Whether we like it or not, the world has changed and in a way we probably never would have considered possible 2 years ago. If you have read books or watched documentaries on the most likely cause of a worldwide catastrophic event, number one on the list is an uncontrollable pandemic. Maybe Covid19 isn’t quite that, but it has certainly had a worldwide effect.

 

I had a tearful Zoom conversation with my daughter over the weekend. She and her husband, with my only granddaughter, are teaching in China – on a 3 year contract which ends in July next year.

We hear about the restrictions and difficulties of Kiwis who can’t secure a spot in an MIQ facility, and the full realisation of that didn’t hit me until my chat with Jo. When their Contracts expire, so do their Visas, and they then become overstayers in China – they become Stateless because they can’t come home.

They are in a very fortunate situation that they can renew their Contract on a year to year basis after their 3 years is up, providing the school continues to want them, so that is what they are having to do. It was their intention to come home but the uncertainty of the future of MIQ status means they will now commit to another year for security.

 

One would hope that by July 2023, something is sorted. I now understand the fear and anxiety that so many Kiwis overseas are feeling. Where I once thought, “well their decision, they’ll have to live with it,” I now have a different opinion. I am finding it difficult to cope with the fact that it may well be 4 years before I can hug them again – and I imagine I am not alone in that.

Maybe having to wear a mask to go to Mitre 10 isn’t such a difficult thing after all.

 

 

At our meeting on Tuesday a PHF was presented to Simon Smith following his address as Guest Speaker on the night. Simon talked about his involvement with the Dunstan Arm Rowing Club as Sculling coach and the impressive rise of success and achievements of the club in recent years.

Simon’s PHF was awarded to him for the work that he has done within the Rowing Club to achieve those success’s (see picture below).

                                             

 

Saturday 9 October is moving day of books from Ngapara storage to the Delta building (I think I have that right) to begin sorting. Your assistance is sought. Contact Barry or Mike if you can help

 

 

Directors made some decisions at Tuesday’s meeting to confirm significant meeting dates up to and around the Xmas break.

The Club AGM will be Tuesday 23 November. Also a Board meeting

The final club meeting for the year will be Tuesday 14 December

The club Xmas get-together will be at a yet to be named date – but sometime after 14 December

The first meeting in the New Year will be Tuesday 25 January

Put those dates in your Diary – and somebody tell Don Forbes !

 

 

It was agreed that this position would be added to the roster of duties at each meeting.

The main purpose of this role is to greet guests, accompanied or unaccompanied, welcome them, take them to the Cashier, and then introduce them to other Rotarians if need be, so they are made to feel welcome as soon as they enter the room. Greet the Guest Speaker, know who is introducing them, and make the introduction.

 

 

John Whitaker has indicated that at this point there are approx. 70 guests booked for the Dinner. We require over 100, so it is up to all members to be working on the list that John has sent out to either sell tables or secure items for the silent auction. The club raised a lot of money from last year’s dinner and we want this to be equally successful. Please, cast aside your inhibitions, and do some pleading.

 

 

Another successful afternoon with the young and “the old” getting together and planting fruit and nut trees for the enjoyment of a future generation

 

 

 

Wear your brightest shirt and get LOUD at Rotary on 26^th October, our LOUD Shirt Day.

 

Loud Shirt Day is the national fundraising campaign for The Hearing House and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme – the only two charities in New Zealand dedicated to supporting children (and some adults) with profound hearing loss and who access sound with cochlear implants.

 

Children benefit hugely from the implants, but still require years of therapy to learn to listen, and speak like hearing children. Government funding is limited and the two charities rely on donations to provide the therapy for deaf children free of charge.

 

For adults, a cochlear implant, along with rehabilitative support, makes it possible to return to the workforce, re-engage with their family and social circles, and reintegrate into society.

 

Part of the fun in participating in this day is to dress up in a LOUD shirt and come to Rotary. We will have a collection at the door and perhaps a further donation can be made by our club charity.

 

THE SALVATION ARMY – Bess Carbines

 

Planting day, Saturday 16^th October 2021, 10am

Community gardens, Dunstan Road, Alexandra

 

 

The Salvation Army is excited to invite you to our 2021 planting day. This is always a fun(d) day for the whole family and a chance to share experiences and expertise.

 

The benefits from produce planted on this day provide our community with healthy options for themselves and for their families. Lunch will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring a plate to share.

 

Please ensure that you dress appropriately for gardening with appropriate footwear and don’t forget water and sunscreen.

 

If you have any doubt regarding the weather that day then contact Bess on 021 264 4765.