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.
I was listening to Mike about him being invited to become president with a smile. Mine was quite different. I was invited for a cuppa by John Matthews which was very enjoyable until he said "You know why I'm here of course". My reply was "I didn't have a clue."
It seems surreal that it was just a year ago you were standing in my position and acknowledging the outgoing President but in reality it comes to all of us that are in this position and in just 12 months time I will be welcoming Robin Fenwick to take you through the next exciting chapter of Eastern Hutt Rotary.
Mike, I stand in gratitude for the year you have gifted to us here and to the service you have given to the community of Te Awa Kairangi Ki Tai and so much further afield. Your quiet but humble leadership has far exemplified the values that each Rotarian and their partners in this room aspire to uphold and I only hope that I can follow that lead in the year ahead.
Thank you also to the Board for your personal hard work and commitment throughout the year. Suffice to say it takes a team to make things happen and you have all played a part in this. A huge thank you to our families who support the mahi we are so proud of. Your understanding means a great deal to all of us who are committed to community service.
To our new directors Jaye Howey, John Cole and John Matthews - together we will have new directions for the coming year and I look forward to working with you all. Let us be the start of the change we need to move forward.
Together we have faced many journeys and there is certainly more to come. The world we live in is as precarious a place to live now, more than it ever was, and we are needed now more than you will ever know.
My Dad had a favourite saying that some of you have previously heard. It was "just always remember and ask yourself - where would the Prime Minister be if it weren't for the dustman". Some peoples jobs are never written in highlights - they are never truly recognised for what they do, they simply do it and change peoples lives for the better. A true Rotarian lives these values every day and I stand in awe of each and every one of you.
This is the last year for a Rotary Motto - United For Good - What a simple but reflective message to remind ourselves the meaning behind the badge we wear. The one of courage to look into the need of others and not be afraid to extend a helping hand.
Thank you to each and everyone for making this night so special to us all.