Stories

President's Report on Mayor & Councillor's Visit

Posted by Robin Fenwick

We were privileged to receive a visit from 5 members of Hutt City Council. The Council is currently preparing its long-term plan and is seeking input. The visitors were Ken Laban (Mayor), Keri Brown (Deputy Mayor), Glenda Barratt, Kaz Yung, and Brady Dyer.

An animated Question and Answer session occurred. Topics covered included:

Central Government has delayed the timeline of Amalgamation due to the Elections in November. This, alongside the proposed rates cap has meant that Councils now need to adjust their Long Term Plan to manage expenditure.

Quiz Night – Fun, Fellowship and $5,790 for Taveuni!

Posted by June Stratton

What a night! Avalon Pavilion was buzzing as almost 90 enthusiastic quiz-goers gathered for a fantastic evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising for the Taveuni Dental Project, an ongoing Kapiti Rotary initiative led by Gary Lawrence. With teams of six, the competition was friendly but fierce as questions were read and then flashed onto the big screen. Teams noisily debated, negotiated and occasionally guessed their way towards the answers! At the final turn, Hutt Valley Rotary emerged as the winning team, with a close second and a two-way tie for third. The fun continued with spot prizes, supper, and both Silent and Live Auctions with some terrific items going under the hammer. A particular highlight was the auction of two $5 notes signed by Sir Edmund Hillary, generously gifted to Eastern Hutt Rotary by Mt Victoria Rotary. These little pieces of history certainly attracted attention – together they raised more than $1,400! By the end of the evening, an amazing approximately $5,790 had been raised for the Taveuni Dental Project. This money will help towards the equipment and transport costs involved when dentists from Kapiti and Lower Hutt travel to Taveuni, approximately every second year, to provide dental care and education to local children. Their visits make a real difference in preventing the severe dental decay these children would otherwise face.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who planned and organised the evening, donated items, helped on the night and, of course, came along and joined in the fun. Your generosity and enthusiasm turned a great quiz night into a very worthwhile Rotary achievement. Well done, everyone!
- June Stratton, Quiz Organiser

Immediate Past President - A Wee Word (wearing my political hat)

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Thank you all for taking part and asking questions of the Mayor (Ken Laban) and Councillors on Monday evening last, as we initiated conversation regarding the Long Term Plan 2027-2037. Council decided some time ago to take the ‘right path’ this time and ask first, instead of conjuring up the written document and THEN coming out for consultation. To date we have visited many businesses, interest groups, marae and elder people’s forums. It is evident there is a real desire to keep cost of living, particularly around escalating rates, to an acceptable manageable status.

President's Report on Guest Speaker Chris Eales

Posted by Robin Fenwick

The meeting of the Club on September 21st was addressed by Chris Eales, District Governor Elect. He was asked to clarify for us what a “Vibe” might be when applied to a Rotary meeting.
* “If an excellent Club experience is provided, the Club will grow.”
* “There must be some fun with the work.”
So:
1) The meetings must be enjoyable and the members must feel included.
2) There must be confidence in Club Leadership.
3) There should be Personal growth opportunities.
4) Connections. Formation of new and valuable relationships.
5) The effort that is expended must feel valuable.

Immediate Past President's Message

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Hi everyone. I must say it is a bit sad to see the rain out there tonight (Wednesday). I had hoped we would have a few more days of sun since it’s Spring. Not too cold though, thank goodness. Was great to go down to California Gardens on the weekend and pick out my new roses for the gardens. Can’t wait to see them out in bloom.

This past week, Council has been fraught with having to make some very hard decisions for our community. Unfortunately, the new Rates Cap means difficult decisions regarding savings are having to be made, and let’s face it – it’s so difficult out there already. During deliberations I was reminded of the way Rotary works with planning and teamwork. Not necessarily for instant rewards, but to aid and benefit others where it will help the most, now and for the future. Whatever we do, whether its on the political spectrum or through our service club, we must be as united in our approach as we can. Collective Unity and shared responsibility mean we are working together as one people for the same objective. At the end of Maori language week, I would like to share this Whakatauki (proverb) with you, He Waka eke noa – We are all in this together. Very apt for the projects we work on in this room.

Guest Speaker - Taurean Kenny Mill

Posted by Ron Hunter

Our Guest Speaker on Monday 14 September was Taurean Kenny Mill (Kenny) - an amazing young man, and an entertainer tribute artist with a powerful singing voice. He is one of the youngest Elvis Presley tribute singers to win the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists preliminary round in Australia to represent Australasia in the semi-final at 'Graceland' (Elvis's home) in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Kenny concentrates somewhat on Elvis's 1970 period but favours very much his gospel songs. His most favourite is 'You Gave Me A Mountain'.

Immediate Past President's Message

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Well, I'm writing this on Wednesday, and what a cracker of a day it is – almost feels like Summer. Almost I say! Perhaps I should have whispered that to ensure I didn’t ‘jinx’ things.

A few things for your memory banks.

Tawa Rotary club is hosting an Oktoberfest celebration at the Bowling Club in Tawa on 22/9/26. Tickets are $35.00 which includes a meal for two. Time is 5.45pm. RSVP is required by 18^th Sept to the Tawa Rotary Club.
Rotary Hutt City and IYM are having a quiz night fundraiser including auction at Boulcott Farm Golf Club on 1^st October at 6pm. Ticket costs are $30.00
Remember we are only looking at 50 tickets sold for our own Quiz night on 25^th September at 7pm. To make this really viable as far as fundraising is concerned, we need more people. Please can everyone start a phone tree dialogue to pull out all the stops for at least another 30 or so.
Next week our speaker is Kenny Mills. To jog your memory, he was our Elvis impersonator for our Christmas dinner. I think we all agree he was wonderful.

Immediate Past President's Message

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Like myself, I would think you are all thankful for our great speaker on Monday night. Our very own John Cole spoke about his ‘life and times’. It made for a very interesting session and one I am sure will be covered adequately in Jaye’s summary as his host.

We were reminded about the Quiz night coming up later this month from June, and how important it is to get our numbers in for table settings for the night. Don’t panic if you are only one person and not part of a team per se, as sometimes the most fun had, is with being on a table with people you don’t necessarily know well.

John Cole - 'Life and Times'

Posted by Jaye Howey

John’s address was a very interesting and well organised reflection of his life, covering his early days, business experience and as a Rotarian.

John and his parents moved to Lower Hutt when he was three and his schooling was at Hutt Central and Hutt Valley High School. Sport played a big part in his life whilst at High School and he enjoyed playing in Cricket, Soccer and Tennis teams and also learning something of the art of Judo.

It was whilst at High School that he worked his way through the Duke of Edinburgh system, finally achieving his Gold Award, the last part of which entailed a 5 day tramp through the Tararuas, in very inclement weather. John attributed his love of tramping and his success in the Duke of Edinburgh system to (HVHS teacher at the time) David Gledhill.

Immediate Past President's Message

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Thanks everyone for another great Monday night. So good to see you all. With all these nasty flu’s and everything hanging about it’s important you stay home and get well if you start to feel ‘under the weather’. Our thoughts are with President Robin and David Gledhill as they recover. I was able to visit our lovely friend Judy Dearsley this week and pass on your regards for her swift recovery.

Petone Community Patrol

Posted by Mike Fackney

Merv Theobald presented a very interesting presentation on the Petone Community Patrol, last Monday evening. He outlined the purpose, structure, and operations of the Petone Community Patrol, emphasising its role as a volunteer organisation that supports Police in keeping the community safe. He explained that any community‑minded citizen can join, provided they commit to at least one patrol a month and pass a rigorous Police vetting process similar to that required of Police applicants. Members must also sign confidentiality agreements and adhere to a strict code of conduct.

Immediate Past President's Message

Posted by Immediate Past President Glenda Barratt

Tena koutou katoa
Well, what a wonderful speaker we had Monday evening. Belinda Wotton from the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport spoke to us of the amazing centre within our region, and all it has to offer as a world class facility. She talked of it being grounded in Manaakitanga where it takes the holistic view of all people, their health and wellbeing, their views and goals, to heart. I’m not sure that anyone of us truly realised so much had been invested (financially and otherwise) at such a high-level right in our own backyard.

A timely reminder to keep thinking of those ideas for our membership discussion to be held when President Robin is recovered. I know this is an important issue that is ‘top of the list’ for his year.

NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport

Posted by Ron Hunter

Monday’s Guest Speaker was Belinda Wotton. Belinda is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS), a unique facility in Upper Hutt that has become a hub for high-performance sport, major events, conferencing and accommodation.

Under Belinda's leadership NZCIS has continued to grow both its national and international profile, hosting and supporting major events, including the FIFA Woman's World Cup in 2023, the World Wheelchair Rugby Qualifier for the Paralympics, the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, and welcoming international teams such as Wrexham AFC, Young Matilda's NRL Dolphins Rugby League, Carlton United FC, and Melbourne Demons. It also provides a training and performance base for the Phoenix Football team, the New Zealand All Blacks and Black Ferns Rugby teams, along with the Wellington Hurricanes Rugby and Poua Women's Hurricanes Rugby teams.

Monday Thoughts

Posted by Immediate Past President Glenda Barratt

Thank you everyone for another great Rotary evening. I know President Robin wishes he could have been with you. As mentioned, he sends you all his regards as he recovers and looks forward to moving ahead with this year.

It was nice to be able to welcome our friend Pat Heffernan from the ‘chilly South’ to the ‘chilly North’ and to have him regale us with the astounding results they have had with inducting new members over the past year. Twenty-six new faces eager to become part of Rotary Wanaka, and six more to interview on his return. What a fantastic result. Pat was sure most had moved to this part of the South Island for the beautiful views and of course the snow, and all eager to meet new people. I loved the way he concluded with the saying “26 new friends, 26 new neighbours, potentially 26 new businesses and opportunities”. Interestingly, most of these people were of the average age of middle to late 40’s.

In the absence of our speaker who had succumbed to the ‘flu’, David Gledhill gave us an exercise in logical thinking.

Past President Glenda Barratt's Report

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Tena Koe
It’s nice to attend a Rotary meeting where the wind is not howling outside amidst the rain and subsequent frosts that have blessed us these past few days. A small number of us tonight, but still filled with the great feeling of friendship alongside warm hearty meals and great banter.

Unfortunately, President Robin was unable to be with us due to a medical appointment, and we wish him well as he returns to good health.

Notices were short but covered the events we have been talking about for some time. Due to nasty weather the visit to Gladstone Pub has had to be postponed, with a later date to be discussed. Thank you to David Gledhill for taking this under his wing. Jaye updated us with the usual Wednesday coffee meet and sought further expressions of interest for the RYDA meet.

Forgotten New Zealand Designed Cars

Posted by Kathy Bryant

Our speaker on Monday 27 July was Patrick Harlow.

Patrick is an automotive historian and has written books about cars and frequently writes articles in NZ Classic Cars magazine and Classic Driver magazine. On Monday he spoke to us about Forgotten New Zealand Designed cars.

Patrick talked us through the cars he has built and showed us videos and photos. He told the stories of a number of New Zealand designed cars including the Trekka (around 2500 were built between 1966-1972), the Fraser, the V8 Escartus, the supercar Heron MJ1 and the Hulme Supercar, named in tribute to New Zealand’s only Formula one World Champion Denny Hulme.

Silverstream Retreat: Yesterday to Today

Posted by Brian Clarke

Our speaker on Monday 20 July 2026 was John Ross.

The facility now known as Silverstream Retreat is located on Reynolds Bach Drive, off the Eastern Hutt Road, Silverstream. It was first established in 1942 by America as a Military Hospital. Subsequently it came under the Wellington Hospital Board and was utilised as a rehab unit for long term patients for many years. John purchased the property from the Hospital Board in 1990 and he then donated it to a Charitable Trust now known as Silverstream Retreat. Over its many years prior to John's purchase, the facility had accommodated Service personnel, up to 20,000 patients were treated over the years, and it catered for 182 long term rehab patients at any point in time.

Changeover: Glenda Barratt - Outgoing President

President Glenda reflected on a Rotary year she will long cherish, thanking members for braving a bleak evening to mark its close, and welcoming the incoming leadership. In conversations with past Presidents, Glenda learned that many consider this role the highlight of their Rotary lives. She emphasised the value of listening, the strength of relationships within the club, and the guiding importance of the Four-Way Test. Despite difficult economic times, inspiring speakers and meaningful projects - such as the ‘Walk for Mental Health’ and ‘Healthy in the Hutt’ - demonstrated Rotary’s positive impact.

Robin Fenwick - Incoming President

Robin began by thanking Glenda for her committed and well‑balanced year as President, noting that managing Rotary responsibilities alongside her role as a City Councillor was no small task, yet she carried it out with dedication. Robin also acknowledged Past District Governor Carol Green and District Governor Brent Gerrard for joining the occasion and supporting the event. He also thanked Kenny Mill, our excellent entertainer for the evening.

Robin then outlined the transition into his own term, expressing confidence in the knowledgeable team supporting him.

Riding With Olivia

Posted by Brian Clarke

Our speaker on Monday evening, 29 June 2026 was Jeff Marchant, along with Ron Beernink.

Jeff established a charitable trust in late 2022 as a tribute to his late wife Olivia who passed in that year.

"Riding with Olivia" is the Lower Hutt chapter of a Danish Charity "Cycling Without Age" {CWA} which was established in 2012 and has since spread to over 50 countries. including here in New Zealand. The Lower Hutt chapter has been operating since 2023 and is now based on the Petone foreshore and has 3 Trio-bikes at their disposal.

Pressies Piece

Posted by President Glenda

It was lovely to look through the bulletin from last week and then sit and watch the video “The Boys of 1905”. For me it reiterated just how far we have come as a rotary organisation, when it truly was a ‘Boys Club’. I believe women were invited in around the 1980’s (if I’m not wrong) and many changes have happened since that day.

Guest Speakers Blain Collinge & Justine Hamill

Posted by Glenda Barratt

RED DOOR RECOVERY

What wonderful speakers we had on Monday. Blain Collinge and Justine Hamill spoke to us about the organisation they manage called Red Door Recovery. A drug and alcohol treatment service based in Upper Hutt in a tranquil rural setting. The Kaupapa they work by is in the 'belief that healing happens through working deeply on ourselves together, through connection, aroha and whanau’. A holistic approach that does not use blame or shame to achieve results.

The Boys of 1905 - The History of Rotary

Past President Mike showed this video to the members. It was great to see how rotary began and how it's membership has grown over the years.

Click on the link below to view -

https://youtu.be/mJ2T1G1WWTo?si=73oDfd7S75TiS6uB

Healthy in the Hutt 2026

Posted by Shelley Bryant

Healthy in the Hutt 2026 was a great success. All 23 exhibitors attended, and the displays were excellent. The event was well attended with people taking advantage of the health checks and the advice available from the stands. There were more interactive displays, which attracted people’s attention and encouraged them to spend longer at each stand.

Absie Crook - 40 years as a Justice of the Peace

Absie recently received an award from the JP Association for 40 years as a JP. Congratulations Absie.

Thank You From Te Omanga Hospice

Below is a letter received from Te Omanga Hospice thanking us for our support with their annual street collection. The amount raised this year is impressive considering the tough time folks are having at present with the state of the economy. It is apparently more than was raised last year!

"Kia ora Jan and Eastern Hutt Rotary,

A huge thank you from everyone at Te Omanga Hospice. Because of your commitment to our cause by organising your club members to collect donations at our recent Street Appeal, this has helped to raise an incredible $48,353.25. We are so grateful for this and know it wouldn't have been possible without your support.

A Very Successful Wine Tasting Evening - Friday 22 May

Posted by Richard Perry

Well we can all agree this was a tremendous success. Thank you very much to the International Committee for all your hard work. A special mention must be given to Sue Darling for arranging the wineries, June Stratton and Robyn Wheeler who worked tirelessly to make the event the success it was. Please also thank your partners for their contributions. Richard has received a number of gratifying tributes on your behalf. We raised in excess of $3300 for The Life Light Trust.

Thank you so much to the wineries who came over from the Wairarapa to showcase their wines -

1. Hamdenestate - hamdenestate@gmail.co.nz

2. The Good Way - hello@the goodway.co.nz

3. EQUILIBRIUM - equilibriummakers.com

4. CONEY WINES - info@coneywines.co.nz

5. Wine Witch - thewitch@winewitch.nz

6. Te Hera Estate - tehera.co.nz

7. Big Sky - info@bigskywines.co.nz

8. Tiwaiwaka - tiwaiwakawines@extra.co.nz

We cannot thank you enough!

Guest Speaker - Cynric Temple-Camp, Pathologist

Posted by Jan Palmer

On Monday 25 May we were honored to have Dr Cynric Temple-Camp speak to us about his work as a pathologist. He is the CEO of Medlab Central in Palmerston North which he established for laboratories covering the lower North Island. Throughout his career in Palmerston North, Cynric has been responsible for performing a host of autopsies investigating natural death, medical misadventure, accidents, and murder.

Guest Speaker - Kevin Clark - Baghdad or Bust

Posted by Robin Aitken

This week's guest speaker, Kevin Clark gave a most interesting, humorous and educational presentation.

Born in South Africa, educated in Architecture at Cape Town University, he and a friend Jurgen were encouraged to travel to Europe and Asia to see and experience the ancient architecture of these distant lands. They headed to London, bought a 1958 Matchless motor-cycle, attached a cargo carrying sidecar and set off. This was 1964 with no GPS, no cellphones, no sponsors. Many of the roads they travelled were nothing but dirt tracks but 31,500kms later, they made it back to UK.

Robin Fenwick - Guest Speaker

Recently there have been 3 opportunities to learn about Rotary and it’s many initiatives. These were

*Conference of Rotary Oceania (Napier)

*District Assembly (Whanganui)

*President Elect Training (Whanganui).

Robin Fenwick attended all 3, and last week he reviewed what had been addressed.

There is a widespread concern among our Clubs about membership. A dynamic situation has arisen in which the departure of some members (for many reasons) is not matched by an inflow of new recruits. Club members contributed their ideas of what this observation might mean. Thank you Robin for your thought provoking presentation.

Wine Tasting Fundraising Event

Please support this very worthwhile event.

Guest Speakers - Claire Rumble & Jude Dods

Posted by Mike Fackney

History of Robert Orr House

Last meeting we had a fantastic presentation from Claire Rumble and Jude Dods about the historic Robert Orr House in Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt. Jude is the grand-daughter of the original owner, Robert Orr, and is the current co-owner of the house with her brother. Claire is Jude’s cousin, and delivered the presentation, entitled “History of Robert Orr House”, with Jude adding detail, and answering questions from members.

Guest Speaker - Kurt Nissen

Posted by Glenda Barratt

It's not often you get to introduce your own nephew as guest speaker for rotary who has led such an interesting and varied life totally committed to the safety and welfare of our nation.

Kurt began his presentation by explaining how he was introduced to the military. Growing up in small town Levin surrounded by his mates and a love of cars. School wasn’t really his thing and he began to ‘drift’. At the time it didn’t feel like a big deal. Little did he know that the choices he made then were going to give him the direction he needed in life.

Guest Speaker - Gerry Pallo

Posted by June Stratton

When you think of iconic New Zealand appliance brands, “Pallo” might not immediately spring to mind today - but for households between the 1920s and early 1960s, it was a trusted and familiar name. From sturdy green-and-yellow washing machines to reliable cake mixers, Pallo Engineering Limited played a quiet yet important role in everyday domestic life. And, as members discovered at Monday evening’s meeting, its story is as remarkable as the products it produced.

President's Piece

Posted by President Glenda

What a great speaker we had last week. Apart from being a long time friend – Craig Bain is your typical ‘good bloke’. It was interesting for me to find out the many aspects of photography etc, Craig has been involved in throughout his career. Sometimes you think you know all there is to know about a person, only to find out it can be quite miniscule in reality. I know he really enjoyed his time with us, plus being able to renew acquaintances with others he has touched base with over the years.

Guest Speaker, Craig Bain, Renowned Photographer and Videographer

Posted by Jan Palmer

Our guest speaker this week was Craig Bain, renowned videographer and photographer. His opening words were that he was a “Jack of all trades and master of one”. Although training as a tailor, Craig always had an interest in photography and in 1980 bought a photography business. In 1984 he sold the business and got a job at TVNZ’s Avalon Studios. Craig’s role involved working with film companies all over the world, including Peter Jackson’s.

RYLA student Cailey Coles

Posted by Jaye Howey

It was a real pleasure to host RYLA student Cailey Coles and her mother, Claudia de Jagar at our last Rotary meeting.

Cailey was brought up in Masterton, attended Tararua College and is now in the 3^rd Year of an Interior Architecture degree at Victoria University.

Guest Speaker Fauono Ken Laban - Mayor of Lower Hutt

Posted by Glenda Barratt

We were blessed to have a great speaker at our last meeting Fauono Ken Laban, Mayor of Lower Hutt. Ken started his speech by saying "Kindness is the language that the blind can see and the deaf can hear"

Te Omanga Hospice Charity Golf Tournament

Posted by Jan Palmer

Te Omanga Charity Golf Tournament 2026

A big 'thank you' to all those members and families who assisted at this year's Te Omanga Charity Golf Tournament. Once again you helped make the tournament a very successful event. A special thank you must go to the "Gazebos Up" team who worked hard putting the gazebos up around the course in the early morning only to take them down again because of the high winds. Thank you to the "Gazebos Down" team who gathered the gazebos in at the end of the tournament.

Walk for Mental Health 2026

The Four Way Test

Jaye would like to remind members of the Rotary 4 Way Test as we start a new year assisting our community both local and international.

Informal First Meeting for the Year

Posted by President Glenda Barratt

A lovely start to the New Year

Thank you everyone for the relaxed but happy atmosphere beginning the New Year for Rotary 2026. It was lovely seeing everyone again and catching up with what has been happening in your lives.

A big thank you to our brilliant BBQ experts, Ron and Paul, not forgetting the kitchen servers and chefs Tony, Shelley and June. Our meal was delicious and appropriate after battling a few days of horrendous winds.

Trailer Raffle

Thank you to everyone who assisted with the trailer raffle in Queensgate.

John Matthews provided an update on the raffle. Sales were up from last year. Tony will give us some final numbers at Monday's meeting.

The winning numbers of the raffle were:

1st prize - 22872

2nd prize - 24660

We have the very unusual situation where the winner of the trailer and contents does not want the prize. She wants to donate it to a charity/charities. So we have to decide on what to do with that over the next couple of weeks.

