I am delighted to report I have had another busy and productive Rotary week, and do you know what? I’m loving all the Rotary stuff I now have the opportunity to get involved with. Thank you all for giving me the opportunity to be your President and get stuck-in to “serve above self” for the best Rotary Club. 😊
Please be assured your Directors are working hard to keep you all informed and engaged with the many, many activities our club is involved with – alongside looking at possible new projects, activities, potential fund raisers; and developing some new initiatives. We are a busy Club!
As your President, currently top of my “hit list” is Membership. Please see my report further on in this Bulletin about what I currently see as being of utmost importance to our Club, and what the Membership Committee is working on as a result.
Meanwhile – I’m the first to admit I know (um) stuff-all about Yachting, so I found last week’s speaker [David Abercrombie from Yachting NZ] really interesting and it was great to hear first-hand just how much RCSJ’s commitment to the “Volvo Sailing… Have A Go” has meant to them.
My Rotary highlights for last week included attending RC of Pukekohe’s meeting; organising Gonza into work (?) for a day in a Year 2 (seven year olds) primary school class (he was a “hit”); a stint of MS Collecting; meeting with the 30th Anniversary celebration committee; hosting an additional three RYE students to watch the Rugby; and attending the monthly Cluster Meeting to ‘compare and share’ with four other Presidents and our super-supportive Assistant Governor, Dennis Millard.
Which reminds me: RCSJ Members, we have two important events which should be in your diary. Our ONJA evening meeting (3 October) RSVPs a must; and our 30th Anniversary Celebration (7 December). Start digging please to find a photo of yourself 30 years ago and any photos from great projects you were involved with over the years to submit to: katrinabell@xtra.co.nz. A new flyer with full 30th Anniversary Celebration details on it will be released later on this week.
I look forward to seeing you all this Thursday morning for the usual great fellowship, lovely breakfast and interesting speaker.
President "Rollicking" Robyn presided over a small group of 21 members and two guests, including ADG Dennis Millard, who enjoyed a very good talk from David Abercrombie, CEO of Yachting New Zealand.
Yachting New Zealand represent the needs and interests of member clubs, classes, organisations and their members from grassroots upwards. The array of activity they undertake includes;
Training and education,
National programmes,
Building club capability,
Advocacy and representation
Promotion,
Technical and safety support for boat owners
An information hub,
Enabling funding,
Supporting pathways to high performance and
Connection to world sailing,
David was very complimentary towards St. Johns Rotary for their long and generous support of "Have A Go" sailing programme and the "St. Johns Rotary Youth Yachting Scholarship", which helps fund young home grown sailors with their international start.
Kevin,who will shortly be taking time off for medical treatment, welcomed all.
He briefed the meeting that we had been fortunate to receive a further grant from District. Their $2,500 will be matched by the Club. He advised that meant that the Discovery Foundation would not receive an increase in funding, but would be under pressure to take the programme to a higher level to meet our commitment to District. Chris who graciously provides the venue each year – without charges – noted the established early second term dates for Discovery might have to be adjusted. Glen Taylor School would be launching its Well Being Programme, involving Butterbean and Dr Sharad Paul in mid-late March. Blair has necessary info.
Trees for Survival. Trees to be planted locally this year. Murray has stepped forward to co-ordinate the move to a local planting, integrating it with the NIWA water quality testing kits provided to Glendowie School. Via separate input from Megan, who had been in touch with Shelley Katae, a senior executive at TRC. Katae recommended consultation with a local historian before going any further. Kevin noted that the source of the Omaru Creek was, until the extensive pipelaying and building around Tamaki College, (a Rotary Auckland East school, so needs notification thereof to club) was likely threatened, because the school’s famous Wet Garden had dried up. Murray has identified other creeks in the area. A compromise first project might keep the trees being grown by GD Primary and planted, with advice and Auckland Council approval on the siting on the banks. The GDC ‘Global Issues’ group. Alex Gatt can be tapped for support again this year.
Dictionaries in Schools. Kevin will meet with Allison Hamilton, principal, Ruapotaka School to discuss their participation in this, Junior Citizenship and Have-a-Go, later in September. They are the poorest school we deal with and might need transport funding again this year? She has all the necessary info for contacting the schools. Global Atlases need to be assessed and budgeted for.
Toothbrushes/paste in Schools. Penny L will continue to focus her efforts on St Pius School where she replaces toothbrushes each term and encourages the recipients to take their older one home. The programme achieved great success over many years in Otahuhu. She has access to a $3,200 Trust Fund. GI School and Ruapotaka both want to be on board. Penny to send info to Graham with a view to getting possible support on cheaper toothpaste sources. She has all info on project.
