District changeover was held on Saturday 27th June at the Boulcott Farm Golf Club. Despite the weather, it was attended by many Past Presidents, D.G’s, Rotarians and friends. Eastern Hutt Rotary was represented by myself, President Elect Robin Fenwick, John Cole and Jaye Howey. We were also privileged to have as primary guests Dame Dorothy Spotswood and Sir Mark Dunajtschik. Dame Dorothy was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow for her generous gift of the new Wellington Children's Hospital, Te Wa Nui.
Led by District Governor Elect Brent Gerrard, Brent first introduced John Mohi who graced us with a Karakia explaining the meaning behind the words and sentiments. John reflected on the upcoming Matariki celebrations in his opening words stating “ Matariki is about Changeover or turnover which is very apt as the change of Districts is fast approaching. The World of enlightenment is about us – mind, body and strength and how we embrace it”.
We then heard from outgoing D.G. Carol Green. Carol gave a wonderful speech on the events of the past year and acknowledged all those who have been instrumental in working hard for Rotary. She reiterated her words of encouragement to all clubs to focus on membership. Our numbers are still falling and we need to be dedicated to shifting that and keeping the work of Rotary, and its place in New Zealand, alive. Carol gave kudos to the Wellington club who have signed on 20 new members in the past year. Our past D.G. Jocelyn Hogg herself has introduced two new satellite clubs. One being an online ‘E’ club and the second being a Literacy for Life club in Greytown.
Paul Harris Fellow Awards were presented to Dame Dorothy, Graham Evans who has been Rotary District Treasurer for many years, Carol’s husband Nigel for his support and encouragement over the past 12 months, Jocelyn Hogg who received a Paul Harris Fellow alongside two Sapphire pins for her work instigating the two new satellite clubs plus her work with Breezeway – supporting children and schools in Vanuatu.
Judy Bain from Rotary Hutt Valley spoke about the upcoming Big Hats High Tea led by her club to be held at the Boulcott Bowling Club on the 16th August 3-5pm as a fundraiser for Life Flight Trust. Tickets will be $70 per person.
Speeches were given on the work of the Lifting the Lid Youth Mental Health appeal which is proving to be very successful. Latest research has shown 1,173 students from 14 schools have received help through this fund.
Carol Green then led the handover to new District Governor Brent Gerrard and presented him with the carved talking stick, which traditionally is only handed to males. In his receiving comments Brent was clearly emotional in his response and was able to reference the carver and the meaning back to his own Whakapapa. A very special moment.
Carol was then gifted her own Paul Harris Fellow award for her service over the past year.
Brent asked us all to remember our commitment to ending Polio. At present there are 9 confirmed cases 6 of those being in Afghanistan and a further three that I missed the location. We have done well, we just need to keep going.
The new logo for the year ahead is Creating Lasting Impact.