Merry Christmas

Guest Speaker - Cr Prahba Ravi - A Life Of Governance

We were privileged to hear from Cr Prahba Ravi this week on her life in Governance. Prahba was born in India to parents who raised their family on the ethics and values around ‘you can achieve anything if you believe in yourself’. Her upbringing was a traditional environment based on forward and modern thinking. Very unlike true Indian culture. In her late teens Prahba travelled to Canada representing India as a Youth Ambassador.

Guest Speaker - Jaye Howey - Her Taiwanese Experience

Posted by John Cole

Jaye opened her talk by telling us that Taiwan has a population of over 23 million in a land area of 36,000 sq kms, 75% of which is mountainous, and compared it with our South island of almost 114,000sq kms. We drew our own conclusions!

Fashion Parade - Fundraiser

Posted by Jaye Howey

A highly successful fashion show fundraiser was organised by the Youth Committee and held at Ballentynes Fashion Central, Lower Hutt, on Wednesday 22 October. A record number of ticket sales (87), plus a number of generous donations, resulted in a record sum of $2,800 being raised.

Northland Experience - Cycle/Minibus Tour

Posted by Tony Cornelius

Five club members and three spouses recently did a 5-day combination cycle/minibus tour, starting at Pahia, then biking from Kaikohe to Horeke on the Hokianga on our first day. The next day onto Omapere, where we stayed 2 nights, and then onto Russell for our 4^th night, finishing the trip at Kerikeri.

Guest Speaker - Bryan Botha, Growing up in South Africa

Posted by Jan Palmer

On Monday, 20 October, we welcomed Bryan Botha to speak to the club. Bryan gave an excellent presentation about growing up in South Africa. Bryan was born in Johannesburg during the Apartheid Era and lived on the West Rand, 30 minutes west of Johannesburg, and 10 minutes' drive away from Soweto.

Guest Speaker - Robin Fenwick

Posted by John Cole

Our guest speaker last Monday was Robin Fenwick and the title of his address was "something of the mystery of King Richard the Third".

Richard was born in 1452, and became king in1483. The War of The Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne, ended during his reign. He was a comparatively short man and only stood about 5 foot in height.

Guest Speaker - Mike Fackney's Visit to Whakaari/White Island

Posted by Mike Keehan

Mike Fackney gave us a very interesting talk about his trip to Whakaari/White Island in 2013 to view the crater-lake and its general surroundings. Mike provided some excellent photography from his expedition.

Youth Committee Fundraiser

Contact Mike Keehan on 0272 451028 for tickets to this very worthy fundraising event.

Guest Speaker - Peggy Luke Ngaheke, Manager, Waiwhetu Marae

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Peggy Luke Ngaheke is the Manager of the Kohanga Reo Trust of New Zealand that employs over 5000 women. She is also on the New Zealand Philanthropic Trust and Manager of the Waiwhetu Marae. Peggy spoke to us on the history of the Waiwhetu Marae. She derives from Maori parents but English grandparents.

Guest speaker - Prabodh Mishra (PK) QSM JP – Fijian Indian Diplomat

Posted by James Wheeler

Prabodh Mishra (aka PK) is a Lower Hutt Justice of the Peace (JP) and has been recognised for his longstanding contributions both in the diplomatic service and community engagement. After serving as a Fijian Diplomat in London and New Zealand he and his family settled here in 1987 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, where he continues to play an active role in civic life.

Guest Speaker Chris Martin, Manager, SuperGrans

On Monday night we were delighted to welcome Chris Martin, the manager of the SuperGrans Charitable Trust in the Wellington region, as our guest speaker. Chris has a background in both nursing and policing, prior to her becoming the general manager of SuperGrans nine years ago. Chris explained the vital work of SuperGrans, a charitable trust that provides practical, one-on-one mentoring to individuals and families. The organisation's mission is to empower people with essential life skills, such as budgeting, cooking, and household management, to help them become more resilient and self-sufficient. Chris emphasised that the service is based on the concept of "kaitiaki mentoring," which involves sharing generational knowledge in a supportive and non-judgmental way.

Presentation by Phoebe Causer - IYM Student

Posted by Jaye Howey

At this week's meeting, Phoebe presented a very well written and well illustrated account of her experiences over the week spent on the Innovative Young Minds Course.

Whilst initially unsure as to whether she should apply, the encouragement she received from an Alumnae of the course, persuaded her to go ahead.

She spoke with enthusiasm in expressing her thanks to Eastern Hutt Rotary for sponsoring her, and thereby giving her the opportunity to socialise and work with other like minded young women.

The various activities and visits helped her to see her possible future more clearly, as they opened up pathways ahead, which she had never previously considered.

Phoebe will move on to year 13 next year and we wish her well in her future.

Liz Pereira - Day in the Life of a Funeral Director

Posted by Jaye Howey

Liz Pereira, from Gee & Hickton, Funeral Directors, was our Speaker at this week’s meeting

Liz shared with us that she saw her work as a vocation - which she found rewarding as it involved looking after both the living and the dead. Helping those ‘left behind’ is always very important, especially as grief can take many forms, often not recognized by those suffering from it. Her talk then became very practical with advice under 2 main headings:

End Polio Article in RDU

Did you see this article in the latest publication of the Rotary Down Under magazine. There is a great video about the Polio Plus campaign in Afghanistan. Colin Alford believes we should all watch the short video included. Please take the time. It is well worth it!

The last mile: Reaching every child in Pakistan

If you visited the House of Friendship at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, you may have seen the new video from UNICEF that follows polio vaccination teams in two parts of Pakistan: Murree and Mithi. Murree is in a mountainous region, while Mithi is in a vast desert. This short film was made in February, during the first polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan this year, when over 400,000 frontline health workers visited homes across the country to vaccinate 45 million children ages 5 and under. The film shows the time and effort it takes to be able to reach children through tough terrain, especially in remote areas.

Watch the film

Remembering Joe

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Thank you to all who attended Joe's funeral on Friday. It was certainly a humbling experience to be amongst all those who loved and cared for him.

I learned many things about Joe listening to the stories of his life;

Guest Speaker - Dawn Chambers - The History of the Mabey Road Hall

Posted by David Gledhill

Dawn Chambers, once an administrator for a radio carbon laboratory, now expert amateur historian, gave a fascinating history of the Mabey Road Hall. Section 55 of the Hutt Valley was bought by a John Standcliffe from the New Zealand Company in1840. It would have been covered in bush like the present day Barton's Bush at Trentham.

The Passing of our Dear Friend Joe Tomlinson

Posted by Glenda Barratt

This chair is not just a chair. It represents the passing of our dear friend Joe Tomlinson, our colleague, our fellow Rotarian who has sadly left this world and travelled to the next. With the deepest of respect we place it here that we may never forget his servitude to Rotary and the people of this city. Moe mai ra e hoa - sleep well dear friend.

Presentation of Usborne Dictionaries by Jaye & Mike Keehan - Pomare School

Posted by Jaye Howey

Pomare School year 4 students with Principal Sherilyn Hall.

Presentation of Usborne Dictionaries - Taita Central School

Taitā Central School year 4 students with Principal Michelle Picard.

Thank you Jaye for the great work you do.

Meet the Mayoral Candidates - Thursday 21 August

Hutt City's five Rotary Clubs are working together to host a 'Meet the Mayoral Candidates' event on Thursday 21 August. It will start at 7.00pm and finish around 9pm at Boulcott Farm Heritage Golf Club, Military Road, Lower Hutt. All welcome. The bar will be open for half an hour before and afterwards. This is your chance to hear from Ken Laban, Prabha Ravi, Karen Morgan and Brady Dyer on what they will bring to the leadership of our council and city, and to ask your burning questions. Our aim is to make it a fun and informative event. Please mark it on your calendars.

Speaker - District Governor Carol Green

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Rotary District 9940 is very blessed indeed to have new District Governor, Carol Green. We were privileged to have Carol speak to us about the focus for the next year for all of Rotary. It was no surprise to anyone to hear that we must try our hardest to bring in new members. Suggestions of satellite clubs are now being discussed more than ever as we try to bring rotary into the forefront of the public minds.

Message from President Glenda

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Tena koutou katoa

Thank you all for a great 'first night' for me. It's always good to look out to a sea of faces and feel you are amongst friends. Equally as important was drifting amongst the different Committees and hearing the plans for the year ahead, knowing that amongst you all, are some very exciting things planned for our future and the future of our communities.

Message from Incoming President Glenda

Posted by Glenda Barratt

What a wonderful night to be amongst family and friends, new faces and old for Changeover. The night could not have been better than it was. Thank you Ron for all your hard work behind the scenes, you and your helpers. We were blessed with beautiful food, entertainment and the most amazing speech from Mike.

The awarding of the cups could not have gone to more deserving committees and events. I say that with pride being on the International Committee this past year. More importantly the recognition to Tony and Jaye with the Sapphire pins was right and just, for the service they both continue to give Eastern Hutt Rotary.

There are so many people to thank who continue to support and encourage us. I look forward to the year ahead with some trepidation that I can follow Mike's great lead.

Changeover - Mike Fackney - Outgoing President

President Mike welcomed all members, wives, husbands, partners, and friends, with a special welcome to wives of passed members.

Presentations were made for the following Awards:

The ‘New Incentives Trophy’ was awarded to David Gledhill and Richard Perry for organising the wonderful excursion through the Wairarapa, with lunch at the historic Gladstone Hotel. This outing both provided an opportunity for fellowship, and a chance to invigorate ourselves to continue in our quest to help others.

Phoebe Causer - IYM Student

Posted by Jaye Howey

I had pleasure this evening (Thursday) in attending the Parliamentary Reception for the Innovative Young Minds students.

They were, as always, very enthusiastic about the content of the programme and learning about the vast range of pathways which will be open to them once they start Tertiary study. One of these students was Naenae College student Phoebe Causer (pictured) whom we have sponsored.

Phoebe is looking forward to coming to one of our meetings and speaking about her experiences.

Guest Speaker - Bronwyn Hussey from Riding for Disabled

Posted by June Stratton

At our recent Rotary meeting, we were honoured to host Bronwyn Hussey who shared her inspiring story and deep commitment to Hutt Valley Riding for the Disabled (RDA) — an organisation dedicated to helping children with disabilities through the therapeutic power of horse riding.

The Christ Church Visitor Centre

Posted by John Terris

The Preservation Society decided some years ago to establish a centre, to create a visitor destination to host tourists and students and spread the word, and also to offer a display of some of the wonderful stories associated with this extraordinary building, which is a beautiful monument to the courage and persistence of the settlers who built it, and to peace and harmony between peoples.

Usborne Dictionaries Presentations

Posted by Jaye Howey

Jaye Howey and Mike Keehan recently presented Usborne Dictionaries to pupils at Naenae and St Michael's Schools. This is the 17th year our club has presented dictionaries to year 4 students at four local low decile schools. They continue to be highly valued by teachers and treasured by students.

International Committee Dinner

Posted by Brian Clarke

The International Committee enjoyed a dinner together at the Sabaidee Restaurant in Petone on Tuesday evening. The food and the company was top notch. Thank you to June for arranging such a great event.

Healthy in the Hutt 2025

Posted by Shelley Bryant

Despite a number of pull outs from this year's Healthy in the Hutt, the event went really well. We had about 18 exhibitors who all had amazing interactive stalls. Crowd numbers were good and the atmosphere was amazing. Also feedback from the exhibitors suggests they are all keen to come again next year.

Guest Speaker - Professor Rebecca Grainger - “Digital Doctors and Dodgy Joints”

Posted by Mike Fackney

On Monday evening, we were privileged to hear a wonderful talk from Professor Rebecca Grainger, entitled “Digital Doctors and Dodgy Joints”. Rebecca is Professor of Medicine, Otago University Wellington, and a Consultant Rheumatologist at Hutt Hospital. She is passionate about patient-focus care and providing, with colleagues, collaborative care for those with arthritis.

Guest Speaker Mary O’Keeffe - Heritage Solutions

Posted by Mike Fackney

Last Monday evening we had a fantastic presentation from Mary O’Keeffe. Mary is a professional archaeologist, who has run her consultancy, Heritage Solutions, for about 30 years. Her presentation, entitled Life as a consulting archaeologist - small things tell big stories, included some of the sites around New Zealand where she has worked, sharing what can be learnt from these sites, and what they can tell us about being New Zealanders.

Te Omanga Hospice Street Collection

Thank you to the members who assisted with the Te Omanga Hospice Collection at Queensgate on Saturday 17 May. Thank you also to Robin Aitken, Glenda Barratt, John Cole, Paul Giles, Anne Abbott, President Mike, Brian Clarke, David Thompson and Jan Palmer.

Guest Speakers Hannah Wilson and Julie Bennett

Posted by Judy Dearsley

Hannah and Julie spoke to us about Big Brothers, Big Sisters, a community-based youth mentoring programme. It happens after school or on the weekend. It’s all about the volunteer and young person spending one-on-one time together doing things they both enjoy - a few hours, a couple of times a month.

Hannah and Julie took the opportunity to talk about the programme and the difference mentoring makes in young people's lives across our region. They thanked everyone at Eastern Hutt Rotary for the warm welcome and for the interest in the work they do. The work they do with young people is amazing.

Quiz night: Friday 2 May 2025

Posted by Brian Clarke

Jan - Quizmaster & Doug - Auctioneer Extraordinaire

International Committee organised a quiz night/auction to raise funds for the Rotary Volunteer Dental Aid Project to Taveuni Island, Fiji on Friday evening 2 May. The weather leading up to the event had not been the most pleasant, however some 90 plus club members, their friends and family members, along with teams from Kapiti and Wellington braved the conditions and came together for a evening of fun, fellowship and good food. Quiz master Jan ensured we all had clarity about both questions and answers and dealt appropriately with any disputes. The auction, in the hands of Doug, also raised funds for a most worthy cause saw cash leave the pockets of some of those attending.

At evening's end we had raised some $3.4K from ticket sales; raffle; auctions including silent items along with donations from individuals.

Special thanks to all for coming out on the night and making this such a successful event.

Addendum - the total raised has now risen to $3.9K following funds being received from attendees following the event.

Anzac Day Wreath Laying at Taita Cemetery on Behalf of the Club

Posted by Glenda Barratt

It was with pride that I represented our Rotary Club on Anzac Day to honour those who fought and died so that we may live in peace. The poppies and flowers laid at the cenotaph are more than what they seem to be. They tell us stories of courage and fortitude. They remind us of those who went to war and those who fought behind the scenes here at home in order that our soldiers could return to families who waited for them. They remind us of the commitment of our Maori Battalion who bravely put themselves in the firing lines alongside their comrades. We hear of the struggles immersing our World yet again and we wonder at the absurdity of war or fighting in any form.

Let us always remember them and let us never forget the price they paid."

Ka mahara tatou ki a ratou.

The Hutt Valley Housing Market Update

Posted by Glenda Barratt

John Matthews has been in the real estate industry now just short of 10 years and over that time he has seen major changes. John was able to tell us that the real estate market today is driven by supply and demand. In 2021, the housing market hit its peak, and those looking to purchase resulted in overpaying large amounts more than the cost of the property was actually worth. Sadly this was now showing cause and effect as the rate of inflation is increasing, and insurance rates are out of control. Many families are having to sell their properties for less than what they paid. Rates increases of up to 30% in the last two years is proving that housing is becoming unaffordable to the ordinary family.

Bec Gardiner - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Thompson

Bec Gardiner from Stroke Aotearoa NZ [www.stroke.org.nz] was our after dinner speaker on the 14^th of April. Her friendly, relaxed, confident, and knowledgeable style resulted in everyone paying close attention. Her talk was very well received.

Do explore that website.

A stroke deprives your brain of oxygen, which is a very serious medical emergency. If you see or experience signs of a stroke DIAL 111 IMMEDIATELY.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Face drooping or
Arm weakness or
Speech difficulties or
Severe headache with no known cause or
Vision changes or
Trouble walking, vertigo, or loss of balance or
Numbness of face, arm or leg, especially if it's only on one side of the body.

Up to 90% of strokes are preventable. Go to Reducing stroke risks to see how.

Thank you Bec for coming to speak to us and reminding us how we can help ourselves and those around us.

Robert Hunt's Essay on "Peace"

Posted by Mike Fackney

On Monday evening we watched a video of a truly inspiring presentation from Robert Hunt reading his essay on 'Peace'.

Robert is the 11 year old visually impaired grandson of Chris & Richard Perry. Robert entered an essay competition run by Lions Clubs International and was firstly selected as the New Zealand finalist. Subsequently, he was declared the Grand International winner. The result was announced at the United Nations in New York. It’s the first time a New Zealander has won the competition. His award includes a trip for him and his family to the Lions International Convention in Orlando, and prize money to spend on a holiday there afterwards.

If you didn't see it, or wish to watch it again, here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_J2HOVQDI8

Rotary Friendship Exchange to Canada and USA

Posted by Mike Fackney

On Monday evening, Tony Cornelius and Mike Fackney spoke to the Club and shared photos of their 14 day Rotary Friendship Exchange visit to Quebec, Canada and the American states of Vermont and New Hampshire from September to October 2024. They were accompanied by their wives, Jenny and Sandy, and five other Rotarians from three other Clubs (Kapiti, Plimmerton, Johnsonville).

All visiting team members met up with their first hosts in Montreal, who took them to their homes in the southern Quebec city of Sherbrooke.

Lunch at the Gladstone Inn

On Sunday 23 March a group of club members and partners travelled to the Wairarapa to enjoy lunch at the Gladstone Country Inn in Carterton. A great time was had by all.

The Christ Church Taita - Establishment of a Visitors Centre

John Terris visited the club to update members on the establishment of a visitors centre at the historic Christ Church in Taita. The church was built in 1854 by the first organised group of European settlers to come to NZ who landed on Pito-One Beach in January 1840. The cost to establish the completed visitors centre is estimated to be $420,000 of which $350,000 has been raised. A trust has been set up to raise the funds for this heritage taonga. If you wish to make a donation to this very worthwhile cause the bank account details are (BNZ) 02 0548 0097223 - 97. Donations are tax deductible and an official receipt will be provided.

Ian Dopson - How I got into Art

Posted by Annette Ruck

Ian began his talk with - As the saying goes:- “You don’t stop doing things because you grow old; you grow old because you stop doing things”.

He said he had always drawn to some extent or other mostly for his own satisfaction and it had never been anything fancy. It was often done quickly, simply & for himself.

Sina Olasoju - My RYLA Experience

Posted by Robin Aitken

We were entertained by a delightful presentation by Sina Olasoju, on her 5 day stay at RYLA in January, at Forest Lakes, Otaki, Beforehand, Sina was very nervous about attending the camp, and needed reassurance from her parents of her ability to cope with a completely new environment. However, her fears were unfounded and she thoroughly enjoyed the activities, the friends she made and the confidence it has given her going forward.

Photo of Monday Evening Guest Speakers

Guest Speaker Paul Richards - Fitness and Nutrition

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Paul Richards is the owner of Ignite Fitness and Nutrition based in Alicetown. Paul provides a programme designed to improve health and fitness for those of us over the age of 50 who are heading into the magic age of 'sitting still and doing nothing' or on the contrary, concerned that the latter stages of our life should remain healthy, fit and able. The choice being ours to make.

Life After Stroke Workshop

Harmony for Hope Charity Concert

Five Day Guided Walk in Abel Tasman National Park

Posted by Paul Giles

Recently seven of our club members and partners enjoyed a great time in the Abel Tasman National Park. The adventure began with a two hour scenic boat cruise from Kaiteriteri to Totaranui, followed by a 7km walk to our beachfront lodge at Awaroa (the largest estuary in the park). Day 2 is spent at Awaroa with the options of kayaking, walking, swimming or simply relaxing.

Walk for Mental Health 2025

This year's "Walk for Mental Health" was very successful raising valuable funds for Youthline. Thank you to everyone who participated. A special thank you to Shelley and James.

Guest Speaker - June Stratton

Posted by Gary Stratton

Tupaia and Cook

Our President Mike said,

“What could have been a ‘dry’ subject was delivered by June in an interesting and informative manner and I have no doubt that our members’ knowledge and understanding of Tupaia has increased dramatically!”

Te Omanga Hospice Charity Golf Tournament

Paul, Mike & Brian part of the "Gazebos Up" and "Down" Team

Brian Clarke heading out on the course in the rain!

A note from Rebecca Routhan, Community and Events Programme Manager, Te Omanga Hospice

"Kia ora golf tournament volunteers,

I’d like to thank you very much for giving up your time to help at our 2025 Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament, in association with Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors. Whether you were there super early in the set-up crew, helping during the day, getting drenched as the rain poured down, or helping with the huge task of pack up, your efforts were very appreciated.

We are very rapt to announce that the amount raised at our golf tournament has risen to $70,130! Without the generosity of our volunteers on the day, this would not be possible. The funds raised will go a long way towards helping those in our Hutt Valley community in need of palliative care, plus support for their families."

If you have any feedback about your volunteering experience, please speak to Jan or Brian and they can bring it to the debrief meeting next week.

Please enjoy the photos of our event at the link below.

Photos – Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament 2025

Thanks once again for helping Te Omanga Hospice. We hope to see you again soon."

Regards

Rebecca

Te Omanga Charity Golf Tournament - Thank You to Members

A very big 'thank you' to all who assisted at the Te Omanga Charity Golf Tournament. You all helped to make the Tournament a very successful event. Special thanks must go to Jan Palmer and Brian Clarke for being part of the planning group and coordinating Eastern Hutt Rotary's involvement.

President Mike Fackney

Te Omanga Hospice Charity Golf Tournament

Posted by Jan Palmer

A small group of helpers at yesterday's Te Omanga Hospice Charity Golf Tournament. A huge thank you to all the members and friends and family involved.

Guest Speaker - John Lee

Posted by John Lee

Antarctica, one of the seven continents in the world, a largely undiscovered wilderness that has extremes of life, weather and conditions that makes one think twice about going there. John Lee has had the privilege of visiting the continent twice, both times whilst he was serving in the NZ Army.

Guest Speaker - Dr Paul Young

Posted by Mike Fackney

Last Monday we were captivated by the excellent presentation from Dr Paul Young. Paul was able to deliver, what was quite a technical subject, Intensive Care Research, in an ‘easy to understand’ format. Paul shared how he had completed a BSc (Hons) at Victoria University of Wellington, before studying medicine at the University of Auckland. Paul completed most of his Intensive Care Specialist training in Melbourne, before returning to Wellington where he has worked as an Intensive Care Specialist since 2010. In 2016 he also completed a PhD in clinical research.

