 30,000 cases of water bourne diseases are year in New Zealand.

Dr Rosalie Stephens

Just announced, Dr Rosalie Stephens, Recipent of the Ross Craig Oncology Award. Dr Stephens will be addressing the club on 13 June, so mark that in your diarys.

https://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/en/faculty/about/news-and-events/fmhs-deans-diary/2017/Issue419.html#966f2f8add259f8ce8ba00d6211bc9c3

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley

Posted by Graeme Orchard

Our Guest Speaker at Tuesdays meeting was Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley, from Massey University, one of New Zealand's leading academics and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Paul heads the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and presented a fascinating vision on the changing face of demographics that Auckland can expect over

the next 10-20 years as the city grows.

Some interesting facts:

Auckland will constitute 40% of the total NZ population
Asians are expected to grow to 28-30% over the next decade
Maori will remain constant over this period at 11%
Pasifika will grow to 16%
New Zealand European /Pākehā will decline to 42%
more people aged over 65 than under 15 years of age
700,000 more people living in the greater Auckland region

60% of New Zealand’s growth
94% of working age growth
Immigration most significant contributor to growth

Paul highlighted that the traditional persona of Auckland and New Zealand as a whole is likely to change significantly as this growing ethnic diversity affects our identity, values and behaviours.

Listening to Professor Spoonley it is clear that New Zealand faces interesting times and that the bicultural focus of the past 20 years will be overtaken by a multicultural focus with diversity, opportunity and challenge that is both exciting and frightening.

Guy Ryan

Guest S

peaker at our meeting on Tuesday evening at Remuera Golf Club was Guy Ryan.

Guy was Young New Zealand of the year in 2015 and is the CEO of the Inspiring Stories Trust.

Guy gave us a little of his background. He comes from Granity on the West Coast. He commented that growing up on the West Coast was character building, something seconded by past president Brian McMath himself a coaster. He then attended Otago University fully partaking in the social activities that were available at that institution.

It seems he was a bit of a tear away! Guy was one of half a dozen students at his high school who went to university from an initial starting group of 120.

As Guy progressed through the University he started to wonder if there was more to life than simply getting pissed at the weekend. By the time Guy graduated he had reformed to become a doer and a bit of an idealist. In his last year University he made a film “carving the future” about young New Zealanders concerned with climate change. That film became a finalist in the BBC best newcomer award in the European wild screen film Festival and was named best short film at the Colorado film Festival.

Doc Mayhew

President Simon welcomed members and many guests from sister Rotary clubs throughout Auckland to hear our guest speaker, Dr John “Doc” Mayhew, recently appointed as ambassador to the Rotary District 9920 Heart Savers programme aimed at increasing the number of automatic heart defibrillators (AED’s) available in the community.

“Doc” Mayhew is the current doctor to the Warriors NFL team and was All Blacks medico for 15 years on the sideline for 131 test matches and over 200 All Black games. He described his personal experience in 2016 of surviving a cardiac arrest thanks to an AED during a gym workout and noted that without receiving medical attention there is only a 5-10% of surviving.

There are currently some 6,000 AED’s in the community and that number needs to be doubled which is where the Rotary Heart Savers initiative has an important role to play.

Pop Up Globe

From President Simon

As You Like It

Presented by the Pop-up Globe King’s Company

“I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it”

The Pop-up Globe King’s Company presents Shakespeare’s brilliant comedy, As You Like It, at Pop-up Globe Auckland.

A young girl and her friend, wanted by the authorities, escape the tyrannical court and find shelter in the ancient Forest of Arden. But they’re not alone. And as the Forest works its transformative magic on all those who seek refuge there, love and life have never felt more precious.

Set in the summer of 1642 - just months before the outbreak of the bloody and disastrous English Civil War and the permanent closure of the original second Globe theatre - and performed by a full all-male cast in authentic costumes of the period, As You Like It is an exercise in early modern escapism.

The Pop-up Globe King’s Company is Pop-up Globe’s resident all-male company of actors and live musicians, working with world experts to bring you the authentic shock of the old: the effect of Shakespeare’s plays performed in the space and style for which they were written.

