Stories

Freshwater our life blood

Water! Water is critical for life as we know it, supporting cells, comprising all body fluids and essential for thought, movement and respiration. Courtesy of the earth’s orbit around the sun, we are in the so called “Goldilocks zone”, where water, ice and water vapour co-exist and our planet hosts the only life in the solar system and likely the Universe. For us freshwater is the most important water, literally our life blood.

Of all the water in the Universe only 2-3% is freshwater and although 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water only 2.5% is freshwater and of that only 1% as available for life. The balance is locked up in glaciers, ice sheets and snowfields.

New Zealand is very fortunate having the rainfall we do and in addition that it is generally well spread throughout the country and evenly through the year. The current water shortage highlights how totally dependent we are on this resource. Our lakes, rivers and streams are the veins and arteries of our great country and we must all ensure they are managed for the benefit of all New Zealanders forever.

Primary production is a major contributor to our GDP, of which dairying contributes some 35% to the economy and represents over 30% of the global dairy trade. Many demonise agriculture especially dairy for poor water quality, but it is by no means the main culprit. Horticulture, forestry as well as sheep and beef production all contribute to the despoliation of water quality, depending largely on the degree of intensification, terrain and suitability of the land for each application.

The primary sector is well aware of the importance of protecting and managing our freshwater resource and in general shares concerns for the impact of extensive land use. Indeed, most farming families are deeply concerned about managing their land sustainably for future generations.

It is important that ‘land is managed by catchment’ with other measures such as riparian fencing being kept in perspective and employed where appropriate. New Zealand is a very rich country in terms of freshwater and the envy of many. Let’s make sure it stays this way and we learn from the lessons of the past such as the demise of the ‘Fertile Triangle’ where man’s poor land management led to considerable land degradation and loss off economic capacity.

What can we do? Obviously, especially now, waste not want not! When you buy a water-consuming appliance check out the water rating. Where you have streams or wetlands on your property manage them thoughtfully and sustainably. Where you can, contribute to water quality projects such as planting with Trees For Survival or the regeneration of Otara Creek where you can “Adopt a Spot”. Be aware, we depend on water for our lives, let us protect with our lives.

Ian Rodger

Forewarned is fore-armed

Rotary turns on many things, friendship and service to others are fundamental but so is networking and business intelligence. Business intelligence we had In every sense of the word, crisp intellect, clear communication and critical insights abounded.

In this moment of history, with great uncertainty and an everchanging landscape, the ability to forecast will make the difference between good and great. An insiders view of the GCR (Yes! Global Covid Recession) opened all our eyes, and minds, to the scope and complexity of the damage the virus has wrought, and the collateral complications of the Reserve Bank and Government recovery and support program.

The discussion ranged from the unusual global capital flows that have resulted from the Covid discontinuity, the sectors of the economy that will be most and least affected, changing consumer behaviour in the new normal and what trends might emerge in the months ahead. Our forecasting ability undoubtedly enhanced.

It is important to note that even though everything we heard was already in the public domain, the organisation of the data presented and synthesis of the insights was masterful. A special meeting and highlight of our program.

Rotoract

Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 at Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, and has grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organisation of over 10,904 clubs spread around the world and 250,792 members in 184 countries. It is a service, leadership, professional and community service organisation (often miscommunicated as a Social Service Club) for young men and women. Recently the formal age range, 18–30, was abolished and folk of any age are eligible for membership.

Becky is born and bred Fijian, and is now the DRR (District Rotaract Representative), co-chair of the MDIO (Multi Distric Organisation) and incoming Rotaract Chair for D9920. Her first Rotaratact Club was Nadi New Horisons Club. The membership counts a number of young Mums, so they meet at kid friendly venues and undertake kid friendly projects, including an Animal Shelter, and supporting the Golden Age Home" retirement village.

District 9920 has the most clubs in our region with with seven. Auckland has three, Auckland City the oldest club, original chartered 1973, Auckland University and Otahuhu (a project based club) - these two need support. Otahuhu only wants to serve through completing quality projects, and Auckland University Club needs an additional Rotary Sponsor Club to help through growth challenges. Rotaract suffers from a lack of organisational continuity, as a result of both RI bureaucratic complexities and the peripatetic lifestyle of young professionals in their twenties. Becky can be contacted at comms-coord@rotaryoceania.zone

Important Zoom Tips and Tricks

Zoom is our meeting room for the moment, and is likely to be used from time to time even after this virus madness is behind us, so I would like to encourage the following Zoom etiquette;

Mute - Always mute yourself as soon as you enter the Zoom. See the MUTE button below. As soon as you have clicked the MUTE button you will notice that it automatically becomes the UNMUTE button. You can then toggle between the two as appropriate. Etiquette is to remain MUTED until asking a question or making a point, when you UNMUTE for the duration of the conversation, the reMUTE.

Name, When you enter the meeting, if asked for your name, use your personal name rather than your device name, this helps with quickly navigating the screen and attendance. You can edit your name by clicking on the "..." next to the MUTE Botton and then "Rename"
If you can, sit facing the light in the room, that presents your best visage 😉
Sit close to the machine and speak clearly
Feel free to use the chat function at the bottom, just make sure you address the correct person not the whole group. This is an in meeting message service.

There is no need or expectation to use a virtual background, but if you wish to, then click the ^ next to the video icon in the bottom left and choose "Virtual Background". You can add you own images to the virtual background gallery by clicking "+" in the top right hand corner of the gallery and navigating to your own photos.
Thank you one and all for embracing Zoom so wholeheartedly, we have transitioned to a new way of meeting effortlessly and enthusiastically and that is a shout out to every-one!

Geoff Duffy on Climate Change

We were privileged to enjoy a very comprehensive, balanced and clear address from Dr. Geoff Duffy of the University of Auckland on the complex misunderstood subject of Climate Change.

Geoff took us on a measured and well marked trail, starting from the difference between weather and climate, past the make up of the atmosphere, skirting the relative importance of the various so called Green House Gasses (GHG) right to the door of the overwhelming influence of water vapour on climate.

