Congratulations RC of St Johns for hosting another successful Golf Tournament today. Everyone involved had a great day. We are extremely grateful to David H for championing the Tournament, to Freightways for their sponsorship, to Wayne our Auctioneer from Maguires One Team, and to our members who were able to volunteer their time to help today.
Given the concerns about Covid-19, we are very pleased the Tournament was able to run. We only went ahead after close consultation with our sponsor and advice from the Ministry of Health.
We are also going ahead with our meeting this coming Thursday. This is a challenging time and the Board is taking advice on the feasibility and safety of continuing with weekly meetings. This will be discussed fully on Thursday, along with club updates and the planned committee meetings. Please refer to the info below for more advice on Covid-19.
I look forward to seeing everyone who is comfortable to come along on Thursday morning and continue to urge you all to take the advised precautions with regard to protecting yourself and others from this virus.
Your Board would like to bring the following information, from the NZ Ministry of Health, to the attention of all members!
Rotarians are a super-friendly lot which is why we enjoy our Rotary so much. There are many friendships made thanks to Rotary and at other times we just really enjoy the company of our fellow Rotarians, partners and supporters.
But it seems, just for the moment, the welcoming handshakes, hugs and hongi's may not be the best idea as mentioned here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm… and increasingly in official advice.
So let's not lose the expressions of friendship and friendliness and find some other way ... for the moment. (and if you must shake hands then remember to wash them after ... we will all understand).
President "Reliable Robyn" was introduced to the meeting of 26 members. This followed members being welcomed at the door with a vast array of greetings which didn't involve hugging and shaking hands, as we all become more and more conscious of the impact that COVID-19 is starting to have on us all! President Robyn also generously provided Hand Sanitizer for members.
The big news of the morning was the Golf Tournament update from David H, confirming that all sponsorship holes had been sold! Thanks to all who have been involved in some way for what will be a very successful event!
Change-over: Robyn announced that Change-over has been confirmed for Friday June 26th. More details to follow, but please put this date in the diary now for what is a very important event on the Rotary Calendar. Please note that the regular morning meeting on Thursday June 25th will be cancelled.
The scheduled Guest Speakers on the day were to be Grant and Karen from the Remuera Golf Club. Unfortunately both were unwell and instead we had the pleasure of listening to Karee, the Clubs Relationship Manager, who gave us an update on Club plans.
Starting construction shortly, and due to be completed by September 2020, will be a new two level Driving Range, providing 20 additional bays. The building will also include new meeting rooms, bar and lounges and the facility will be an excellent addition, not only for the club, but also for the community, which the RGC sees as an important part of their place in the city.
Karee also talked about their sustainability plans as well as their strategy, which included delivering the following;
Happy Members, Guests and Community
A Great Club Experience
Financially Strong
Quality
A Premier Course with Engaged Employees
For someone who was given very little notice and who shared with us that she is not experienced in speaking to an audience, Karee did a superb job bringing the Rotary Club members up to date with upcoming planed development at the RGC and we look forward to utilizing the new facilities when they become available.
It's only a matter of a few hours since our Annual Golf Tournament and all players, supporters and volunteers, were assembled in the Club House for post tournament refreshments and prize giving.
Although it will be a few days before we have a final number of funds raised, a huge thank you goes out to David Hartstone and all other members and friends who assisted in securing; teams, sponsors and volunteers. Also once again a big thank you to Grant Nicholas and the Remuera Golf Club for their support and cooperation.
A big thank you also goes to our primary sponsor, FREIGHTWAYS!!! Sincere thanks for your efforts to ensure the tournament was a success.
A few photo's from the day are visible by clicking on "Read More" below, with more photos to be included in the next Bulletin.
Project Forum - Our monthly opportunity for members to be updated on status of projects underway, new projects to be discussed and to learn how you can participate to ensure all our activities are successful.
Plus plus plus - Snap Chat spot - John Cornaga, and Claire Lucas will deliver an ONJA update - Claire recently returned from Madagascar.
THURSDAY MARCH 26th - BREAKFAST MEETING:
GUEST SPEAKER - ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HELEN PETOUSIS-HARRIS. With the COVID-19 Virus impacting on our lives at the moment, in so many ways, this is a talk not to be missed! Read on for details from Helen's CV.