Youthline Certificate of Appreciation

Walk for Mental Health - Sunday 2 March 2025

Please invite your family and friends to join us.

You can donate to Youthline using the following account number

12 3141 0160757 000

Ref: WFMH

or through the Give a little website at

Givealittle.co.nz/org/ylwgtn

Bill Boyd - The Complete Rotarian

William Bernard "Bill" Boyd CNZM, QSO - 16/5/33 - 22/1/25

Bill Boyd sadly passed away peacefully on January 22nd at Hawkes Bay Hospital.

Bill was President of Rotary International in 2006/2007, only the second New Zealander to hold that position.

On 30 June 2019 Bill finally drew closure to his stellar thirty years of international service to Rotary and returned to be 'Bill Boyd - Magazine Distribution’ and member of Pakuranga Rotary.

Always by his side during his years of service has been his much adored wife Lorna. Lorna played her part in convention break-out sessions and became a fountain of Rotary knowledge which she graciously shared with whomever and whenever the appropriate occasion rose.

The members of the Pakuranga Rotary salute Bill's work for Rotary and its many endeavours.

Visit From Our District Governor Jocelyn Hogg

Posted by President Mike Fackney

It was a pleasure to receive a visit from our District Governor, Jocelyn Hogg. Jocelyn told us that she joined Rotary in 2015 to “create opportunities for herself, to do something for others and to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in that process”. Since then, she has been an Area Governor, and has made many trips to Vanuatu to help with rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Pam, and is now on her journey as District Governor during the regionalisation process.

The Passing of Bill Boyd

Posted by President Mike Fackney

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Bill Boyd, Kathy Bryant's father. Bill was an outstanding Rotarian. He held many positions in Rotary, domestically and internationally, including that of President of Rotary International. Bill was awarded the Queens Service Order for Community Service, and made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He is a Paul Harris fellow, many times over. He will be sadly missed by his family, and Rotary family.

On your behalf, I have expressed the sincere condolences of the Club to Kathy and her family.

Mike Fackney, President

Stokes Valley Christmas Parade

Special thanks to Robin Aitken, Mike Fackney, June Stratton and David Thompson

for your assistance with the successful Stokes Valley Christmas Parade.

Rotary Christmas Raffle Winners

Special thanks to everyone for your help with the Christmas Trailer Raffle. It was great to deliver the prizes to two very worthy winners. Congratulations to them both.

1st prize winner: Paul Harding

2nd prize winner: Bianca Holden

Christmas Function

Posted by Mike Fackney

Very proud Grandparents.

Thank you so much to all who were able to attend our Christmas function. It was great to share time with members, partners and friends, and to enjoy fellowship and entertainment.

Of course, a Christmas function just doesn’t happen!

President's Christmas Message

Posted by Mike Fackney

“A fight is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fight is going on inside you.”

The son thought about it for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”

The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”

Christmas Trailer Raffle 2024

Congratulations to members involved in the setting up and delivery of the trailer raffle to Queensgate last Saturday.

Thank you to everyone on the roster and giving of their time to sell the raffle tickets.

President's Report to Assembly/AGM – 25 November 2024

Posted by President Mike Fackney

Like every year, things have been very busy for Board members – overseeing the running of the Club.

In my capacity as President, I have attended numerous meetings of the wider Rotary family.

3 Rotary Community Group meetings for Hutt Valley and Wairarapa Clubs. This is one of the new groups formed under the Regionalisation Project. It has been useful for making connections, and becoming aware of what other clubs are doing, including their successes, and problems they are facing. It is hoped that this group will further strengthen Rotary in our District.
4 meetings of the Hutt Valley Lifting the Lid on Youth Mental Health.
The District AGM, via Zoom.
District Changeover (as president-elect) with Jaye Howey and Robin Aitken.

South Korea Travels with Jaye Howey

Posted by Paul Giles

On Monday night we enjoyed visiting the sights of South Korea – without the cost of an airfare!!

Thanks to Jaye for sharing her travel experiences and photos taken while travelling through South Korea.

South Korea is about the same size as our North Island but has a population of 51million. Jaye commenced her journey from the capital city Seoul. The first stop was the ‘Demilitarised Zone’ on the edge of the Han River. It is an area set up specifically for tourists and many of the visitors were using long-focus lenses to gain a glimpse of the other side – ‘North Korea’. We also saw the ‘Reunification Tower’ – the South Koreans would like to find a way of merging with North Korea, however that is not a sentiment shared by the North. Another highlight of Seoul was the ‘Lotte World Tower’ – the 5^th highest building in the world is a 123 story, 555m skyscraper. You travel very quickly to the top in a whisper quiet lift at 10m/sec. The views over the city and surrounding areas are stunning.

Guest Speaker Rozy Moar - ESR Senior Scientist

Posted by Richard Perry

On Monday night, ESR senior scientist Rosy Moar came and gave a talk about Forensic Toxicology in New Zealand. The Environmental & Scientific Research Institute is a Crown Entity, largely funded by payment for the work it does for governmental entities. She explained about the work ESR performed – in environmental, health and forensic sectors - and its role as a Crown Research Institute. The Forensic Toxicology unit is based out in Porirua, just below the Kenepuru Hospital.

Guest Speakers - Gary & June Stratton

Posted by Jaye Howey

“An amazing holiday – one of our best”, was how Gary and June Stratton described their “triple treat” of travel.

On 14 May they departed from Auckland for 10 weeks, which would include a 12-day North Sea cruise on the liner Norwegian Star, a month self-driving in Scotland and England, and a 15-day European river cruise on the Emerald Destiny.

During the sea cruise, the weather was often cold, despite it being early summer, and Gary’s photos of Norway and Iceland showed snow thick on the hills that surrounded the fiords -where their liner berthed for day visits.

Guest Speaker - Gary Lawrence: Dental Aid Project to Taveuni Island, Fiji.

Posted by Brian Clarke

Gary Lawrence, Rotary Club of Kapiti provided an update on the Rotary Volunteer Project to Taveuni and his recent visit in August this year. This project has been in place for a number of years, Gary has been visiting Taveuni since 2010, either as a team member or more latterly as team lead. The last visit in August saw a team of three dentists (including Gary); a chair-side assistant; hygienist; and an assistant.

Rotary Exchange to Woodstock, New Hampshire

Tony & Jenny and Mike & Sandy during the rotary exchange at Woodstock, New Hampshire.

Patrick McKibbin - Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce

Posted by John Matthews

Patrick McKibbin from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce gave us an update and review of what business is up to in the Valley, both Upper and Lower Hutt. It was very refreshing to hear that there is a lot going on out there in business. As he quoted, "you don't know what's going on behind these roller doors around the Valley".

Environment Committee Riverbank Cleanup Sunday 29^th September

Posted by Paul Giles

On a mild and sunny Sunday morning our group of thirteen collected an assortment of paper, plastic, bottles, cans, polystyrene (and a bike) lying on the banks of the Hutt River between Melling and Ava Railway Bridges. We finished (as is the tradition) with a get–together over a very fine morning tea. Thanks to everyone for their help with making this project a success once again.

Hamish Campbell - The Geological Shaping of Wellington Harbour

Posted by David Gledhill

Hamish is a Geologist and Emeritus Scientist at GNS Science with a continuing involvement with Geology and an interest in History. Born in Christchurch and brought up and educated in Dunedin with a scholarship to Cambridge he has had a distinguished career with GNS which included being seconded to Te Papa where he wrote the concept for the Awesome Forces exhibition (1998-2019), one of the highlights of the museum. Hamish now spends time at GNS and leads educational trips.

Te Omanga Hospice - Vintners' Lunch

Posted by Paul Giles

The Vintners' Lunch event is Te Omanga Hospice's biggest annual fundraiser. This is the first time that we, as a club, have assisted the Hospice with this event. Saturday was setting tables and decorating the venue in preparation for the big day on Sunday. We then returned late on Sunday afternoon to assist with packing everything away.

Over time, we have given a helping hand to the hospice in a variety of ways and this was another opportunity to build on the relationship that we have developed with them.

Guest Speaker - Josh Briggs, CEO Vibe

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Kia ora Koutou - nau mai haere mai

Josh Briggs apart from being a City Councillor, is the acting CEO of Vibe. Josh took over the role four months ago having previously served as Vibe's Business and Transformational Lead for a period of 12 months. Vibe proudly supports many areas of the community encompassing young people and their families. Having been in business since 1996 there are now many organisations in the city that support young people but Vibe is the only "one stop shop" for young people who face all manner of trauma and indecision in their lives.

Repair of Te Omanga Hospice Playhouse

Posted by Paul Giles

Barrie, Gary and Paul recently repaired the damaged roof on the children’s playhouse at Te Omanga Hospice. A big thank you to Annie Matthews for kindly providing the roofing materials by way of a donation from Placemakers. Rachel Brandt, Volunteers Manager at Te Omanga Hospice has written to say thank you so much for all your hard work and time, so very much appreciated.

Taita College Music Showcase

Posted by Kathy Bryant

Mike Keehan - Our South African Safari

Posted by Kathy Bryant

This week we had the pleasure of hearing from our very own Mike Keehan.

In May, Mike and his wife Jenny were part of a golf tour group that travelled to South Africa. They spent time in Johannesburg, played golf and did a safari tour in Kruger National Park.

Riverbank Cleanup

Posted by Paul Giles

A reminder for those members taking part in the Hutt River clean up.

Sunday 29^th September - 10am.

Where: Hutt riverbank carpark, Andrew’s Ave entrance

Area covered: from Ava rail bridge to Melling Bridge (depending on volunteer numbers)

The River Ranger will provide gloves, bags and some pick-up tools.

If you want to assist please contact Paul on 021 673137

Morning tea will be provided, please bring your own hot drink.

Lifting the Lid on Youth Mental Health

Dave Appleyard, Jane Mitchell, David Shackleton, Bill Day

This team of very experienced and distinguished Rotarians, Past Presidents all, introduced a new project to our club. It is regrettable but true that our national health service is over stretched and as a result there are long waiting lists, and therefore long waits, for almost all non-life-threatening conditions, especially in mental health. This is especially true for young people, where long delays in treatment can have permanent results both for them and for others. The "Lifting the Lid" programme recognises this reality and aims to bridge these gaps in our health system. The project is aimed at secondary schools and ultimately all schools. It is started by a group of Rotary Clubs in an area setting up a small committee and liaising with local schools.

Deborah Olasoju: My Journey Through Innovative Young Minds

Posted by David Gledhill

What was intended as one person’s journey through a Rotary organised course turned out to be a chapter in a much much larger journey. Deborah is a year 12 student at Naenae College. She was sponsored by our club to take part in the Innovation Challenge for Young Women. There were eighty participants, including three from Naenae College and Deborah described this residential course.

Deborah Olasoju (IYM Participant) and her Parents, Olamide & Kenny

Posted by President Mike

Last Monday evening we had the pleasure of hearing from the delightful Olasoju family. Deborah, eloquently told of her experience attending IYM, backed up with PowerPoint slides. She enthusiastically describing in detail the activities which she and other participants were involved in, while staying at the Silverstream Retreat. Visits included to Victoria University’s Ferrier Research Institute, Otago University at Wellington Hospital where the participants learnt suturing, CPR, and protein testing, Weta FX, and Parliament.

Guest Speaker Tony Heyward

Posted by President Mike

On Monday evening we had the pleasure of having Tony Heyward, Deputy Chair of Rotary Zone 8 Regional Council, talk about the new Regionalisation Pilot. There are only two regions carrying out this Pilot. The other region is UK & Ireland.

The prime reason for the Pilot is “to reverse the decline in membership and increase the reach and impact of Rotary and Rotaract in Zone 8”. Zone 8 includes New Zealand, Australia, and other South Pacific nations.

Group Walk Whitireia Park Big Loop Track

President Mike, John Cole, Jaye and Brian Klee with Probus friends setting out on their Whitireia Park 3 hour big loop walk recently.

Great effort team.

Ian Ferguson, A Sporting Life

Posted by David Gledhill

Ian has a most amazing c.v. Four Gold Medals, NZ Olympian of the Century, M.B.E., National Surf Life Saving Champion, four times N Z Ironman et many als. Still very trim and fit at 72 Ian gave an outline of his achievements and his beliefs. Quiet spoken but very, very determined Ian has always been fiercely competitive, energetic and ambitious.

OLYMPIAN IAN FERGUSON SPEAKING TO CLUB - Monday 29 July

To coincide with the start of the Paris Olympics, we have been very fortunate, at short notice, to have Olympian Ian Ferguson, speak to Rotary this Monday evening, 29 July.

Ian Ferguson, MBE

- New Zealand's 2nd most successful Olympian, attending 5 Olympics, winning 4 golds, and 1 silver

- NZ Sportsman of the Year

-Multiple winner of Ironman, Surf Lifesaving, Surf Ski

Consequently, Monday evening will be a family/friends meeting.

Because of the likelihood of higher attendance numbers on Monday evening with Ian Ferguson, our caterers require earlier notice of numbers. Accordingly please would you inform Christine Meredith on 0210674592 or cam1548@yahoo.com, by Midday Friday if you will be attending, and the number of any family/friends who will be attending.

If you are not attending, also let Christine know.

Wendy Hill - Guest Speaker

Our guest speaker this week was Wendy Hill, Manager/Trustee of Greenstone Doors.

Wendy established Greenstone Doors Charitable Trust, a safe place to talk 10 years ago when working in the sector and saw the need to provide support for women and their whanau through pregnancy.

Guest Speakers - Mike Jillings and Anne Schumacher: Dementia Wellington

Posted by David Gledhill

Most of us will know someone who suffers from dementia and Anne, Chief Executive and Mike, Hutt Dementia advisor, gave a brief but clear explanation of what it can be, and what can be done to help those suffering it.

Dementia is "a decline in cognitive functions". Symptoms can include decline in: memory, reasoning, performing daily functions and a change in personality.

Changeover

Posted by Mike Fackney

From the President

It was great to experience our Changeover with members, partners and friends. A highlight was to see Absie receive his well-earned Paul Harris Award. We were entertained by a young talented guitarist (Theo Thompson), and were treated to a fabulous meal thanks to Chalet Catering, Graham and staff. Special thanks go to John and Ron for organizing such a great evening. We are also grateful for John’s leadership during the past year. Thank you, John, for your time and effort.

Absie Crook receiving his PHF Award

Club Forum

Posted by John Matthews

On Monday evening we had the last Club Forum under my presidency. Each committee director read out their teams latest activities and highlights of the last 12 months. Where has that time gone?

Here is a round up of the year's activities:

Dementia Garden at Woburn Presbyterian Home

Posted by Annette Ruck

An updated photo of the Dementia Garden at the Woburn Presbyterian Home showing the autumn colours sent to us by Catharina & Andrew Fisher thanking our club members again and Mary Housten for their great work in establishing the garden last year in memory of Richard Housten.

Mike Fackney - Ethiopia Trip

Posted by David Gledhill

More Adventures from our Intrepid Rotarian

In March 2022 Mike was planning to spend three weeks in Ethiopia and then move on to Uganda but then Covid hit. As a result we were shown around parts of a country none of the rest of us are ever likely to visit. Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, where they drink it thick and sweet and after such a coffee Mike's adventures began.

Healthy in the Hutt 2024

Posted by Shelley Bryant

This year's Healthy in the Hutt was the best attended event since our rotary club has been running it. We had over 30 stands and lots of people coming through seeking information and taking the opportunity to have their health checked. Even the sun had the decency to shine!

A massive thanks to Mike, Paul and Chris Giles, Robin, Absie, Tony and Jenny Cornelius, my Paul and Brian Klee. They enabled the event to run smoothly by helping in the lead up to the event plus being there and helping on the day. A further thanks to all of you who donated goods for the draw. I had enough products to fill 2 baskets so we had 2 draws!

Thank you Jaye for popping in to take photos.

Thanks to Julia Milne who made the delicious chunky vegetable soup and to Countdown Upper Hutt for the rolls and boxes of fruit.

Lastly, thanks to the staff at Walter Nash who helped us with the set up and then had a major clean up job after the event. This event makes a huge difference to the community and it's exciting to see a number of people who now come regularly each year. The cost to run this event to the Club is minimal thanks to the support of Countdown, Julia and the Walter Nash Stadium who provides the venue for free.

Healthy in the Hutt which is run annually at the Walter Nash Stadium is an outstanding success in the way it informs people about health providers, wellness and keeping safe. It makes a huge difference.

Presentation of Usborne Dictionaries

Posted by Jaye Howey

I recently presented Usborne Dictionaries to year 4 students at Taita Central School and St Michaels School. The dictionaries were very well received by the students.

Taita Central School with Principal Michelle Picard

St Michael's School

Quiz/Auction Fundraiser

Posted by Mike Keehan

Last Friday’s quiz/auction evening raised nearly $6000 for the Wellington Free Ambulance and was regarded as a successful and entertaining event, with 103 people in attendance. There was spirited bidding for the auction items, led by Quiz master and Auctioneer, Ray Wallace. Prizes were awarded to the top two teams. Thanks to all who assisted and supported this fundraising project.

Winners - Bob Scott + 1

Runners Up - Westhill

King's Birthday - No Meeting

Paul Swain - Life After Politics

Paul was our Labour M.P. from 1990 to 2008 and a Cabinet Minister between 1999 and 2005. His address was on what he has been doing since his parliamentary career ended. It, his parliamentary career, ended on a high note, as he quoted John Major, Prime Minister of Britain, "Better to go when they want you to stay than to stay when they want you to go". Paul's address was in two parts.

Part 1: "What I have done in my spare time".

Part 2: "What I have been doing" since 2008."

Paul Littlefair - A Brief Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Posted by David Gledhill

"The old order changeth, giving place to new..."

The last visiting speaker we had was the son of one of our members and showed how very much technology had progressed in the space of one generation and this night we had another, similarly impressive example. Paul gave a very clear and comprehensible explanation of what AI is, and where it fits in the development of computers.

Te Omanga Hospice Collection at Queensgate

I have received the following note from Rebecca Routhan from Te Omanga Hospice -

"To the dream team of Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt

Your support for us is incredible. Thank you for pulling a great crew together for our annual Te Omanga Hospice Street Appeal and managing them on the day. We know this takes a great deal of coordination and time and to have this support from you is appreciated.

We are delighted to announce that in total we have raised $38,175.57!

The Local Real Estate Market

Posted by President John Matthews

We have all noticed the proliferation of newly built or building town houses all over Lower Hutt, and wondered who was buying them. John gave us the answer: no-one! Too many of them are being built too close together and are too small. No owner wants them built next door, cutting out their sun, and almost no one wants to buy them as they are too small, lack garages and gardens and often have too little sun themselves. Furthermore they often lack parking and being two or three storeys, are unsuitable for the retirement market. Many developers, having built or in the process of still building them are letting them, or turning them into BnBs and one Christchurch based developer which built many and once employed twenty agents in the Wellington area now employs only one.

Ray Tomlinson - Guest Speaker

Ray Tomlinson, JT Group, Site Solution Specialists

Imagine being in at the birth of a world-wide success story. This is how we felt on the night. Our most senior member, Joe Tomlinson, coming from Glasgow to New Zealand sixty three years ago started a painting company. Known for its integrity, quality and value it grew over the years and later developed a house washing offshoot. Joe's son, Ray, joined that offshoot and has turned it into the largest commercial building cleanwashing company in New Zealand, and a company that literally leads the world in its revolutionary technology.

Fundraising Quiz Night

Contact John Cole (021 495495) or Brian Clarke (021745388) for tickets.

Lower Hutt City Council Long Term Plan

Posted by David Gledhill

Councillor Simon Edwards - Lower Hutt's 10 Year Plan

Because Lower Hutt residents are facing a 16.9% rates rise the councillors are attending every group and event and meeting that they can to explain the reasons. Simon was standing in for another councillor at short notice but gave a very clear and well explained exposition of the situation. All councils are required to have a ten year budget plan reviewed every three years. This is important as the city needs to plan for the future, particularly as the population is projected to grow from 113000 to over 140000.

Anzac Day 2024

Posted by Glenda Barratt

Today I was a proud member of the thousands of people who stood together to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who fought for our country. Some of those brave soldiers gave their lives and some returned home to their loved ones never to forget what and who they had left behind. We were asked to give thought to the morning of the 25th April 1915 when Australian and New Zealand troops landed under fire at Gallipoli. It was then and in the battles that followed that the ANZAC tradition was formed.

Spruce up of the Small Pavilion in Avalon Park

Posted by Annette Ruck

On the 26^th of July 2012 Eastern Hutt Rotary Club donated a small pavilion with a table and three solid wooden bench seats to Avalon Park. Over the last 12 years the pavilion had become a bit weather beaten and dirty so our Community and Environment Committee decided to give it a freshen up. Joe Tomlinson’s son Ray who owns a water blasting firm did a great job to clean the pavilion and surrounding concrete.

Barrie Littlefair who convenes the committee is a member of the Days Bay Menz Shed so he volunteered to restore the furniture. In order to leave one seat in the pavilion for public use at all times it required three trips to Days Bay to transport the seats. This was done by Paul Giles and Annette Ruck’s partner Ian Dopson and stepson Ian McFadden. The pavilion is now back to its former glory and is being well used by members of the public both young and old who visit the park. It is a great example of rotary action in our local community.

Rotary Friendship Exchange Visit from District 6840

Posted by Mike Fackney

Last Monday evening we had the pleasure to meet members of Rotary District 6840 in the USA. This was a reciprocal visit, after Eastern Hutt Rotary members visited their district just prior to the onset of Covid.

Karen Babin from the Rotary Club of Metairie, who is leading the group, introduced a pictorial slide show, and started by speaking about their District, then introducing the other members.

Rotary District 6840, unites the diverse cultures of Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. The district includes communities from just west of the Mississippi River at New Orleans to the Mississippi/Alabama state line.

Fashion Parade to Raise Money for the Lower Hutt Foodbank

On Tuesday 26 March several of our members and were models for our very successful fundraising event at Ballentynes in Lower Hutt to raise money for the Lower Hutt Foodbank. Thank you Jaye, Anne, Judy, June, Jenny and Robyn. You were all great. A special thank you too to Mike Keehan and his committee for arranging the event.

