Those of us who heard our thought-provoking speaker Paul Minett last Thursday have likely reflected on his message as we sat idling in queues or waiting for multiple traffic light changes! His "reverse tolling" plans have lots of appeal, if only our driving behaviour can be changed by the proposed monetary incentive to carpool. Through Paul, I also learnt the new word "slugging" which describes the practice, in Washington DC for example, of prospective passengers queuing on the footpath for a free car ride, thereby enabling the car driver to gain access to a transit/T3 lane for a faster commute. Would this also work in Auckland if promoted?
This week, we will hear from Insurance Broker John Barley with another relevant message. John will share his thoughts on the interplay of patterns in business and patterns in our personal lives, and how this can help us cope with risk in our lives. Sounds worth hearing? Certainly!
This week, we are also fortunate to have our Assistant District Governor, Pam Clarke, visiting us. Pam works especially with the presidents of Auckland East, Harbourside, Downtown, and St Johns - together forming a so-called 'club cluster'.
Next time you drive along Church Crescent, Panmure, beside St Patrick's School, look out for the 54 m long flower garden (!) immediately inside the fence-line - that Miles Cain and colleagues constructed over recent weeks. There's a photo below in this Bulletin.
And please RSVP promptly to Brian Fergus for our Change-Over evening on Thurs. 7 June, when we welcome our new president Allan Smith and his 2018/19 team of Directors.
Paul Minett of Trip Convergence Ltd spoke to the Club on his innovative scheme to solve Auckland’s traffic congestion problems without building infrastructure, and without congestion pricing. In a nutshell his system is called 'reverse tolls' where people are paid to travel as passengers in preference to driving their own car. He said it's not only an Auckland let alone a New Zealand problem but a global challenge. Paul said that it's not in our habit of travelling as passengers so providing this service, the travelling passenger needs to be incentivised. Paul talked about the current situation of expanding populations and subsequent traffic congestion and considered options such as widening roads, increasing public transport, introducing a toll or the most favoured, incentivise shared trips.
The fabulous 'Have A Go' sailing programme had a total of 250 students (mainly Polynesian children) from 12 schools participate from 1-17 May. The Programme Instructors Maria and Justin spoke about the fantastic three weeks inspiring the kids to give sailing "a go". They both said the Programme encouraged the students to try really hard - even through a few tears - with a focus on fitness and nutrition and advised how they pushed participants out of their comfort zone, using a very apt quote from an elite Olympian 'you are tougher than you think you are'.
Maria said she started sailing as an 8 year old in Argentina and Justin has been sailing for about 50 years commencing as a 4 year old! He is very accomplished in lake and around the world sailing. They are both passionate about the benefits and opportunities in sailing.
Next year we hope to see the programme expand the participation from currently 12 schools to 20 schools. Grateful thanks is extended to Gary Key for the coordination of this event.
Another community Rotary project completed - thanks to assistance from Mark H, Gary K, Aubrey, Avi & Kyle! Now the school has this great flower garden plot (pictured below) there is an opportunity that with David Hartstone's connection at Kings Plant Barn, the school may get some support for flower plants (???) Watch this space.
Many thanks to Miles for coordinating another great school garden project. (Pictured Gary, Aubrey, Miles and Kyle).
Tom Street advises that our Club will have (potentially) up to 11 candidates attending RYLA this year. So, well done everyone who pushed and prodded applicants to apply for this great programme. Tom's and his team of RYLA interviewers were kept very busy!
Tom would like up to six (6) volunteers to help transport our RYLA participants out to Willow Park, from either their homes in Auckland or a designated meeting point. Our participants (including their gear) need to be at Willow Park Christian Camp (Eastern Beach) before 7.30am on Saturday 30 June. We also need six (6) volunteers to collect them a week later . Keep in mind you need to allow room for the adult participant and a large tramping/gear pack.
Please email Tom if you are able to assist as a Transporter.
Many Rotarian's were privileged to hear Dr Dickinson present at last year’s 9920 District Conference or have heard her at other functions. She is so inspiring, our Club is happy to give her latest project a plug – particularly as it has a ‘donation’ option which will appeal to many of us.
Did you join Rotary to do good things in the community?
You can help or join in all projects (whatever the committee), just contact the committee director and/or project team leader. In most cases, you can include family and friends.
.jpg)
Paul Minett of Trip Convergence Ltd spoke to the Club on his innovative scheme to solve Auckland’s traffic congestion problems without building infrastructure, and without congestion pricing. In a nutshell his system is called 'reverse tolls' where people are paid to travel as passengers in preference to driving their own car. He said it's not only an Auckland let alone a New Zealand problem but a global challenge. Paul said that it's not in our habit of travelling as passengers so providing this service, the travelling passenger needs to be incentivised. Paul talked about the current situation of expanding populations and subsequent traffic congestion and considered options such as widening roads, increasing public transport, introducing a toll or the most favoured, incentivise shared trips. 
Tom Street advises that our Club will have (potentially) up to 11 candidates attending RYLA this year. So, well done everyone who pushed and prodded applicants to apply for this great programme. Tom's and his team of RYLA interviewers were kept very busy!
