We are almost in April and the year is cranking along quickly. 12 of our members are off to District Conference this weekend in Waimate which is great, and it’ll be a lot of fun.
We have recently hosted some really great speakers, like Shayne O’Connor. Shayne is an ex-Blackcap (1997-2003) and gave us a wee insight into this interesting world. Because he played in a different era, he assured us he wasn’t in the $2.6m salary club. So, when he retired from the International game with no clear plan or specific skills, it was a time of uncertainty for him and his young family. He eventually ended up in the family Central Otago trail bike hire business. This was very successful at this but he was spending 7 days a week working and no time with his family. The time came to make a few changes which led him to life and business coaching. ‘Perspective Personal Solutions’ offers one-on-one professional business and life coaching and resource management. Currently he is also the Otago Rugby Mitre10 Cup Team Manager, a role that he loves doing. Shayne is a charismatic and genuinely really nice guy and he held the attention of us all, till well over the end of the meeting time with many questions from the floor.
We have selected our Queenstown Rotary Speech Competition participant, James Scoles, who has gone on to win the ‘Area round’ at Cromwell last week. He is now heading to the Final round at Rotary District Conference and we wish him good luck.
This week a dramatic transformation happened at Happiness House. Together with the friendly and expert help of NZ Tree Care (Ph 027 4334845 or email info@nztreecare.co.nz), Club members Grant Rees, Tony Fleming and myself made short work of a hedge that they wanted removed. This was to make way for the 2nd stage of this Community Service Project - building an outdoor storage shed which will free up one of the rooms in the main house for extra office space. This project is in conjunction with Queenstown Bunnings who are donating the shed and shelving with Rotarians Riki Hunter (Hunter Construction) and PE Jason Climo providing the skills and manpower. This will be happening within the next 14 days. Riki will be looking for a few other volunteers so, if you want to sling-on the tool belt, let me know (llines@xtra.co.nz Please do not reply to this email).
This week we have recent Rotary scholarship recipients, Will Kidd and Jonty Vaivars, visiting. These two students did the Whitbread, Steinlager 2 leadership course just before Christmas. Also, we have 2 other surprise speakers who are popping in to chat to us about their local businesses.
The March fundraiser Bunnings Store Opening sausage sizzle, have been a bit of fizzle due to a delay in the opening dates. However, I am pleased to report Ross has done a stellar job getting it organised with the final details nailed down.
BUNNINGS STORE OPENING FUNDRAISER: THE NEW DATES ARE
- A Tradies BBQ Night Event - Thursday 8th April from 3pm - 7pm
- The ‘Official Opening’ - Thursday 15 April from 7am - 10am (food serving only)
- Grand Opening BBQ - Saturday 17th April from 8.30am - 4pm (morning & afternoon shifts)
- Grand Opening BBQ - Sunday 18th from 8.30am - 4pm (morning & afternoon shifts)
- BBQ - SATURDAY & SUNDAY 24 - 25th April from 8.30am - 4pm (morning & afternoon shifts)
- ANZAC Day BBQ - Monday 26th April from 1pm - 4pm (1 shift)
As I mentioned last week, we recently welcomed new member Karen Spires to our Club. Karen transferred from ‘Auckland Downtown’. I am also excited to welcome Grant Rees, another transferring member from Invercargill South. Grant has been busy getting stuck in and has volunteered for many working bees and jobs lately. Sadly we have received a resignation this month, from our youngest member Huia Ackerman. She is finding it a struggle at the moment to juggle Rotary in with her many other interests and activities. She was incredibly grateful for the opportunities Rotary has given her and would like to stay in touch. She has offered to help out on projects and fundraising events if needed.
Have you asked someone this week if they want to join Rotary? You are the best advocate, so don’t keep our great Club and all the good work we do a secret. Ask someone today.
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