RYLA - Although promoting RYLA 2019/20 began nearly a year ago, Tom wants to get going this calendar year, contacting local businesses to increase the sponsored attendees we put forward in 2020. He also needs additional support in casting our net wider to increase the quality of attendees. Alex to budget again.
As Membership Director last year, I became acutely aware of a mass of membership related work needing time and more than one person to address. I was therefore, really pleased to twin our one Membership Director into two; and establish a whole new committee (team) to really get “stuck-in” on this multi-faceted internal work – which is already having positive impact for our members.
So far, your membership committee has:
Created our Club Project Database so all members can clearly see the what, when, how and who’s of each of our projects. Available from the Membership Directors in hard-copy, they are currently working on “sharing” this info to all members via Clubrunner.
New Member Pot-Luck Dinner – invites are out for this event backdating to all last year’s new members and their buddies and including this year’s newest members.
Buddy/Mentor Info Packs – under construction. Feedback suggests the job of mentoring new members could be done much, much better and we’ll be retro-addressing this at the New Members dinner; and soon will be providing new member mentors with an updated pack on the What’s and How’s; and quick workshop on the sorts of things they need to share.
Meeting Attendance Vs Project Service – for some of our members, service via meeting duties and attendance is hugely important; for other members their priority is service via projects and activities (like collecting for MS). Should we be looking at a mandatory attendance percentage as criteria for membership; or does the mantra “less meeting more doing” say it all? Your Membership Committee are looking at this conundrum. This is a puzzle that affects our club, and rest assured, is a Rotary Club puzzle worldwide. I’m actively working with the membership committee on how to address this puzzle. To this end, we are trying hard to tie-in meeting speakers with projects; and we are trying hard to schedule our own members to do not only short two-minute snap-chats; but also to encourage our members to regale us with reports of recent travels; activities; careers; and passions!
Four Way Test – at Board level we have plans to workshop how we are applying the Four-Way test to our perspective and actions as Directors and how this has a trickle-down effect to members. We have tasked ourselves with developing a “RCSJ Who We Are Culture Statement” to solidify our values and goals to create positive impact.
President Elect – started work with Hugh Scott-Russell on his vision for his Presidential year and roll-out of this.
RCSJ T-Shirts – Our new shirts are gaining some attention! Two ‘other’ clubs have approached us to find out where we got them. Current stock is flying out the door, so if you haven’t got your new shirt, put your order in at the attendance desk on meeting days.
Membership Committee Meetings – this committee has so much to work on they are chatting constantly via email and meeting every fortnight. If you have an query at all that seems to be Membership related, please feel free to send them an email and you can be assured of a response. Directors are: Donald Bowie (donald.bowie.dbc@gmail.com) and Rosemary Such (rosemarysuch14@gmail.com).
There are a lot of other ideas being discussed by the Membership Committee, but I think this is enough of a report to start with! Look out for updates from the Directors at meetings and in the Bulletin and don’t be shy about telling them (and me) how you think we are doing! Feedback is appreciated and helpful.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26th, BREAKFAST MEETING - GUEST SPEAKER GAIL ROMANO:
In her curatorial role Gail is employed at the Auckland Museum, responsible for the huge collection of objects related to New Zealand's war and social histories. Her particular interests include First World War experiences in the Pacific, Gallipoli, and Sinai-Palestine, the Vietnam War and New Zealand's role in more recent conflicts.
Currently she is engaged in two material culture projects. The first is a consideration of the greatcoat as a functional, emblematic and economic object that speaks of many aspects of war experience. The second is an exploration of the medal as a military object with social significance.
In support of Prostate Cancer Awareness month - all members are encouraged to wear a touch of Blue to this meeting.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 3rd, DINNER MEETING - GUEST SPEAKERS, SAM LUCAS & ANDREW PATTERSON, "ONJA"
Be sure to block this date in your diary - this will truly be a fabulous meeting with Sam direct from Madagascar to give us a face to face update on this Rotary International project, which of course St. Johns Rotary is a significant supporters. Sam will be accompanied by Andrew Patterson a well renowned business commentator, who will also give his insights into the project. Andrew has been working side by side with Sam on various aspects of the project and his update will also be one that you won't want to miss. Further details are included in your personal invitation below. To ensure your seat at the dinner, don't hesitate to RSVP to Allan Smith now - then it's done!!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 5th - CURE KIDS SKY TOWER JUMP CHALLENGE:
President Robyn has taken on DG Gary Langford's challenge and agreed to do a Sky Tower Sky Jump with him and other Presidents from D9920. All funds raised are for Cure Kids. You can use the following link to get to the Everyday Hero sponsorship page and support our President, or DG Gary: https://rotaryskyjumpforcurekids.everydayhero.com/nz/rotary-sky-jump-challenge.