For the Pop-up Globe King’s Company

Director: Tom Mallaburn (UK)

Designer: Barbara Capocci

Composer: Paul McLaney

Fight Director: Alexander James Holloway

This is a strictly first come/first served basis. I have reserve 40 tickets based on the interest shown. Seating will be Reserve A at $165 each (The posh seats).

RYLA

Richard Solomon advises members that we are now receiving applications for RYLA

This is the time of year to think whether you know any 20 to 28 year old future leaders who would be a good prospect to attend RYLA this year.

All the Information, including a brochure is available on the website www.ryla.co.nz .

Application forms are also on the website or they can be obtained from Richard Solomon.

If you have anybody in your life or contacts that you would like to recommend RYLA to I encourage you to put the information in front of them to consider it. It is a marvelous programme as attested to every year by the candidates we sponsor.

RYLA dates are Saturday 1st July to Saturday 8^th July 2017

We will be looking to interview during March and early April so would like to receive applications around end February early March.

Criteria and Age range remains the same; between 20 and 28 (inclusive) on 1^st May 2017 and already exhibiting leadership qualities and/or potential in their lives.

The venue is again Willow Park Convention Centre, Eastern Beach and the format of the week programme is expected to be essentially the same as previously, so criteria such as fitness level and demonstrated leadership potential are keys in your selection process.

Please contact Richard Solomon with any questions you may have.

Christmas Hamper Packing

If it is Christmas then it is time for Christmas Hamper packing with the Salvation Army in Royal Oak.

A group of volunteers gathered on 8 December and packed, and packed. 306 boxes in total. An awesome job undertaken in a record time.

Thanks to all who participated.

ERKS

Posted on Nov 25, 2016

Last Saturday 20 members and partners lead ably by Michelle Smith packed ERKs or emergency response kits for disaster relief.

Michelle reports that the team apparently beat all records for speed in packing our 100 ERK allocation in under two hours and then we really showed our

Stamina by re-stocking the production line.

The organiser, Don Benson was really impressed and appreciative of our efforts.

Well done team.

David Seymour MP

Our guest on Tuesday 22 November was ACT Leader and MP for the Epsom Electorate David Seymour.

President Simon welcomed members and welcomed guest speaker, David Seymour, our local MP for Epsom and leader of the ACT part. David also serves as Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Educations and Regulatory Reform in the National lead government.

David’s presentation focused on New Zealand’s immigration policy which he believes will be the decisive issue in next year’s general election. Net permanent long term migrants are now 70,300 in the year ended October 2016 adding to pressure on housing, employment, healthcare and infrastructure. Total net immigration in the last 5 years is 190,000, which compares to the mid- seventies and early eighties where New Zealand had a net outflow of 155,000 over a five year period. From the mid eighties New Zealand has followed a skills based test for new immigrants which has seen a far broader racial and cultural mix of new arrivals.

David was introduced by Patrick Learmonth and thanks offered by Michelle Smith

NRCF

Newmark Rotary Charitable Foundation (NCRF)

Brian McMath gave the club an overview of the NRCF. Its purpose is to assist the club in providing stability to the club’s charitable contributions.

It was formed in 2002 and now has $1.3 million in assets. The average return has been 6% over the past two years. The NRCF supports activities in the areas of education, health and community support.

Contributors may specify areas in which they would like their bequest to be applied. The Burton family, for example, has specified that its contributions go to activities around disabilities. It has distributed $300,000 since 2004. It has a signature program that supports research grants around oncology.

Christmas Trees

Why buy someone a goat in Africa for Christmas? Try buying them trees in New Zealand – after all, goats eat trees!

This year one of our Trees for Survival schools planted a wetland site in Taupaki with 300 native trees. We’d like to invite you to sponsor some of these trees as your environmental gift to a loved one this year.

Sponsor 10 trees at $50 / Sponsor 20 trees at $100

We will send you a magnificent handmade card with Christmas decoration outlining this sponsorship, for you to gift to someone.