His logical analysis outlined and supported his very clear hypothesis that, because water vapour, not carbon dioxide, is (by a country mile) the most significant and influential GHG, the emphasis placed by the popular media and IPCC is mistaken and misrepresents what is essentially a result of 4.5 billion years of naturally changing climate on earth.

He underlined how climate not only reacts to the changing composition of the atmosphere, but also a myriad of other factors. These include the strength of the sun which varies over time, volcanic activity, the elliptical nature of the earths orbit and the natural mitigation of these forces by the compensation of clouds, and yes water vapour!

Given the importance to the NZ economy of the Dairy Industry Geoff made special mention of the negligible effect of Methane on climate, another serious misrepresentation.

Geoff's talk was enormously well received, he has kindly offered to accept questions and discussions and can be found at geoffduffy@lycos.com and 09 479 9383, and his talk can be viewed here.

Half Moon Bay leads the way

It often takes societal discontinuity to trigger and stimulate change. To create a burning platform that motivates decision makers to make a courageous change in direction.

By 2007 all the infrastructure for online marketing and advertising was in place, but take up was slow, results viewed with suspicion and progress slowed by inertia. Then the GFC struck, companies overhead budgets were slashed by in excess of 60% overnight and marketers were left reeling. Almost immediately marketing expenditure was switched from expensive print, press and magazines to online options at a fraction of the cost. Massive savings were realised and results were just fine. The global economy bounced back in the decade that followed, but behaviours that had changed were entrenched. Online marketing is the new normal and one of the strongest and fastest growing segments of the modern economy! Resilience, innovation and progress through adversity are one upside of the human condition.

Twelve years later, a virus arose in the east and spread across the world. It has triggered the most devasting and sharpest contraction of economic activity for centuries and the greatest disruption to the normal pattern of life since the second world war. More than half of humanity has been isolated in their homes for their own protection. Work, family, school and all forms of social contact have either disappeared or been shaken to the core. The old ways are suddenly inaccessible and unsuitable for supporting commerce and contact. Also for Rotary.

30 years after chartering The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay (RCHMB), and having just celebrated this anniversary in the same rooms as the first and every subsequent meeting, we found ourselves locked away. No meetings, none of our comfortable routine, no Friday coffee and no service or long standing program delivery. The world had changed in a blink and survival of the Club and our social fabric demanded a swift pivot.

The immediate priority was a simple, ubiquitous and instantly interactive network to keep us all connected and aligned, a 21st century conch shell or jungle drum. A WhatsApp group sprung up with almost all members engaged and we were quickly reassured of one another’s safety and situation. We now had a platform to share pictures and news, to stay aligned and facilitate development our response to our new environment.

The video conferencing app “Zoom” had been around for eight years, almost to the month, and had grown well in the online economy providing companies the ability to hold virtual meetings with people in a number of distributed locations. Solid but not spectacular. Until now.

With Zoom on every ones lips and laptops and no clarity on how long it would be before we could all meet in person, we took the plunge and moved our meetings onto this platform, long available but whose time had now come. Starting mindfully and deliberately with a number of smaller “hang outs” of 5 to 8 members we tried and tested the technology, became used to the experience and the functionality. Within a week we held our first full virtual meeting, club business, a speaker and even a sergeant session.

Interplast

Interplast is charitable organisation started by Rotary in 1983 through a partnership with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Rotary is crucial in both governance and financial support from clubs and Districts throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The Constitution ensures that the Board of Directors includes Rotarians and in addition there is an advisory Rotarian Committee of 9 Past District Governors, including Dr Ian Wakefield of the Rotary Club of Drury in our own D9920.

Interplast sends fully qualified Australian and New Zealand volunteer plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health professionals to the Asia Pacific region to provide free surgical treatment for patients who would otherwise not be able to afford access to such services.

Treatment is aimed at providing function and mobility for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, tumours and burns scar contractures. There is a heavy focus on facilitating medical training and mentoring for in-country medical personnel through building capacity and supporting local health services in direct response to in-country requests.

A fundamental component of all the activities is to leave a legacy through strengthening, improving and expanding the abilities of our neighbours’ medical staff. The number of programs delivered has grown to over 70 a year. Interplast has worked closely with local Fijian surgeon, Dr Semesa Matanaicake, since he was a junior doctor, supporting his training to become a plastic surgeon like his late father. This has included a two-year training placement in Hobart and since returning to Fiji to re-establish the plastic and burns unit in Suva, Interplast has provided with mentoring support to Semesa (below) and his junior peers.

Funding is approximately 60% from Rotary, 20% from Governmental international aid and 20% from other sources. Accordingly the continuing financial support of Rotarians is crucial to enabling the life-changing work of the Interplast volunteer medical teams. Visit the Interplast website here or you can make a donation through "Give a Little"

Control your news feed

Now more than ever we are bombarded endlessly with news and information. We have a responsibility to ourselves, and our community through the exercising of our democratic rights, to be deliberate and mindful about how we gather, perform due diligence on and evaluate the tsunami of "news" and opinion bearing down on us.

A good place to start is, whenever you read an article ask yourself, why am I being shown this, who stands to gain or lose from my reaction, and importantly what reaction is being elicited from me.

With the world in general and politics in particular being so polarised at this time, if you wish to at least receive balanced input (even if you do not wish to yourself hold a balanced opinion) it is important to read publications from different sides of the same debate. To do that one must know the idealogical stances and style of each publication, as well as the overall accuracy of their writing in the past. For depth it is also important to source reportage from a variety of publications to get a broad view of events, viewed from a number of different perspectives.

In my experience the best due diligence is to check an item of news on a website called ALLSIDES, which will also give the BIAS of other news sources. Another great resource is MEDIABIASFACTCHECK which for just about any publication will give you the reliability of the facts in their reporting and their political bias. Bias shows up in a number of ways, the emotiveness of language, what facts are put before us and which are with held and the weightings put on each. For straight fact checking SNOPES is a good site, as is FACTCHECK.org. Of course one can always merely Google search a current topic and select a sample of the search results.

