Kia Ora Rotarians, and before we know it May is upon us.
My thought for the week.
For those of us who missed World War 2, it could be established that 2001 was a year that defined significant change in our way of life following the terrorists attacks on the World Trade Centre on 11 September. Governments of the world, including ours, used that event as an excuse to impact our freedoms. Aviation, immigration, and security regulations were promulgated and all we had to do was to forfeit portions of our freedoms in exchange for our safety at the hand of the State. This year will be remembered for a worldwide pandemic C-19, and may also be remembered as the year when the world, we knew and loved, changed once again. Is it possible that history will repeat itself and that once again the State will chip away at freedoms, this time in exchange for our health. No doubt that these are worrying times, however we sometimes need to be cautious about what we are happy to accept in exchange for safety or health or security. It is times like this that the notions of “if you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear” become the prevailing argument when actually a further loss of freedom is in fact the one thing we should fear the most.
It is time to cut the citizens of New Zealand loose and return to them their freedom of movement, their freedom to congregate, their freedom to travel domestically and internationally, their freedom to operate their businesses. It would be really nice to be able to continue to do this stuff without having to carry proof of identity, purpose for travel, proof of condition of health. “Papers Please” was a feared request that reminds me of a period in our history that started this thought process - a World War. Many of our elders where among the many kiwis who gave of themselves to ensure the existence of the very freedoms of movement and speech that this generation is being asked to compromise. Let us hope we are not enabling an incremental return to the past.
So we look forward to the announcement from the Prime Minister tomorrow that we trust will lower NZ to Alert Level 2 and lift the Lockdown provisions that have existed over the last six weeks.
More Good News:
Little Margo is proud to announce her arrival on Wednesday 6th May in Wellington. Margo’s Dad is the son of David Tait. She is also keen and excited to meet her new Granddad. Well done and congratulations David.
A message for Granddad David from Margo “Being a Granddad is an important role and has little to do with age and wisdom and everything to do with about a Grand a month”.
Even More Good News:
You will recall in last week’s Bulletin that I outlined the funding that had been approved on your behalf by your Board and Trustees in support of organisations in our community. For your information find below emails of thanks from grateful community organisations who received financial support from the Rotary Club of Queenstown and from our Charitable Trust. Our Club is making a difference - well done Team Rotary.
Hi Chris
Thank you for your email on Friday regarding your donation to Hospice Southland, proceeds from your members attending car parking at the NZ Golf Open.
We are so thrilled that we were one of the four charities nominated and want to thank you and your members for thinking of us here at Hospice and especially the Palliative Nursing team based in Cromwell.
Once again thank you for your kind donation.
Warm regards
Lynn
Lynn Dawson - ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT | HOSPICE SOUTHLAND
And another:
Hi Chris,
Thank you so much! That's very kind and generous of Queenstown Rotary and welcomed by the Community Gardens.
We'll keep you informed about what the donation is used for.
Thanks again
Best,
Bruce Thurlow
President
And another:
Greetings TEAM
This is absolutely awesome and very much appreciated. It is tagged for the Drive My Life Programme in the Wakatipu region … we have employed a local coordinator and have also been focusing on planning for what will be able to happen as we progress through these lockdown levels. We want to be able to support those in the programme as well as future learners as we believe that the changes from COVID affecting employment, safety, the economy etc. will mean obtaining a license will be even more valuable for these young people and others.
We will also be in touch when we are at the restricted phase and require some volunteer mentors.
Respectfully on behalf of the DML Governance Team
Dawn and Jonelle
And another:
Kia ora koutou!
Wow, thank you so much for the wonderful news of a donation for Wakatipu Youth Trust! That is fantastic!!!!
Thank you too for the hard work, time and energy that went into raising this money, we are truly appreciative!!
Kindest regards
Getting Through Together – Whāia E Tātou Te Pae Tawhiti
Ngā mihi nui
Jaqs
Jacqui Moir
Bachelor of Arts Sociology, Grad Dip in Teaching
PO Box 1948, Shop 4a
Office / Youth Centre: 03 451 1413 | Mobile: 021 525 595
And another:
Dear Members of the Rotary Club of Queenstown,
Greetings!
Please accept our grateful thanks for your recent donation as part of a three- year commitment to our work in Uganda. Your generous support is hugely appreciated.
Like many countries around the world, the COVID-19 virus has resulted in much change and uncertainty in Uganda. The country is still in lockdown, and will be for at least another two weeks; our FOP Children’s Village (made up of our Babies Home and Family Homes) has formed their own bubble where I am pleased to report that the children, and their caregivers, are safe and in good health. The older children are enjoying being home schooled, as all schools in Uganda are closed, including our own school of nearly 500 pupils.
We thank you so much for your valued partnership over the years and the difference you have helped us make to the lives of the 53 children who are now in our care.
Kind regards,
Jane
Jane Laurie
FOUNTAIN OF PEACE NEW ZEALAND
At Alert Level 2 Remember to maintain your Physical Distancing.
Take your lead from Abbey Road.
Board Activity:
Your 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. We have made a series of recommendations that would significantly alter the construct of the Annual Budget. We will keep you posted on this.
This Coronavirus has done something no woman has been able to do.
Cancel all sports, shutdown all bars and keep men at home.
Finland just closed its borders. You know what that means.
No one will be crossing the finnish line.
So in summary:
The announcement from the Prime Minister tomorrow will be awaited with interest, and the conditions with respect to gatherings for organisations like Rotary Clubs should be clearly defined. Then, with that information, we will need to raise a discussion with the Holiday Inn team and understand their intentions for opening the hotel and see what their plans are for the Dining Room.
We will advise you of the outcome of those discussions and then will seek your views and level of comfort on attendance and recommencing Tuesday night Rotary meetings. These have been difficult and unprecedented times, and it has been encouraging as I have had the opportunity to speak with most of you by phone - your resilience has been evident. I am sure for all of you there has been some pain, however it is clear that you have survived.
So Rotarians, look after yourselves and your families, stay healthy and stay safe. Don’t forget to provide me with any pics or items of interest that could be included in the Bulletin - all contributions will be gratefully received.
As always if you require any level of support, do not hesitate to contact me and I will endeavour to assist.
Kia kaha Rotarians.
Nga mihi mahana
Ross
What do you tell yourself when you wake up late for work and realize you have a fever? Self, I so late.
.jpg){kind=logo}