Rebecca Routhan - Te Omanga Hospice

Posted by David Gledhill

Rebecca is the Community and Events Programme Manager at Te Omanga Hospice. Our club had worked with Rebecca as she organised the recent charity golf tournament and she gave an outline of what organising the tournament involved, of the wider work of Te Omanga and the need for funds. Rebecca was born in the Hutt Valley and was once a primary school teacher before she joined Te Omanga, and had an interest in the performing arts. In spite of this background she professed to be nervous as this was the first address of this nature she had given, but her concern was unmerited as she gave a very fluent and interesting account of the tournament's organisation and the wider issue of working with the community.

Walk For Mental Health 2024

Posted by Shelley Bryant

On March the 10th our fourth Walk for Mental Health was held. We had a stunning day for the walk, sunny and very little wind. Approximately 70 walkers turned up for the event, a similar amount to last year. We had good support from a couple of the other Rotary Clubs which is great to see plus attendance from members of the Tenths Trust and their families.

Alps2Ocean Trail - Ride February 2024

Several members recently rode the Alps2 Ocean Trail, a distance of over 300 kms. Congratulations Tony and Jenny Cornelius , Paul and Christine Giles, John Cole and Mike Fackney. Great effort team!

Letter of thanks from Te Omanga Hospice

The following is an extract from a letter received from Rebecca Routhan, Community and Events Programme Manager, Te Omanga Hospice -

"To our fabulous 2024 Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament volunteers,

We can’t thank you enough for the work you did for us to help pull off one big, successful tournament!

Whether you were in the set up/pack down crew, working during the tournament or entertaining our players, the part everyone played was hugely important and immensely appreciated. What a fabulous team effort.

As a result of your generosity, we have been able to minimise expenses, maximising our fundraising total. The total raised is now $73,530!

It’s a record-breaking golf fundraiser for us which will make a huge difference to families we care for.

I hope you enjoyed yourselves and got to meet some new people while volunteering for us.

I look forward to working with you again soon."

Helping out at Yesterday's Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament

Some of the workers.

Thank you so much to all of the members who helped make this year's charity golf tournament such a success. There was a record amount raised.

Mike Fackney: Antarctica Expedition

"A huge experience in every way" was how Mike described both his experience and Antarctica itself. For example the South Pole is 2441 km South West of Tierra Del Fuego, the Southern tip of South America. Mike's trip was on a former Scandinavian ferry organised by G Adventures who proved most pleasant and efficient. Accommodation was in a four berth cabin with just one other person, even though he had paid for only a two berth cabin. The food was superb and the staff, largely Filipino crew with European officers very friendly and helpful. The trip from South America to the Weddell Sea took two and a half days.

Repeated - Colin Fenton - The Improvements in Cataract Surgery Over the Years

Posted by David Gledhill

"The devil is in the detail", but so is the interest. Most of us know someone who has had to get their cataracts "done" but few of us had appreciated how much modern surgery has advanced. Even fewer would have heard of Harold Wrigley and how he transformed the process of "doing". Before modern surgery nothing could be done when a person developed cataracts. As recently as 1950 cataract operations became possible but would still involve the patient (or victim) going to the hospital the day before surgery, fasting and then having a general anaesthetic the operation, and spending seven days lying on their back, blindfold and waiting a further three months before having appropriate glasses prescribed.

Colin Fenton - The Improvements in Cataract Surgery Over the Years

Posted by David Gledhill

Christmas Raffle Winners

Gabriel King-Turner - First Prize Winner

Jan Fraser - Second Prize Winner

Congratulations to you both.

Last Meeting of the Year

The workers Ron and Tony who organised the annual "fish & chip" night, with President John who wished everyone a safe and happy Christmas. John also warned everyone that 11 December was the day most people separate so could everyone please get on with family over the holiday period and please all agree to disagree.

Dylan Davey - Science & Technology Forum Candidate

Posted by Kathy Bryant

Last Monday Robin Aitken and I attended the Rotary Club of Upper Hutt Christmas dinner and had a chance to meet Dylan Davey (the student we are co-sponsoring to the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum, being held in Auckland in January). We also met his parents and brother.

Dylan did a great presentation, telling us how he moved to New Zealand from South Africa when he was nine and went to Silverstream Primary school, Ferguson Intermediate and is now a student at St Patrick's Silverstream. He spoke about how he became interested in sport (in particular rugby) and then in Year 9 at school he developed a passion for science. Dylan has recently been appointed as Deputy Head Boy for 2024 at school.

I think Dylan will be a fantastic candidate to represent us at the forum and we look forward to hearing from him after he has attended.

President John's Christmas Wishes

President John welcomed members and guests to our Christmas function and provided "food for thought" with his speech at the end of the evening -

"2023 will go down as the year of the 'Cost of Living Crisis'.

But we need to remember the grass is not greener on the other side. Many many countries around the world are experiencing the same situation.

The UK inflation rate is currently 4.6% (down from 11% in January)

Aussie is 5.4% (down from 8%)

The US is currently 3.2% (down from 7%)

And NZ is 5.6% at the moment. (Down from a 7.8% high)

Mortgage repayments for many are the big struggle with some experiencing hundreds of dollars increase per week as interest rates have risen continuously.

Stokes Valley Santa Parade

A group of our members assisted River Valley Rotary Club with traffic management at the Stokes Valley Santa Parade last Saturday.

Santa's helpers - missing are June & Gary Stratton.

Santa

Santa's float broke down and had to be pushed by two burly firemen!

Oranga Tamariki and Children's Rights Proceedings

Posted by David Gledhill

Laura Barry and her business partner Samantha Brennan gave us an insight into the complex issue, fraught with political issues, of the care of children at risk. Both have been involved in this field for some time and their firm, Tiaki Family Law, has the priorities of care, conserve and protect in disputes involving the care and protection of children.

Sustainable Development and helping Nepal

Posted by David Gledhill

As well as being a wife, mother, Deputy Mayor of Upper Hutt and Co-ordinator of the Jackson Street programme, our guest speaker, Helen Swales is also a member of the Business and Professional Women's Association, which has 130 clubs worldwide, but has flown under the radar for most of us. BPW believes in the 17 goals of the United Nations and is particularly concerned with the rights and welfare of women and children who are so often the ones who suffer most in a human crisis. She gave the case of the massive 2015 earthquake in Nepal as an example of their community projects. After the earthquake of Saturday, 25 April there were 9000 dead, 22000 badly injured.

Zone 8 Regional Council Election Results

Dear Club President or Secretary,

Clubs throughout Zone 8 have had their say, and the results of the first Zone 8 Regional Council election are now in!

Here is the list of candidates clubs have chosen to lead and represent our Zone starting from 1 January 2024:

Committees Met

Rotary Youth Leadership Nomination (RYLA)

The Youth Committee is very pleased to announce that Ethan Rawhiti Hotter has been selected as our 2024 RYLA Nominee. Ethan is a talented Hutt Valley musician. He has completed two years of a classical music performance degree on piano at Victoria University. He regularly shares his love of music at venues such as the Lower Hutt Chopin Club and Lunchtime Concerts at St Andrews. Recently he accompanied the Filipino Choir in their community concerts. He is excited to be nominated to attend RYLA 2024.

Janice Swan - Sort Out Service - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Gledhill

Janice learned the hard way, from experience. After living in different countries and moving homes several times, including once just after her husband had been killed in a motorcycle accident just ten days after they had moved into a new home Janice knew the problems and difficulties of moving, particularly for people in a vulnerable situation. She used her experience to help friends and others informally for seven years and then decided to do it professionally and started her own company, Sort Out Service.

Enliven Garden in Memory of Richard Housten

Posted by Annette Ruck

The garden project undertaken by our club at The Enliven Retirement Village Dementia Unit on behalf of a generous grant by Mary Housten in memory of her late husband Richard who was a member of our club is now complete. Three colourful Totem poles and a sign which says Richards' Garden are now in place. I have been told by several people that the garden is really very much enjoyed by residents, staff and visitors.

A big thank you to all of the people who helped with this very successful project.

Youth Committee Fundraiser

The Youth Committee held a fundraising dinner at Forbidden City last Tuesday, 24 October. A great time was had by all. Congratulations to Christine and Errol, the raffle winners. Thank you Eve and her team for your hard work in arranging this very successful event.

Guest Speakers - Brian Kirtian and Mark Nicholson - Riverlink Project

Included in the photograph is Campbell Barry, Mayor of Lower Hutt and Hellen Swales, Deputy Mayor of Upper Hutt.

The River Link is a major project with three aims: to protect the Hutt from a 400 year flood, to improve the traffic flow into Lower Hutt and to re-orientate the Central Hutt to make more of its river frontage. It involves an area from the Ewen Bridge to the Kennedy-Good Bridge.

Brian Kirtian and Mark Nicholson explained some of the major issues in the scheme which involves Taranaki Atiawa, Ngati Toa, Hutt City, Wellington Regional Council and Waka Kotahi.

Guest Speaker - Brock Shute, Mortgage Advice Company

Posted by David Gledhill

Although born in Australia Brock is not a 501 but a good New Zealand citizen with a wife and three children. After taking a B.Com. at Victoria University he had a career in finance before becoming self-employed and starting his own company. He now employs four more mortgage advisers and some ancilliary staff. In Australia 70% of mortgages are arranged through a broker and he is sure the same will soon apply here.

Committees Met

Chase the Candidates Election Quiz

President John ran a quiz to see how much we knew about the upcoming election. The answer sheet above shows some people have a way to go. Congratulations to Kathy Bryant who achieved the highest score.

Function at Te Omanga Hospice

Last evening President John attended a function at the Te Omanga Hospice to thank all those people and organisations for their generosity over the last couple of years in giving donations and their time to the Hospice. There was a great turn out and a good networking opportunity for everyone in attendance.

Mike Fackney - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Gledhill

Mike Fackney: Much Travelled Man

Mike had wanted to go to Malawi but a planned eight day tour had been cancelled because of Covid, and so, after two days in Kampala he eventually joined a tour party that went through Rwanda, Zambia, Tanzania, Columbia and Uganda. With excellent photographs Mike took us on the tour.

Hutt Riverbank Clean Up

Posted by Annette Ruck

Last weekend a group from our club took part in our annual Hutt City river bank cleanup. Despite the strong wind challenges and the Hutt Valley annual marathon adding some interest we managed to clear between the Melling bridge and the Ava railway bridge.

The rubbish collected included everything from small pieces of paper to a partially buried suitcase. We finished with a very social morning tea which included sausage rolls, small meat pies, buttered loaf, muffins and cake. It was another successful river bank cleanup and thanks go to all who were able to come and help.

Guest Speaker - Ava Szabo - Montessori School

Posted on Sep 14, 2023

Ava gave us a thought provoking insight into a type of school very different to the current standard system. Certain it is that many of our students are failing under the present state system as evidenced by alarming truancy statistics and falling standards in international standardised tests. Ava started a Montessori School in Waddington Drive/Rata Street earlier this century and it has now grown to 270 students, 160 primary, 110 secondary. Overall 17% of students are Maori, 60% European, and there are very few Pacifica, but there are now higher figures for Maori, Asian and Pacifica among the younger students, reflecting the changing demography of the area.

Jan's trip to her son's wedding

The day I arrived in London I acted as witness to my son Jordan and Liz's wedding at the Hackney Town Hall. This was the official ceremony. Two days later we headed to Santorini in Greece for the second ceremony.

Local Triumph over Adversity

Posted by David Gledhill

St Bernards First XI Football

Still keeping it in the family, sort of, this week's address was by Paul Olsthoorn, the son-in-law of Paddy Wells, one of our distinguished members.

Paul, with his wife Melissa, coach the St Bernard's First X1 Football Team. (It could also be termed the last St Bernards football X1 as it is the one and only). Last year it triumphed over enormous odds. Paul has always been keen on football. He started playing at age eleven, played 100 games for Petone, and was Player of the Year for the Central League in 1992. After retiring from playing he turned to refereeing and then to coaching at St Bernards. In 2022 St Bernards won the National Schools Football Tournament, by penalty shoot-out, even though it was ranked only ninth of the nineteen teams competing. In itself this was remarkable, but to do it after overcoming three major challenges was inspiring.

Te Omanga Hospice recent newsletter photo

This photo appeared in a recent Te Omanga Hospice newsletter under the heading "Shout Out To Our Community"

The caption read -

"Our beautifully painted fence at the hospice! Thanks to the team from Eastern Hutt Rotary for your amazing work and on-going support."

Great work team!!

June Stratton - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Gledhill

The New Zealand Company

Never has the truism that many of our best addresses have come from our own members been more applicable. June gave us a fascinating account of Wellington's founding by the New Zealand Company and corrected many of the inacuracies still perpetuated in current history books. While in UK recently June and Gary undertook original research in museums, churches and cemeteries in London, Somerset and Edinburgh as well as their own family records. From these sources June gave some illuminating details not only of Gary's family but also of the conditions in England in the 1830s. Gary's family history goes back six generations from when one Thomas Stratton came out on a NZC emigrant ship landing in Wellington in 15 March, 1841.

IYM Feedback

The following email has been received from Monique Waring from IYM -

"On behalf of IYM, I'd like to sincerely thank your Rotary Club for supporting the work of IYM once again through sponsoring a student. The programme was highly successful with participants going away inspired by what their future career in STEMM could look like. We'll be sending you a full programme report in mid-August, in the meantime I've attached a small sample of the feedback we've received from this year's participants. You can see the positive impact IYM has on them, not just for future career planning, but also on their self-confidence and self-belief".

Click on the link below to read the feedback from some of the participants.

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000013118/en-us/files/homepage/iym-feedback/IYM-Residential-2023-with-FNZ-Participant-Feedback.pdf

Emergency Response Kits

Stuart Batty, Executive Director, RNZWCS reports that as we move forward to yet another Cyclone Season across the pacific, rotary has updated the Emergency Response Kit Brochure notably including that the activity has run more than 45 years and since 2009 some 10,886 Kits have been distributed. This activity continues with support of Rotary Clubs, Rotarians and supporters.

Honorary Membership presented to Brian Klee by President John

Brian has been a member of Eastern Hutt Rotary since February 2018. Prior to that he was a member and Past President of Courtney Place Rotary, from 1997. So Brian has committed a huge amount of time and energy over 26 years of being a Rotarian. His relentless efforts attempting to get the Satellite Club group up and running was greatly appreciated - a lot of challenging work with all sorts of barriers, not the least the Covid lockdowns. His contribution while at Eastern Hutt has included all things focused on our Club's image, i.e. the Website, weekly Bulletin, Club Duties, and so much more. Brian's contribution to this Club has been immense and very much appreciated by us all. It is with great pleasure that I present this certificate and congratulate you on the position of Honorary Member of Eastern Hutt Rotary Club. Huge congratulations to you Brian.

Women's Refuge Collection

Many thanks to those members who assisted with the Women's Refuge collection last Friday at Countdown.

Charlie Fleury and Rio Salisbury-Metcalf - Guest Speakers

Posted by Robin Aitken

This week, we had the pleasure of hearing from two young women, whom we had sponsored on two Rotary youth programmes.

Charlie Fleury RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)

Charlie comes from Naenae. She previously attended IYM in 2018, sponsored by our Club whilst still attending Naenae College. She is now in the workforce, cleaning windows. Not any ordinary windows but those requiring her to use her abseiling skills! She is very involved in the Scouting movement, is a Queen's Scout and leads a local Scout group. She has attended an Outward Bound Course at Anakiwa, and her ultimate ambition is to become an instructor at Outward Bound.

Presentation of Usborne Dictionaries to Taita Central School by Robin & Eve

Innovative Young Minds

Posted by Annette Ruck

Open to young women in Year 11 and 12 at schools in the Greater Wellington Region, IYM (Innovative Young Minds). This year IYM was a 6 day residential programme that exposes participants to the many research and career opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mechanics) in the most engaging and hands-on way possible. During the first week of July this year's IYM held it’s annual live-in program for young women students in years 11 and 12 who are interested in STEM subjects. The course has a number of sponsors and the young women are sponsored by their local rotary clubs. Our club sponsored Rio Salisbury-Metcalfe from Hutt Valley High School. She lives in Wainuiomata and hopes to go to Otago University to study genetics. She will come and tell us about her experience of the course this coming Monday.

Rotary Project in Vanuatu

Posted by Pat Heffernan

Vanuatu is a cluster of around 82 islands and has a population of about 21000. It is estimated that the population before the arrival of Europeans was close to 1million before dropping to 55,000 by World War Two. Now over 55% of the population are under 15 and only 2% over 60. This population explosion is putting a great strain on the medical and education services, but fortunately the islanders can grow most of the food that they need. There is minimal health support in the rural villages and the literacy rate is 74%. Only78% of children complete their primary education for which the government pays only teachers salaries, leaving the villages and parents to fund the remaining school costs.

Jaye's Trip to Canada & the USA

A visit from a (genuine) retired Canadian Mounted Police

Mike K's Holiday Pics

The Hubbard Glacier is one of only two that are advancing!

The Prince Rupert Rotary Centennial Monument in British Columbia

Presentation of Usborne Dictionaries

Posted by Jaye Howey

We have recently presented Usborne ILLUSTRATED dictionaries to year 4 students at the following schools - Pomare, St Michaels and Naenae. Robin will present to Taita Central students early in the new term. I emphasize Illustrated as these books are more like an Encyclopaedia than a Dictionary. This is our 15th year of this project and we are told that teachers and students find these just as useful and enjoyable as they did in 2009.

Glenda's Opening Words at Changeover

Tena Koutou katoa, he mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa

When I was looking for an appropriate quote to open tonight’s proceedings, I looked for something that offered a message of encouragement, reminding people they have the power to control their own destinies, make their own choices and ultimately lead others to the same path. As an avid reader I favour those quotes that make me think of my role not only as a Rotarian but as a human being in everyday life.

Changeover 2023

Posted by President Kathy Bryant

Our 2023 changeover began with a performance from the Taita College Chorus who sang the two songs they had performed for the recent regional barbershop competitions where they placed second.

As usual we had a beautiful meal provided by Chalet Caterers before we moved onto the awards part of our evening. Shelley Bryant was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow. Not only has Shelley contributed amazing service through our Rotary Club, but we also heard of the service that Shelley has given the community throughout her life. Such a well-deserved and worthy recipient of this award. It was lovely that Shelley’s sons were able to be there for this presentation. David Thompson was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow sapphire pin to acknowledge his continued service to the club, most recently in the role of secretary of both the club and the Trust.

Club Forum

The club held it's Club Forum in which the directors presented their reports for the year. President Kathy presented her final report for her presidential year.

President Kathy's Final Report

Presidents report for 2022/2023

The new Rotary year got off to a wonderful start with the celebration of the Clubs 60^th anniversary with a dinner held at the Boulcott Heritage Farm Golf Club on 29^th June. What a wonderful evening of reminiscing. John Prendergast (Past District Governor of District 9980 and current President of Petone Rotary Club) was a highly entertaining MC and had us laughing for most of the evening.

It was a real pleasure to award the latest of Paul Harris fellowships to an ex-member of our club Sir John Clarke and to present Jenny Jameson a Rotary Foundation Major Donor pin and crystal, in recognition of Michael’s generous gift to the Foundation.

Shelley's Report on Healthy in the Hutt

Posted by Shelley Bryant

A big thanks to our helpers -

Mike, Paul, Kathy, Absie, Jan, Glenda, Christine, Tony, Jenny and Brian Klee.

A huge thanks to Mike and Paul who spent hours in the kitchen heating up the soup.

Thanks to everyone who donated goods for the draw. The winners were a family who really appreciated the prize.

Further thanks to Kathy and John Matthews for printing out the flyers, John Vile for the signage and Mike and Paul for putting the sign up and taking it down.

A special thank you must go to Julia Milne and her team from the He Puawai Trust who made the delicious chunky vegetable soup and to Countdown for the rolls and boxes of fruit.

Finally a big thank you to the staff at Walter Nash Stadium who helped us with the set up and then had a major clean up job at the end as the bread rolls were super crusty and crumbs were everywhere.

Jaye's Trip to Puglia, Amalfi and The Med

Posted by Jaye Howey

“Puglia, Amalfi and The Med”

This was the name of my recent 19 day tour and cruise package with TripaDeal.

(an on-line travel company)

“Why Italy” was the question asked by family and friends. The answer was simple: To use up the NZ$5,499 credit my friend Joyce, and I, had each been holding since a pre-Covid trip was cancelled. No refunds!. Quite simply, we looked for, and found, a trip which would use up all our credit!

Absolutely amazing value for money! It included all flights, from and back to Auckland, an 8 day guided tour - Rome, up to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, before exploring the ruins of Pompeii and then travelling on to the area of Puglia.

Guest Speaker - Linda Hoogenboom

Posted by Mike Fackney

On Monday night we had an excellent presentation from Linda Hoogenboom, Managing Director of Quality Life. Linda is a Qualified Diversional Therapist who has been working in the Aged Care industry since 1995 as an Activities Professional. However, her interests are diverse and encompass Dementia, Disability and Mental Health and have recently seen Linda working with Early Onset Dementia. Basically, Linda is interested in anyone who has a special need. Passionate about using non-pharmacological therapy to improve the lives of those who require it, Linda firmly believes that Diversional Therapy is one such critical solution. But, having worked in the industry for so long she is also aware of the issues and constraints experienced in the role.

RCEH Charitable Trust Grants

Posted by Richard Perry

The club’s trust board has recently concluded decision bringing year to date total grants and commitments to $36,950. We also resolved to make further modest-sized grants to local schools and charities to an aggregate of $5,000; and decided to give club members an opportunity to make recommendations. If you would like to participate, please email your suggestion to the Trust Secretary, June Stratton ljstratton12@gmail.com strictly by 30 June. Please specify recipient formal name, contact details, description of what they do/why you think an award is appropriate, and suggested amount. Richard Perry.(Trust Board Chair)

Guest Speaker - Alaister Henshaw - Predator Free Wellington

Posted by David Gledhill

All in the Family

Recently we heard an address from our President's father, today we heard from our Treasurer's son-in-law, Alaister Henshaw. After his degree Alaister was a primary school teacher for a number of years. When he became a house husband he gained his M.A. in Education but then decided he preferred an outdoors job and joined Predator Free Wellington. This was eminently suitable for a person who enjoyed 100km runs and had a passionate interest in conservation. For four years Alaister has been the Community Officer for Predator Free Wellington. He is proud of New Zealand's record in creating predator - free sanctuaries for our native wild life. In other parts of New Zealand DOC has cleared several islands of predators, and Wellington is proud of founding Zealandia, the first "inland island". (many years ago our club donated money for the first fence posts for it). New Zealand is now leading the world in clearing both islands and mainland areas of predators to allow the native flora and fauna to flourish.