Rotary St Johns members are very interested in the Tamaki Regeneration Project and how it is progressing. The club has some strong relationships within this community and is responsible annually for a large number of projects, donations & distributions. The progress and success stories that are coming out of this long term project will be of interest to all club members.
DECEMBER 7th - St. JOHN'S ROTARY CLUB 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:
To be held at Remuera Golf Club - Save the date and mark in your Calendar now! Note: Dec 5th Meeting will be cancelled.
CHRISTMAS / NEW YEAR BREAK:
Last Meeting for 2019 - Thursday December 12th
First Meeting for 2020 - Thursday February 13th
3rd SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 8 am - EASTERN BAYS HOSPICE, DOVE HOSPICE SHOPS GARAGE SALE:
Corner Elizabeth Knox Place and Thomas Peacock Place, (off Morrin Road). Go along and assist with the sale or just go along and shop - some great bargain's. More details from Murray H.
The countdown is on…….District has organised this fun event and invited all club members to join other clubs from District.
Sunday 29th September - rain or shine, 9am start at Cornwall Park Rotunda (the one by the café & close to the carpark)
The walk is approx. 5km long with no need for a map, as route will be laid out for you. Just need to follow the colourful windmills showing you where to turn. Please note you can turn around at any time during walk & do it at your own pace etc. It is not a race!
Some points to note:
- Cornwall Park don’t allow any type of fundraising, so we need to respect their wishes on this. We are, however, allowed to do this ourselves, so a gold coin donation for the walk would be awesome, & proceeds going to Polio Plus.
- Dress up in Rotary colours, whether it be your green Woman in Rotary colour, club colours / t-shirts. Feel free to add tutu’s or other Rotary bling.
- Bring your friends & family as the more the merrier.
- Remember daylight saving the night before…..9am is actually 8am…….
- District will be selling the “Woman in Rotary” green t-shirts. $10.00 each & proceeds going to Polio Plus. Please bring exact $'s as we won’t have change.
Details of this event is on our District 9920 website events page:
Members are encouraged to register via this site so that District have an idea on numbers. Any questions re this event, please contact myself, Leanne Jaggs on leanne@searlegroup.co.nz or 021908644
As per flyer below, club member and founder of ONJA Sam Lucas, along with Andrew Patterson, will be our special guest speakers at our next evening dinner on October the 3rd. You can now RSVP online;
Please use the new super-easy online registration/RSVP system for this event. Please use this system to indicate your attendance OR if you can't attend.
Click onto the link below which directs you to our Event in Clubrunner.
Once into the Event, Click onto the MEMBER registration link on the left
Follow the step-by-step instructions to register yourself and any number of guests.
You can change or update your registration using the same link.
NB: when registering guests, you need to click into the checkbox confirming their permission to be registered. If you are unable to use the link, please RVSP to Allan via his email.
As you will now know, the Rotary Club of St. Johns will be 30 this year, and in recognition of this auspicious occasion, we will celebrate this milestone on SATURDAY DECEMBER 7th 2019, at our home, the Remuera Golf Club.
The Board has formed an anniversary committee to put together a great evening to help celebrate this event as well as the end of year, prior to the Holiday Season. Please be sure to mark your Diary now and don't forget to submit your photo from 2089 - see flyer for details.
Note: The scheduled Club Meeting on December 5th will be cancelled.
Hello everyone, I will tell you what I did the last two weeks....
I spent a wonderful afternoon knowing and enriching myself culturally and historically in the "Auckland War Memorial Museum". I am very impressed with the size of the museum and its structure.
I went to Ohakune with the Robyn family, and every time I travel within New Zealand I fall in love every second more with the green and bright mountainous landscapes, the truth is that the words do not reach me to explain how much peace and freedom they produce. On the way to Ohakune we stopped to have an experience in Otorohanga, "the Kiwi house", and I loved learning from the birds of New Zealand, and I really like to see how New Zealanders are interested in protecting their wildlife, and in general, the percentage of the population knows a lot about local birds, and that is very different in Argentina; I admire a lot how New Zealanders know and value the animals and forests they have.
We were able to ski only one day because the weather was not so good but I enjoyed the weather with Tony and Robyn, we also went for a walk.
We returned to Auckland and went directly to the house of Penny and Warwick Leyland, had a wonderful dinner watching the sea from the dining room and then went to see the magnificent band "Fleetwood Mac" ... I'm still impressed, by the recital, it is ineffable.
I also spent the afternoon friends, we went to the movies, shopping, maccas ...
One day I went to the "Cockle Bay" elementary school where Danielle (Tony and Robyn's daughter) teaches, and I loved how the elementary schools are and we did many nice activities with the children in the class, like drawing flags, singing in Maori , and talking, and yes, they asked many questions and I answered them in the best possible way, obviously with my "funny" accent.
