Andrew gave a most interesting presentation all about AI and shared some of his experiences using AI in the home and workplace. 

 

AI operates in many online applications including website chat bots; maps; spam filters; autocorrect; photo tags and voice assistance.

How does AI work? By accessing massive data/training/pattern modelling and your prompt.

 

AI tools help us with productivity gains/ access to content/ science & medical research/ everyday convenience.

 

 

Hallucination/bias/job disruption and environmental cost (huge power & water use by data centres).

 

Ethical considerations of AI include privacy, consent & copyright, transparency and accountability.

 

 

Andrew demonstrated the power of Chat GPT by asking it to provide 10 questions & answers about Alexandra for the Rotary quiz (noted by Kevin) and to produce an image of some rather young Alexandra Rotarians happy and smiling at the Club meeting.

 

 

AI capabilities are generally divided into two main categories:

 

 

1909- 1913 Member of Gore Borough Council

1913—1929 Mayor of Gore

1928 stood for parliament in the Mataura electorate as candidate for the United party which was led by fellow southlander Sir Joseph Ward

 

He was re elected in 1931 but in October 1933 because of the governments failure to assist the wheat famers by regulating prices, he voted with Labour and was then excluded from the caucus, remarking he was no longer restrained by a leg rope for the remainder of his parliamentary career. He was re-elected in 1935 as in independent and he was defeated in 1938.

 

When he was mayor, he chaired a temperance meeting held in Mataura. The speakers were traveling from Dunedin on the train which was delayed. To fill in time until they arrived, he instigated a community sing with all the drinking songs he could think of. By the time the speakers finally arrived at the gathering the public had lost all interest in the purpose of the meeting.

 

He was traveling by train back to parliament in Wellington when the spotted scrap metal being loaded onto a ship destined to Japan. He promptly addressed the other passengers in the carriage stating, “mark my words they will soon be sending this metal back as bullets”. 

 

Information about this speech was conveyed to Wellington and Parliament and he was made to make a formal apology to the Japanese consul.

 

Unfortunately, he died just before the Pearl Harbour attack.

 

John A, Lee with whom he shared many political beliefs described him as” a radical who did a lot for hilarity.”

 

 

 

 

Ryan gave an interesting talk about his experience on the Spirit of Adventure sailing ship in March. The Club assisted Ryan with funding for the trip. He also fundraised by selling pies and cookies.

 

There were 40 young people on the ship, split into teams with each person having 2 days as the team leader. Ryan said this gave him the confidence to put his hand up for leadership roles at school.

 

Cell phones were not allowed for the duration of the course and it meant a digital camera was taken along for photos.

 

Ryan went to the top of the mast in the bosun’s chair and he did a day walk on Great Barrier Island seeing lots of different native species. Ryan joked that he disliked doing the kitchen duties.

 

One member on each course is invited to come back as crew and Ryan was asked and has agreed to go on another course as a crew member.

 

 

 

A voyage on Spirit is a positive and pivotal experience in the lives of the young people who get the chance.

 

Our youth development programme offers many highly engaged days in an environment uninterrupted by technology and the distractions of home and school life.

 

Each young person gets the chance unleash and discover their real potential.

The work of Spirit is supported and valued by so many throughout New Zealand and we simply could not do the work we do without funding from so many generous supporters who sponsor, donate and allocate grants to our work.

 

 

 

 

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a fully sponsored, high-impact leadership development programme designed to challenge, inspire, and empower young adults (aged 20 to 30) who want to make a difference.

 

RYLA isn’t just about learning leadership — it’s about living it. Over 4-5 days and through hands-on workshops, outdoor challenges, inspiring speakers, and deep reflection. 

 

Participants explore their strengths, grow their confidence, and connect with other future leaders from across the region.

 

What’s in it for the individual?
 Grow as a leader — no matter your style
 Discover your strengths and stretch your comfort zone
 Build lifelong friendships and networks
 Learn from inspiring business and community leaders
 Participate in team challenges, community projects, and personal development sessions
 Enjoy amazing food, great company, and a supportive environment

Cost to participants Zero. 

Successful applicants are fully sponsored by a Rotary club or corporate partner. All that individuals need to bring is their time, energy, and a willingness to grow.

 

The value of the course is $1,175 (GST is excluded for Rotary Clubs or ADD GST for corporates)

 

 

Preferred closing deadline: 18th November 2026 for the CHCH Course and 30 November 2026 for Queenstown
 

Late applications will be considered if there are spaces available.

 

For the Queenstown Course: email d9999rylaqt@gmail.com or phone Lee-Ann on 021 343 506 for more information.

 

For the Christchurch Course: email d9999rylachch@gmail.com or phone Bart on 027 247 3969 for more information.