For centrist publications I favour The Economist and BBC News (very slightly left), Bloomberg, Christian Science Monitor, Reuters, USA today and the Herald. For other lefties I like the Guardian, Spin Off and in the USA New York Times, Washington Post and of course CNN. On the right, the Times, Telegraph, Financial Times, Fox News and Wall Street Journal. Some of these publications have free websites and some you have to subscribe. If you are an Auckland Library member you can receive The Economist for free, along with other magazines such as New Scientist and The Smithsonian.

Happy reading.

Duty Roster

	3-Jun	10-Jun	17-Jun
Hall	Gil Laurenson	Ross Sly	Ian Rodger
Raffle	D.Jamieson	Frank Mace	Marie Raos
MeetnGreet	Andrew Laimng	Charles Miller	Ken Reynolds
Attendance	Matt Hitchings	Stewart Littlejohn
Speaker Host	TBC	TBC	Steve hayes
5 Min Speaker	D.Jamieson	Frank Mace	Marie Raos
Final Thought	D.Jamieson	Frank Mace	Marie Raos

Duty instructions;

Hall Set Up, Raffle,

Meet and Greet,

Attendance, Hosting Speaker

Apologies; please email The SECRETARY

at smaclaren11@gmail.com.

Cut-off time is Tuesday 2.00 pm.

Foodbanks Under Pressure

New Zealand foodbanks are being put under pressure, demand for parcels is soaring as work and personal support networks dry up during the COVID-19 lockdown. Most food banks have seen significant uplift in demand with an increases of 400 percent normal. The sharp increase shows the extent of the financial pressure New Zealanders have been under during the pandemic.

One food bank manager in Wellington is quoted, "In a week where we would on average distribute 80 food bags, since lockdown the last seven days has seen us distribute 329 food bags to people and families, with 80 percent being delivered by staff straight to people's doorsteps."

Our own partner in East Auckland, The Salvation Army has moved to a HUB model to better cope with this surge. In this model a major Salvation Army centre services a number of smaller centres. This means that the Howick foodbank is not operational at present. Greater Howick is being served by the Royal Oak Hub, which prepares the food parcels and delivers them direct to people in need in our area.

Options for supporting the Salvation Army include funding the HUB model by going to the Salvation Army website and making a monetary donation, or giving food items to our local foodbank for later use. This means they will be in as good a position as possible when they re-open locally. A significant influx of people is expected when that happens. Items that would be most helpful would be breakfast spreads, cereals, tinned fish, tinned meat, tinned soups, rice risotto, pasta sachets (the ones where you add milk/water as they are a meal in themselves). Richard can always advise on how best to arrange drop off.

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre

Music brings us closer together. It can be made and enjoyed by anyone, and at times like this, the connectivity that music brings is more important than ever. Whether it’s listening, creating or performing, the shared experience of music really can bring us together in the face of uncertainty.

Music is predictable and rhythmic, it improves, co-ordinates and organises movement. It captures and maintains attention which is essential for learning. Music activities help to develop social skills, listening, turn taking and paying attention.

The Trust works closely with Somerville School in Panmure, The Wilson School in Takapuna and Starship Hospital in Grafton. They also provide training for students studying Music Therapy and have students from NZ, Australia, the USA and the UK. Internationally they have a strong association with Nordoff Robins, the world leader in Music Therapy.

Lockdown Insurance

This is a period in history that no one in our generation thought could happen on such a global scale. Protecta Insurance is an ‘Essential Business’ however like many insurers we needed to get our systems fit and ready to allow staff to work from home, for when the national state of emergency was announced on the 25^th March. Within one week, we went from no one working from home to close to the entire team working from home. The change has made us look to the future and prepare to digitalise more of our business so that customers can make claims, manage and renew their policies and talk directly with our specialised teams online. This doesn’t mean that this will be the only option as many of us are used to talking to someone over the phone regarding our insurance needs but branch networks will certainly reduce in number.

A part of our business is from the motor trade, and we believe the buying habits of consumers will change especially when purchasing a car, as they will spend less time dealing with sales people face-to-face. Covid-19 and its disruption to the car industry will force the hand of many companies to make dramatic changes to their operations. At level 4 and 3 most used car dealerships will remain closed, however the industry has too much stock of imported vehicles so you will see some good prices being offered, deposits are being received with the vehicle being delivered and finalised when we get to level 2.

Protecta Insurance is fully underwritten by Virginia Surety Company, an A rated global insurer so our policy holders are fully protected. The company has focused on being a motor vehicle insurance specialist so fortunately our renewal business covers our fixed costs, so we are not totally reliant on the point of sale motor vehicle dealer. We alike many others are assisting our customers by not charging a fee on their monthly instalment plan, payment deferral for those customers who are out of work and our intention is to freeze any premium increase during 2020.

Stephen Glading

"Clear Out"

A lot of us have been using lockdown to do some Autumn cleaning! Emptying out all those musty cupboards in the spare room, shelves in the garage and boxes in the shed!! (Those that have not should consider doing so, very therapeutic.)

Now we are surrounded by all this “stuff” earmarked for dumping, but stop, wait, read on, these piles of dusty memories can be employed for good 😊

We have right in our heart, and the heart of our territory, Stand Children’s Services. We have a long association with them and know what amazing work they do with kids facing great challenge and adversity. They always require help and assistance.

A newer community has grown up in our midst, at the Half Moon Bay Marina Motel, as a result of lockdown. A number of homeless men, many with mental health issues are being homed there. We have spoken to Sue the proprietor and men’s clothes and blankets (for when they are re-housed) would be a godsend. Also, Women’s refuges are under great pressure at the moment.

So; scoop up all your scrap, box or bag it and let Charles or Marie know. We will advise collection arrangements.

Specifically, we would love;

Ladie’s clothes and shoes
Men’s clothes and shoes
Blankets
Goody bags from airline flights (collector’s items though they may now be)
Airline/ Hotel toiletry bottles and paraphernalia
Backpacks and bags
Toys
Children’s and adult books.

Simeon Brown address

Simeon opened by recognising the seriousness of our current situation and paying credit to NZ leadership across the entire political spectrum, as well as health workers and he generally gave credit to “team NZ” on progress and results to date.