To participate in this fundraiser, please visit https://trees-for-survival-christmas-fundraiser.myshopify.com/

Nathan Saminathan

Posted by Neil Shah

Vocational - Nathan Saminathan

We were taken on a journey by Nathan through his life. Originally from Malaysia, his parents were rubber plantation workers from India. He remembers a very basic but happy childhood with lots of outdoor activities.

His parents moved back to India to farm and Nathan made a decision that he was meant for a different life. He went to university and did his BS in Chemistry. He didn’t enjoy the field however and settled on a role as a bank officer in Malaysia.

In 1979, he moved to New Zealand with $900 and did his MBA He has had a few businesses and continually educated himself. He did a diploma in insurance services and became a certified financial planner. In 1997, he started mortgage brokering.

He has also been a valued member and president of Toastmasters. He joined Rotary to be able to contribute back to society and has been a leader in several cultural organisations.

His hobbies are sharemarket and property investment.

DG Roger Harvey

Posted by Patrick Learmonth

The Great Traveller – DG Roger Harvey – stood in as our sole guest and key note speaker. Roger needs no introduction. He gave a run down on what he had observed – Rotary wise – during his recent trips around the Pacific Islands parts of our district:

John Burton - Vocational

Club member John Burton presented a vocational.

And very good it was too. John became a member in 2008 – after asking Jeff Smith in the car park at Circus Quirkus how he could get involved in such great work!. John was a keen cricketer in his youth, NZ Schoolboys rep and took his prospective wife off to England to play cricket after completing a BCOM at Auckland University.

Then returned to the family tea importing business here. After the sale of that business in the early 80’s John set up his won tea and coffee trading empire – initially in competition with his father and brother but later with them John secured the Dilmah tea brand in NZ and has built a long and close relationship with the founders – the Fernando family.

John suffered paralysis after a heart operation in 1995 and soon realised that it was the bit at the top of his head which would save him and soon launched in to a new project with his brother starting (and still a part owner ) of the Columbus Coffee chain. John is now working on a succession plan hoping to bring his 2 daughters in to the family business. John claims to have been lucky in life and family - a very positive person and great club member.

ERKS

We still require 9 volunteers to pack Emergency Response Kits (ERKS) from 1pm to no later than 4pm on Saturday 19^th November at 15 Gabador Place, Mt Wellington.

ERKs are vital for Cyclone and other disaster relief in the Pacific Islands and the 2 to 3 hours involved in packing ERKs is small way that our club can contribute to this worthy ongoing Rotary initiative.

Currently only 3 club members plus their partners have put their names forward so we only have 6 volunteers at this stage where we require a minimum of 15.

Please email Michelle Smith Michelle.Smith@jacobsens.co.nz if you can be there. Family members and friends are also welcome to help.

Polio +

Polio+ needs YOU…..it’s almost

World Polio Day is 24 October 2016.

Remember to Register your event

REMEMBER Gates Foundation contribution 2 for 1 basis on funds raised

REMEMBER as well as other possible activities

3 point action plan for D9920 Clubs:

1. Continue your annual activities - either Club for Polio activity eg Rotary Waiuku street sausage sizzle; and/or supporting individual Polio champions e.g. Gary Donaghue our Runner for Polio and, Richard Thorpe Rider for Polio

2. Hold a World’s Greatest Meal (WGM) event or enlist individual club members to host/participate.

3. Celebrate a PD Purple Day in your allocated schools

Further information:

Contact PDG Ron Seeto ronseeto@mcparchietcts.com

Conference

Posted on Sep 30, 2016

From our DG Roger Harvey

Our Rotary Conference

We are nearly quarter way through our Rotary year and it is time to promote our Conference in May 2017.

I have chosen Auckland to make it easier and more economical for most Rotarians, Rotaractors and their partners.

Members need to be reminded that the Early Bird Discount runs until 30 November

This is a unique opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Rotary – along with some novel experiences.

* Could you please arrange to put me on your Bulletin address list- for those that haven’t already.

* Secondly please ask your Bulletin Editor to include the Flier attached for the next 3 months.

* Please also show the Power Point presentation attached when your programme allows.

