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The Speaker said ...

No Speaker because we just milled around at The Light House and enjoyed an evening of warmth and friendship, followed by the movie, Daffodils, that took many back to their younger days. The International Committee did a great job with the organisation and Ian Murray and Christine Blick did us proud with a wonderful array of finger food to satisfy everyone's pallet.

Visitors

Visitors galore to join us for an evening of great company, great food, and great organisation.

Viewpoint

Not from one of our members for a change, but this enlightening opinion written by Samoan New Zealander, Oscar Kightley that featured on Stuff on 31 March is well worth a read. It's about the power of haka. 'In among all the new thinking that's coming to the surface in these past two weeks', he says, 'I've certainly felt a greater appreciation of Māori culture and how it's been able to express the sympathy and love of our nation at a time when it really needed to'. He goes on, 'And I do know, that in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks, as New Zealanders grasped for the right way to express their sorrow, grief and solidarity, there was haka. Kiwis living overseas did haka to express their heartfelt yearning for connection with the communities here. There were high school students with a haka to honour their friends and fellow students who'd been killed. There were Muslim students in Auckland who did a haka to express their solidarity, both with the victims and the country they were a part of'.

This week's happenings

Well ... There was the 2019 Book Fair. That was certainly 'a happening!' I don't know how he found the time, but Allan has written a blog about the lead up to the day, the help he received from Club members, outside organisations and friends (for which he is very grateful) and includes some thoughts about the future of the event. You can read what he has to say and you can browse through the photos on the Gallery page too. 

Coral Aitchison, Convenor of the inward Friendship Exchange Programme writes, 'Many, many thanks for your wonderful New Zealand hospitality offered by you to our Friendship Exchange visitors from Vancouver Island and North coast of Washington, USA. Your generous hospitality was received gratefully by your guests and they have spoken warmly on how much they appreciated your kindness. The varied programme experienced was mentioned many times by your guests and very much appreciated by everyone.

Hot on the heels of the International Friendship Exchange from District 5020, we have received an invitation to record our interest (should we wish to do so) to an International Exchange Programme with District 7850 in Northern New England (USA) and Canada from 26 September to 10 October 2020. The District covers Northern New Hampshire, Northern Vermont and several of the eastern townships in Quebec, Canada. And the dates in question cover the time of year when the Fall colours are famously evident. If you are interested, please ask President Donna for more information.

Snippets

April is 'Maternal and Child Health month'. Alfie Kohn said, 'Children, after all, are not just adults-in-the-making. They are people whose current needs and rights and experiences must be taken seriously'.

Does our indefatigable President ever sit down? Here she is with Paula Williams, President of Porirua Rotary, collecting donations for Christchurch on Race Relations Day.

The Refugee Forum, ChangeMakers, is seeking volunteer driver mentors in Porirua, 'Help a former refugee learn how to drive in 2019'. This is very similar to the programme that has been running for several years with Partners Porirua. They are seeking volunteers who are able to dedicate 2 hours a week in Porirua (in a dual control car!). If you can help, please contact Kate Twyford whose details appear on the attached poster.  Mentor_Driver_Porirua_2019 

Thanks to Graeme Tongs, the Intranet has been updated with the February Board and Charitable Trust Board minutes which you can find in the right column under the heading 'Reports and Accounts' towards the bottom of the page.

What's coming up in April and beyond?

This Saturday, 6 April, has been designated as the Aotearoa / New Zealand Rotary National Day of Celebration of 30 years for Women in Rotary. Starting at 11.00 am, there will be a walk from Wagamama Restaurant to Frank Kitts Park. District Governor Marion will open the event and we will hear from Dame Bev Wakeham and Past District Governor Judy Bain as well as from Maisy Bentley who we know well. There will be musical entertainment from 11.30-12.30 while people can enjoy the packed lunches they have brought or enjoy coffee from the coffee cart and a sausage sizzle. All proceeds and donations will go to WELLfed, empowering and enabling parents to learn how to feed their families well.

Next week, 9 April, there will be a Forum followed by Planning Meetings.

On 16 April, Sue Adams will talk to us about Elder Harm/Abuse, addressing the needs of older people and their families.

You can find information about future events here.

Looking somewhat further ahead, here's a reminder that the Regeneration NZ / AUS Conference will be held from 20 - 22nd September 2019 in Christchurch. The site says, 'Join us in the heart of a new regenerating city to experience the energy of Rotary. Where every age, race and religion come together to build a better place'.

Who’s on duty for the next month?

Unable to do your duty? Please find a replacement and inform Philip Mottram.
If you're a late 'no show' please tell President Donna.
Please arrive at 5.45 pm if you're on Door duty or on Introduction duty to greet the Guest Speaker and be his/her host for the evening.
Need to apologise or bring additional guests?
Advise the Receptionist at Professionals before 10.00 am on the Monday before the meeting on 233 9955 or email paremata@dwre.co.nz if you prefer.
Please provide the name (and spelling if necessary). The same applies if you're going to be late.

Weekly Update - Daffodils - 02 April 2019

 
 
 
Guests are welcome to our Dinner Meetings. 
For apologies or additional guests, please phone or email Phillip Whearty before 10.00 am on Mondays (or before 10.00 am on Tuesdays if Monday is a statutory holiday) on 027 448 9094 or email philip.whearty@harcourts.co.nz

 

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The RI theme for 2018-2019
Be the Inspiration

 
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