It is always a good night when our inbound Rotary Exchange Student has the speaking slot and we were not disappointed. Hanna presented a snapshot of, her family, her life story and her home country of Sweden to us. We enjoyed listening to her and viewing the slides that she presented - well done Hanna.
Thanks to the members for your support of Hanna when the hat was passed around in support of her.
Steve Jones from Fire and Emergency N.Z. presented his life through the lens of his career. A challenging pathway to earn a living I have to say. In addition he also spoke in sombre terms of the impending seismic event that is reliably predicted to strike down the Alpine Fault – the pending ‘AF8’ earthquake. Nothing like a stirring discussion on impending doom to unsettle your sleep patterns. Thanks to Steve for this insightful review of this potential event and the preparation that we should individually take in preparation.
Colin Macnicol tells us that he will be alright as he has robust water supply and a generator. I can just about get a cable and a pipe to your house from mine, so if caught short, thanks Colin.!!!!
Honorary Rotarian and District Mayor Jim Boult spoke to us about life as our Mayor, the initiatives for the town that are in play, and generally what keeps him awake at night. Amongst these are nocturnal issues - large rats that require deadly and terminal force along with his laundry wall to extinguish. A good presentation, and thanks to Mayor Jim for giving us his time. Also thanks to Mayor Jim who assisted Hanna to leap off a bridge.
Thanks to the members who supported Hanna when the hat was passed around (for a Bungy Jump). Thanks to the generosity of the Mayor, the funds will now be available to her when she joins the other exchange students on their internal South Island tour.
Our very own Kerry Dunlop (good to see you back and on the mend) finally made it to the podium to give us his perspective of the Great Wall of China. Kerry travelled to China in support of the kids that are supported by the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’. An excellent presentation and insight into the history and the experience of the Great Wall of China through Kerry’s eyes. Sharon Burns from the ‘Make a Wish Foundation’ was Kerry’s guest for the evening.
On 14 September a party of 13, representing the Rotary Club of Queenstown glammed up and, looking very presentable, attended the ‘Spirit of the Wakatipu’ Gala & Awards Dinner at the Queenstown Event Centre. Our club was delighted to be recognised for our significant contribution to the life of our community by being selected as a finalist in the ‘Spirit of the Community’ category.
The ‘Generation Give’ team of young aspiring leaders also acknowledged the work of our Queenstown Rotary Club Youth Committee by presenting a cheque to the value of $2,000.00 to Youth Director Lee-Ann. The Hugo Charitable Trust then matched their donation which meant that we received $4,000.00. This was an excellent evening and it is always nice to know that the generosity of you, the members, is appreciated and recognised by the community that we so willingly serve. Well done Queenstown Rotary.
Apologies in advance as I will not be at Rotary on Tuesday night. Rosanna and I will be at an event in Hong Kong. I have never been there before, however I understand that the experience could be a riot.
See you on our return - take care.
Ross
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