It is now 5 weeks since parliament closed, Simeon and his team have been receiving more queries than any time before. They have handled numerous issues from business support to access to medical services and the anguish of loved ones passing alone and then no funeral.

He and his team have set up a network of street captains which has been very successful in establishing connectedness and providing another, very direct, channel of communication to people on their own or vulnerable.

Simeon also paid credit to the parliamentary Epidemic Response Committee, observing that the pandemic and the aftermath has and will trigger some of the most significant fiscal, social and community responses in our history. Among others $52 bn being spent on relief packages and the health service response, and the quarantine lockdown. In these circumstances parliamentary accountability remains essential.

Simeon emphasized that National is committed to cross party consensus and constructive participation in a truly “NZ” effort to beat the virus and not politicize the issue. Equally however they recognize that this is not only the biggest health crisis for 100 years but also an unprecedented economic crisis and the party will provide a vigilant, vital and very active opposition.

An excellent address, many thanks Simeon.

Being Essential

Every momentous time develops its own lexicon. Some new terms, with critical importance to all of us have emerged. Essential, essential service, essential worker!

The dictionary advises that “essential” means “absolutely necessary, extremely important” and the word itself derives from “essence” i.e. “the intrinsic nature of something, which determines its character”.

When the chips are down, for us, “essential” comes down to stocked supermarket shelves, fixed burst water pipes, front line health workers, rubbish removal and the like. These are the tasks, activities and needs (as opposed to wants) that are absolutely necessary to maintain the character and integrity of our community and life.

What can we learn from this? If we aspire to being an “essential club” we need to be very clear on who, where and what our society is, whom our community comprises, where they are and how broadly we define them.

To be an “essential” club we need to understand, at a very granular level, what activities, support, needs and wants the people in our community require to retain and grow the character and integrity of their life.

This is a time and a call for us to refocus on our true purpose, be deliberate about what we do and why.

To use these insights to inform how we provide one another with friendship and support in ways that meet our needs. Putting in place a variety of opportunities and structures that take into account individual interests, styles and commitments and new realities. Retailers have a saying “stack it high and watch it fly”, and in the same way for a club “meet the need, show the care and they’ll be there”.

In the same way Rotary is about “Service above Self”. Reflectively defining our broader community and thoughtfully focussing on the activities and needs essential to their character and community integrity will ensure that our service, in hours, thoughts and funds is focussed, valued and will make a real difference.

Although being “essential” is largely about needs I find achieving “essential” status a very aspirational goal.

A very talented Bunch!

How privileged we are to have in our midst and count as friends our very talented club mates! I draw to your attention evidence of some their remarkable lockdown achievements.

Above is a very fine piece of art, created by Richard Osborne - stunning.

Immediately below is a very fine rustic bush walk, crafted from an old fence and other existing materials from around the property by Martin Duffy. Excellent job and very sustainable.

Then from Bob Ainsworth epic re-landscaping, commencing with Agapanthus removal. Good job!

Next down, from Selwyn, some fly tying. This is so intricate, detailed and creative. Salute!

At the bottom, both shamed and motivated by Selwyn's fly tying, the best Miller could muster, consistent with a concentrated continuous calisthenic course, was some tie flying😉

Travel, Tourism and Covid update

Travel and Tourism - What next

As the New Zealand border looks due to be closed for a "long time", and the Prime Minister is discussing with the Australian Prime Minister the concept of a combined border bubble between Australia and New Zealand, the future of the international travel market is not expected to bounce back quickly before July 2020 or even by September 2020.

Whilst there have been some signals from the government regarding recovery time frames, nothing is cast in stone. The dynamic nature of this crisis presents a very difficult environment in which to plan disaster recovery strategies. Our principals are changing the refund and amendment policies weekly as this global event evolves.

With 90% of Air NZ's services suspended until at least 30 June, Qantas and Singapore Airlines until 30 April as well as cancelling selected routes, and cruise lines cancelling their 2020 Asia season the region is in flux. On top of that tour companies are cancelling tours in Europe, Asia and North America to 30 June 2020 leaving travel agencies, which survive on selling travel little room to move. For us there is limited product to sell and very few clients.

Instead travel agencies are currently flat out managing clients due to travel in 2020 by protecting their bookings, postponing travel arrangements for later in 2020 or 2021 and facilitating refunds and credits for those who were due to travel in March and April 2020.

This global event has highlighted the value of a travel agent during a crisis and the value of shopping local. Clients and consumers who booked online have found it very hard to talk with the internet, and wait for a call centre to manage their bookings.

Travel looks highly likely to take off again for autumn and winter 2021 however the industry needs to be agile enough to weather the storm for at least the next 6 months and have the resources to deploy to handle a future surge in business.

The big question is when is that likely to be? The recovery after SARS in 2003 was relatively quick at six to twelve months for the worst affected regions, but much longer for 9/11 and the GFC at 12 to 18 months. Depending on the region, the decline associated with these events was between 15% and 30% and the likely reduction for this month of April is likely to be about 60%. On that basis and reviewing the expectations in Forbes and from Air NZ among others the current consensus points to a long 18 to 36 month slog for the industry to return to 2019 levels.

Keep safe and stay well.

Andrew Laing

Covid-19 - how to stay safe and why

These hints and tips come well recommended, from a variety of (hopefully) reputable sources

* The virus is not a living organism, but a collection of molecules including RNA and protein, covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes the host cells genetic code converting them into little Covid 19 factories.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but an RNA and protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of surface on which it lies.

* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 33 degrees for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only

-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),

-4 hours (copper and wood)

-24 hours (cardboard),- Bu

42 hours (metal) and

-72 hours (plastic).

- If you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

Stay safe, stay strong

Charles 😊

ADG Graham Kearns

It’s a strange and unfamiliar world we are living in at present. We are being bombarded with unsavoury news items every day about COVID-19 and it took a while for those in charge to begin giving us the good news, which is that is the numbers affected that have now recovered!