Judith Gardiner - History of Hutt Valley High School

Posted by David Gledhill

Hutt Valley High School has for many years been an important feature of Lower Hutt, and Judith Gardiner gave a brief but most interesting account of its history, with historical photographs. Judith is in a particularly good position to recount the history as she has completed a number of family histories, has been a teacher aide there for 22 years and is also the school's archivist.

What Members do in their "Spare Time"

Posted by Brian Clarke

After retiring following 52 years in the public service in 2017 it was a change of pace I was looking forward to: a mix of physical work on our property in Mount Marua, church leadership, Rotary and of course overseas travel in the mix. Within a couple of years that dream began to change as Mary and I downsized and moved into our new home in Silverstream; Mary retired March 2020 when Covid and subsequent lockdowns came along.

So the question is “do we have spare time”?? The short answer is ‘we don’t seem to have much.”

What Members do in their Spare Time

Posted by Jan Palmer

What spare time I ask?

Life is very busy in the Palmer household.

With Doug still working a lot of the household chores fall to me although he does do the cooking which is a huge help. We have been running a bnb for the last 5/6 years and with occupancy running at around 70% it keeps me extremely busy with new guests arriving every two days on average. I have been delivering meals on wheels for the last 15 years and am often called on if they are a driver short on any particular day.

International Committee - Fundraising Dinner

Posted by John Cole

On Wednesday evening the International Committee held a fundraising dinner at First Choice Restaurant in Petone. Over forty club members, partners and friends attended and had a most enjoyable meal. I am sure nobody would have needed supper when they got home. All who attended generously supported a raffle which contributed to the evening raising $510.00 towards an International project. Thanks must go to Linda Goss-Wallace and Errol Tong for their efforts in arranging a most enjoyable evening and to friends who supported the event.

Thank you all.

Bill Boyd - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Gledhill on May 18, 2023

Tonight we heard an address by Bill Boyd, Magazine Distribution, well known as father of our President Cathy Bryant, former rugby referee and playmate of Jan Alford at primary school. Bill is also known as former President of Rotary International 2006/7, Queens Service Order for Community Service and Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit. The list of Rotary positions Bill has held is too long to list here, but notably after retiring from many senior positions in the administration, Bill has dedicated his time to the Rotary Peace Programme, setting up Rotary Peace Centres around the world. This was his subject tonight.

Enliven Home Dementia Garden - Final Working Bee

Posted by Annette Ruck

Today we did our last working bee at the Enliven Home Dementia Garden. Mary Housten kindly provided the money for this garden to be redone in memory of her late husband Richard who was a member of our club. Working bees have included deck and planter box water blasting by Joe Tomlinson's firm, two deck and planter staining sessions, seat repair and replacement by the Menz Shed at Days Bay, gravel replacement in the messy north east corner and two planting bees. A great effort by all those involved.

What Members do in their "Spare Time"

Posted by Mike Fackney

My first career as a teacher and school principal was fulfilling and rewarding, but there was a downside, albeit, necessary. In my second career, ‘Retirement’, when apparently you have ‘heaps of spare time’, I have attempted to avoid some of my first career downside, such as timetables, routines, meetings, etc. Consequently my ‘spare time’ varies on any one day, as does the activities which take place, often because that is what I feel like doing - and not because I have to! Indeed, I wonder whether I do in fact have any ‘spare time’, as I choose to ‘fill up’ my time, because life is too short to waste! Although, sometimes I do wonder whether I should retire from Retirement!

Jane Gillingham - Guest Speaker

Posted by David Gledhill

Jane is a member of the School Attendance Team Lower Hutt Valley.

There has been a growing problem of poor attendance at school for several years, aggravated by the tribulations of Covid. Jane is in charge of a team of three set up by the Ministry to address the problem in the Hutt Valley. In many ways Jane is ideally suited to the role. Born in the Hutt, educated at Otago University with a law degree and happily married for 28 years with four of her own children. Jane and her surgeon husband have been fostering children for many years, with a special concern for pregnant teenagers.

What Members do in their "Spare Time"

Posted by Glenda Barratt

The question was “What do you do in your spare time”? the real answer is I’m actually trying to decide if I have any. In the hours that I don’t work or are not involved in community events or Council meetings I try to relax with a good book with an Author I love, such as JD Robb or Nora Roberts. Unfortunately I’ve read most of their books so have to wait for a new release to happen. I’m not good at being patient so will generally resort to buying magazines to pass the time.

Quiz with a Difference

Congratulations to the first and second prize winners at our recent "Quiz with a Difference"

First Prize Winners

Second Prize Winners

Thank you must go to Richard Perry, Jaye Howey and the Youth Committee for arranging such a successful event which raised $1968 for youth projects.

Walk for Mental Health 2023

Shelley advised that this year's Walk for Mental Health raised $3000 for Youthline. A brilliant effort by all those involved.

Committees Met

Glenda Laying a Wreath on behalf of Eastern Hutt Rotary

Thank you Glenda for laying a wreath on behalf of the Club at the Taita Cemetery on Anzac Day.

Visit to New Zealand Campus for Innovation on Sport.

Posted by David Gledhill

Our Tour Guides - Aaron Portland & Jamie Tout

"We had no idea all this existed. Astounding!" was the common reaction on our visit to NZCIS. We knew the buildings had been created for the Central Institute of Technology in the 1970s, and had lain barely used and unwanted for years. Few of us knew that Malcolm Gillies and Kevin Melville purchased the site in 2016 and have invested over $30 million in developing it. It now has accommodation for 500, conference facilities and canteens and a state of the art sport facility, the largest in New Zealand.

What Members Do In their "Spare" Time

Posted by Annette Ruck

As a relief driver for Meals on Wheels I deliver meals anywhere from Petone to Stokes Valley up to five days a week. I get to meet lots of amazing people and see both the good and sad sides of Lower Hutt. I am a volunteer for the Science in Primary Schools program including both Lower and Upper Hutt run by the Hutt City Council. With over 90 kits covering more than 40 topics there is always plenty of replenishing and repairing to do. These hands-on kits cover topics such as Rockets (yes they have been known to land on the school roof), Bones (10 small skeletons can certainly get muddled up), Plants, Bees, Magnets, Electricity, Recycling and many more subjects. I am a member of the Waterloo Probus Club and U3A (University of the Third Age). I enjoy the great speakers at these meetings. I really enjoy my Rotary meetings too. Walking by the sea and gardening are my hobbies.

My greatest pleasure is my big extended family. Lots of fun and laughter and sharing and occasional head shaking. My children and grandchildren are very special to me.

Comments made by Christine's grandchildren.

Today as I was driving my grandsons to the airport this was discussed in the car.

Kipp Worsley ' Rotary is great! They are so friendly and they do so much good works in the community .'

Wow! And his brother Monty said, ' I hope Rotary is still going when we are old enough to join'.

Definitely two prospective members of Rotary!

Painting of the Fence at Te Omanga Hospice

A Letter of Thanks

"Thank you so much Paul and your team. We are so grateful, had a walk around this morning and it looks fantastic all to be finished and so clean and tidy.

Please pass on our sincere thanks from us all."

Rachel Brandt

Volunteer Manager

Te Omanga Hospice

What our Members do in their "Spare" Time

Christine Meredith

Christine is a member of Rotary, Inner Wheel, Probus and many other groups. So what do I do in my spare time since retirement? I make quilts for the Hutt Prem Baby Unit at Hutt Hospital in sizes from cushion cover up to 1 metre square. I also knit for the babies.

However, I want to tell you another story of my evenings at home and sometimes daytime. I mainly knit for others. Along with a group from Inner Wheel we knit beanies, slippers and sometimes mittens for 2 lower- socio economic primary schools in the Hutt Valley; baby clothes and knitted or woven blankets for Pregnancy Help.

These beanies and slippers were made by the Innerwheel and associates knitting group. Ready to be donated to Taita primary school. Some are my knitted items too.

Committees Met

Te Omanga Hospice Bird Avery Update

Posted by Paul Giles

Te Omanga Bird Aviary Relocation – An Environment & Amenities Committee Project
The relocation of the bird aviary at Te Omanga Hospice was one of the major projects for the Environment and Amenities Committee in 2021 – 2022. Whilst the hospice originally envisaged a new aviary being built, the cost and the logistics of this concept seemed rather daunting.

Guest Speaker - Dr Bob Maxwell

Posted by David Gledhill on Mar 27, 2023

"Eat, ski, sleep, repeat."

Bob has led an amazing life that even the most adventurous of us can only dream of. He did not have much of an outdoor education at school (too naughty to be allowed) but after a course at Outward Bound, he developed a taste for adventure and has lived his dream. He has climbed Mt Everest from the China side, completed the "Seven Summits" - one in each continent, and been on five expeditions in Antarctica.

2023 Walk for Mental Health

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Mar 26, 2023

On Sunday, approximately 70 walkers turned up for the event. The support from other Rotary Clubs was great and the intention is to have them more involved in the next walk. It was lovely seeing the purple clothes, purple hair, and purple balloons. Even a dog was dressed in a purple harness with a purple lead. The band “Quite Some Company” were great and gave the event a really festive atmosphere.

Tidying up of the Native Planting on the Hutt Riverbank

Posted by Annette Ruck

Last Saturday morning a group of young men on a special home detention rehabilitation scheme and their supervisor formed a volunteer working party and came to clear away weeds from our club's grove of native planting on the riverbank at Taita. They cleared weeds from the edge of the planted area facing the river trail and it looks so much tidier now. The original grove of trees was planted in 2018 under the leadership of the late David Comparini who was a member of our club.

Guest Speaker Judith O'Byrne - Salvation Army

Posted by David Gledhill on Mar 20, 2023

Judith O'Byrne, Community Ministries Manager, Salvation Army, Lower Hutt

Judith came to New Zealand four years ago from Germany, for a nine-week holiday and stayed here. Judith is married with two children and has studied theology. A member of the Salvation Army, she has a passion for helping people, a passion for helping to meet people's basic needs and a strong sense of social justice. She spoke about the work of the Army's Lower Hutt Food Bank.

Painting the Fence at Te Omanga Hospice

Posted by Paul Giles on Mar 16, 2023

While painting the aviary at Te Omanga I was chatting with Rachel Brandt, Manager of Voluntary Services at the hospice. She explained that a corporate group had volunteered to do some fence painting but due to lower numbers coming on the day the work had not been completed. Rachel wondered whether Eastern Hutt Rotary were willing to consider completing the fence painting project. Mitre 10 Petone had donated all of the paint, brushes, rollers etc and so it was just manpower that was required to complete the task.

Fashion Parade Fundraiser

Posted on Mar 14, 2023

On Tuesday 14 March, the International Committee held a fashion parade at Ballantynes, Lower Hutt to raise money for the victims of Cyclone Gabrielle. It was a very successful event raising more than $1800. Special thanks must go to Jaye, Eve, Glenda, Linda and Linda's friend Virginia for modelling the many outfits on display. They have definitely all missed their vocation.

Guest Speaker - David Taylor

Posted by David Gledhill on Mar 13, 2023

David has enjoyed, and is still enjoying a very distinguished career. From Otago Boys High School, he graduated with first class honours in History at Otago University in1981 and proceeded to complete a law degree in 1984. After a spell in the Prime Minister's Department he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he is now leading the Russia Sanctions Taskforce. He gave us a full, if discreet account of his career.

Induction of June Stratton

June Stratton (nee Hyslop) was born on 12 June 1948 and grew up in the suburb of Northland, Wellington. She attended Northland School, Wellington Girls' College and then, in 1965 at age 16yrs, she enrolled at Victoria University and Wellington Teachers' College. Over the next four years she completed a Science degree majoring in mathematics and chemistry, graduated with a Diploma in Teaching and gained a Trained Teachers' Certificate.

Celebrating 40 Years of Repairing Bodies & Rebuilding Lives

Interplast Australia & New Zealand welcomes Motivation Australia

Interplast is delighted to announce that fellow international development organisation Motivation Australia has joined with us to expand our essential work throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Click HERE to read more.

An Evening With

Barrie and Diane Littlefair, John and Lynne Cole, Jaye Howey (and Richard Perry) recently attended the very successful "Evening with Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley and Past District Governor Juliet Riseley".

Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament

Posted by Jan Palmer

The Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament organising committee held a debrief yesterday and were generally pleased with the way the day went. The amount raised on the day has almost reached $69,000. This is the largest amount ever raised at their previous golf tournaments and they have advised this would not have been possible without the assistance of our club members. They added they would not have been able to run the tournament without our assistance. The committee is confident improvements can be made to next year's event. Brian Clarke and I wish to thank everyone who assisted on the day in the Fine Dining Tent, selling of paddle raffles, welcomers, spotters at the auction. Special thanks must go to Tony, Mike, Paul & Brian Klee who were charged with putting up and taking down 9 gazebos around the course on the day. It was a tough job! Special thanks must also go to Brian & Kaye Lummis who provided yummy prawn cocktails, chicken cocktails in the Fine Dining Tent. They proved very popular with the players. Brian Clarke and I wish to thank all of the members who helped make this such a successful event.

Colin and Jan Alford's 56th Wedding Anniversary

Club members surprised Colin by displaying his wedding photo and the wonderful post by daughter Jeanine.

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my wonderful Parents .. they met and married in the Bahamas .. 💕💕c1967💕💕 Dad proposed whilst mum was holidaying in Canada 🍁 with 11 red roses … .. on every anniversary there after he gave her 11 🌹 roses plus one ..❤️❤️❤️ I think he came to his senses after about 40 years married as mum didn’t have enough vases to put the 51 roses in ❤️

Members trip to the West Coast of the South Island

Posted by David Gledhill on Feb 27, 2023

On Monday we enjoyed the vicarious pleasure of seeing some of the highlights of our South Island's West Coast. Jaye, John, Paul, and Tony took us on a series of day walks around the top of the western south. For the audience it was the next best thing to being there.

Te Omanga Hospice Golf Day

Posted by Brian Klee on Feb 24, 2023

Eastern Hutt Rotary were immensely proud to be one the major supporters of this year's Te Omanga Hospice Golf Day today. Held at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club, 38 enthusiastic teams entered in support of this amazing Lower Hutt organisation. Raising a sum of around $65,000, this event was only possible through the very generous support of all its supporters and a successful auction - thanks to the bidders and our auctioneer, Doug Palmer.

Look at this pre-event build-up HERE, that was posted on Te Omanga's website.

Special thanks for the great work Jan Palmer and Brian Clarke in smoothly leading this valued relationship for this event.

Yasmin Nouri - Malagan Institute

Posted by David Gledhill on Feb 20, 2023

Yasmin gave a brilliantly clear explanation of the work she has been involved in at the Malaghan Institute on some of the latest developments in immunology. She gave a brief background. She is a post graduate research student who has very nearly completed her PHD. The Malaghan Institute is an independent research organisation specialising in medical research. Based at Victoria University's Kelburn site it was originally called The Wellington Medical Research Institute but after a massive donation from Glen Malaghan, who founded Tip Top Ice cream it was renamed. It currently has 130 staff comprising 90 scientists and 40 support staff.

Taita College Students Trip to Great Barrier Island

President Kathy showed the meeting a video of Taita College students visit to Great Barrier Island recently. She provided the following report.

On Saturday night 15 October 2022 a group of 18 Year 10 Taita College students met at school to start their week-long trip to the Hillary Outdoors Centre at Great Barrier Island. The students were dropped at Wellington Railway Station to catch the overnight bus to Auckland. Arriving at Auckland Airport early on the Sunday morning the students then flew in 2 separate small planes across to Great Barrier Island.

Club Members at Punakaiki recently

Eastern Hutt Rotary International Committee Fashion Parade Fundraiser

Posted by Linda Goss-Wallace on Feb 08, 2023

Eastern Hutt Rotary International Committee Fashion Parade Fundraiser

Tuesday 14th March from 7pm

Ballentyne's Fashion Central, 200 High Street, Lower Hutt.

Tickets $25 per person

Refreshments will be served

Come along and see the new season's fashion and styles.

All tickets include a discount voucher for spending in store over the following week.

We are calling for interest in pre-ordering tickets so a registration board will be circulated on Monday evening at our meeting.

Please extend invitations to your family, friends, neighbours, other groups you are involved with.

We will run raffles on the night so any small contributions to making up baskets would be appreciated. Please bring them to Rotary and give them to Linda by Monday 6th March.

Linda & Ray's 10th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Ray & Linda celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary at the Edgewater Resort in Rarotanga recently. Congratulations to you both.

Committees Met

Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament

I am working on the allocation of duties for the TOMH golf tournament next Friday 24 February and will contact members who will be assisting on the day shortly. Thank you to all those members who have offered to assist. It will be a great day. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact either Brian or Jan.

Simon Clark - Winner of the Christmas Trailer Raffle

Informal First Meeting for 2023

We had our first meeting for the year. It was an opportunity to catch up with friends and for President Kathy to talk to us about upcoming events. These included the Te Omanga Hospice Golf Tournament on Friday 24 February (tee off at midday) and the Walk for Mental Health on Sunday 26 March at 11am when the involvement of members will be required.

2023 Walk for Mental Health

Posted by Brian Klee

Sadly, last year's wasn't possible due to Covid but we are hoping this year will be a momentous success. All funds raised will go to Youthline Wellington again. It is being shared on both Facebook and Instagram, so if you use either or both of these social media accounts, please share this with your friends, community pages, other contacts, etc.

You can REGISTER NOW by clicking on this Link HERE.

Colin & Aileen Fenton 70 years married

Colin & Aileen reminiscing with their bridesmaid Wendy Cooper (Colin's sister)

This article written by Nicholas Boyack appeared in Stuff on 12 Jan 2023

Congratulations to Colin & Aileen - 70 years married!

All Black nearly scared off would-be son-in-law as couple celebrate 70 years

Colin Fenton was a worried man when he decided he wanted to marry Aileen Perry.

The future eye doctor met Aileen on a Dunedin tennis court and straight away knew she was the one for him.

His biggest fear was her dad – one-game All Black Arnold Perry. He was ensconced in Dunedin rugby culture and Colin was not sure how he would view a non-rugby playing son-in-law.

“I had a bit of a problem, everything the family did revolved around rugby and I was a bit of a scruffy lad that played hockey.”

Looking for advice, he went to his own father.

Christine Surprising her Family

The grandchildren did not realise Christine was joining them on their overseas trip - priceless

New Year Message from President Kathy

Posted by Kathy Bryant on Jan 12, 2023

Happy New Year everyone and welcome back to another year of Rotary. I hope all of you have managed to have some time to relax over the last few weeks and that you have managed to catch some sunshine despite the not so good weather a lot of the country has experienced.

It is a bit of a slow start into the year, having an informal meeting on 16 January and then a week off (Wellington Anniversary Day), a committee meeting on 30 January and then another week off with Waitangi Day.

We have a few things to look forward to:

24 February: Te Omanga Golf Tournament
26 March: Walk for Mental Health
March: Fashion Show

I will prepare a full report on the Christmas raffle once I have confirmed all the figures with Tony. The winner has got in touch this week (he had been away and only just got the messages). He is going to arrange to get the 1^st prize from Mike hopefully sometime this weekend. A big thank you to Mike Fackney for storing the trailer and contents in his garage.

It was a delight to see the article in Stuff today about Colin and Aileen Fenton. A huge congratulations from all of us on your 70^th wedding anniversary. A wonderful milestone. Also, Colin 32 years in Rotary on 18 January. Congratulations on an incredible feat!

Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday night.

Kathy

Last Meeting for 2022

The last meeting for 2022 held on 12 December was a very relaxed "Fish & Chips" meeting which everyone who attended enjoyed. It was a pleasant way to end what was a very busy year.

Club's Christmas Celebration

June & Gary Stratton Entertained Us

June & Gary Stratton provided entertainment which was very well received.

Glenda Barratt's Opening Words

Posted by Glenda Barratt on Dec 05, 2022

Tonight's opening words do not come from a textbook, or a quote or famous authors or humanitarians. Instead they come from all we've learnt and heard over the past year from everyone who has graced these four walls. All of you have spoken about how grateful you are to have "done something or meet someone".

Aunty Gladys Latest Episode

Posted by David Gledhill for Ron Hunter on Dec 05, 2022

Update with Aunt Gladys's (very) Personal Diary:

Dear Diary,

I had a normal Christmas day with the lovely Hunter Family. My favourite nephew, Ronald, was there, with his brother Dav.

Update on the Memorial Garden at Enliven

Posted by Annette Ruck on Dec 04, 2022

Good progress with the Memorial Garden at Enliven. Congratulations to all involved.

Welcome to our new member - Mike Keehan

Mike was born in Invercargill and completed his schooling there. He joined State Insurance direct from school and spent 36 years with the company, transferring around the country (to Wellington, Nelson, Oamaru, New Plymouth and Greymouth) in various management roles before ultimately being appointed to the company’s head office in Wellington, where he led a number of major projects, including the development of a bespoke IT general insurance information system.

Directors' Reports to Club Forum - 2022

Posted on Nov 21, 2022

The various Committee Chairs spoke about their activities since the 1st July. Here is a summary of their activities....

The Children's Hospital and the Wellington Hospitals Foundation .

Posted by David Gledhill on Nov 16, 2022

Bill Day is a very successful businessman and philanthropist. Among many achievements he is well known for co-founding Wellington's Life Flight Trust. He is the Chair of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation which was founded in 2005 as the official charity to support the hospitals operated by the former Capital and Coast District Health Board. He saw the need for a new Children's hospital as the old one was old fashioned, had no air conditioning, and was difficult for staff and patients, but the DHB and Ministry had no plans to replace it.

Committees Met

Ralph Stewart - Lifetime Retirement Income

Posted by David Gledhill on Nov 04, 2022

After a distinguished career in finance: CEO of ACC and AXA, GM Marketing and Strategy at Tower etc. Ralph, MBA Manchester Business School, has founded Lifetime Retirement Income. He realised that 40% of New Zealanders have no retirement income when they retire than the government superannuation.

Mike at Victoria Falls

Mike meeting Elephants

Guest Speaker - Sir Anand Satyanand, Former Governor-General of NZ

Posted on Oct 21, 2022

Our distinguished guest arrived in the car park just as I arrived. Former Governor-general, District Court Judge, Ombudsman, Chancellor of Waikato University with numerous other achievements, Sir Anand Satyanand was dressed not "in a scarlet robe trimmed with vermin" but in a charcoal suit. Somewhat nervously I asked how I should address him. "Just call me Anand" came the reply. "And I'm Susan," said his wife. He was our guest speaker for the night.

