St Johns Rotary (Mar 26) (Mar 20, 2018)

A fast paced exciting and vibrant meeting with Hugh Scott-Russell giving us not only an insight into his background but also gave a fascinating insight into the world of fruit sorting with Compac where he works as a global logistics manager. Who would have ever known that fruit such as Kiwi fruit is scrutinised so much before reaching the supermarket sales counter?

We heard from Vai (Auckland Central Interact Club) on projects they have started and are planning. They are looking for mentors so this would be a great opportunity to get involved with a dynamic group of young people.

The Fund Raising Tournament was a resounding success and raised $32,680. We will be talking to Sub 60 regarding ongoing sponsorship.

We have a busy couple of months coming up with great speakers so remember to get involved and support the greatest Rotary Club in the Biosphere.

(Past President David Hartstone)

Golf Tournament Update

Some of our lovely volunteers...

Guest Speaker - Hugh Scott-Russell

Posted by Robyn Ingram

Hugh stuck to the “pacey” theme of today’s meeting and packed a lot of information into a short presentation. (Which made it somewhat difficult to accurately record!)

He has been in Auckland for two years and prior to that was in South Africa, Canada, Indonesia and Brazil. He is South African, his wife is English and there was some mention of Australian’s in the family (but we won’t hold that against him). He has two sons attending St Kentigern’s, and a Golden Retriever (who stays at home).

After 20 years in the mining industry Hugh felt it was time to move on and in NZ he became involved with Compac and TOMRA. What do they do? World wide they are the leading provider of bottle recycling (which Huge advised, NZ is well behind on) and they also “deliver solutions to the world’s leading packhouses”. This is “AgTech” stuff e.g. very clever computerised huge machines which sort every type of fruit.

The AgTech revolution is all about protecting and enhancing the fresh fruit brand promise; and in amazingly quick time Hugh threw terminology like decommoditization, singulated and individual rotation at us.

He gave us great insight on how this amazing technology can sort 600 fruit a minute, eliminating hand sorting and bringing maximum value for farmers. As these clever machines sort, grade and size; the computers also use a high definition camera to check for sweetness, blemishes, rot, fungus, etc. All ensuring only quality produce ends up on shelves. (Huge let slip that actually, the highest grade fruit in NZ ends up on shelves in Asia!)

Thanks Hugh – in double quick time you have added a new dimension of interest to our fresh fruit shopping.

Vaimoana Lolohea
President Auckland Roteract

Posted by Robyn Ingram

We were lucky to have the very charming and energetic Vai from Rotaract Auckland City talk with us this morning. Keeping to the brief for a “pacey” meeting this morning, in a very short time she explained her Rotaract club had a small but solid membership of 10-15!

Most of them are going to Fiji for the Rotaract Conference (taking place on Friday 6 April, before District 9920 Conference) but while there they have organised to visit an Orphanage, a Rest Home and two schools!

Her club members have been collecting gifts to donate and have amassed such a lot to give that their 10 boxes of books, 3 commode chairs, adult diapers, magazines and other bits and pieces need to be shipped over separately. While visiting the Schools Vai advised they want to look at how they can improve water and sanitation services; so they have arranged to meet with school personnel and the children to specifically discuss the best way they can help.

Vai said her club was open to expertise, so if St John’s members have any to share with her club, don’t hold back. Thanks Vaimoana – your energy and enthusiasm will ensure your club’s upcoming projects in Fiji are extremely well received.

RYPEN 23 to 25 March 2018

Posted by Ainie Kwok

The weekend weather forecast of heavy rain and thunder did not dampen of those involved in organising another fun and inspirational RYPEN program held at Sir Peter Blake Marine Educational Reserve Centre, Long Bay Auckland. The 68 students from 25 schools including 5 students from International Youth Exchange Programs attended the weekend camp. Our speakers for the weekend include MP for Tamaki, Simon O’Connor, Lee Warn and Nick Tuatasi with the students engaging with the speakers with vigour and thought provoking questions. During the day, the team from MERC were exuberant in encouraging the students in team building exercise and in perseverance and cooperation. Thank you the Rotaractors for getting involved as team leaders and the members of Rotary Club of St Johns for their enthusiasm in making the RYPEN camp a memorable weekend for the students.

Sergeants Challenge

Sergeant Michelle has a challenge for everyone attending next week’s meeting.

Come adorned with an Easter Bonnet, hat, Ears (or something) or PAY UP!

Tidbits

Glen Taylor School "Islands Style" Mufti Day – organised totally by student leaders, funds collected will be going to Taveuni. The children raised over $250 (their biggest collect ever). Awesome to see such enthusiasm for helping those less fortunate.

Glen Taylor School Cultural Festival - next Thursday 29th March. All the children are involved and so is their principal (clubmember) Chris H! All welcome.

Walking Stars – anyone interested in putting a team together, please contact Michelle Forman. Email: mertie.forman@gmail.com

Quiz Challenge - Past President Anil (now with Glenfield) attended last weeks meeting and challenged members to enter a team into Glenfield's upcoming Quiz Night. Challenge accepted Anil, we'll report how we did at next meeting.

Pictured: Aubrey, Ainie, Anil and David.

ANZAC Breakfast

An Evening with Jennifer Jones

Upcoming Projects and Lead Coordinators

13 April	10 Pin Bowling (TBA) Club Social Event
25 April	ANZAC Breakfast (Michele M)
7 May	The Great Rotary Debate (Nic, Hugh, Chris) St Johns v Auckland East
6-13 May	Have a Go Sailing (Gary K) 12 schools involved

Club Contacts

President: Peter Buchanan 027 434 1832

Secretary, Treasurer: Alex Gatt

Apologies: Alex Gatt 021 571 722 or gatt@xtra.co.nz

President Elect: Allan Smith

Sergeant Major: John Cornaga

Club Services Director: Brian Fergus bfergus@xtra.co.nz

Bulletin Editors: Annie Tyson & Robyn Ingram

Membership Director: Allan Smith ASmith@accessable.co.nz

Club Email: stjohnsrotary@gmail.com

Our Meetings

We meet Thursday for breakfast at 7 am for 7.15 am start,

except for the first Thursday of the month,

when we meet in the evening at 6 pm for dinner.

Remuera Golf Club

120 Abbotts Way, Remuera, Auckland, 1072

New Zealand

All Rotarian's are welcome including family members.

Others wanting to visit are most welcome to contact:

Allan Smith ASmith@accessable.co.nz

Setup

Herlihy, Chris

Administration

Millar, Toni

Greeter

Walsh, Peter

Speaker Host

Fergus, Brian

Standby

Gerrard, Tricia

Thanks & Close

Francis, Andy

ANZAC Breakfast

Apr 25, 2018
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Debate Rotary St Johns v Auckland East

May 07, 2018 5:30 PM

BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN OUR VIBRANT CLUB

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.

Enjoy your Rotary: Be an active Rotarian