In a previous life I was very focussed on exporting products all over the world having visited more than 120 countries and for 5 years as Chairman of Export New Zealand in Auckland, I witnessed and was often involved with many fantastic trading success stories as well as seeing a few failures. One of the sometimes-mentioned barriers to trade was our isolated location and the added costs to market that this caused. However, don’t we feel now that this so-called isolation is an enormous benefit in our fight against an unwanted and unseen enemy.

For Rotary, as with most volunteer organisations, it is a very trying time for all members as well. We have had to cancel or postpone many excellent events and community service activities, plus not to mention fundraising which provides significant donations to many worthy causes, including the Rotary Foundation. Also not physically meeting on a regular basis may have an impact on membership retention but all is not lost.

A good number of Clubs in our District including our cluster, are discovering a number of alternative ways to maintain contact. Apart from making sure the Club is still communicating with the regular newsletter, some are having virtual meetings using Zoom, Skype or other software options. One Club in the District is having a regular Happy Hour with wine, beer or coffee in hand, using Zoom at a set time almost every evening. No set agenda, just a random discussion between all signed in at that time.

This week we had our monthly District Leader Meeting using Zoom which was very successful and included an Assistant Governor from Fiji. She kept us up to date with the aftermath effects of Cyclone Harold in the Pacific and the concern it may have on the control of Covid-19, as well as the immediate damaged it caused. We have some ERK packs in Fiji ready for distribution but there will be a call on all our resources as soon as we can access the existing bins and build more stocks in NZ during and after this current lockdown.

My final message is: please keep in touch with your members by any means and ensure all are handling the lockdown OK. Check to see if anyone needs help with food supplies, prescriptions or just a chat on the phone or through other digital means. Don’t just limit to members, check with neighbours, friends & relatives on a regular basis.

Graham Kearns

Assistant Governor

Area 3, District 9920

Real Estate from the Street

If you’re looking for some professional commentary in the real estate market refer to the latest monthly report from Vanessa Taylor from "www.realestate.co.nz" (HERE), and also read anything Tony Alexander puts out (HERE). I follow him on LinkedIn but there are other sites with his always sage advice.

As to the local situation ….Here goes ….

How am I finding this lockdown in Real Estate mode? Frankly It’s a bit of a breather and an opportunity to upskill. I’ve given my team the weekends off but during the week we are continuing to work, although I have let them sleep in!! The company is still operating, but working from home. Listings are being processed (by email), AML can still be completed, the LIM and Property File departments at Council are still processing these (within a very short time frame), the banks and our mortgage brokers are working, valuers are still working as much as they can.

Titles are coming through for us to check as well, thankfully our legal peers are working to process anything we need from them. Properties that were in the pipeline are going unconditional. Our main hold up is building inspections so any contracts written up. Yes some moving dates have had to be pushed out but in the main the solicitors are dealing with those issues.

So, the phone is pretty quiet BUT the internet is going ballistic!!! Viewing numbers have increased 5 fold and the “watchers" are through the roof. So I expect there will be pent up activity immediately post the Lockdown. In this area of the Eastern Beaches suburbs we still are suffering from a shortage of good property to sell and a large pool of buyers in every price bracket and schooling zones (which is one of the main drivers of buyer movement in this area). I liken the situation a little to the Christmas close down. Of course people are still making real estate decisions i.e. “house is too big ..house is too small ..I’m sick of this do up lets move or renovate ..let’s buy a do up we’ve finished this one ". Also those with shares may think next I’ll invest in bricks and mortar, others will sell investment properties to cash up and sadly some relationships won’t last past the lockup time!

After leaving Level 4 we will probably be running almost from the outset, might take a week or two to readjust to our daily routine. Yes strong demand plus low interest rates will ensure it’ll be business as usual pretty soon. Noticeable changes already include first home buyers being impacted as their Kiwi Saver values drop, this may mean those buyers will need to hunker down, waiting until markets improves. However others may take a punt and buy whilst the market is in a state of uncertainty. I wonder how long that will take?? It was only 6 months during the GFC.

Marie

President Terry Update

Sunday evening 5 April

Easter Greetings to all.

Well these events will certainly make 2020 a year which will long be remembered. Hopefully all of you and your families are well and coping with the limitations being placed on our lives.

Some of us are lucky(?) enough to be still working from home (and hoping our clients/customers will have funds to pay us in due course). For others working from home is a new experience and hopefully you are still being paid. Some may not be so lucky unable to work and having to amuse yourselves to while away the time but getting some funds to exist on. Yet others who have no job and having to exist on the generosity of Work and Income. Those on pensions – well you were born lucky eh!.

Whatever your circumstances don’t let it worry you in silence. Irena Giles is our almoner (tazo@xtra.co.nz) Mob 021-393-936 Res 576-2553. You will not be the only ones in our Club going through your experience. By the time you read this we may know whether the lockdown is to be extended or lowered a level. On the lighter side feel sorry for those of our membership who have water views and are in walking distance of the sea – no swimming, boating etc!!

For those of you planning to break the rules you could spend time writing to the Department of Justice for a certificate which says you spent x days on Home Detention and when you get sentenced to HD you can say to the Judge “Please your Honour ……..”

Covid-19 by numbers.

It is all about the numbers! Some of us watch the News Conferences at 1 p.m and 3 p.m on NZTV One and are given the figures for the virus with no relationship to anything else. NZ has had 1 death due to the virus (although there were other issues as well.) According to the figures available on the Net NZ has approximately 34,000 deaths a year (2020 Rate) i.e 94 deaths per day on average. We have had 11 days (to Sunday 5th of Lockdown. That means 1034 people have died since the Lockdown started on 25 March. Scoreboard NZ "1034" Covid19 "1". Perhaps we have been lucky. There was no mention of this figure.

Figures for Italy and Spain are quoted at about 700 to 800 deaths per day. We assume they are virus related and announced with such seriousness we are led to believe it is coming after us. Daily deaths for Italy 1,765 Spain 1,180.

In 12 months or so we will get a better idea. There should be a noticeable blip in the graph showing deaths over the last 70 years. The death rate from the virus(?) in the USA 3,500 to date (not sure about the days). USA has 8,053 deaths per day per day!