Hutt Riverbank Clean up

Posted by Annette Ruck

Thank you to everyone who assisted with the clean up of the Hutt Riverbank last Sunday. We covered from the Ava rail bridge to the Melling bridge which was an excellent effort. Included the team were Ian McFadden and Susie Dopson, Ian's daughter and son-in-law. Thank you so much team.

Thanks to Colin White & Lindsay Richardson

Guests attending our Monday 17^th October meeting were Colin White and Lindsay Richardson. Their attendance provided an opportunity to formally thank them for the invaluable assistance they have given to the club.

Eastern Hutt Inner Wheel Fundraiser

Click on the link for details

Guest Speaker - Josh Krakosky

Josh Krakosky. What is chiropractic care?

Born and razed in Lower Hutt and educated at Naenae College, Josh spent five years in Auckland training to be a chiropractor. He now lives and practises in Lower Hutt.

Committees met

Matt Claridge - Te Araroa Trail

Matt is the Executive Director of the Te Araroa Trail. Married with four children, he has always been keen on sports and the outdoors. Born in Invercargill he has played sport professionally, including a stint in the Balmain Tigers. Later he worked for Water Safety New Zealand. Then in 2021 he became the Director of the Te Araroa Trust. He gave a brief outline of how the Trust started.

The New Zealand Walkways Commission was formed in 1975, and then folded into D.O.C. in 1987. The concept of a walking trail from Cape Reinga to the Bluff was born. The Trust was formed in 1994 with one full-time employee, and the first section, from Kerikeri to Waitangi was developed in 1995. In 1998 Geoff Chappell walked the entire North Island and the concept gained momentum. Matt has written several books about the trail. The then Governor General, Sir Gerry Mataparae officially opened Te Araroa Trail in 2011.

Colin Alford's Lexophiles

"Lexophile" describes those that have a love for words, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "To write with a broken pencil is pointless." An annual competition is held by the New York Times to see who can create the best original Lexophile.

This year's winning submission is posted at the very end.

Mike meeting the Chimpanzees

Mike letting the chimp pass in Kibale National Park Uganda

It doesn't get any closer with a wild chimpanzee!

Matt Claridge - Guest Speaker

David Ruscoe - Demystifying Cryptocurrency

Background. "Crypto currency is a digital currency maintained on a decentralised system (or block chain) using cryptography" - Dave Ruscoe.

A dollar is just a concept. In the old days you were guaranteed by the government that you could exchange it for gold (the "gold standard") but that ceased in the 1930s. The supply of dollars is regulated by arms of the New Zealand government which has its own discipline, otherwise it could make everyone seem richer by just printing more. Our currency is now heavily regulated, as is its use.

President's Report to September Board Meeting

Posted by Kathy Bryant

The highlight for August must be the successful wine tasting evening. It was once again a fun evening, and we cannot thank the 8 vineyards that came along enough for the evening. The International committee under Brian Clarke did a great job organizing and a big thanks must go to Annette Ruck and her catering corps who organized all the food.

Visit by District Governor Marilyn Stevens

Marilyn joined the Rotary Club of Hutt Valley in 1993 and is now a member of Kapiti Rotary. She has experience in managing several businesses and is presently a member of the Otaki Community Board and a business mentor. Marilyn quoted World Rotary President Jennifer Jones "Imagine the possibility of changing the world." and emphasised the need to engage all our members by giving them some personal responsibility.

Glenda wearing a onesie to work to raise money for Wellington Free Ambulance

Great effort Glenda!

Extract from latest RYDA Newsletter August 2022

May – August update

A rotary volunteer helping students check the tyre tread depth

It has been another rather interesting second half of the year with Orange light settings and Omicron disruptions to our programme days.

Schools around the country have had fluctuating numbers and often they could only confirm actual numbers the day before attending RYDA. It was great to see their commitment to our workshops in these trying times.

Wine Tasting Fundraiser to Raise Funds for Wellington Children's Hospital

Posted by Brian Clarke on Aug 19, 2022

Last Friday evening Rotarians together with work colleagues, family members and friends gathered to enjoy an evening of wine tasting, food and of course great fellowship to raise funds for medical equipment for the Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital.

Wayne Gordon - District Governor Elect - Creating Tomorrow

Posted on Aug 15, 2022

We were joined by members of Upper Hutt Rotary for the evening. President Kathy Bryant and Phyllis Strachan, President Upper Hutt Rotary welcomed District Governor Elect Wayne Gordon. After twenty years in the army and a stint as a chef at Scott Base, Wayne is now in the residential construction business in Fielding. As District Governor Elect, he is very conscious of the fact that Rotary membership in our area has declined by 24% in the past few years. Halfway through visiting all the clubs in District 9940, he sees a need for change, but does not wish to see the baby thrown out with the bathwater. "If a person does away with their traditional way of living and throws away their good customs, they had better first make sure that they have something of value to replace them."

From The President's Desk

President’s Report to August Board meeting.

Well, the year got off to a fantastic start with a great evening celebrating the Clubs 60^th anniversary.

Thanks must go to John Cole, Anne Abbott and Ron Hunter for their efforts in putting together the evening along with David Thompson and Tony Cornelius who did the important in the background jobs of recording attendees and the $ of the evening and to Mike Fackney who looked after the technical presentations on the night. A big thank you to John Prendergast (Past District Governor District 9980 and current President Rotary Club of Petone) who did a magnificent job as MC for the evening.

Four Club Members Speak to Club

As our guest speaker for the evening could not attend because he had Covid, four of our club members spoke to us - Eve Bao, Tony Cornelius, Ron Hunter and President Kathy Bryant. Each member made 4 statements about themselves and each table had to guess which statement was not true. We all learned a little about each of them including what was not true. The prize for the winning table of a trip to the Islands fell through so we all received a chocolate bar. It was a lot of fun.

Wine Tasting Evening Friday 19 August

This event is primarily to enable the Club to raise funds for new medical equipment for the Regional Children's Hospital in Wellington. It is also a time for fellowship and fun for members and friends. During the evening there will be an opportunity to taste a range of great Wairarapa wines from the 8 vintners present; eat some finger food; buy a raffle or two and bid in an auction.

To make this a successful evening for all involved the organising committee needs your help. Tickets to attend need to be sold, we have constraints on numbers so first in first served. If you require tickets, please contact Linda Goss-Wallace. Entry is by ticket only. Payment for tickets is to the Eastern Hutt Rotary Trust account.

IYM Participant Speaks to Club

Ray Tomlinson - World Beater from Lower Hutt

Posted on Jul 29, 2022

We may well have another world-beating technology in Lower Hutt thanks to our very own Joe Tomlinson and son. Joe started his painting business in Lower Hutt in the 1960s, shortly after arriving from Scotland. He built it up very successfully and it grew and still continues to grow under his old second-in-command after his retirement.

Karen Morgan - Principal Taita College

Posted by David Gledhill on Jul 20, 2022

Karen Morgan has been Principal at Taita College for six years. It opened 1957 and currently has 374 students and it's Moto is: "Pride through success, honour through service."

IYM Reception at Parliament's Grand Hall

Posted by Jaye Howey on Jul 18, 2022

Annette and I enjoyed meeting Naenae College student Fiona Varun (whom the club has sponsored) during the Parliamentary Reception for the 40 inspirational women attending the Innovative Young Minds course last week.

Stephen Cross - Are we in safe hands

Posted on Jul 11, 2022

Sir John Clarke

Posted by John Cole on Jun 29, 2022

This evening our rotary club is awarding a Paul Harris Fellow recognition to Sir John Clarke, an outstanding New Zealander, and a member of our community.

Sir John was born in Te Araroa on the East Coast, one of 12 children in the family. His father was Ngā Puhi and his mother Ngati Porou.

60th Anniversary Introduction

Posted by John Prendergast on Jun 29, 2022

E nga mana

E nga reo

E nga whanau o Eastern Hutt Rotary Club

Tena koto, tena koto, tena tato katoa

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and a very warm welcome to what is a very special night, as we come together to celebrate 60 years of the Eastern Hutt Rotary Club. My name is John Prendergast, I am a recent refugee from Invercargill and it is my privilege to be your MC for tonight’s celebration. Like many of you, I am a Rotarian; and like the Eastern Hutt Rotary Club I too am 60 years old - so I feel part of a very good vintage!

60th Anniversary Absent Friends

Posted by John Prendergast on Jun 29, 2022

Our second toast tonight is to absent friends. In proposing this toast, I want us to think in particular about the many hundreds of Rotarians who have been members of the Eastern Hutt Rotary Club over the past 60 years.

And to get our minds thinking about past members and friends of this Club, I think a little bit of history might be in order:

60th Anniversary Toast to Rotary International

Posted by John Prendergast on Jun 29, 2022

We’re now going to have two toasts, one to Rotary International; and the second to absent friends. Let’s start with Rotary International.

Christine Meredith, Director of Community Health & Welfare

Posted by Christine Meredith on Jun 27, 2022

John Cole, Director of International

Posted by John Cole on Jun 27, 2022

Membership Report

Posted by Brian Klee on Jun 20, 2022

Membership Report to the Club Forum – 20^th June 2022

First and foremost, we are delighted to have Eve Boa join us recently, having transferred from the Rotary Club of Levin. It’s also very pleasing to witness the way a few of our members have gone out of their way to make her feel welcomed – thank you, it’s a collective duty.

We found a champion to lead the establishment of a Satellite Club, i.e. Vanessa Koening. She introduced herself to the potential candidates. It’s my vision that having a young and enthusiastic group actively working with us is the way forward. As we all age, we cannot do some of the activities we once did, but we can help them with those causes their generation are passionate about. With an average age over 70, this is how Eastern Hutt Rotary will survive longer – let’s ‘pass the baton’ and let them lead the way into the future.

Environment & Amenities Committee

Posted by Paul Giles on Jun 20, 2022

While Covid considerations limited our ability to get a programme under way during 2021, I can report that we have been successful in moving forward with two very worthwhile projects in 2022.

A Job Well Done

Posted by Paul Giles on May 27, 2022

On Saturday 7^th May, when we were mulching the plantings on the riverbank, Barrie Littlefair commented to me that the memorial seat looked rather tired and in need of some TLC.

New Rotary Peace Centre

Posted by Bill Boyd - 2006-07 RI President on May 01, 2022

The Rotary Peace Centres fall into two groups. The Masters’ Programme gives scholarships to the specific Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies at our Partner Universities, which are Duke/UNC [who share the 10 awardees in a joint programme], ICU in Japan, University of Queensland, Uppsala in Sweden, and Bradford in UK.

Hollyford Experience (part two)

Posted by Jaye Howey

Hollyford Adventure -Part 2 (See Bulletin published 7 February for part 1 by Paul Giles.)

Day 3 of our Adventure started with an early morning walk from Pyke Lodge to the glistening Lake Alabaster, crossing, en route, Pyke River Bridge the longest swing bridge in Fiordland (almost 100 metres of swaying wire and wood!)

2021 Scholarship Recipient - Makalya Elliot

Makalya Elliot - Scholarship Recipient 2021

We received a message via Naenae College from the 2021 Eastern Hutt Rotary Scholarship winner, Makalya Elliot.

Hollyford Experience (part one)

Posted by Paul Giles on Feb 01, 2022

The ‘Hollyford Wilderness Experience’ is a 4-day and 3-night 43-kilometer adventure into the remote Hollyford Valley.

2021 Christmas Raffle

Posted by Kathy Bryant on Dec 24, 2021

Well, the winner was drawn last night and congratulations go to the two prize winners! A huge thanks to everyone who bought tickets this year.

The winning ticket was #13742 Karen from Tawa, and 2^nd Prize was #16668 Roxy from Taita.

Alfredton

Posted by Aunt Gladys

Ron Hunter's Aunt Gladys has allowed us to publish an excerpt from her diary.

Two Moments in History I Played a Part in

Posted by Jan Palmer on Dec 03, 2021

I started working in the Post Office in 1967 straight from college. During my career I was involved in two significant events in New Zealand history.

Hearts for Hutt City

Covid cancellations are happening all around us and many people I have spoken to are feeling “flat” and like they have lost their ‘mojo’. So Rotary Hutt City are solving that problem:

Environment & Amenities Committee Hutt Riverbank Clean-up Sunday 31st October 2021

An enthusiastic and willing group of club members (and partners) spent the Sunday morning picking up an assortment of paper, plastic, polystyrene, bottles, cans, bicycle parts and other items of rubbish lying on the riverbank area of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.

Going South

About a year ago Robyn (well Robyn) and I decided to plan a holiday down south along the lines of “Don’t leave home till you’ve seen the country”, as if we were going anywhere!

“Where” I said, not really wanting to go as I spend a lot of time in Te Tau Ihu.

Everywhere was the answer and so the planning began.

Another Snippet from Bill Boyd

Bill Boyd has provided us with some Rotary news about covid and India.

Rotary Snippets

Bill Boyd has provided us with some Rotary news snippets from around the world.

Polio and Taliban

Posted by Bill Boyd on Aug 20, 2021

Taliban have children too

The situation in Afghanistan has escalated since a zoom meeting of RI END POLIO NOW Coordinators last week but several messages with great impact were delivered by our senior leaders during that meeting.

“In the Heights” - a Movie Fund Raiser.

Posted by Jaye Howey on Aug 13, 2021

Raising funds for our Rotary projects is always a problem. Using a Movie as a fundraiser usually meets with a fair degree of success, although selling sufficient seats to make a good profit can be a challenge. The Lighthouse Cinema in Petone is always extremely supportive.

What has influenced your life

Posted by Dave Wilson on Aug 06, 2021

Otahuhu, South Auckland where I grew up attending Otahuhu Primary School & Otahuhu College was a vastly different place to what we have today with very few if any other ethnic groups other than a few Maoris or Chinese market gardeners.

Exploring New Zealand

Posted by Brian Klee on Jul 15, 2021

One of my interests leading up to my teenage years was scouting. It got me fascinated in the outdoors as I began working towards the Queen’s Scout award. To walk as much of our beautiful country as I can, still happens.

In those early days I lived in Palmerston North, hiking most of the Tararuas and a little of the Ruahine range. I had one near death experience while walking up the Mangahoa stream near Shannon doing a trip to the Ohau gorge.

2021 Changeover

Posted on Jun 28, 2021

Tonight was another annual occasion to celebrate the past 12 months and to welcome in Eastern Hutt's new President for 2021-22, Anne Abbott. It was a yet again a little unusual, as Wellington was still under Level Two Covid restrictions but it still didn't spoil a memorable evening those who attended.

Mike Fackney - Paul Harris Fellow

As is often traditional, one or more Members are recognised for their Club & Rotary service and at the President's Changeover evening and this year it was Mike Fackney. He became our Club's newest Paul Harris Fellow.

Healthy in the Hutt – 19 June 2021

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Jun 19, 2021

This was a great day with very good attendance and positive feedback from the exhibitors. The event was held at the Walter Nash Stadium which was an ideal venue.

Wine Tasting Evening

A very interesting evening was enjoyed by members and their guests at Avalon Pavilion on Friday 4th June. Even though it was leading up to Queens Birthday, this fundraising event for the Wellington Children's Hospital raised nearly $5,000.

International Committee Chinese luncheon fundraiser

Posted by Rachael Carpenter

Delicious food awesome company what more could you want on a Sunday afternoon!

Fridges to Hutt Hospital

Posted by Jan Palmer

In early October I received a call from Margaret McIver asking if our club would consider raising money for two fridges for the medical ward family rooms at Hutt Hospital.

Travels in New Zealand

Posted by Christine Meredith on Apr 06, 2021

This year with no overseas travel on the cards my daughter and I decided to do a road trip up the East Coast. She had never been there and I had not driven that route since mid-1960s. So a chance for us to connect with our NZ lives.

2021 Walk for Mental Health

Around 300 walkers gathered in the grounds of the Wellington Tenths Trust (supporters of the Walk), many of them students from schools around the Hutt Valley. They completed the recent 3-kms walk from Petone’s Hikoikoi Reserve, to the Petone Wharf.

Rotarians Out and About

Rotary has been very active the past few days. Thanks to Jaye's enthusiastic encouragement, we once again turned out to serve the breakfast for the Weetbix TRYathlon at the Hutt Recreational Ground. It's a great children's event and our efforts were certainly appreciated by the organisers. Thanks to everyone for putting aside the time for what was a brilliantly fine Lower Hutt day.

Home on the Farm

Posted by Ron Hunter on Mar 02, 2021

I grew up in a large homestead (pictured) on a farm at 'Mahunga' in Masterton with my Mum Olive, Dad George, Twin Sister Janet, and younger Sister Margaret (who was also a twin, but her brother died at twenty-one months) along with sheep, cows, cats, possums, chooks, and horses.

Dave Comparini's Memorial Seat

Posted by Brian Klee on Feb 17, 2021

Something that was not clear was what the Wellington Regional Council's intended programme was around maintaining their plots like this. So last night, led by Richard Perry, members of the Environment Committee and others, started a weeding programme in front of Dave Comparini's chair.

My Thai Experience

Posted by Glenda Barratt on Feb 09, 2021

It was 2001 and my brother had just married a Thai woman from the rural outback’s of Bangkok. A bachelor for many years he had decided to cut out the dating scene and choose a ‘Mail order Bride' instead.

Undies for Africa

Posted by Glenda Barratt on Jan 18, 2021

Last year, Ross Barber spoke about the tragic truth around what women are subjected to when they do not have underwear. Thanks to donations from members and friends, we were able to send over a couple of suitcases of both new and pre-owned items.

What does the acronym PETS mean?

For a long time, PETS has been the acronym for 'Presidents Elect Training Seminar'. For us, the new Presidents Elect, this first training was over a weekend held at Massey University on 21st and 22nd November.

Introducing our 2021 RYLA Candidate

Posted on Nov 27, 2020

We are proud to nominate this year's RYLA candidate, Madi Arps. Here is her introduction: Kia Ora! I am 17 years old (at time of writing), and I am just completing Year 13 at Naenae College.

Naenae College Prizegiving - 2020

Posted on Nov 12, 2020

Last Thursday, President Jan attended the senior Prizegiving at Naenae College to present our annual scholarship.

TV Consumer Advocacy

Posted by John Terris on Nov 01, 2020

I helped set up NZ’s oldest TV consumer advocacy group Media Matters in NZ, (viewers.org.nz) 27 years ago, a stimulating but often frustrating activity.

Pity that so much that is worthwhile on telly is impossible to watch because of the continuous interruption of commercials.

Compost Bins For Te Omanga Hospice

Posted by Richard Perry on Oct 28, 2020

The Hospice had been looking for support to provide it with two sets of 3 compost bins, for the processing of the large amount of leaves grass and other compostable waste generated in their grounds.

Riding the Trains to End Polio - 2020

Posted by Richard Perry on Oct 28, 2020

Last Friday, 24th October, a party 14 Eastern Hutt Rotarians and partners rode up and down each of Wellington’s train routes, to raise money for the End Polio Campaign.

RYDA - 2020

Posted by Jan Palmer on Oct 16, 2020

RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) was a successful event with 78 students from Naenae College participating at the Ricoh Centre on the 13th October.

US Ambassador - Scott Brown

On Monday 19th October, Eastern Hutt Rotary will be proud to host the United States Ambassador to NZ as our guest speaker. This will be a partner's night and also an opportunity to meet some of our future Satellite Club candidates.

Focus on New Zealand

Posted by Paul Giles

A few days ago I was looking through our bookcase and deciding what should stay and what could go - things you do in retirement! Anyway, I came upon ‘Focus on New Zealand'.

Michael Jameson Retires

Posted on Sep 21, 2020

Haere Ra, Michael Jameson, PHF. As one who exemplifies all that is best about Eastern Hutt Rotary, it was Michael's last formal attendance as a Member this week.

Life & Times of Robin Aitken

Posted by David Gledhill on Sep 14, 2020

A most interesting "Life and Times". Robin Aitken was born in Glasgow but has spent much of his life at sea.

Hutt River Bank Clean Up

Posted by Paul Giles

An enthusiastic and willing group of club members (and partners) spent Sunday morning picking up an assortment of paper, plastic and other items of rubbish lying on the banks of Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.

A Life of Learning

Posted by Christine Meredith on Sep 03, 2020

At the beginning of this year, a trip to Brisbane to see family and life seemed normal. Little did I know that Covid19 was looming. Online I had seen that there was an unusual flu virus in China, with no idea of the impact it would have on me, my family, friends and country.

Quiz Par Excellence

Posted by David Gledhill on Aug 31, 2020

Linda and husband Ray Wallace organised a quiz night based on questions largely about our own Club.

Purchasing a New Vehicle update

Posted by David Gledhill

On Purchasing a new vehicle, a letter to John Cole. EE lad, you don't know how lucky you were. I went to buy a new (to me) vehicle in 1962.

Introducing Barry Littlefair

Posted by David Gledhill

Barry's was meant to be a small "life and times" on "Why I joined Rotary", but when the planned main speaker did not arrive Barry's turned out to be the main, indeed only, talk.

2020 Usborne Dictionary Presentations

Posted by Jaye Howey on Aug 11, 2020

Recent presentations to Year 4 students at Naenae School to 52 very happy recipients receiving their Usborne dictionaries. Proudly presented by Jaye Howey and Glenda Barratt.

Purchasing a New Vehicle

Posted by John Cole on Aug 10, 2020

1975 versus 2020

Last month I took delivery of a new company vehicle. It made me reminisce about buying a vehicle in the “old days”.

Richard Perry's 40+ Rotary Years

Posted by Colin Alford on Aug 03, 2020

This month, Eastern Hutt Rotary are very proud to honour our Past President Richard Perry for over 40 years of serving Rotary.

Jenny Thompson, MNZM

Posted on Jul 15, 2020

It was a proud family moment, especially for Secretary David Thompson when his wife Jenny became a Member Of The New Zealand Order Of Merit (MNZM).

Southward's Wurlitzer

Posted by Gary Stratton on Jul 15, 2020

The Wurlitzer theatre organ was developed to accompany silent movies. Although expensive, they replaced the various theatre groups of musicians in the larger theatres. They were very popular in Britain and a very few made it to NZ.