Last Saturday I had an activity for multiple sclerosis with Rotary, so I spent a beautiful morning with Robyn, raising money, my main function was to inflate balloons and give them to the children.
In the afternoon, my friends came home to see Los Pumas vs Fancia, unfortunately Argentina lost (23-21). Two friends stayed to sleep and we really enjoyed the beautiful Sunday afternoon.
Ed's note: A huge thank you from MS and Donald B. to all club members who assisted with the MS Street Appeal last weekend and please click on "Read More" for more pictures of Gonza's recent experiences.
In case you didn't see it, the following story on Sam Lucas featured in the New Zealand Herald on August 17th:
Madagascar doesn't often feature in the headlines. Despite being the subject of a series of hit animated movies in recent years, some people would struggle to pinpoint the country on a map.
It's also one of the more unlikely countries where you would expect to find a New Zealander running his own social enterprise project. Located off the southeast coast of Africa and home to 5 per cent of the world's known biodiversity, including its famous population of lemurs, this former French colony also happens to be the world's fourth largest island.
It's also rated by the UN as one of the world's poorest countries, with an estimated 90 per cent of its 24 million residents living on less than $3 a day. For 29-year-old Sam Lucas, Madagascar has been his home since 2015, after launching an ambitious education and training social enterprise that is already improving the lives of a group of talented students. His is a story of perseverance and determination against the odds that began in 2009.
Over the next few weeks, Christie will be taking orders for this years Rotary Puddings. Every sale reaps the club $5 which all goes towards the numerous youth and community programmes that we support and fund! Don't forget to also get orders from friends and family and don't worry if you over order - they will still be editable for years to come!!
The following update on the ERK assembly program. has been received from ADG Dennis Millard - FYI.
There were no tropical cyclones in the Pacific Islands last year (thankfully), so we have not needed to replenish ERK stocks this year. The cyclone season typically runs from 1st Nov – 30 April, so we await the coming ‘season’. Of course natural disasters can happen at any time so we must always be ready to respond.
The ERK assembly project is always welcomed by Clubs as members can actively participate in a very tangible, meaningful and relatable project. The ERK Team really appreciates the enthusiasm of Rotarians for this project.
When we next need to get the project underway I will be in contact with all D9920 (and some from D9910) Club Presidents and Secretaries calling for volunteers to assist.
At this point I would like to put in a plug in for ERK fundraising. If every Club can sponsor a few ERKs each year then funding becomes less of an issue and we can immediately start a re-stock program if needed. ERK contributions are $600 per ERK (which includes overheads of logistics, insurances, etc).
Kia ora, my name is Marie Jardine and I am a NZ Doctoral student. I have been involved in Rotaract in New Zealand and Germany. I have also participated in RYLA.
I am contacting you about my research, which aims to help older adults with swallowing problems. One of my PhD projects is the first NZ study on people’s opinions about their own swallowing (eating and drinking) and nutrition. I am looking for independent New Zealanders aged 65 years and older, who are willing to answer an online questionnaire (37 questions, about 10 minutes). People are eligible to participate whether they do or do not have swallowing problems.
The President of the Rotary Club of Auckland East has invited members of St. Johns Rotary Club, to join them at Dinner on September 30th and hear Mayoral Candidate, John Tamihere speak.
If you would like to here John andattend another great local Rotary Club meet, please RSVP to their President, Derek Bond.
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.
Yachting New Zealand represent the needs and interests of member clubs, classes, organisations and their members from grassroots upwards. The array of activity they undertake includes;
Rotary St Johns members are very interested in the Tamaki Regeneration Project and how it is progressing. The club has some strong relationships within this community and is responsible annually for a large number of projects, donations & distributions. The progress and success stories that are coming out of this long term project will be of interest to all club members.
Sunday 29th September - rain or shine, 9am start at Cornwall Park Rotunda (the one by the café & close to the carpark)
As you will now know, the Rotary Club of St. Johns will be 30 this year, and in recognition of this auspicious occasion, we will celebrate this milestone on SATURDAY DECEMBER 7th 2019, at our home, the Remuera Golf Club. 
Hello everyone, I will tell you what I did the last two weeks....
Over the next few weeks, Christie will be taking orders for this years Rotary Puddings. Every sale reaps the club $5 which all goes towards the numerous youth and community programmes that we support and fund! Don't forget to also get orders from friends and family and don't worry if you over order - they will still be editable for years to come!! 
The clubs Enviromental Challenge is a nice easy one to remember this month, but one with significant benefit to the environment;
The following update on the ERK assembly program. has been received from ADG Dennis Millard - FYI.
The D9920 Conference will be held 15-17 May 2020
The President of the Rotary Club of Auckland East has invited members of St. Johns Rotary Club, to join them at Dinner on September 30th and hear Mayoral Candidate, John Tamihere speak. 