The figures quoted in NZ are Cases actual (advised or aware of) Number suspected, Number recovered, Number in hospital, Number in ICU (Intensive Care Units) Deaths. The numbers are not comparative. We should be told of the number of Cases to which the recoveries relate.

Apart from Italy about 4% of the cases result in death and because of the skewed comparison it is likely to be higher in the wash up may be 5-6%.

Hope that gives you some context next time you watch the televised News Conference. Pay particular attention to what Jacinda says from Conference to Conference and when a politician fronts with someone from a Department.

Enjoy your Easter.

Terry

An Essential Service

At Sealink our life has been re-defined in dramatic fashion. We have had armed police turn up to pull people in a stolen car off the ferry and a number of call outs where people have been somewhat strident in their demands to travel. Most heart wrenching was the fellow wanting to see his dog who was unwell. The demands at the terminals have been interesting to say the least and its amazing how quickly people turn feral when their expectations aren’t met.

The photos (middle and right) above are of both our chiller and Ambient units loading for Great Barrier and are in many ways identical to the Waiheke traffic. In the trailer we have parts and tires for the islands fire appliance, dialysis and other medical supplies, LPG, distilled water, home appliances, a generator, bread, beer, wine and general grocery items.

Waiheke is getting a lot of winemaking supplies and the oyster farms have also just stocked up on essentials, the support of primary industries goes on regardless. There’s the daily trailer load to the supermarket and the same in returns from the recycling and Waste Management operation. These services are absolutely essential lifelines to these thriving but isolated communities.

Tiz

Covid 19 How to stay SAFE

Johns Hopkins Hospital advice

* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.

* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.

By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.

* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.

* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.

* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.

* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.

* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only

-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),

-4 hours (copper and wood)

-24 hours (cardboard),

- 42 hours (metal) and

-72 hours (plastic).

But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.

* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.

* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%. \

* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.

* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.

* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.

* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.

* AND DON'T FORGET THE FUEL DISPENSING HANDLES

-JOHNS HOPKINS HOSPITAL

Scams

Sadly as we saw from the theft of a Covid 19 testing station shelter this week, times of great anxiety and stress require us to be the most vigilant we can be to keep ourselves and our assets safe physically, on the phone and on-line.

The best way to deal with phone scams is to hang up immediately on any one you do not know. Do not give them one second of your precious time. If you do end up having a conversation, on any medium, with someone you do not know, be sure that NO ONE you do business with will ever phone and;

Request your password
Request your credit details
Threaten to disconnect your broadband or anything else
Tell you that you've been hacked
Request access to your personal computer or laptop

Also never call back a missed call that you see on your call log and do not recognise. If it is important they will call back!!!! This is a famous scan, your call gets rerouted multiple times and ends up costing an arm and shoulder.

I have noticed an increase in computer scams since the lockdown began. Similar to the recommendations for the phone the best advice is do not open any email from anyone you do not know or from whom you are expecting correspondence. If it is important they will keep trying. NEVER open an attachment from any person or organisation you do not know. This maxim is not as straight forward as it seems, scammers have become very good at imitating banks, phone companies and the like, so;

Nobody you deal with would ask any of the questions outlined above for the phone
Look at the senders address at the top of the email, very often they are hacked email addresses, it could be your address, mine or another random third party address - this is a sure give away. This is demonstrated in the screen shot below, an email I received this morning, ostensibly from Netflix, wanting me to click on their link! In this instance a Graham Irvin has been hacked and his account is being used to send emails.
If it purports to come from your bank etc but is not in your normal routine, ignore it but call the bank and ask, they will not mind. Never respond to the email, phone your normal contact first.
No email you have not interacted with will harm you👍😊
For critical organisations, bank, phone, medical, Facebook etc use a unique password (only for that account) - that is really important
Make sure you apply all updates sent to you and your device, i.e. Microsoft, Apple etc, they continuously monitor scams and update security accordingly
Completely power off your laptop/ tablet/ phone at least once a week

There is some useful further reading if you are interested, Netsafe and the Government both have sites with current scams and ways to report scams. All local banks have an option for reporting scams on their websites.

Martin and Gil

For some time Martin Duffy has enjoyed a strong relationship with a youth development organisation in Vanuatu. They provide a wide range of programs and mentoring for the local young people as well as a series of camps.

The camps are hosted at their own facility, on a large piece of land made available to them. The intricacies of land ownership in Vanuatu being what they are, the Youth Group must ensure the property shows added value and improvements each year to secure, retain and exercise ownership. This of course includes long distances of fencing across unforgiving terrain.

The size of the land and the nature of the terrain makes this a major mission and there have been a number of working bees over recent years. The latest was September last year and Martin participated enthusiastically, as he always does. The photos below (left to right) are the intrepid team, the produce market in Port Villa (the only game in town for retail therapy) and some serious fence building.

GIL's STRONG ADVICE: DON'T LEAVE HOME TILL YOU HAVE SEEN THIS COUNTRY
Just had a stunning three and a half weeks in the lower South Island. Walked bits of the Kepler Track then went to Stewart Island where we saw a Kiwi on the side of the road and came third to last in the pub quiz.

Then the highlight of the trip four days in the Catlins a most amazing place. Scenery to rival the Great Ocean Road in Oz and amazing beaches with seals and sea lions. Time in Dunedin to catch up with relatives then on to Oamaru with its incredible architecture and the Steampunk museum. Finished up in Christchurch with a very interesting day at Lytelton. If you are not keen to travel abroad in the near future just enjoy the delights of good old NZ.

Very sound advice I say, pictures below (left to right) are Tunnel Beach South Dunedin, The view from Nugget Point in the Catlins and The Kepler Track

Travellers return

Two of our number were overseas as the pace of global infections spiralled from fast to frantic! We are VERY pleased that both have returned safely and are locked securely down at home in glorious Howick!

John Grogan and Margaret headed off to Perth Australia on Friday 13th (I know 😳) en route to a wonderful cruise and then Safari around Africa. Fortunately the company realised in time that the writing was on the wall and boarding was cancelled. After four days of "cooling their heels " in Perth the Grogans called it a day and headed home to Auckland, disappointed but wiser and most of all safe at home!

