3 New Members and 1 Transfer in 1 Week: We have been pleased to receive and accept 3 new membership applications for approval at the last Board Meeting.
Jodi and Jason Climo were inducted by PDG Derek last Tuesday night and the 3rd new member, Lynne Hyne, will be inducted in the next few weeks once back from overseas.
We will also welcome the transfer of Neil Boniface to the Queenstown Club, from Invercargill.
This membership growth bodes well for our club, and these new members mean that our membership has grown by circas 19% since June. There are a few more in the wings.
So welcome to Jodi and Jason and we trust that you will enjoy the Rotary experience. Welcome also to Neil - we are pleased to have you all on board.
Covid-19 and the ramifications of it are now having a significant impact on New Zealand and, at some point, may impact our community more directly. Arguably it is one of the few things, made in China, that has lasted more than a week. Corona virus will now have a role in changing our conduct.
For many, travel will be impeded and business for many will be difficult. There is potential for job losses and recession like outcomes over the next few months.
I can offer little as your President to change the landscape other to suggest that, as a Rotary community, we do stay connected and we do stay close. We should be aware of those in our community who may feel isolated, literally and figuratively. If we, as a club, can offer support we will do so to the best of our capability.
We discussed the Covid-19 situation with members in attendance last Tuesday and the feeling then was to continue meeting on Tuesday. However, subsequently we have had advise that the country is on Alert Level 2 which suggests that the demographic over 70 years of age, or folks with compromised health or immune systems, should limit their public contact. To that end I am SUSPENDING Tuesday Rotary meetings for the next 5 weeks and we will review this decision around 20th April.
Past President Russell is still in Dunedin and his treatment is continuing. During my last contact with Russell he advised that he was over half way through his initial treatment program and that he and Ruth were in good spirits. As a club we send to Russell and Ruth the very best for the next period of treatment.
Proposed 9970 and 9980 District Boundary Amendment. The outcome of the District clubs vote for the boundary amendment has been announced.
The proposal has been carried, and while the result was expected, it is a disappointing result. Also disappointing is the notion that the two DG’s claim that a clear mandate has been established because 89% are DEEMED to have supported the proposal without the need to necessarily cast a vote. The sad part is that many of the clubs may not have voted at all, and their vote has been counted in the affirmative, while we are left to assume that 11% of the Clubs voted against. However even that metric is not clearly defined.
The mood of the 2,270 Rotarian members in the 2 Districts has not been polled, as they were not granted an opportunity to cast a vote, and so our leadership will roll on with a transition without certainty around the clarity of a membership backed mandate. Risky!!
We trust that as the Transition Team now work on developing their plans for this remodelled District boundary. WE trust that they will give adequate consideration to identifying the true purpose and value of a District Committee and identify not what they desire for a District structure, but will consider what the 62 clubs deem to be important and overarching. Without this piece of work the District Committee will simply create for themselves a “purpose for being” that will only serve to be of benefit to the District and will do little to benefit the Clubs to whom they are apparently meant to serve.
In the meantime the Rotary Club of Queenstown will simply rock on and continue to be a powerful community advocate for good.
These are difficult and unprecedented times. There will be some pain, however I have no doubt that we will get through this.
So Rotarians, look after yourselves and your families, stay healthy and stay safe.
If you require any level of support, do not hesitate to contact me and I will endeavour to assist.
Nga mihi mahana
Ross
.jpg){kind=logo}