For members who haven’t seen the Conference video, the link is available at our website: http://www.d9920conference2017.com/

Thanks

Roger

Roger Harvey

Governor,

Rotary District 9920

Loren O"Sullivan

Posted by Ron Halls

Key note speaker on 27 September 2016 was Loren O’Sullivan, Director of NPH New Zealand.

Loren gave a Heartfelt talk about NPH ( Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos). The good news is that Loren is destined to become an associate member of the club. Loren is also ex RYLA giving us further proof and endorsement for that program.

NPH is an organisation that provides home and protection for some of the orphans in South America.

Emma Stewart

Posted by Ron Halls

Emma Stewart

Emma Stewart from the St. John’s Club. Emma is ex RYLA an Occupational Physio working at the Wilson Home.

Emma introduced Westpac Helicopter fund raising programme thru a 15km Rescue run.

Emma has formed a team and paid the initial registration cost of $2900.00 is seeking sponsorship for her aim to raise $5000.00

The cause is great the course is tough Emma needs your help.

To donate go to Everyday Hero Account.

Neurological Foundation

Posted by Colin Lucas

Donation to Neurological Foundation.

At our meeting on Tuesday a presentation was made from our Charitable Foundation to sue Giddens of the Neurological Foundation for $10,000.00.

Following receipt of the cheque sue gave us a brief update of the work of the Neurological Foundation and in particular a project that is being undertaken in conjunction with the Otago University looking into the ballistics of head injuries.

This is an important study as there is pretty solid evidence (anecdotal) that suggests that high impact sports such as rugby, league and in the US professional football leave players with significant neurological problems in later life.

Directors Update - World Community Services

Posted by Colin Lucas on Sep 22, 2016

Jeff Smith – Directors Update – World Community Services

Jeff gave us an update on the activities of this committee.

Projects include the wheel chairs to Rarotonga where the club has contributed $5,000.00 Rarotonga RC$2000, Waiheke RC $2000, and Auckland

RC $3000. These donations have with matching funding from District have given us the ability to purchase more chairs for the project.

In addition we have received a global grant of USD$75,000.00 for the Taveuni Eye project. Credit should be given to Dave Birch who has put a lot of time into this project. As well as Geoff Amos of Taveuni

Habitat Update

Habitat Update.

President Simon gave us an update on the Habitat project being undertaken in conjunction with Habitat and St Cuthberts.

The site has been selected – It is beside the Caltex Petrol Station on Broadway.

The website for the event will be live in 2 weeks time.

The next part of the process is getting sponsorship.

The build project will take place in April next year with the site being available from 27 March 2016.

And most importantly Habitat is now looking and interviewing for the right family for the house.

Habitat For Humanity Survey

As mentioned in last weeks rapport, Habitat for Humanity have asked members to complete a survey on the activities of Habitat.

Please see the attached survey created by Habitats research agency, Impact Research New Zealand.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and is an opportunity for all your members to share their thoughts and help shape our new potential services, regardless of whether they are a landlord or not.

The survey uses the Survey Monkey service and will is available from 19 September 2016 to 29 September 2016. The survey can be accessed via the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MX2T8FM

President Simons Briefings

Posted by Colin Lucas on Sep 16, 2016

President Simon’s Briefings.

President Simon and Brian McMath visited Somerville Special School in Panmure to donate to it on behalf of the Rotary club of Newmarket charitable trust a 3-D printer.

He made the comment that the pupils at the school worked out how to use this device faster than some of the teachers.

He also reported that Alan Hayward is fully personnelled for the blood pressure campaign.

We Are One - From Chris Chong

Habitat For Humanity

Habitat for Humanity

Leana Hunt gave us a brief presentation on Habitat for Humanity.

Leana gave us an overview of what Habitat does in the community. It is a not for profit organisation that works in partnership with people of good will and families in housing need, to eliminate substandard housing.

Kids Can Charitable trust

Posted by Colin Lucas on Sep 16, 2016

Kids Can Charitable Trust

Our keynote speaker was Julie Shepherd from the Kids Can Charitable Trust.

