President Robyn welcomed to the meeting District Governor Peter Maxwell and Mary as well as guest Marc Gascoigne. She also welcomed members particularly recently inducted new members.

 

Ted Mason introduced District Governor Peter Maxwell. Born in England Peter came to New Zealand in 2006. He has been an executive in the banking industry and worked at a major university in Bristol.  On arriving in New Zealand he was employed as an executive at the Innovation Park, Hamilton.

 

Peter opened by saying that one of the things he loves about being District Governor is visiting the clubs, of which there are 50 in the 9930 district.  He noted that most people only see the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Rotary does.  There is so much more – importantly teamwork, friends, using professional skills and the worldwide connections etc. The more you put in the more you get out. There are many reasons why people join clubs  and Rotary needs to get its story across.

 

It has been estimated that 45 million voluntary hours’ worth $850,000,000 are contributed by Rotarians annually. Peter stressed the need to enter voluntary hours in MyRotary – not only for the organisation itself but the Charities Commission conducts audits to determine if the charity status is being applied.  He thanked Cambridge for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation - $138,574 since it was chartered – that’s $2,566 per member.  Rotary worldwide tops any organisation in terms of donations.  Polio in India had been eradicated from 200,000 cases to zero, however Rotary needs to persevere in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A wide range of events was being planned  by clubs to bring awareness to the international polio project on World Polio Day – 24 October,                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                        

Rotary membership in the Western world was declining and members are gradually being lost.  He urged the club to take every opportunity to recruit new members – such as new residents to the town – get them early while they’re working out how they will become involved in the community – talk to people about why they should join – benefits – participate in local projects, participate in international projects, personal development opportunities.  Then there’s friendship and connecting with people outside work.

 

2020/21 sees 100 years of Rotary in New Zealand with, nationally, three key projects planned – give a child a future, trees, history.  Clubs are being urged to plan a project around these three focus areas – or a project of their choice. Peter noted District Goals – connect, collaborate and communicate with our communities – tell our stories.

 

Peter then introduced his wife Mary who spoke of suicide prevention and the work of the Rural Support Trust.                                                                                                       

She then invited Marc Gascoigne to speak.  Marc is a facilitator with the Rural Support Trust.  He said there were 35 facilitators working with and helping rural people during rural challenges.  The Trust is funded partly by MPI and their own fundraising.  Facilitators provide support and arrange advice.  $600 worth of help and advice for each person is available. 

 

Peter thanked Marc and continued by promoting the District Conference will be held at the Distinction Hotel, Rotary on 22 – 24 May 2020.  The theme to align with the international theme of “Rotary Connects the World” and attendees are asked to come dressed as different countries for the Saturday night dinner.

 

Peter concluded his address by quoting – “By working together we can change the World”. 

 

Thanks was in the hands of Keith Rogers who invited Peter to recognise and congratulate Colin Davis on his achievement of 50 years as a Rotarian.

 

 

Bill Robinson has sent emails to all those on the roster.  Most people have been given a brief and anyone outstanding Bill will brief them on Sunday morning. He thanked all those helping and asked them to become familiar with the instructions and information sent. Note: if you haven’t apologized to Bill for this marshalling you will be listed as on duty.

 

Ken Leatham reminded members of the firewood that had been donated to Rotary.   A working bee to cut  up, split and stack the logs would be held on the weekend of 21/22 September.  Please see Ken for details of location and other information.  It would be great to have a good turnout.

 

John Bullick announced that the Rotary Speech Contest would be held on Wednesday 18 September at 6.00pm at Cambridge East School.  There are lots of talented young people who will be competing for the Murray Thompson Memorial Trophy. Adjudicators were Murray Feast, David Blewden and Lindsay Mason.  There is an open invitation for all to attend.

 

Roger Hill said that one box of clothing had arrived and a further box was waiting to be cleared through Customs.  He hopes the clothing will arrive within the next week or two and advised that there had been an unexpected additional charge – 15%-20% on top of what has already been charged.

 

The Survey Monkey response for the above visit on 31 October has been extended to allow more people to indicate their intention to travel to Rotorua’s Te Puia.  This would be a combined visit with Rotorua West.

 

The Buffet Dinner is $45 per person.  Start time will be 5.30pm with a brief update, tour of facilities followed at 7.15pm with the dinner.  Bar and lounge facilities are available which we can move to prior to the meal.  Carpooling or other transport will be organized with details advised later.

 

To respond via Survey Monkey please click here.  This will open a web page with 3 simple questions.

 

DG Peter presented Bill Robinson with a certificate of appreciation for his previous role as Assistant Governor.

 

Roger Hill (1^st), John Tarbutt (2^nd) – congratulations.

 

President Robyn reminded members of The Rotary Learning and Information Workshop at Rotary Hall Taradale on 19 and 20 October - 9 am to 4 pm. You may participate in Day One or Day Two but to attend Day Two you have had to completed Day One.  This workshop is particularly valuable for newer members and provides an opportunity to network with other Rotarians. You can register by clicking here Click this link to register

 

 

15 December 2019: Last day for early-registration discount

 

President Robyn promoted the International Convention on the above dates.  One Cambridge member had indicated they would be attending and DG Peter mentioned that 41 Rotarians from throughout the District had signed up to go.

Registration is open to Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, alumni, Youth Exchange students, club and district employees, and spouses of deceased Rotarians. Guests can also attend at the appropriate fee.  

 

 

The temperature in Hawaii in June is between 22-30 degrees Celsius.  Consider taking advantage of the relatively close location to New Zealand and attend this major world-wide Rotary event.

 

As a reminder of the upcoming World Polio Day (24 October) this article is interesting reading.