Rotary honors a teacher and mentor with the 2025 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership AwardThis Turkish Rotarian has promoted women’s financial literacy, funded scholarships for girls, and
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Club Update
Hi Rotarians and Welcome to another Bulletin.
Despite having our normal Rotary night at the Holiday Inn unceremoniously cancelled by the Holiday Inn at short notice, our night at Gantley’s went well. We catered for around 34 pax, including Claus who was visiting from Denmark, along with Michael and Henry visiting from Virginia USA.
Our guest speaker Kate Russell spoke about the plague of International slavery and exploitation and the role of the Hagar Organisation in supporting the survivors of this horror. She also reminded us that NZ is not immune from this issue and that potentially 8000 individuals could be subject to some form of exploitation on shore.
Tim, in his capacity as Sergeant exploited most of us and extracted a significant financial haul from his captive audience.
Simon, kindly volunteered to speak about his recent trip to the Antarctic, and spoke about his submarine trip, the challenges of crossing the Drake passage, the sea life visible at Antarctica. He also clarified for the assembled populous the definition of a ship verses a boat.
Thanks to the Gantley’s team for accommodating us at such short notice.
Thanks to those who volunteered their time in support of the Child Cancer Collection at New World on Friday,
A worthy Community organisation and a privilege for Rotary to support for the benefit of the affected children,
Thanks, Grant, for taking the lead on this project for the Club.
It was good to see Ken Fox back at Rotary following his recent surgery.
David Broomfield also advises that he is in good heart and on the mend following his recent surgery.
We wish them both the best for a full and swift recovery. Also spoke with Honorary Member Derek Bulman, and he also advises that he is in a good space and still being spoiled by Margaret.
Look forward to seeing you all at Kerry Dunlop’s home on Tuesday for a BBQ.
Ashley is offloading some steaks surplus the NZ Golf Open, and we will supplement these with some salads and Buns.
Be sure to BYO drinks, because Kerry informs me his wine cellar will be out of bounds. !!!
Thanks to Kerry and Kit for so generously hosting us at their home.
Back to 2020
I noted that when I wrote my piece for the Bulletin this time 5 years ago the theme was as below in italics.
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 than 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.
And so here we are 5 years on, we have overcome, and life and Rotary is going on.
While not subject to a pandemic in 2025 the narrative of the last 3 lines remains relevant today,
Partners are welcome to attend. Please deposit into the Club's Account - ANZ - 01-0867-0722903-00 - always put your name and what it’s for as the reference.
On the 4th of March, we had the pleasure of listening to Keith McIntosh's, the District Governor Elect for 2025.
Keith has a long history of service in the fire service and community, spanning over 50 years. He has held numerous leadership roles and contributed to national projects, leaving a lasting impact on New Zealand's fire safety community.
He was nominated for the role of District Governor for the 2027-2028 term. The nomination process involved a rigorous interview process with a panel of five. Once nominated, Keith underwent a comprehensive training program, including online modules, workshops, and international conferences. The training emphasized leadership, crisis management, and community engagement.
Keith highlighted that it's a demanding role, but rewarding position, requiring strong leadership skills, a commitment to service, and a passion for Rotary's mission.
The District Governor's are responsible for supporting and guiding Rotary clubs in their district. This includes providing resources, facilitating training, and promoting Rotary's values and mission.
During late February, Keith and his wife Heather attended the International Assembly in Orlando, Florida, where they met with other District Governors from around the world. This event provided an opportunity for networking and sharing best practices.
Keith highlighted some of the key challenges that District Governors face in their role currently are:
Balancing Regional and International Priorities.
Managing a Diverse and Distributed Network.
Fundraising and Resource Allocation.
Maintaining a Culture of Service and Engagement.
Adapting to Changing Needs and Priorities.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion.
Significant changes and trends impacting the role of District Governors in recent years are:
1. Increased Focus on Regionalisation and Decentralisation.
2. Emphasis on Digital Engagement and Communication:
3. Shifting Priorities towards Global Issues:
4. Greater Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion:
5. Increased Focus on Leadership Development:
Keith's future plans are to focus on fundraising, supporting local clubs, and promoting Rotary's mission of service. He also hopes to continue his involvement in international projects.