Julie gave us a background on the trust which was founded in her garage in 2005. Being aware of media reports on New Zealand Children going without basics she undertook an evaluation of 80 low decile schools to see if the problem reported in the media was as bad as it was said to be.

The evaluation established that children at those schools were going hungry, not wearing shoes and turning up wet and cold in bad weather because they did not own raincoats. In the evaluation schools reported that this had a major impact on the childrens learning ability, esteem and health. The downstream effect of this is that these children become ill more often, do not succed at school and as adults are more likely to be unemployed and have children who go through the same cycle.

Lamb tasting

From Neil Swanney

Thank you to all that participated and helped with the organisation of this event that was tricky to put together.

Special mention to Roger Gower, who took over the middle session, and those of you that dragged in last minute participants including John Hawke and Martin McGahan.

The event will hopefully bring approximately $4,000 into the trust.

James Carmichael

Our keynote address was given to us by RCON member James Carmichael.

James has been involved in power companies for his working career is a Trustee of Entrust (formerly the Auckland Electricity Consumer Trust) and sits currently on the board of Vector.

In that capacity, he visited Tesla in July 2016 as well as Uber's head offices .

Vector is Tesla's largest foreign customer.

Brian McMath - Mini Vocational

Posted on Aug 26, 2016

Brian McMath gave us a mini vocational.

Brian comes from Greymouth. His father was an accountant in the town.

Breakfast Club

Posted on Aug 26, 2016

At our meeting on 23 August 2016 we hosted Graeme Cameron, Dennis Millard, Murray Willis and Ian Willetts from Auckland East Rotary together with Gary Hayes from the Rotary club of Epsom.

Graeme assisted by Dennis Murray Ian and Gary spoke to us about the breakfast club which is an ongoing project for the provision of breakfasts to children attending decile one schools on the Auckland region.

Roger Gower on Israel

Posted by Neil Shah

Our keynote presentation was given by RCON member and past-president, Roger Gower.

Roger recently went on a trip to Israel which he called a “start-up” nation.

The New Zealand travel group consisted of 54 people from various backgrounds.

He explained that many of the impressions that we have of Israel from the news weren’t correct. It felt like a safe and open environment where peoples of all cultures mixed freely. Roger visited a number of sites including the Wailing Wall and the Holocaust Museum. He visited the city of Beersheba which, in the war, was a turning point to formation of state of Israel and created a lot of good will by the actions of Australia and New Zealand troops.

Israel is great at generating start-ups. They spend 3.5% of GDP on R&D compared to .5% in NZ. NZ is OECD laggard. Roger pointed out that the government and small business are in-line or over the OECD averages for R&D. The main issue is spending by businesses over 250 people.

Israel has a highly developed ecosystem for innovation. They have 18 incubators to fund start-ups that are too risky for regular investment. Each incubator has 8 companies in each ( 4 companies per annum for 2 years). The attitude is the generated IP can be the win even of the business fails.

Neil Swanney

Neal Swanney gave us an update on the fundraising committee’s activities.

The committee is looking at other fundraising options over and above the clubs annual major fundraiser – Circus Quirkus. The reason being that whilst Circus Quirkus has been successful in the past and is a consistent fundraiser may not be for the future.

That is why other options such as the Garden design fest in similar are being explored.

Additionally fundraising dinners or lunches are being considered along the lines of last year’s rugby dinner which was a success by any measure. The committee is looking at the idea of a function to celebrate a book launch and is contacting publishers and others in the publishing industry for that purpose.

Andrew Barnes

Our speaker on 9 August was Andrew Barnes founder of Perpetual Guardian which is an amalgamation of perpetual Trustees a South Island trustee company and the New Zealand Guardian trust Co Ltd.

Andrew was a director and founder of Just Wills Holdings Limited may multinational will writing and estate planning business. Prior to that he was involved in investment management and advice with Best invest, a UK management company and also Australian Wealth Management Limited.
Andrew has moved Perpetual Guardian away from providing financial advice and Wealth Management and returned the company to a fiduciary services model.