Innovated Young Minds - 2020

Posted by Sue Avison on Jul 09, 2020

IYM Online was a great success! Innovative Young Minds Charitable Trust would like to thank Eastern Hutt Rotary for your financial contribution to our IYM Online programme – you made it possible for us to offer a Covid-19 alternative to our students.

Welcome to 2020-21 Board

Jan Palmer was very proud to became the 2020-21 President of Eastern Hutt Rotary and proudly announced her incoming Board of Directors.

Welcome to Gwen Hoople

Posted on Jul 06, 2020

Originally from the Scottish border town of Jedburgh, Gwen was raised in Hamilton and went to Sacred Heart Girl’s College.

2020 Changeover

Posted on Jul 06, 2020

Eastern Hutt's 2020 Changeover Evening

What a very memorable evening! Led in by President, Robert Sinclair, a Scottish cord piped in the Haggis. This was superbly orchestrated by Kevin Nelson, who then recited Robbie Burns' famous poem.

Update from China

Posted by Richard Pollock on Jun 30, 2020

Former Member, Richard, and Jocelyn, visited the club during a holiday back in NZ on 18 July 2018. Courtesy of Facebook, here is an interesting update from him while travelling within China since Covid-19.

Welcome to Robin Aitken

Posted on Jun 29, 2020

President Robert and members warmly welcomed Robin Aitken at the end of June, as our newest Member. He said his memory of Graeme Blick's mantra, “Rotarians are good people, doing good things”, was still fresh in his mind.

Welcome Barry Littlefair

Posted on Jun 22, 2020

Tonight we welcomed Barry Littlefair as a new member. Barry and Diane emigrated to New Zealand in November 2019 and they now live in Eastbourne. They have 2 sons, one married to a Kiwi, with two children, also living in Eastbourne. The other one is married and lives in Hong Kong.

Des Darby - Honorary Membership Status

Posted on Jun 22, 2020

President Robert Sinclair and the Board had much pleasure in awarding Des Darby Honorary Membership at tonight's meeting.

The Rotary World Out There

Posted by Bill Boyd

The Rotary International Board, The Rotary Foundation Trustees, and all their committees will meet online at least till the end of 2020. The Board has recommended that all Institutes and training of incoming officers also be virtual. The ban on the funding of Rotary travel continues.

Peace Scholarship Foundation

Posted by Bill Boyd on May 31, 2020

Many Rotarians support the concept of Peace [though there is no clear definition of what Peace is]. While the decision to establish a Peace Endowment was made in 2005, it was 2008 before work to fund the endowment began and by 2017 the gifts as at 30th September 2017 are $156,321,477.

Classifications in Rotary

Posted by Bill Boyd on May 21, 2020

The classification principle goes back to the start of Rotary in 1905 when Paul Harris and his friends decided that members should come from different classifications so as to represent a cross section of society and not become another focused self interest group.

Tribute to Dave Comparini

Posted by Colin Alford on May 11, 2020

“Service Above Self” - the Rotary International motto is epitomized by Past President Dave Comparini.

Dave joined the Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt in September 1998. His background was in Construction Management having started his working life as a carpenter in Nelson.

Mum's Virtual 90th Birthday Party

Posted by Jan Palmer

As many of you know, I am from a very large family. On 2nd May, along with a niece, I arranged via zoom to have a virtual birthday party for my Mum’s 90th birthday. Family members dialed-in from all over NZ, plus Australia, Sweden, and Singapore.

The Positives of My Covid-19 Lockdown

Posted by Annette Ruck on Apr 30, 2020

Over the past few weeks, here are some positives I have enjoyed during the past few weeks of the Lockdown:

Trentham Memorial Park

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Apr 24, 2020

Paul and I have been so lucky to live next door to the most beautiful park in the Hutt Valley – Trentham Memorial Park. It is wonderful to have it so close and has been a godsend during these past 4 weeks of isolation. We walk to the park twice a day – a long walk without the elderly dog and a short walk with the elderly dog.

Our Past Stressful Time

Posted by Tony Cornelius

Over the last 4 weeks of isolation, I have reflected on how fortunate I am and how I am so pleased that I never experienced a pandemic during my working life. I can only imagine what many people are having to deal with. For some families worried about whether they will still have a job, how will they cope financially and, in some cases, living under less than ideal conditions.

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN 14-4-20

Posted by John Terris

It’s all happening around me but not to me, which is fine by me. People are behaving badly , but I’m not among them, such a relief. The long arm of the law has reached out to grab a number of people trying to make a run for freedom from Lockdown. I sneakily admire such high jinx but is it really worth the bother? I mean hiring lawyers and ruining your CV?

The Politics of Covid19

Posted by Bill Boyd

The politics of the Covid19 response have cost a lot of lives internationally. Sadly, in the early days it became a US/China issue and this delayed the preparations for what was inevitably going to happen. I read yesterday that US agencies took two months to issue their purchase orders for items such as ventilators and protective clothing and have since struggled to catch up.

Polio Update

Posted by Bill Boyd

As at 8 April, Afghanistan had 3 cases this year as again 29 for the full year last year. In the month of February there were 6.7 million children vaccinated but 1.9 million children were missed as they were in areas that were inaccessible. They have 19 cross border posts which vaccinated 1.8 million children as the amount of movement between Afghanistan and Pakistan is considerable. In their country they have 2926 social mobilisers, who organise and vaccinate.

Coronavirus Blues – Flight from Ethiopia

On 10 March I flew out of Wellington, on Singapore Airlines, excited to embark on a solo and independent seven week trip to Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda. However, to ensure that I had one of the limited permits to visit mountain gorillas, I was also booked on an eight day tour of Ugandan wildlife parks. While I was aware of the increasing Covid-19 threat, I considered all would be well for me in eastern Africa.

Rotary International Membership

Posted by Bill Boyd

I saw a comment the other day that a Rotarian was querying what was happening at Rotary International level. RI staff are working from home till at least 30th April and there will be no funded RI travel before May 31st. The April meetings of the RI Board and the Foundation Trustees were both held virtually. Not simple because of time zones! All Peace Fellows were asked to return home if possible and somewhere in excess of 1000 Rotary Youth Exchangees returned home early.

Weetbix Tryathalon - 2020

Inspired by the community buzz we'd enjoyed in previous years, our team of enthusiastic Rotarians once again volunteered in supporting the Weetbix Tryathalon at the Hutt Recretional grounds. Once again, it was so enjoyable. The weather played it's part but sadly, a Hutt Valley power cut brought a new challenge!

A Favourite Pastime

Lawn Bowls is the anglicised variant of a family of sports in which several larger balls or biased bowls are rolled or thrown at a smaller target ball.

WFMH Report

On March the 1st our inaugural Walk for Mental Health was held. The weather was stunning, the harbour was flat, no wind – everything we could have possibly asked for.

Patons Rock and Surrounds

My Xmas holiday destination of Paton Rock was once again the place to go in 2019. Over the past 20 years the opportunity to Holiday with my good friends at “The Look out“ on the beach is always a delightful experience.

Simple Music Player

Members may recall that Eastern Hutt Rotary, supported by a Regional grant, contributed to a “Music for Life” project in which Rani Allan (therapist) introduced people with early- stage dementia to a radio look-alike named a “Simple Music Player”.

Walk for Mental Health

A dedicated few have been working hard during the holiday period to present this inaugural event. Make it a family event and please share this information with your friends too - especially if you're on Facebook!

Community Health Monitor

Last year, Eastern Hutt Rotary approved a donation towards the salary of a Community Health Monitor. The photo above and others below have been received along with their thanks from Dharamvir Singh in India.

Pre-Christmas Thoughts

Posted on Dec 09, 2019

2019 is fast coming to a close and for a lot of us his year has seen many changes in our lives.

Community & Health Committee report

Posted by David Gledhill on Dec 05, 2019

Over the past 6 months the Community & Health Committee are proud of their collective activities. Here are some of those we are proud to be involved in:

Parkinson Collection - 2019

Posted by Russell Good on Nov 01, 2019

The numbers are in. The collection at Pak’N’Save, Lower Hutt netted a total of $1,516.40. A great achievement, only possible with your support.

A family affair

Posted by Linda Goss-Wallace on Oct 28, 2019

On 'End Polio Now' day, Ray and I were heading to Brisbane Airport after a short break in Surfers Paradise. We took the opportunity to stop at SouthBank and meet my oldest brother David Goss. He's a member of The Greater Springfield Rotary Club in District 9630 in Brisbane and they were also participating in an event that evening, "Riding The Train to End Polio" - as you can see by his t-shirt.

Ride the trains to End Polio Now day

Posted by Richard Perry on Oct 24, 2019

I’m pleased to say that a good group of Easter Hutt Rotary members participated in the day’s activities. Five members or associates (of all ages) stood collecting from the public at Naenae Station during this day, in shifts from 6am onwards.

Russian Delight

Posted by Brian Klee on Oct 16, 2019

Ever thought of visiting to Russia? Well, I’ll try and change your mind. Mary and I booked Trafalgar’s Wonders of St. Petersburg and Moscow in July and we can’t stop sharing our experience….

Wim Julicher - Paul Harris Fellowship award

Posted on Sep 30, 2019

What better occasion to honour someone, than when the District Governor visits. Accompanied by his family, Wim Julicher was presented the Paul Harris Fellowship tonight. It was a huge surprise and there was the odd tear in the eye I believe!

Duffy Books in Schools - Rata Street School

Posted by Jaye Howey on Sep 13, 2019

At Rata Street School last week, Eastern Hutt Rotary was once again present to promote 'Books in Homes' and of course Duffy Books. Those included were Annette Ruck, John Cole, Linda Goss-Wallace and myself.

Strange but True

Posted by Moira Jackson on Sep 12, 2019

Our first grandchild is due mid-November. The prospect of her arrival would have turned her late granddad into a puddle of unbridled excitement.

Welcome to Linda Goss-Wallace

Posted on Aug 26, 2019

A very big welcome back in Rotary to Linda Goss-Wallace! Linda joined Eastern Hutt Rotaract in 1985, then a year later moved back to Wainuiomata and joined Wainuiomata Rotaract. Over the next 7 years she held all the board directorships and was President for two years.

Celebration of Duffy Books

Posted by Rob Sinclair on Aug 21, 2019

Last evening Jaye Howey and myself had the honour to attend Government House to celebrate 25 years of Duffy books in Homes and receive acknowledgment of Eastern Hutt's contribution to such a wonderful cause.

Healthy Homes - update

Posted by John Terris on Aug 14, 2019

BETWEEN 2015 AND 2017 a dedicated team of footsloggers from the club, supported by HCC and the Health Board, visited about 3000 low income rented tenancies, both private and HCNZ, in the Hutt, to establish which qualified for the Government programme of free or subsidised home insulation.

Soap Box

Posted by David Gledhill on Aug 08, 2019

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ~ Edmund Burke and quoted by J.F. Kennedy

Please imagine that there has just been a violent bank robbery in Lower Hutt.

Innovative Young Minds 2019

Posted by Annette Ruck on Jul 16, 2019

The Innovative Young Minds (IYM) program is run by the Hutt City Council and Hutt City Rotary with some help from other local Rotary Clubs, including us at Eastern Hutt. It provides young women in years 11 and 12 (the old 5^th and 6^th forms) with exposure beyond the school gates to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Manufacturing - the STEMM subjects. Traditionally these have tended to be male dominated fields but they are now accessible and available to women if they know about them.

Des Darby and I had previously interviewed three Naenae College students, Alaa Loulou, Cindy Zhu and Ilma Aminudeen, all of whom gained places on the course, with our club sponsoring two of them. One of them, Ilma, was in the first cohort and Jaye Howey had the pleasure of hearing her speak on behalf of them all at the Grand Hall of Parliament.

Ilma Aminudeen at the Grand Hall of Parliament, and Cindy Zhu with Alaa Loulou at the Innovation Dragons Den

This year the program ran over two weeks and involved eighty students in total. Each week, 20 of the students were local and 20 were from other parts of New Zealand. I had the privilege of being a volunteer on seven of the ten week days.

Mind the Gap

Posted by Colin Fenton on Jul 16, 2019

In a little over one year we will be voting in the next general election, and of equal importance, also in the referendum on Drug Reform that will include the legal status of Cannabis in this country. While thinking about this recently, my thoughts went back to my early days at Medical School and to one of our lecturers involved in research of the synapse. This is the microscopic anatomical gap between two nerves and between the end of a nerve and either a gland or a muscle, and one of the unanswered medical mysteries at that time was how does a nervous impulse jump the gap?

The Auckland Marathon

Posted by Gregory de Costa on Jul 06, 2019

The Auckland Marathon generally attracts over 10,000 participants, all running or walking over the harbour bridge early in the morning. In preparation for this, marathons are held at least five times in different locations on five weekends. It used to be coupled with short distance runs, children’s events and so on, lasting three to four hours. The first practice marathon is usually held at Unitec, and then the others are in different locations around Auckland. The Rotary Club of Western Springs, my former club, has over the last 6 to 7 years been volunteering the marshalling activity for this event.

Tuesday mornings. Term time.

Posted by Christine Meredith on Jul 04, 2019

For over 15 years I’ve been involved with the Probus Reading programme. I started with the second intake of those willing to listen to children learn to read. The programme started in the decile 1 schools of Rātā Street in Naenae, Pomare in Taita, and Epuni at Fairfield in the Hutt Valley. At the time the programme was started there were not enough volunteers to put it into more decile 1 schools. The programme is the brain child of Rotary. It is still in the original schools. Each of the schools could do with more helpers either on a regular basis or on the relieving list. We also need more men to do it.

President Pat Heffernan's Review of his Year

Posted by Pat Heffernan on Jul 01, 2019

Well where did that year go. Richard said to me at the start of my year that it will go fast and he wasn’t wrong.

I have really enjoyed my year as your President, maybe not the first 3 months though, but once I knew what I was doing things were great. It is full on and I was glad I retired to do the job. Dean McMillian told me about 5 years ago not to do the Presidents job while you are still working and that was great advice.

Serving Rotary

Posted by Judy Dearsley on Jun 27, 2019

At our changeover on Monday, 1 July, I will become an ordinary member of our Rotary Club, i.e. I will not be holding any official Rotary office. Much as I enjoy being part of the Rotary family, I have been sitting at a Rotary Board table once a month, apart from December & January each year, for 13 years.

Outcome of Healthy in the Hutt 2019

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Jun 25, 2019

This proved to be a very successful day with 20 exhibitors attending. Feedback from the exhibitors is that they really enjoyed the day and would love to come again next year. Feedback from the people who came was that they benefited from the day and would like the event to be run again.

More support for Te Omanga Hospice

Posted on Jun 24, 2019

At this evening's meeting President Pat Heffernan was pleased to present Biddy Harford, CEO of Te Omanga Hospice, with a cheque for $16,500. Two thirds of this will be used by the Hospice to purchase items for patient care and the remainder will be added to its current need for capital expenditure. The larger part of these funds were raised at our annual Te Omanga Golf Tournament.

Are we like Janesville?

Posted by Des Darby on Jun 18, 2019

I recently read the book “Janesville: an American story” (2017) that at first sight reminded me of Lower Hutt. It's written by Amy Goldstein, a Pulitzer Prize-wining Washington Post reporter. A review had told me that the book describes what the town of Janesville, Wisconsin, had done to recover ....

My International Exchanges

Posted by Tony Cornelius on Jun 11, 2019

I was invited to join Rotary in 1990 (that’s how it was in those days) and my first committee was International, and this side of Rotary became a huge part of our lives. My Gisborne club, in District 9930, was very active in hosting both GSE (Group Study Exchange) and RFE (Rotary Friendship Exchange).

What an Experience

Posted by John Cole on Jun 05, 2019

Some members and friends may remember the year I was District 9940 District Governor (2001-2002). I had a project to raise funds to support the Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital in Bhopal, India.

Osborne House - Isle of Wight

Posted by Brian Clarke on May 20, 2019

When Mary and I went cruising last year we were based out of Southampton. We had a couple of days on shore between the Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth cruises so together with our travelling companions we headed for the ferry to travel across to the Isle of Wight for an afternoon of exploring.

Te Omanga Gardening

Posted by Brian Klee on May 19, 2019

Last Sunday morning, David & Jenny Thompson, Kathy Bryant and I, helped out for a few hours preparing the grounds for the next gardening stage since Te Omanga Hospice moved back home.

My Favourite Food

Posted by Kathy Bryant on May 16, 2019

At a recent meeting we had Rachel Taulelai visit and speak to us. She very entertainingly walked us through the 10 foods that represented her and the important memories and things in her life. This got me thinking about what they would be for me....

Pink Ribbon Breakfast - Update

Posted by Shelley Bryant on May 14, 2019

Thanks to everyone involved in our Pink Ribbon Breakfast, this was an outstanding success! In fact, we had to turn people away as we couldn't accommodate more than 100 people!

Welcome to Dr. Gregory De Costa

Posted by Pat Heffernan on May 06, 2019

Gregory was born and grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. After completing a Civil Engineering degree, he went to Japan to do a Masters in Environmental Engineering and PhD in Hydraulics and Hydrology.

Proud Moments

Posted by Shelley Bryant on May 06, 2019

Proud moments- we all have them. Some of these moments can be quite huge.

A Tribute to Dr. Milne

Posted by Jaye Howey on May 02, 2019

Dr. Graham Milne, OBE

Aged 100, Dr. Milne passed away on 19th April 2019 at Golden Bay Community Health.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Apr 30, 2019

Come along and support this worthy cause and listen to the renowned breast surgeon, Mr. Burton King who we know will give a very enlightening and interesting talk.

2019 Pride of Workmanship Award

Posted on Apr 29, 2019

On Monday, CEO Justine Tupara of JT Property Wash, was awarded Eastern Hutt Rotary's Pride of Workmanship Award, selected from a group of nominees at an eventful Rotary meeting.

I'm A Storyteller

Posted by Glenda Barratt on Apr 23, 2019

Unlike others, I don’t have an amazing adventure overseas to tell you about (Well I do, but that’s another story), or a foray into something that will hold you spellbound as you read. Rather I would like to share with you a piece of self-discovery that took one person, one sentence, to help me make complete sense of my life.

2019 Quiz Evening

Posted by Des Darby on Apr 11, 2019

The recent Quiz Night was a great success, with lots of fun identifying strange objects and substances in the quirky-question sections. Over $

1,000 was raised for the Duffy Books in Homes programme, thanks to everyone who participated.

A day like any other?

Posted by Terry Barr on Apr 10, 2019

The day started like any other day. There was no indication from the cosmos when I swung my feet out of bed that today would be any different to any other.

PHF Award - Brian Lummis

Posted on Apr 08, 2019

President Pat with Brian Lummis & ADG Leole Malama-Prasad

On 8th April 2019, Brian Lummis was awarded a double Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire Pin for his outstanding service and contributions to Eastern Hutt Rotary of many years.

Guests from UK

Posted by Dave Wilson on Apr 08, 2019

On Monday 8th April we welcomed Past Rotary President Anthony Chick and his partner Immediate Past Inner Wheel President Carole Corless from Carnforth UK.

Baring Head Lighthouse

Posted by Brian Klee on Mar 31, 2019

Following a talk by Colin Ryder one of the Friends of Baring Head Lighthouse, a group of Eastern Hutt Rotary enjoy a trip out there to visit this iconic setting.

2019 Te Omanga Golf Day

Posted by Brian Clarke on Mar 29, 2019

President Pat and Hospice CEO Biddy Harford

What a great day! We were blessed with a perfect day - warm temperatures, little wind and blue sky.

My Grandfather HD

Posted by James Wheeler on Mar 20, 2019

I thought I might share my recollections of my Grandfather Mr Henry Dargaville Bennett (HD to everyone).

Special Guest from Philippines

Posted by Brian Klee on Mar 18, 2019

Visiting from Manila tonight was Lilian Cruz, accompanied by her daughter Maricel Malinao.

Weetbix TRYathlon

Posted on Mar 14, 2019

Once again Eastern Hutt Rotary had a team of enthusiastic volunteers at last week's Weetbix TRYathlon, supported by Mayor Ray Wallace and National Candidate, Chris Bishop.

Quiz Evening

Posted by Jaye Howey on Mar 13, 2019

This quiz evening is being organised by the Education and Employment Committee for family and friends. It's no ordinary quiz!!

Rotary Exchange with New South Wales District

Posted by Christine Meredith on Mar 13, 2019

Last weekend (4^th March) during a discussion over the District 5020 USA/ Canada exchange group I became aware that a NSW group already in Palmerston North needed people to host in the Hutt Valley. I put my name forward.

It’s Not Worth our While?

Posted by Paddy Wells on Mar 06, 2019

Since when do we as Rotarians decide whether our efforts in the Community are, "Worth our while, or not"!

Who's being do what lately

Posted on Feb 21, 2019

Jaye's been teaching birds John's been coaxing camels

A Morning in Malmo

Posted by David Thompson on Feb 19, 2019

Here is yet more talent

It was May 1989. I was one of a small team of engineers who flew first to the UK and then to Ludvika in Sweden for technical, project management, and quality management work on what were to become the new Thyristor Converter Banks of New Zealand’s upgraded HVDC link.

RYLA - 2019

Posted by Jaye Howey on Feb 06, 2019

This year, Chris Bennett was our worthy sponsored candidate for this amazing leadership training event run by Rotary at the Silverstream Retreat last month.

Baby Boomer Thoughts

Posted by Annette Ruck on Feb 06, 2019

My youngest son spoiled me and gave me a battery powered cordless Dyson vacuum cleaner for Christmas - I love it! The same week my 12-year old grandson struggled to understand why you would ever use a crank handle to start a car.

Lest we forget

Posted by Richard Perry on Jan 30, 2019

LEST WE FORGET.

A highlight of our recent European tour was a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Water & Sanitation Group

Posted by Colin Alford on Jan 16, 2019

The Water & Sanitation Rotarian Action Group (WASRAG) was formed in 2007 by a group of Rotarians, recognized by Rotary International, and focused on WASH projects. Since then it has facilitated many hundreds of projects – helping clubs find partners, ensuring sustainability, stressing the importance of a needs-driven approach, and developing best practices. We encourage a holistic, integrated approach in which water is not the end in itself, but is rather the means to a better life and livelihood in the community. Most importantly, WASRAG links water and sanitation to improved hygiene, better health, and empowerment of the community – especially women, irrigation and agriculture, education and literacy and, ultimately, child mortality.

2018 Trailer Christmas Raffle

Posted by Pat Heffernan on Dec 26, 2018

Congratulations to lucky ticket number 10178, this year's major winner of our Christmas Raffle! She was very pleased with her prize and would share it with her family.

