Norm Bruning is a most genuine Rotarian and a most genuine member of the Western Bay Of Plenty community who only seeks to work for the benefit and betterment of all.This has been an absolute lifelong commitment that he shares with his wife Maureen – here tonight - his three sons and now their families.
Norm has not only held the office of President of the Rotary Club of Otumoetai in 1994 – 1995 but he has over the years taken on very many other roles and importantly offered and spent time mentoring other members into the various roles they have volunteered to undertake.
Norm not only freely gives of his time he is a store of invaluable knowledge which he is happy to share.
A very regular attendee at all Rotary community working bees – including this past weekend - and all Rotary events he is very often supported by Maureen and other family members.
As a Regional Councillor Norm has completed three terms - 2013 to 2022 - during which he has consulted widely, listened carefully, and bought his own sound decision to the council table. Active in council debates his opinion has been sought by many. He worked closely with Iwi over this time and as Chairperson of the Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme Advisory Group he had a significant input into a vital change ensuring a sustainable environmental future for a unique area treasured by Iwi and Paheka alike.
Norm’s ongoing commitment to the conservation of ‘his’ local area has been highlighted by him now chairing the Manaaki Kaimai Trust to ensure the eventual eradication of predators from the area. He has sought and gained significant funding, guided the Trust into a secure position and the Trust has made significant progress towards its objectives. His nine years on the Regional Council was preceded by 18 years as a Western Bay of Plenty District Councillor where he learnt the art of local government and completed much work for the Maketu district.
Norm has been a dairy farmer all his life inheriting a family farm which he successfully worked until it came time to hand over to the next generation. However, his contribution to farming did not stop at his own gate as he has been a very active member of a number of WBOP farming organizations and taken time to travel overseas to learn more. Again this knowledge he has shared with others.
Interested in the past and with considerable knowledgeable of his local community he assisted Maureen in the writing of the History of the ‘Families of Omokoroa’. This is a quality and informed publication treasured by many and records for all time the early life of this district.
It is with the greatest of pleasure and respect that tonight we award Norm Bruning a second Paul Harris Fellow for his tireless service to this Rotary club and the community in which he has lived his life.