Our Last Posting - District Changeover

Last night District 9940 held its Changeover in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Levin's, the home of DGE Deb and Neville Gimblett, Changeover.  This was a great occasion for us to reflect back on the year that was.




We started the year by challenging clubs to Push Boundaries an

d Make Change Real - many clubs took up this challenge and it is great to see some clubs changing and growing.  Along with any change it is important to remember the core theme of Rotary, Service Above Self, and our core values; Fellowship, Diversity, Leadership, Integrity, and Vocational.  We were pleased to see the return of the GSE/VTT exchange this year and two Rotarians attend the Peace Forum in Hiroshima, who took the Peace Cranes that many clubs had made to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima. 

Our lasting memory of the year will be the people that we met on our travels and of the great work that they do in the community and for Rotary, and of the clubs and their commitment to our great organization.





As we look back we wish to thank everyone who have assisted us through the year and made us feel welcome as we have travelled around District.

We are looking forward to a rest and travel before we see what challenges Rotary will offer us in the future.

To DG Deb and Neville, we wish you a great journey on your year ahead and to Anthony and Nicky, Simon and Brad all the best in your planning ahead.


And so from Christine and I it is a big thank you and good bye for now, we will catch up again soon.

Christine and Graeme

A Busy Week in Our Final Week as DG

As our year as District Governor comes to an end we have had a busy final week.  It began last Sunday with a Wellington 3 Cluster Meeting which saw the outgoing Presidents from 2012-13 and incoming Presidents get together for dinner.  AG Vince handed the reigns across to Simon Manning as incoming AG.  It was an evening of much fun, laughter, and reminiscing of the past year.  Our thanks to Vince and all of the Presidents for a great year.

Wellington 3 Cluster

DG with now PP Paul

DG, new President Jaye, and PP Paul

Monday we attended Eastern Hutt Changeover where a PHF was awarded to Club member Paddy for his work in the local community and a number of other members were recognised for their  contributions to the club through the year.  It was also a great pleasure to be able to award to the Club a RI Presidential Citation, at fitting recognition for the huge amount of work that the Club does in the local community.  Our congratulations to Paul and his team for a great year.

Presentation of RI Presidential
Citation to President Bob
and President Elect Ron

PDG Dexter and DG Graeme

Tuesday was our own Club, Plimmerton's, Changeover and Recognition night.  A moving night for Chris and I as it was our last opportunity to address the club as DG and thank President Bob and the club for the huge support that they have given us over the past 3 years.  It was also a great honour to be awarded a PHF Sapphire Pin by the Club - very unexpected.   This honour also goes to Chris for all of her support through the year and club members.  It was also great to be able to present the club with a RI Presidential Citation and Certificate of Achievement award for the Pauhatanui Pathway Project.

Past President Monty new President Anna

President Anna receiving
the RDU Award

Wednesday was Wellington South Changeover.  Another great night where we were able to award a Community PHF to James Coyle for his work in the local community and Christchurch in using his musical talents to support other musicians in the areas.  It was also great to be able to present to incoming President Anna a certificate from RDU in recognition of her article in RDU on EB.





Thursday was a night away from Rotary attending a good friends 70th and farewell other good friends as they head away on a 4 month world travel adventure.





Friday was our final Changeover for the week when we attended Hutt Valley's changeover.  Another great night.  It was great to hear Tom Aitkens singing at the event.  He  has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson to further his opera singing skills and we are sure he has a great future ahead of him and we will hear more of him in the years to come.

Ton Aitken (center right)

And so to tonight when we will be at the Levin Club Changeover when we will hand over the chain of office to DGE Deb.  We will report on our last official function as DG tomorrow.

All the best
Chris and Graeme

Pink Ribbon Street Appeal 11-12 October - volunteers needed

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to work with Rotary and contribute to polio eradication for next 5 years

Today at the International Convention, Jeff Raikes, Chief Executive Officer of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced for the next five years, every dollar Rotary commits in direct support for polio eradication--up to US$35 million per year-- will be doubled by the Gates Foundation. That means when Rotary commits US$35 million per year we will receive US$70 million per year from the Gates Foundation.

In order to spend US$35 million per year we must raise US$35 million per year.  I have no doubt that together, we can do this. We have a long history of clubs and districts exceeding their polio eradication contribution goals.  In our 1986 to 1988 initiative, we had a goal of US $120 million; we raised $247 million. In 2002-2005, the goal was $80 million and we raised $135 million. In 2008-2012, the goal was $200 million and we raised $228 million, meeting and surpassing that Gates Foundation challenge.

DDF contributions are essential to support global eradication efforts.  To encourage continued support, 2012-13 DDF contributions to PolioPlus will be matched US$.50 from World Fund for every US$1.00 of DDF, up to US$3.5 million.  There is still World Fund match available. Thanks to the extension of our partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation a DDF gift of US$2 would result in a total contribution for polio eradication of US$9. If your District still has DDF available I would encourage you to consider making an allocation to PolioPlus.

We promised the children of the world that we would eradicate polio, and Rotarians keep their word. We are this close, and getting closer every day. Thanks to you, we will End Polio Now.

Sincerely,

John F. Germ
Vice Chair
International PolioPlus Committee

New Plymouth West Rotary helps out Oakura School

The Rotary Club of New Plymouth West recently gave support to Oakura School with setting up an Envior Centre.  Part of this has included a 'School Makeover' day where students, parents and members of Rotary assisted with planting out areas of the school grounds.  Students will start monitoring the plants, birds and wildlife in the area as a baseline that can be used to track the positive impact the school is having on the area.

Otaki Rotary's Celebrity Debate

Rotary Club of Makino - Fantasy in Lights