RYLA

To complete a busy evening, Richard Solomon introduced 10 of the 16 Club sponsored participants in the most recent RYLA course who then individually presented their comments on the impact the course had made on them.

Click on this link to see all the photos from the evening.

RNCF Awards

Posted by Graeme Orchard

Brian McMath provided an update on the ROCON Charitable Foundation which has been very successful in its fund raising, governance and investments and currently has accumulated funds in excess of $1.1m. Two recent new initiatives involve our long association with the NZ Neurological Foundation and in association with the June Gray Charitable Trust the Trust has set up a $10,000 Research Scholarship. First recipients are two Otago University Professors who will are going to build a skin/skull/brain model that will measure impact forces to the head and brain. There are increasing reports linking mild traumatic brain injuries to early onset dementia. Often these minor traumatic injuries have no clinical symptoms and are difficult to diagnose, hence no minimum thresholds have been established. It is hoped that the research will provide international collaboration opportunities as it is a novel but globally relevant topic.

An Evening with Murray Thom

Posted by Graeme Orchard

Murray Thom, was the keynote speaker for the evening. A serial entrepreneur, Murray’s boutique music company, Thom Music, has enjoyed great success and two of his productions: ‘Together’ and ‘Miracle’ have both featured on the Oprah Winfrey show. The 'Together' 10 CD Collection was named as Oprah’s 'Favourite Thing of the Year” and another show featured ‘Miracle’, a collaboration with Celine Dion and photographer Anne Geddes. Murray was named one of New Zealand’s Top 10 Entrepreneurs of the decade by NZ Business magazine. Murray is also a past Trustee of the “Play it Strange’ trust and was a presenter to the recent RYLA course.

NRCF Funds Research by the Neurological Foundation.

NRCF with the June Gray Charitable Trust is funding the building of a skin/skull/brain model that will measure impact forces to the head and brain injury mechanism. There are increasing reports linking mild traumatic brain injuries to early onset dementia. Often these minor traumatic injuries have no clinical symptoms and are difficult to diagnose, hence no minimum thresholds have been established.

Glen Marvin - Mini-vocational

Glenn is the Managing Partner of SureFire Search Marketing a search engine optimization (SEO) company.

This company aims to ensure customer websites are delivering the expected results to the owner; customers are able to find the company through search and are converted to sales leads and so on. An inveterate ultra distance runner Glenn has completed many marathons and ultra marathons, often raising charity funds through wearing fancy dress – tutus and tuxedos included.

It was pleasing to see another beekeeper added to the Club ranks. Glenn is married to Anna and they have 4 children. Glenn’s daily maxim is: “To make a positive difference in someone else’s life every single day”.

Phil Goff

Phil Goff MP

Mayoral aspirant Phil Goff began his address by reflecting on why he wanted to continue serving in a public capacity after 30 plus years in the public eye. His rationale was that his reasons included wanting to make a difference and a preference to be a positive force for good (noting Opposition has its frustrations and limitations).

DG Roger Harvey's Official Club Visit

Posted by Colin Lucas on Jul 14, 2016

Meeting report – Rotary club of Newmarket 12 July 2016

District Governor’s Visit,

At our meeting on 12 July 2016 we hosted Roger Harvey in his capacity as District Governor for our Rotary District.

Roger was supported by his wife Georgie and Assistant Governor Pam Deal. Roger’s Visit Was His 2^nd DG, leaving him 53 to do.

Rogers address covered a number of topics.

He reported on his visit to RYLA which was a superb event.

He told us of his visit to the Rotary International conference in Korea where there were thousands of enthusiastic Rotarians in attendance. Roger told us he ate a lot of kimchee. He didn’t say however whether or not he liked it.

Mark Thomas talks Auckland

Posted by Colin Lucas

Meeting 5 July 2016

Our meeting on Tuesday 5 July marked the beginning of President Simon’s year.

President Simon reported on his visit to One Tree Hill College to attend the graduation ceremony for participants in the Rotary Reading Enrichment Program which is supported by our club. Read Simon's thoughts on the day here.

He also congratulated Ross George on his 50 years in Rotary.

