Rotary D9930 Conference 2017 “It really was magic” 

Six members from Kawerau Club attended along with Valentine our exchange student. And we had a magical time, thank you ---- Ses Webster and her team did an amazing job organising the event along with DG Keith and it was grand to see them recognised in the Rotary way with PHFs at the closing.  Ian Finch was a superb MC with a great balance between humour and worthwhile thoughtful comments; he kept everything hanging together. 

 

As always it was fun catching up with Rotary friends from across the district. Some notes from the Bulletin author about some of the speakers and happenings over the three days ----

 

The opening evening at the Mataatua Marae began our journey together with the magical story of the marae that came home.  It was an authentic experience that provided an opportunity for engagement with the people of Ngati Awa as the visitors were welcomed and introduced to Whakatane.  The Bay of Plenty weather played its part for sunset drinks and nibbles on the grassed area in front of the wharenui.

 

We were very proud to see all our RYE students together and with their flags; and we thoroughly enjoyed their interpretation of life and activities  in New Zealand.

Dr Johann Morreau, a pediatrician from Rotorua, spoke about the importance of “The First 1000 Days” in a child’s life. It is the window of opportunity for the next 30,000 days, and we must challenge the status quo and the current approaches to child health and wellbeing.   “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.” -- Mandela “Ahakoa he iti, Ite iti Pounamu --- Although it is small, it is precious.”

 

Therese Simonsen from Denmark was an IYE student and she spoke about the magic it wove on her life and her families.  She is now living back in NZ and working as a physiotherapist.

 

Mike Sandle is the team manager of the Black Caps.  He spoke about the importance of the team functioning well and then the individuals flourish --- the support staff is important and the whole environment around the game must be embraced; the members must respect their game and have fun.

 

Kiwi Trust and Predator Free NZ are “our”  EBOP projects; and Bridget Palmer, DOC, told the story of the success of 300+  Kiwis living so close to an urban environment making Whakatane the Kiwi Capital of the World --- stoat traps were displayed and sold.

 

Saturday night was party night, and it was all things magical in “black and white” --- the wine and the laughter flowed; the dinner was delicious, and the music had everyone up dancing --- fun times!

 

Caitlin Papuni-McLellan told her inspiring story of winning the 2015 ANZ ANZAC Cyril Bassett VC speech competition and represented NZ at the Gallipoli 100 year commemorations. She told us about all the magic that has evolved into her life as part of that journey.

 

Nola Ardern from Otumoetai Rotary Club shared about the humanitarian project progressed through partnerships that have enabled the building of a toilet block for Vuna School in Taveuni, Fiji.  She said it was exciting, humbling and rewarding magic.

 

Robin Skelton told us about the “Kiwi Can” project that involves all 5 of the Rotorua clubs.  It is a Graeme Dingle Foundation activity based program based on values to help defeat bullying, truancy and youth offending in Primary and Intermediate Decile 1 to 3 schools.  To assist with the necessary funding a hat was passed around and over $1450 collected with a promise of more to come.    “Children are the living message we send to a future we cannot see” (Neil Postman)

Peter Offer from Coventry, UK, attended the conference as the Rotary International Director and he spoke about 100 years of the Foundation and its world-wide challenge of helping the needy. The challenge of membership and 30 years of the Polio Plus Program.

 

Jonathan Usher from Dunedin was our real magician and he amazed us with his sleight of hand.  He and DG Keith shared a beer from a bottomless can, and he formed a band of magical xylophonists to play Happy Birthday to the Foundation.

 

Sir Ray Avery spoke about “The Power of Magic” --- he is a successful scientist, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  He said that if you have the belief, you can do anything. Impossible is just a starting point for Kiwis, they just say OK and then go on and just do it.  Three things that make Kiwis different are that they are not fond of rules; they have no respect for the status quo, they are game changers, and they dare to dream ---- they create magic because they can.

 

A casual barbecue on the lawn outside the War Memorial Hall was a fitting way to complete our time together --- it was a chance to strengthen friendships and to make plans for the year ahead --- and to talk about the magic we will take back to our respective towns, clubs, and families.

 

See you all next year in Taupo for journeys that are making a difference.