Charles and Sue left for an epic six week trip on the 10th March first to Serengeti in Tanzania, then a family wedding in Cape Town and 4 weeks in the UK, including the Orkney Islands from whence his family hailed. They enjoyed Serengeti enormously and had the time of their lives. As Serengeti was mostly off the grid the enormity of the global pandemic only hit when they got back to Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport. Three agonising hours on the phone got their tickets changed for a straight through return to Auckland via Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Singapore, but was not enough to consummate the deal with a suitable exchange of Visa details. The only other flight out, KLM, was cancelled with no notice 5 or 6 hours prior to take off, the airport was teeming with frantic travellers, but they made it to Addis where after an hour in the depth of the airline labyrinth the payment was made and they made the rest of the trip uneventfully. Flying though the eye of the storm, two major airline hubs with tens of thousands stressed travellers desperately trying to get home before the gates swung shut.

Classic Car Show

In 2015, a bunch of East Auckland classic car lovers joined forces and decided to share their passion for British and European classic motors with their community. Their goal was to provide a free, non-competitive event to suit everyone, from the keenest petrol head right through to the absolute vintage car novice. A seed of an idea grew, gained momentum and the end result was the first Auckland Brit & Euro Classic Car Show, held in March 2016.

“We had 480 cars on show and some motorcycles too,” says Richard Waugh, who’s a member of Auckland’s Jaguar Drivers’ Club. “Between 3000-4000 people came along and we had overwhelmingly positive feedback from them.

The event has gone from strength to strength and the 1st March this this year was the 5th anniversary. Well over 1200 British and European classic cars on display in the beautiful setting of Lloyd Elsmore Park. Thousands of visitors came and went during the day.

Our Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay is priveledged to be one of many local community organisations that provide logistical support and volunteers. In particular we assist with the marshalling of vehicles, traffic management and access control. We do our best to ensure that exhibitors and visitors are able to enter and leave the park smoothly and quickly without disrupting the traffic in the area.

It is a pleasure to assist with an iconic local event and a great day out.

Golf Day

November the 25^th 2019 dawned a beautiful day and became better and better as the hours ticked by. Blue skies, sunshine and very little wind. Perfect for golf! The thirty volunteers from the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay were delighted, after months of planning and organising now was the hour for the 2019 Golf Day.

Around 120 golfers from all around Auckland, from a wide range of industries, joined together in 40 teams for an afternoon and evening of networking, competition, friendship and fun.

The golf is an Ambrose competition, an easy going format that gives all players the chance to shine. In addition there are multiple opportunities to compete and test your prowess, putting and driving included.

2019 was the 17^th Golf Day by the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay, supported by deep and enduring relationships in the Auckland business community and similar partnerships with non-profit and charitable organisations that have been beneficiaries of this iconic annual event. The event is proudly supported by 20 generous and committed sponsors.

The primary beneficiary of the Golf day in 2019 and for several years prior, is Life Education Trust Counties Manukau. This longstanding partnership has helped Life Education deliver life skills training amongst the youth of South Auckland. Along with other community support from around the area this contribution has aided an increase in the number of mobile classrooms from 1 to 6. In an era where mental health and life skills have never been in sharper focus this program makes an incredible difference where and when it is needed.

The day wrapped up in the 19^th hole with refreshments, a hearty meal, prizegiving and great camaraderie. Hole in one!

Anniversary Photographs

Speaker Hosting instructions

Liaise with the programme organiser (currently the Club Development Director) who would have emailed speaker (and you) with details of location, meeting format, allotted time for address and your name etc.
Contact the speaker a week prior to the meeting to confirm attendance, and ensure any equipment required such as screens, projectors etc. will be available.
Host at breakfast and give a brief introduction of the speaker.
Thank the speaker at conclusion of the address, (be brief) and present a small gift in appreciation (collect from under the podium before the meeting commences).

Attendance instructions

Record attendance on a sheet provided by the Secretary.
Collect money for breakfasts paid by guests. Full instructions are provided with the attendance list.
Hand attendance sheet to the President before the meeting starts so that visitors and guests can be acknowledged.
Count meal money and hand to the raffle duty person for recording on the Raffle/Meal money record slip to be found in the cash box.

Life Education Trust

The connection between Life Education and Half Moon Bay Rotary started in 2001, when Pakuranga, Howick and Half Moon Bay Rotary Clubs became partners in the initial launch of Life Education in the Howick Pakuranga area.

Our collaboration over nearly two decades has been part of community support from around Counties Manukau facilitating an increase in the number of mobile classrooms from 1 to 6. In an era where mental health and life skills have never been in sharper focus this program makes an incredible difference where and when it is needed.

Find out More

Come and try a meeting, or phone up for a chat about Rotary, either way we value your interest and will welcome you in any way we can. Call 021 414 311 to talk to Charles or 027 494 9384 to talk to Stewart.

Hall Set Up

Hall set-up

Arrive no later than 6.30 am
Equipment is stored under the stairs in the foyer. The combination lock number is C138. You will need Podium, pull-up Rotary and 4 Way Test banners, wooden sign for outside, power point projector, laptop (brief case and silver box), microphone (in kitchen cupboard between food prep area and pub)

Place the Rotary wooden sandwich outside the front entrance of the Club building visible to all passers by
Set up Members’ badge board on the table immediately through the double doors and open, place the lectern top next to it
Wheel the podium to the front of our meeting area, open the front doors, hang the "Year Slogan" banner on front and hang the 4 Way Test banner behind the podium on the wall
Remove the bell and gavel from the cupboard and place on the table next to the podium
Remove a pen (boxed) from the bottom of the cupboard and place on the top of the podium ready for presentation to speaker
Retrieve the microphone from the cupboard in the kitchen (between kitchen and bar), ensure amp is switched on, switch on the repeater outside in the meeting area (between kitchen and bar) and place in holder on the podium
If you feel comfortable set up lap top and projector, if not coralle Martin, Charles, Ian T or Andrew Laing
Discuss with President whether to erect pull up banners to block the sun at the North East window, clear days in Autumn and Spring
At meetings end put equipment away in reverse order to the above, and return all tables and chairs to their original positions. Hall take down is part of the duty

The Germ of the idea!