Christ Church Cottage Museum - updated

Posted by John Terris on Dec 12, 2018

Sadly, Lottery Grants Board aren't going to help with buying the land, or the cottage, but they will likely help with the fitout, which would be great. Thanks heaps for your assistance to date with all this. The text of the official reply reads:

Christmas past and present

Posted by Dave Morris on Dec 12, 2018

For many of us born in the Northern Hemisphere a summer Christmas takes a bit of getting use to. In the UK, where I come from, Christmas is usually a time of short days and cold temperatures being close to the mid-winter solstice.

John Terris - PHF No.2

Posted by Judy Dearsley on Dec 10, 2018

John Terris, QSO, was tonight's recipient of a 2^nd Paul Harris Fellow Award tonight, a person who has been a stalwart of the Hutt Valley for many years. A Rotarian since 1997 initially with Hutt Valley Rotary, and then Eastern Hutt Rotary from 2011.

2018 Trailer Raffle

Posted on Dec 06, 2018

For the 28th year, Eastern Hutt Rotary have their Trailer Raffle at Queensgate Mall, Lower Hutt with prizes value at $5,000, thanks for the corporate sponsors, members and friends.

My Lucky Life

Posted by Christine Meredith on Dec 06, 2018

I consider myself to be lucky. Yes, a lot of other stuff has happened too, always resulting in a learning thing becoming luck.

Housing - the current market

Posted by John Matthews on Nov 29, 2018

I thought might be topical, with the Reserve Bank removing some of the lending criteria today, to give you all an update on the property market in Lower Hutt in particular. You're probably all sick of hearing about property – the media seem to love reporting on it. Here's my overview of the current situation.

Letters of thanks!

Posted by Richard Perry on Nov 27, 2018

We thought you would like to see just two of the many letters of thanks Jaye and I received have received, following our presentation of the Usborne Dictionaries at Naenae primary.

Naenae College 2018 Awards

Posted by Richard Perry on Nov 15, 2018

Brook Waldron Hazel Schapel

On Tuesday 6 November, I represented us at The Naenae College Senior Prize giving. It was heartening to see so many students from a wide variety of backgrounds being recognised for their achievements. The reaction from the student body to the awards showed a heartening generosity of spirit and a happy pride in their school.

Exploring 'God's Own'

Posted by Brian Klee on Nov 13, 2018

Mary and I have been fortunate to enjoy many overseas trips to North America, Europe and a few to Asia. But as they say, "Don't leave home till you've seen your own country", so 10 years ago I decided I needed to 'knock-off' the New Zealand's Great Walks.

Why International Service

Posted by David Thompson on Nov 12, 2018

Eastern Hutt Rotary does some wonderful things in our local community. That hard work and money is helping kids who might otherwise miss out, or we do any of those other myriad supportive things we are known for, it somehow feels more connected or more personal and perhaps more relevant because it is local.

Fishing Experience to Remember

Posted by Dave Comparini

I was invited to join a 9 person party for a 5-day fishing trip into the Fiordland National Park on the launch Legacy. It was 20 years since I was in the area tramping and shooting and was keen to visit once again and check out the fishing.

Past President 2005-2006

Posted by Ron Hunter on Nov 01, 2018

I was very privileged to have been President of Eastern Hutt Rotary Club 2005/06 and recall some of the highlights of that year.

Exploring New Zealand

Posted by Brian Klee on Oct 26, 2018

Mary and I have fortunate to enjoy many overseas trips to North America, Europe and a few to Asia. But as they say, "Don't leave home till you've seen your own country", so 10 years ago I decided I needed to 'knock-off' New Zealand's great walks.

World Polio Day - 24th October

Posted on Oct 24, 2018

World Polio Day - 24th October

Bill Boyd, 2006-07 Rotary International President

This week Rotary throughout the world recognized this day and through his daughter Kathy Bryant, her father Bill Boyd sent a short update on Rotary's & the Gates Foundation's polio eradication programme.

International travel & rotary

Posted by Jaye Howey on Oct 18, 2018

There were a number of surprises during my recent 5-week trip to Europe, several of them related to Rotary.

Rotary Exchange visit between District 9940, and District 5020 (Canada and USA)

Posted by Anne Abbott on Oct 15, 2018

Christine Meredith and I met up with the other 7 participants in the exchange at Tsawwassen, the departure point for the ferry to Nanaimo. We were met there by the members of the Nanaimo North Rotary Club, who would be hosting various members of our District.

Freedom of Speech

Posted by Michael Jameson on Oct 11, 2018

Freedom of Speech and Searching for the Truth

Rotarians abroad

Posted on Oct 10, 2018

Rotarian's abroad

It's customary to engage Rotary banners when visiting overseas clubs, which is what Jaye Howey, Anne Abbott and Christine Meredith have done recently.

New Members Month

Posted by Jan Palmer on Oct 10, 2018

November 2018 is New Members Month

Brian Clarke

Posted on Oct 08, 2018

Brian Clarke's formal investiture

Eastern Hutt Rotary members were very proud to congratulate Brian in June for his well-deserved award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, to the Membership of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Tribute to Joe Tomlinson

Posted by Colin Alford on Oct 01, 2018

JOE TOMLINSON

40 YEARS IN EASTERN HUTT ROTARY

(26 September 1978 – 1 October 2018)

Here is a bit of background to Joe Tomlinson and his remarkable involvement with Eastern Hutt Rotary in servicing his community for the past 40 plus years.

Duffy Books - update

Posted by Pat Heffernan on Sep 20, 2018

On Wednesday morning I had the pleasure to go to Rata St school for the distribution of this year's Duffy books. It was a first for me and what a great experience.

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Kapiti Island

Posted by Pat Heffernan on Sep 19, 2018

Earlier this year we decided to spend a weekend on the Kapiti Coast . We booked a day trip to Kapiti Island with Kapiti Island Nature Tours.

Tree planting

Posted by Dave Comparini on Sep 16, 2018

EASTERN HUTT ROTARY AND NAENAE COLLEGE

Tree planting Project 16 September 2018

Clubs around the World have embraced 2017-18 world president Ian Risley’s call for Rotarians to plant 1 tree for every Rotarian in the world.

Duffy Books

Posted by Jaye Howey on Sep 13, 2018

With Hutt Valley Rotary, Eastern Hutt Rotary has been involved with Duffy Books for many years. Conceived by Alan Duffy in 1992, so far in 2018, the programme has reached over 520 Decile 1-4 schools, nearly 300 Early Childhood Centres, over 100,000 students, all financed by more than 200 funding partners and supporters.

The Dowse disaster

Posted by David Gledhill on Sep 13, 2018

Recently I have visited the Expressions Gallery in Upper Hutt and the Pataka Museum in Porirua. The Expressions has had several superb exhibitions, most recently the "Where Children Sleep" and the National Ceramics Finalists, and before that exhibitions of The Photography of Lloyd Homer; Rugby and WW1; The Mona Lisa Story; and the NASA Space photographs.

Rotary Reminiscences

Posted by Russell Good on Sep 05, 2018

Let me take you back to March 1996 and a Coffee meeting with a referral source in Petone. The conversation turned to Rotary and how he thought I would enjoy being a member.

What ever happened to common sense?

Posted by Paul Giles on Aug 27, 2018

In November 2017 our pharmacy was subject to the customary Ministry of Health audit (in our case this happens about every five years).

Innovative Young Minds - 2018

Posted on Aug 27, 2018

Once again Eastern Hutt Rotary were very proud to sponsor 2 young women to this year's Innovative Young Minds programme in July. They shared their excited experiences and what inspired them at our meeting this week.

Kathy Bryant, Madeline Arps, Hannah Fleury, and Pat Heffernan

Is It the Truth?

Posted by Colin Fenton on Aug 21, 2018

Since the enunciation of the Four Way Test in 1932, generations of Rotarians have been asking themselves "Is it the truth"?

Life

Posted by Judy Dearsley on Aug 15, 2018

Having recently lost a sibling in a family of five, it has again made me very aware again of how unpredictable life can be and the ramifications that emerge from an event.

My Working Life

Posted by Absie Crook on Aug 08, 2018

I would like to tell you about my working life from 1990 when I retired from the service station industry. It was then that I became at taxi driver before becoming Operations Manager for Hutt & City Taxis.

Our return back to Gisborne

Posted by Tony Cornelius on Aug 02, 2018

In Mid-July Jenny and I went up to Gisborne, over 2 years since our last visit, and 3+ years since we sold up and moved to Wellington. We took the opportunity to catch up with friends, our farm neighbours and even fitted in a meeting with my previous Rotary Club.

Upcoming Community Event

Posted on Aug 01, 2018

Here is an upcoming event in support of Te Omanga Hospice.

Lower Hutt 26th Annual Community Concert - Sunday 9 September 2018, from 2-4pm

The concert will feature a mixture of entertainment with free admission, but donations will be appreciated and accepted for Te Omanga Hospice, the charity selected by Mayor Ray Wallace.

33 days with 3 Queens

Posted by Brian Clarke on Jul 25, 2018

During the month of June this year Mary and I embarked on an exciting series of cruises with the Cunard Line.

Queenstown Region

Posted by John Cole on Jul 19, 2018

Lynne and I together with another couple have spent the last week staying in Queenstown. To me it is the most beautiful region of New Zealand.

Welcome back Terry Barr

Posted on Jul 16, 2018

Welcome back Terry Barr! President, Pat Heffernan, had pleasure in welcoming him back to Eastern Hutt Rotary.

World Community Service

Rotary all over the Pacific is very active and we often don't realise the extent of this. Take a look at this Link: Rotary World Community Service.

Visiting Banceny Monastery in Ukraine

Posted by Dragos Bratasanu on Jul 11, 2018

A while ago, I watched on TV a documentary about a monk in Ukraine who, although he had nothing, he had a dream of building a monastery where he could care for the orphans, the sick and the abandoned children.

UH Housing Trust

Posted by Shelley Bryant on Jul 02, 2018

UPPER HUTT HOUSING TRUST - HOMAI TE WHAIORA

After finding someone sleeping in the St Joseph's churchyard, Upper Hutt churches started a housing trust.

Colin Alford

Posted on Jul 01, 2018

Colin Alford receiving yet another Award at the District Changeover in Wanganui during the weekend!

Understanding Poverty

Posted by Kathy Bryant on Jun 28, 2018

While recently working at Taita College one of the teachers lent me a book to read “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Ruby K. Payne.

Christ Church, Taita

Posted by John Terris on Jun 25, 2018

Our own member, John Terris, shared with us a short history behind the Christ Church in Taita, including the Trust's effort to raise $500,000 for the establishment of a Visitor Centre.

The Life and Death of Personal Data

Posted by Don Battah on Jun 21, 2018

Preparing one’s online personal data for moving on to greener pastures is often overlooked which might make an already stressful time for family even more so.

Work in the Pacific

Posted by David Thompson on Jun 18, 2018

Our Club Has Done Good Things Overseas

Well, it has. It has been really active in the past 12 months helping needy people in the Pacific.

My Rotary Story

Posted by Colin Alford on Jun 06, 2018

In April 1987 our family including Jan’s mother reluctantly moved from Murray’s Bay on Auckland’s North Shore to Lower Hutt. The move was made for sound business reasons and not taken lightly. We left behind good schools, good friends and a good way of life. We had built a lovely wee house on our section for Jan’s mother, she was very happy there.

More Dictionaries in Schools

Posted by Jaye Howey on Jun 05, 2018

Pomare School Naenae School

Our annual programme for the giving of Usborne Illustrated Dictionaries has now been completed for the year, with the recent presentations to year 4 students at Naenae Primary School, Pomare School, and St Michael’s School.

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Posted by Helen Thomas on Jun 02, 2018

Pink Ribbon Devonshire Tea

Our Pink Ribbon Devonshire Tea was a great success and that was thanks to a huge team effort. We raised $400.00 for this very worthy cause and had a lot of fun on the way.

Taita Central School

Posted by Jaye Howey on May 23, 2018

The presentation of Usborne Illustrated dictionaries to Year 4 students at Taita Central School this week, was the start of our 10th year of presentations to 4 low decile schools in the Naenae/Taita area. Many happy and excited faces!

Cataract surgery

Posted by Anne Abbott on May 21, 2018

What is it like to go through cataract surgery in 2018? Have you thought about the medical advances that have happened since 1950, when “Call the Midwife” was written about midwives in the East End of London?

Kiwi Initiative

Posted by Dave Wilson

KIWI INITIATIVE used for PACIFIC EMERGENCIES

Following is a Rotary Project that new Rotary members need to be aware of and older members need to remember which I was very involved with for many years both in our Rotary Dist. 9940 and also Nationally.

2018 Rotafest Conference

Posted on May 12, 2018

A group of 11 Eastern Hutt Rotarians and wives attended this year's Rotafest in Palmerston North.

Girls Can Do Almost Anything!

Posted by James Wheeler on May 07, 2018

Girls can do almost anything!

"Two women pilots were flying their Air New Zealand Q300 into Wellington airport.

They landed and taxied up to the gate……..Question……..who parks the plane?"

This Week in the Community

Posted by Richard Perry on Apr 25, 2018

On Anzac Day, I was privileged to lay a wreath on behalf of the Club, at the service on the Anzac Memorial Plaza. Our thanks to the generosity of Rob Sinclair for providing the wreath materials and the hands of Helen Renor who prepared it.

The Amazing You

Posted on Apr 23, 2018

Wow, what an inspiring evening! After selling their home in Croatia, Dragos and Anca donated all sale proceeds to a local church, then set off on their worldwide adventure. To learn more about his remarkable life so far, HERE is his story.

Building Washing Robot

Posted by Joe Tomlinson on Apr 23, 2018

In 1962 when Joe Tomlinson started his one-man painting business from his home in Epuni he had no idea that 56 years later the company would be what it is today.

Das Auto

Posted by David Thompson on Apr 17, 2018

Last Sunday my wife and I, along with our daughter and one of her friends, went for a bush walk at a place that has been a family favourite for forty years. It was a beautiful cool but sunny day. We dawdled and got only three-quarters of the way from Catchpool Valley to the Orongorongo River while our daughter and her friend walked the full distance.

Vera Lynn Concert - update

Posted by Brian Klee on Apr 13, 2018

What a wonderful fundraising event this turned out to be!

We're a team

Posted by Helen Thomas on Apr 11, 2018

Helen and Howie Thomas – we’re a bit of a tag team and always support each other with our various activities.

2018 Rotary Youth Leadership Award

Posted by Michael Battah on Apr 09, 2018

RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) is a 5-day intensive youth leadership program. Across the 5 days, we took part in a number of seminars and activities. Some of the more memorable ones include:

Lower Hutt today

Posted by John Terris on Apr 04, 2018

The most recent GDP figures for the Lower Hutt economy highlighted on your front page last week have been a long time coming and could do with a bit of historical perspective. The whole thing didn’t get conjured out of a hat.

Duffy Books

Posted by Jaye Howey on Mar 27, 2018

An expectant “Hush” had just fallen over this Assembly at Rata Street School as children waited for the arrival of this term’s Duffy Books Role Model and the presentation (courtesy of Eastern Hutt and Hutt Valley Rotary Clubs) of 2 books to every child.

Vera Lynn Concert

Posted by Jan Palmer on Mar 21, 2018

A reminder to come along and enjoy Vicki Lee sing those legendary songs once sung by Vera Lynn! Alternatively, buy 2 tickets and give them away as a treat to family, or true Vera Lynn friends/fans.

Great Barrier Island

Posted by Jaye Howey on Mar 19, 2018

Question: Why was a certain quartet of EHR members absent from the Rotary meeting on Monday 13 March? (They did remember to apologise!)

2018 Te Omanga Charity Golf Tournament

Posted by Brian Klee on Mar 16, 2018

Another successful charity event was held last Friday at the Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club, with their brand-new clubrooms opened only 1 week ago.

Weetbix TRYathalon

Posted by Jaye Howey on Mar 15, 2018

1600 students, mainly from local Primary and Intermediate schools, competed in the recent Weet-Bix TRYathlon based at Hutt Rec. and the Huia Pool.

World Rotary President

Posted by Brian Klee on Mar 06, 2018

A group of us travelled to Palmerston North today to meet Rotary International's world President, Ian Riseley.

A Visit to The Catlins

Posted by Richard Perry on Feb 28, 2018

This January, I was fortunate to join a group of experienced and cheerful Rotarian and Probus members, for a set of day-walking trips in the South Island Catlins.

Quiz Evening - update

Posted on Feb 26, 2018

Congratulations to the winning Inner Wheel ladies who won last Friday's Quiz Evening!

Te Araroa Trail update...

Posted by Brian Klee on Feb 24, 2018

Here's Graeme Bocock's account of his final North Island journey on the Te Araroa Trail. A few of us joined him this time, to hear him talk about his travels so far.

Special Olympics - thanks

Posted by Jan Palmer on Feb 14, 2018

Growing up in a large family

Posted by Jan Palmer on Feb 14, 2018

WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO GROW UP IN CANNONS CREEK AND BE THE OLDEST OF 12 CHILDREN

It certainly wasn’t a bed of roses, but it was all worthwhile now with over “100 people for Sunday lunch” with brothers, sisters, their husbands & partners, their children and their husbands and partners, children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. The amazing thing is we all get on!!

Graham Bocock - continued

Continuing from last week's journal, here is the final one to end the North Island...

Te Araroa Trail - Graham Bocock

Posted on Jan 29, 2018

Several suggested they would be interested in Graham Bocock's 'bucket list' journey on The Te Araroa Trail

Here is an account up to Palmerston North, which will be continued next week, finishing off the North Island.

A non-tourist visit to Singapore

Posted by Christine Meredith on Jan 25, 2018

In December I made a very different visit to Singapore, mainly so I could visit my daughter Sarah who had moved there with her family in July. My grandsons are 8 and 10 years old. So began a very different visit to that which is normally encountered.

2017 Christmas Raffle

Posted by Robert Sinclair on Jan 08, 2018

Here is the 2017 Trailer Raffle being drawn under police supervision on Christmas Eve, and a photo of the very happy winner!

It is so wonderful to see it was won by such a young and deserving family, who didn't have any bikes!

Thanks to the community for purchasing tickets and assisting us to provide needed Donations for our worthy recipients.

I would personally like to thank Brian Clark for all his effort with the Trailer raffle ensuring a great outcome, and to those club members standing in to help during my illness. Most importantly members, members of Inner Wheel, past members, family and friends for giving up their time to enjoy the company of others while selling tickets. Without your support, this project could not happen.

Robert Sinclair, (Raffle Organiser)

Christmastide 2017

Posted by Richard Perry on Dec 04, 2017

Our traditional cards show snowy scenes, well rugged up choristers singing lustily, and a robin perched on a branch pretending to a merry chirping, while freezing its …um, feet off. But as a New Zealand carol reminds us, here we have an upside-down Christmas.

Robin Fenwick - Paul Harris Fellow

Posted by Desmond Darby on Dec 04, 2017

With much pride, Robin Fenwick was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow award for his long and exceptional service as a Rotarian.

Auction of Promises - Chinese Banquet

Posted by Colin Alford on Dec 01, 2017

Participating in fundraising and offering to help always reminds me of the army motto “Never Volunteer” then another part of me remembers the Rotary Motto “Service above Self”.

Learning and Leadership

Posted by Brian Klee on Nov 29, 2017

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether 20 or 80; anyone who keeps learning is young.” – Henry Ford

Most Rotarians pride themselves as community leaders but as mentors, how many of us have stopped learning?

Introducing Dragos Bratasanu

Posted by Pat Heffernan on Nov 27, 2017

A big welcome to our new Member, Dragos Bratasanu, introduced by President-Elect Pat Heffernan.

Introducing Anna Hewitt

Posted by Helen Thomas on Nov 27, 2017

Helen Thomas introducing another new member, Anna Hewitt.

Special Olympics NZ

Posted by Brian Klee on Nov 23, 2017

Volunteering recently at the National Sumer Games for Special Olympics New Zealand.

Auction of Promises - update

Posted by Christine Meredith on Nov 23, 2017

Rotarian digging for funds!

Train journey across USA

Posted by Michael Jameson on Nov 23, 2017

Jenny and I arrived in San Francisco on September 1^st to begin our epic journey across the US by train.

Naenae College - Educational Award

Posted by Richard Perry

As President, I had the honour to present our Tertiary Education Award at Naenae College this month, a $2,000 grant to a student selected by the School.

Holidaying in the USA and Cuba

Posted by Jasmine Howey on Nov 14, 2017

“Almost 6 weeks in the USA and then 8 days in Cuba” was my itinerary as I left New Zealand to fly via San Francisco to Sacramento on 22 September.

Parkinson's Awareness Week

Posted by Russell Good on Nov 10, 2017

We again provided collectors for this year's Parkinson's Awareness Week on 3rd and 4th of November at Queensgate, Lower Hutt. As the organiser, I want to thank the following....

It’s a hard question; “Are you ready”?

Posted by Moira Jackson on Nov 09, 2017

How often do we see or hear those words? We’re expecting the devastation of “The Big One” one day so many of us are dutifully prepared.

Wellington Free Ambulance

Posted by Desmond Darby on Oct 30, 2017

Thanks received from Diane Livingston, Wellington Free Ambulance, for Eastern Hutt's joint financial contribution towards their new vehicle, "Ambulance 432".

Asthma Foundation

Posted by Paul Giles

Dr Chris Milne, founder of the Asthma Foundation with their current Chief Executive Officer, Leticia O'Dwyer.

Naenae Boxing Academy

Posted on Oct 16, 2017

What an inspirational evening! Eastern Hutt Rotary was proud to be guests at Billy Graham's Academy to meet many of his team, members and enjoy a BBQ tea supplied by them.

Avalon Park

Posted on Oct 11, 2017

The fine weather and the July school holidays has brought out children from all over Wellington to Avalon Park.

What Have We Done to My Country

Posted by David Gledhill on Oct 05, 2017

Many folk are born in their country and are dutifully proud of it, while some deliberately choose to settle in a country, and have therefore actively chosen some responsibility for it.

Innovative Young Minds - Our experience

Posted by Hayley Krippner & Pallavi Samie on Oct 02, 2017

Sponsored by us, Sacred Heart students Hayley Krippner and Pallavi Sami, gave us personal accounts of their Innovative Young Minds (IYM) experience....

Welcome to Helen Thomas

Posted on Sep 25, 2017