Helen is a vaccinologist, and associate professor in the area of General Practice and Primary Health Care, and the Director of the Vaccine Datalink and Research Group. Since 1998 she has been involved in immunisation-related research in New Zealand including clinical, social science, epidemiological and health systems. Her main research areas are vaccine safety and vaccine effectiveness and currently she is co-leading the Global Vaccine Data Network, a multinational consortium dedicated to collaboration in vaccine safety studies. She is a media spokesperson on vaccines and vaccination, a science communicator, and she also teaches undergrad and post grad courses.
Patricia is an expat from the USA who works as the South Island Partnership Manager for World Vision. She joined Rotaract in 2012 and was President of her club. She visited Haiti and volunteered in the Dominican Republic teaching English. It was at that time that she came to the realisation that all kids are the same no matter rich or poor - they have the same dreams and aspirations and it turned her life's goals away from the fashion industry, to one of service.
Patricia is now a member of Rotary in Christchurch and she has contributed strongly to both the development of her club and Rotaract.
We also have two other highlights on the night; Presentation of the "Totara Award", and a short presentation from Tasma Fulford, who recently experienced an Outward Bound Course thanks to the generosity of St. Johns Rotary. RSVP to Allan now!
WOW! Not even a month has passed and the growth in the St. Johns Rotary built and sponsored gardens at St. Pius X School Gardens is significant. The picture below says it all!!
A fun 2 Day, interactive seminar that builds Rotary knowledge and develops leadership skills - and you are invited at no cost to you! Interested, talk to Robyn or Beryl.
The following email regarding this event was received from PDG Leaanne Jaggs
"Hi all,
If you are wanting a bit of exercise, promote the Rotary brand & name, plus meet some fun & exciting people, this event is for you.......
Rotary Club Manukau Sunrise Inc has registered to be a part of "Relay for Life" which is being held on the Sat 4th April from 3pm through to Sunday 5th April 8am. During this time, we have to have one member walk & hold a batten during the entire time we are there, so we are hoping other club members who love walking, will want to be a part of this. You might only be able to do an hour or 2, but that is perfect. We just need to know.
We will have a tent for those wanting to rest or sleep, plus our Rotary banners. Those walking, please feel free to walk in your Rotary club t-shirts etc. You have a great chance to talk to many while walking in pretty much circles, but it is a great time for all involved, so please let me know if anyone is keen & what approx time you can do, as we will have to let the event advisors know, so you can get in etc, as safety hot on their list etc.
Please note this is for EVERYONE, not just the woman in your clubs.
Getting out & about before Winter hits, giving you the opportunity to have a chat with members from other clubs & just a feel good morning.
Approx 5km & you just follow the Rotary Windmills.
Ending up having a coffee or brunch at Cornwall Park Cafe.
9am start at Cornwall Park Rotunda (the one by the café & close to carpark)
The park 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 at your own pace etc. It is not a race)
Some points to note:
Cornwall Park don’t allow any type of fundraising, so please 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. Everyone welcome
For more information, please contact: PDG Leanne Jaggs Email: leanne@searlegroup.co.nz Ph: 021908644
Many of us will have the need for surgery at some stage in our lives, so the following is likely to be of interest to many.
This free event is being promoted by the club, as an acknowledgement of our appreciation of the University making available the high profile speaker who we have scheduled to speak at our Meeting on March 26th - ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR HELEN PETOUSIS-HARRIS.
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
The scheduled Guest Speakers on the day were to be Grant and Karen from the Remuera Golf Club. Unfortunately both were unwell and instead we had the pleasure of listening to Karee, the Clubs Relationship Manager, who gave us an update on Club plans. 
Although it will be a few days before we have a final number of funds raised, a huge thank you goes out to David Hartstone and all other members and friends who assisted in securing; teams, sponsors and volunteers. Also once again a big thank you to Grant Nicholas and the Remuera Golf Club for their support and cooperation.
Sincere thanks for your efforts to ensure the tournament was a success.
Helen is a vaccinologist, and associate professor in the area of General Practice and Primary Health Care, and the Director of the Vaccine Datalink and Research Group. Since 1998 she has been involved in immunisation-related research in New Zealand including clinical, social science, epidemiological and health systems. Her main research areas are vaccine safety and vaccine effectiveness and currently she is co-leading the Global Vaccine Data Network, a multinational consortium dedicated to collaboration in vaccine safety studies. She is a media spokesperson on vaccines and vaccination, a science communicator, and she also teaches undergrad and post grad courses.
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