We had an update from John Mitchell on our Habitat 4 Humanity project followed by our keynote speaker; Mark Thomas.

Rotary Reading Enrichment Graduation

Posted by Simon Dalton on Jul 04, 2016

This was my first official function as the President of Rotary Newmarket. While I knew a little bit about the Rotary Reading Enrichment Programme, I don't think I've ever truly understood the benefit of it.

There are numerous Rotary projects that Newmarket, along with many other clubs, give time and money too. It becomes difficult sometimes to see the wood through the trees so it was a great opportunity to see first hand what effect this programme inparticular actually has on our community.

So, representing Rotary Newmarket and the Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation, I joined fellow Rotarian John Meadowcroft, representing the Lois Dalley Charitable Trust, on a trip to the graduation ceremony at One Tree Hill College.

But, before I tell you about my thoughts on the event, its perhaps worthwhile explaining what this particular programme is all about.

Changeover 2016 @Sorrento

Posted by Colin Lucas on Jun 30, 2016

Change Over

Change over on Tuesday night was celebrated by 65 members, partners and guests at Sorrento.

A great night was had by the assembled Cowboys, Cowgirls, Sundries (including Ron (White Trash) Seeto) and Cows celebrating the end of President Patricks year and the start of President Simons.

President Patrick celebrated the change over by awarding Paul Harris fellowships to John Burton and Jeff Smith. President Patrick also awarded PP/PDG Ron Seeto a second PHF Sapphire.

The evening is best described in the photos taken at the event and which can be seen by following this link.

Butter wouldn't melt ....

Posted by Roger Gower on Jun 21, 2016

Our speaker today was James Gray the owner of Canary Enterprises. Canary Foods is a manufacturer of value added dairy products and aimed at export markets. Established in 2001 in Hamilton, Canary moved to a new factory in 2008 and have continued to expand. Their primary business is to take commodity unprocessed butter and turn it into fabulous food, for the food service and restaurant trades.

As James said, they “Turn boring into Amazing”. Their initial business was making butter medallions at the rate of 10, 000 per day and they are now at 200,000 per day. The business takes 3,000 tonnes per annum of commodity butter and produces a range of innovative products from medallions to sheets, briks (sic) and ingots – all with specific requirements of the commercial and chef customers . A big break through was getting an order from Thai Airways for butter medallions embossed with the Thai Airways logo in 2004.

The Harold Titter Award

Wonderful evening of celebration at The University of Auckland at the graduation of the Certificate in Health Sciences. The Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation (NRCF) presented the Harold Titter Award for the top student to Mostafa Youssef from Samoa.

It was great Harold was able to attend. The award in Harold's name recognises his work as a founding trustee of NRCF and his role as a former Commissioner of the Auckland Area Health Board. In this role Harold recognised the need for more Maori & Pacific Island Health Practitioners which was the genesis for our award.
Note: Harold was appointed Commissioner by the then Health Minister Helen Clark who sacked the Board which included her husband. — with Harold Titter at The University of Auckland.

Sir Richard Taylor on 3D printers in schools

We are delighted to announce Sir Richard Taylor co-founder of Weta Workshops is our 3D Printing Ambassador for our project putting 3D printers into primary schools. We are encouraging all Rotary Clubs to get involved with their local schools. Richard has just been interviewed by Mike Hosking on Newstalkzb and in the video he explains why this technology is so vital to our young people and why he accepted the role as our Ambassador.

Ross Craig Oncology Award Presentation

Great start to the year with our guest speaker Dr Jon Mathy the 2015 Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation Ross Craig Oncology Awardee. Wonderful to have Ross's son Keith Craig attending.

Dr Mathy is a plastic surgeon at Middlemore Hospital & our Award facilitated him to work in the cancer research lab of Professor Cris Print. @aucklanduniversity. The award is named after the late Ross Craig a past District Governor & founding trustee of the Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation. Funding for the award is a partnership between the Chenery Trust chaired by Peter Ross, the June Gray Trust chaired by Brian McMath & the Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation. — with Peter D Ross, Jon Mathy, Keith Craig, Brian McMath and Brian McMath.

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.

After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.

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