On Tuesday the 11th of March, we had a presentation from Kate Russell, the executive director of Hagar International, New Zealand. Kate provided a detailed overview of Hagar International's work, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing and supporting survivors of human trafficking, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The presentation highlights the alarming scale of human trafficking and slavery, noting that there are approximately 50 million people living in slavery today. Poverty is identified as a primary driver of this issue, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the
Hagar International's mission focuses on rescuing and supporting survivors of human trafficking, particularly women and children. They provide a range of services, including:
Working with other organisations to rescue victims and providing them with safe housing and support.
They offer specialised care for survivors, including psychological support, medical attention, and emotional healing.
Assists survivors rebuild their lives by providing education, vocational training, and opportunities for economic empowerment.
Prevention in human trafficking by educating communities, training law enforcement, and advocating for policy changes.
Tailored Programs in various countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, and New Zealand. Each program is tailored to address the specific challenges and needs of the local context.
Significant challenges faced by Hagar and other organisations working to combat human trafficking, include corruption, lack of resources, and stigma.
Survivors of human trafficking face a multitude of challenges when trying to rebuild their lives. Specific challenges are:
Survivors often experience deep trauma as a result of their experiences. This can manifest in various ways, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Many survivors have endured physical abuse, neglect, and poor living conditions, leading to health problems. They may also suffer from malnutrition, sexually transmitted infections, and other illnesses.
Survivors often face stigma and discrimination from their families, communities, and society at large. They may be ostracised, blamed for their experiences, or even denied access to essential services.
Survivors often lack education, job skills, and financial resources, making it difficult to find stable employment and become financially independent.
Navigating the legal system can be challenging, especially in countries with weak legal frameworks or where corruption is prevalent. Survivors may face difficulties accessing legal aid, obtaining justice for their abusers, and receiving proper compensation.
Reintegrating into society can be incredibly difficult, especially if survivors have been isolated from their families and communities for extended periods. They may struggle to rebuild relationships, regain trust, and adapt to a new environment.
Survivors may lack access to adequate support services, such as counseling, medical care, and legal assistance. This can make it difficult for them to address their trauma, heal, and rebuild their lives.
We listened to two inspiring success stories of survivors who have overcome adversity and rebuilt their lives with the help of Hagar. These stories demonstrate the impact of Hagar's work and the resilience of its beneficiaries.
You might be reading this article and wondering how is this relevant in New Zealand? It's estimated that there is approximately 8,000 people under Debt bonding in New Zealand (MBIE).
So what can you do?
Educate Yourself: Learn about human trafficking, its signs, and the different forms it takes. This knowledge empowers you to identify potential victims and intervene if necessary.
Spread the Word: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about human trafficking. Share information on social media and participate in awareness campaigns.
Support Organisations: Donate to reputable organisations working to combat human trafficking. Volunteer your time or skills to support their efforts.
By taking these actions, individuals and communities can make a real difference in the fight against human trafficking and create a more supportive environment for survivors.
Overall, the presentation provided a compelling and informative overview of the challenges and complexities of human trafficking, while highlighting the vital role that organisations like Hagar play in combating this global issue.
The Rotary Club of Plimmerton has a painting as above for sale.
With the passage of time have decided to sell it so that someone else can enjoy it. We have engaged Dunbar Sloane of Wellington to sell the painting for us.
The contact there is Rebecca, on 04 472 1367. We thought your members may know of someone who would be interested, as the painting depicts a historical scene between Glenorchy and Queenstown.
"Is anybody interested - or do you know anybody who might be interested - in joining a very informal jigsaw puzzle swapping circle?
I am addicted to puzzles, but I can't keep buying one every time I fancy doing one! I'm thinking of a WhatsApp group to just allow people to post when they have completed a puzzle that they'd be happy to lend. Let me know if you'd be interested in joining."
