Notes – 29 April 2021
Wanting to keep to tradition, Acting Sergeant Kim Prichard, gave us some events on this day in the past including the startling news that ‘traditional’ Swedish meatballs are made in Turkey. He should have introduced President Bev with a song but refrained.
President Bev asked Don Wilson to introduce his guest, Roger Dudfield and she then welcomed our speaker and other guests – Peter Church, Alison Richardson, Deb Robinson and Suzanne Partis. She then invited LesleyAnn Thomas to introduce our speaker, Mark Morgan, CEO Waikato Regional Airport.
Mark told us that his team, as well as running Hamilton Airport, are also property developers and hotel proprietors and have a subsidiary interest in tourism. The Airport is owned by five shareholding Councils – Hamilton, Waikato, Waipa, Matamata and Otorohanga with no shareholder having a controlling interest. Recent times have been tough, he said, but because income comes from diverse sources, the financial performance, although down on forecast, was good.
Hamilton Airport is the first in New Zealand to replace parking tickets with a number plate recognition system which will save 150,000 bits of paper and has other sustainability projects in view to make the terminal more efficient for passengers and employees. Diversification is our key strategy, he continued, as well as developing the terminal and the associated commercial properties. This provides resiliance and enables the Airport to be run profitably, even in these Covid-stricken times.
In answering questions, Mark said that
- International status was not financial feasible but he kept possible options open.
- He agreed that the Airport would consider supporting fundraising opportunities and will liaise with us.
- As far as exporting by air, he said that 95% of freight was carried by commercial passenger jets. Now that these were not available, exports went by road, rail and sea because Hamilton was not financially attractive to commercial freight jets.
- The Aviation Schools were on hold waiting for consultation on his propositions.
- Additional domestic routes remained problematical because of aircraft size and suitability but the Airport was always on the look-out for possibilities,
- Air New Zealand has recommenced its domestic network but new routes are a big investment, especially for small airlines.
- Future land development was always a vision and represents a net increase in volume and profitability – not confined to farming.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Ted Mason, who recalled the days of the DC3, and was warmly endorsed by the 45 members present.
NOTICES
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner – Saturday 1 May 2021 (David Blewden)
We were reminded of the terms and conditions.
Social Activities (David Blewden)
A book on the Adventure Trails was circulated. Just a week to register for the next one. Another is planned for 17 July 2021 – a mountain bike outing in Rotorua. To register, click on the link at the bottom of the website.
New Members’ Night (John Bullick)
Just a week to go and looking good. Some invitees have yet to respond and John will contact them. It would be useful if any member who has invited someone could remind them to RSVP. An email will be sent to all members detailing the arrangements for the evening.
Bookarama (Ray Milner)
Stall at the Lions Market on 9 May 2021 has been booked. We shall be selling CDs, videos, a few books and jigsaws – but not crosswords!
Theatre Dinner (Jan Bilton)
We have an opportunity to attend a dinner followed by play at the Gaslight Theatre on Thursday 17 June 2021. The cost is $60 each and 50 people are needed. A show of hands indicated that this is possible.
Blood Bank (David Partis)
Thanks to all the seven volunteers whose work was so good that we have been asked to look after all future sessions. A few more volunteers would be welcome to take the basic induction course as it’s a good community project.
Conference (Bill Robinson)
Took just 30 seconds to remind attendees of the Zoom meeting at 5.30pm on Sunday 2 May 2021.
Chain Saw/Firewood Raffle (Ken Leatham)
Thanks to all buyers, whose efforts produced “1300 bucks”. The lucky winner was Ted Mason. Now we need to sell the firewood at $125 a trailer load so “put your thinking caps on everybody” and we can have a substantial income.
Financial Matter (Bev Heron)
Only four meals were charged for this month and tonight’s meal is the fifth so it will be included in next month’s charge. [Perhaps the Sergeant should be told of anyone who rings Bev to query the accounting!]
Acting Sergeant Kim (Old Fashioned Guy) Prichard then invited the top table to partake of dinner, followed by any table of ladies. He was not so gallant later when fining members despite his “hurt feelings” at being overlooked to deliver his “Did you Know” session recently.
Did you Know …
Richard Seabrook reminded us of the establishment of Rotary in New Zealand; on 7 June 1921 in the YMCA Rooms, Willis Street, Wellington. He mentioned some of the illustrious founders and the projects which they completed.
President Bev commented that this was a very appropriate way to end a meeting in Rotary’s Centenary Year.
