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President's Opinion
Ross Beal
Kia Ora again Rotarians, and yet another week has passed by.
What an exciting week that turned out to be with an announcement from Jacinda suggesting that we can finally throw off the shackles and are again permitted to get out and terrorise our families and neighbours, and the occasional Rotarian. I guess we have developed an inflated appreciation of the things that we were deprived of over the last 7 weeks - great to have some of them back.
Now we can trade this fashionable attire for more casual wear fit for visiting family and friends
Then Jacinda decreed, bless her, that organisations like Rotary cannot meet as “social“ gatherings of more than 10 pax are not permitted. So I have a plan - I am proposing to redefine Rotary to be an “anti social” organisation and then we may well be able to fit the definition for gatherings greater than 10 pax !!!! Secretary Chris is checking the constitution as we speak.
We also received an announcement from Grant (budget) that suggests that the next generation will be responsible for the repayment of the huge national debt incurred on the back of the decisions made by our esteemed leaders during March and April. I wish I could print money!!!
So what will our new world look like?
we can leave home but can’t leave the country
self service in cafes is gone
15 minute coffee breaks will now take half an hour
cash is no longer king
a couple of quiets at the local is still out of bounds
the nuts on the bar in the pub will taste different now that everybody sanitises their hands.
Air NZ will have a new deal for airline seats - buy one get the adjacent seat for free
Economy fares may cost the same as previous Business Class
Funerals and church services will be redefined as “Concerts” so you can get more attending
the Police can now enter your home without a search warrant! (only possible over my body)
and we still don’t know if Covid-19 has been eliminated, isolated, or just contained
Happy Days
Mother’s Day last Sunday was a moment to reflect on the value of the Mum’s in our lives and also the wives that mother us. Rotarian Keith McIntosh was up for the challenge and decided to take the opportunity to really honour Heather, to “push the boat out”, get the moths out of his pocket and commit some hard earned cash to treat and spoil the lovely Heather to a dining experience worthy of royalty.
Geez Keith, a “ Fergburger!!!!”, chivalry is clearly not dead yet - mate you really know how to treat a woman.
(Editor’s note: the above paragraph has had to be substantially modified in order to meet acceptable broadcasting standards – it was after all the recipient’s choice).
PS: Rosanna says well done Heather you are lucky, and wishes to point out that her husband didn’t even contribute the thought, let alone the burger!!!
(Editor’s Note: This para is approved)
Is it a plane, is it a bird, or is it a flying Swede. Possibly, keep your eyes to the sky as you may see (and hear) Hanna as she leaps from an aircraft above Lake Wakatipu. She has signed up for a Sky Dive with the encouragement, support, blessing, permission, reluctant agreement of her Dad, Nils.
So all the best Hanna, enjoy the free fall and don’t forget that, when you get to 3 feet above sea level, you can simply jump from there.
Condolences: To David Carter on the passing of his Mum Noeline during the week.
David, your fellow Club members extend to you our deepest sympathy for your loss.
We are thinking of you David along with Murray and Jan at this time.
District Budget: As reported last week, our Board has received a copy of the 2020-2021 Draft Budget for District 9980. We have reviewed the draft and submitted a submission to the incoming District Governor that has challenged the District to review their draft budget proposal. This DG has at least given us the courtesy of a response. We have reviewed his comments and have submitted to him further commentary for consideration. This submission has also requested a review of the levy, and a review of a number of the items of expenditure to ensure that any, and all, expenditure remains relevant and appropriate as well as a review of the budget adoption process by the Clubs.
A District Assembly on 31 May will hopefully provide an opportunity to enable us to discuss and review the current process for budget setting and budget approval. What is clear is that it appears that the District has lost sight of the membership who hold the controlling interests. We are keen to see this clarified and we will keep you posted.
For Your Information:
Secretary Chris released a full list of details of the Donations and Grants made by the Club and the Trust over the last few weeks. For your information, the list below represents the extent of those grants.
Greatest Need Fund
$20,000.00
Greatest Need Fund
$250.00
Vanuatu
$3,000.00
Happiness House
$4,000.00
CLFS
$4,000.00
Garden
$2,300.00
REAP
$2,300.00
WYT
$2,300.00
Hospice
$2,300.00
Fountain of Peace
$4,000.00
$44,450.00
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant: It has come to my attention that Derek Bulman has completed 40 years in Rotary this year. Well done Derek.
He has been dying to shout us all at Rotary but has been saved by Lockdown. We won’t forget.
The current holder of the Queenstown Club Pauline Haslemore Award, Derek has an outstanding record in Rotary. Including holding the following positions:
President of Invercargill North Rotary Club 1990
GSE Team Leader to Texas 1993
DG 1995/96 (25 years ago)
Loyal Member (new position) of the Rotary Club of Queenstown.
I am sure that Derek is one of many who have contributed significant service to Rotary and to the Club. Can I take the moment to acknowledge and honour all the Rotarians who have achieved this milestone.
Back to the Future: With respect to a return to Tuesday night Rotary meetings, can I advise the update as of Friday 15 May. I have had a conversation with the Team at the Holiday Inn who, I can confirm, are hoping to resume service very soon. Indulla reported that they will be having a team meeting on Monday to determine their plan to reopen and will advise me of the outcome post that meeting. We also are restrained by the social gatherings limitation of 10 pax so the decision the week following, around the transition from Level Two to Level ‘Normal’, will then enable Rotary and Holiday Inn to plan a return and determine what that might look like.
I am on the case, so will advise the outcomes and possible resumption date as soon as I have sufficient comfort and level of detail.
So in the mean time, do your best to enjoy these final moments of quiet reflection and contemplation before we are finally able to get back to some semblance of normal. It will be nice to be able to catch up for a meal or a coffee with friends and family and fellow Rotarians.
My offer still stands, if you need any level of support let me know and we will endeavour to respond.
Look after each other, take care, stay healthy, and well done - we are nearly through this.
Our Club donated the money from Melbourne Cup night plus members donations to Samoa Measles Appeals through RNZWCS. (Rotary New Zealand World Community Service).
The following file is a Power Point presentation of the project:
DUE TO COVID-19, ALL TUESDAY MEETINGS ARE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Meet & Greet
Cashier
Introduce & Thank Speaker
Sergeant
3 min Talk OR Toast to Rotary Project & Parting Thought
If you will be away, or for some other reason you cannot do your duty on the nominated day, it is your responsibility as soon as possible, and certainly no later than the Monday night before the meeting, to arrange a substitute. A swap with the person who has the duty the next week is suggested.
Please be there by 5.25 pm if you are on Reception or Meet & Greet.
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