Like all dynamic living things our Club and our projects continuously evolve and develop. One of our current cornerstone projects, fund raisers and generally FUN activities is our Rally from Half Moon Bay to Bluff at the bottom of the “Mainland”. For reasons that will become clear it is called “Bangers to Bluff”

Once upon a time, circa 2014, Stewart, a founder member of our Club was watching Top Gear. In that episode Jeremy Clarkson and team were tasked with buying an old car and doing some feats that would challenge the car's robustness and make the old “banger" jump though some hoops!

This made Stewart think! It could be really fun to try something similar, with a group of friends, where everyone would buy a car for under $1000 and drive it from Auckland to Bluff. He tested the idea on a bunch of mates and within 1 minute of explaining it had five "signed up" and raring to go. At that early stage they called it "The Grand Challenge" ( ref $1000)

A group of mates it was, but they still set some rules. Firstly the cars must have a current WOF and Rego, the tool kit was to be no more than a roll of duct tape and a hammer, and the cars were to be sold /disposed of in Queenstown after getting to Bluff. In addition they strove to stay in holiday camps where ever possible. In this way a legend was born, giving 15 odd teams a memorable time of their lives, whilst raising significant funds for “blue chip” NZ Charities year after year.

Meet and Greet instructions

Arrive no later than 6.30 am
Position yourself at the or near the name board, and stay on station throughout
Greet your fellows (gender neutral term) as they enter, cheer them up, assist with badge
Ensure they record their attendance on the register
Spot visitors and speaker, deliver a warm HMB welcome and direct them to President, Speaker Host or a buddy from our number
Advise sergeant who was last one in

Raffle Instructions

Collect $30 from the raffle takings the week before your duty
On the way to the meeting collect the meat pack from Fresh Choice, pay $30
Obtain cash box, ball bucket and yellow ticket dispenser from under the podium.
Load tickets into the yellow dispenser and sell to members as they enter.
Pay $30 from the raffle takings to the following week duty holder or the sergeant.
0n completion, cash is to be counted and handed to the treasurer with a receipt for the cost of the prize (usually sourced from Fresh Choice), and a signed slip (to be found in the cash box), indicating the amount collected for raffles and visitor meals (ex- attendance desk).
A float of $20 is to remain in the cash box.
On the call of the President, have the bucket of balls ready for the speaker to draw.

Return the cash box, yellow ticket dispenser and ball bucket to the podium.

Communications Team Dinner

The communications and club development team spent a great evening together on Saturday. Gathering at Benjarong in Howick's Picton Street every one thoroughly enjoyed the fine Thai cuisine, the stimulating conversation and the warm friendship.

We value the many opportunities we have as a club to socialise, with events or groups that cater to many different tastes, lifestyles and busy calendars. Regular dinners, evening meetings and going to the arts are generally evening activities. There is a very longstanding tradition of a reflective review of the week on a Friday afternoon, and on Friday mornings an equally regular coterie of members that meet to start the weekend early in the heart of Howick with a coffee. For partners there is a monthly coffee catch up in the morning. If you have an idea for a new occasion it is guaranteed to be supported.

Guess who is coming to dinner?

Service is what we do but on this occasion we were "serving" ourselves! 23 diners descended on four generous hosts, bearing culinary contributions. Everybody enjoyed sumptuous tucker, stimulating conversation and the warmth of spending time with good friends on a cold winters night. A fabulous start to the weekend.

VOCATIONAL VISIT

networking

We were recently very privileged to visit one of New Zealand's fastest rising tech start ups! Supremely inspiring to meet and visit with talented, driven Kiwis that lead the world in in a highly contested and very fast moving field. A field that integrates the best of Kiwi ingenuity and technology.

The recipe? Harness New Zealand's top academic, entrepreneurial and driven talent, then leverage the best and most unique aspects of our manufacturing skills, pristine unspoilt environment, and geography and capture the high ground in a market where reliability and accuracy eliminate price from from the sales discussion.

One day a movie will be made to chronicle this iconic David and Goliath Kiwi success story, so inspiring!

KEEPING THE COLD AT BAY

At times like now when the polar blasts move across the country, when there is ice on the windscreen nearly every morning and power is a limited resource, staying warm and healthy is a real challenge for far too many families. Cold homes can lead to many debilitating conditions including high blood pressure, pneumonia, and bronchitis. People already suffering from health issues, the elderly and children are especially vulnerable to the cold.

The Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay, which meets weekly at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club on Wednesdays, has teamed up with the Anglican Trust for Women & Children and the Warehouse in Pakuranga to bring some warmth into homes that are desperately cold and for whom, some respite from the shivers is welcome indeed.

Dipping into their resources Rotary purchased a load of blankets for local families, and the Warehouse generously topped the quantity up as part of their support to the local community. Together with volunteers from the Anglican Trust for Women & Children the blankets have been distributed to many families in South and East Auckland, making a huge difference to folk who normally dread the onset of winter. This was a great team effort from three organisations, charitable and commercial, working together to deliver good outcomes to their community.

Partnering with Stand Children's Services

Stand Children’s Services is both a valued neighbour and key partner in developing the Half Moon Bay and national community.

Stand works to transform the lives of children and young people who are at significant risk of harm to their wellbeing as a consequence of the environment in which they are being raised and their own complex needs. Stand’s services include home and school based social work services, a nationwide therapeutic care and education service for children and families, child and family mentoring, and respite services for caregivers, including grandparents and foster parents.

Together we find ways to support this mission and the resultant programmes, providing reading support, a dictionary for every pupil attending Stand and regular work teams.

“Rotarians from the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club, continue to be much appreciated supporters and contributors to the everyday work at Stand Children's Services – Auckland. It takes very little to give hope and opportunity to children and the Half Moon Bay Rotary Club members offer their service and assistance throughout the year; sponsoring illustrated dictionaries for every child, providing funds for a much appreciated children’s reward scheme and practical assistance by way of working bees.

Their contribution and championing of our service truly makes a difference”. - Pene Frost, Regional Manager

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.

After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

networking

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