….a view at dawn and beautiful poppies..... listening in at home or standing in driveways or on balconies, New Zealanders remembered the fallen, alone and together......
Weekly meetings are via Zoom due to the situation with Covid-19
President
David Shackleton
“The foundation upon which Rotary is built is friendship; on no less firm foundation could it have stood”. Paul. P. Harris Founder Rotary International
The quote above from Paul Harris is one of my favourites. To me it highlights the strength of Rotary and why after 115 years the organisation is as strong as ever. On that note, one of our key issues going forward will be membership retention.
We recognise the economic downturn will affect us all in different ways. We are now working on how we can assist members who have been impacted by the downturn. This may mean we will have to do differently to ensure we retain all our members and grow. The good news is we have received some excellent ideas from several members, but we would appreciate receiving any suggestions you may have.
On a more positive note, thanks to the generosity of our members in Buying the Box (BTB), this week we sent $600 to the House of Grace. In the same vein, we received a great suggestion from Brent that the next two weeks BTB proceeds go to buying Emergency Response Kits (ERKS) for Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu.
As you know these islands were devasted by Cyclone Harold. The Rotary New Zealand World Community Service group have already helped 700 families and 3500 men, women, and children. The best way we can contribute is by sending funds for ERKS. These kits cost $600 so our goal now is to raise this amount.
Finally, watch out for our joint promotion on the 29th of April with the Malaghan Institute to celebrate World Immunology Day.
Have an enjoyable ANZAC weekend and stay positive and healthy.
Having family in northern lakes area of Italy – Lake Madura, north of Milan, makes for a very lucky David Barnes. While growing up in the Takapuna/Milford area on the northern beaches of Auckland a few years back, could make for an idyllic youth of sun and surf, David had to push the boat out and spend many a family holiday in Italy.
His father, a Taranaki lad who a met David’s Italian mother in London one New Years’ eve, married her and moved the family back to Auckland to work with the NZ Navy after graduating with a PhD in Physics – specialising in ultra-sonics.
David graduated from Victoria university with a Degree in Politics and International Relations followed later by further studies at Oxford via correspondence, studying Victorian history, the British Empire and the rise of social development.
David has worked in local/central government roles in DIA, Chamber of Commerce and he was a Policy Manager for the Tourism Industry Association – a job he loved. This role as a lobbyist and go between for tourism industry groups took him all over New Zealand to many of our tourist hot spots.
Another notable role was as an immigration advisor working on NZ Free trade agreements, firstly with Korea and then with China. Being one of the members who sits at the negotiating table was a surreal but exciting experience. He is currently at Ministry of Education, working through the long-term ramifications of the Covid-19 restrictions and how students can continue to learn with the new ‘normal’.
David’s last few years have been pretty tough with both of his parents passing away from terminal disease and in some ways with him being the primary carer for his father. He is looking forward to spending more time on his interests including travel and the arts. He also has time to be involved with the Freemasons and the Wellington Club. He and Steve Lawton share a common bond in owning Alfa Romeo Guiletta cars – driving it gives him a wonderful sense of like being on holiday…probably in northern Italy!
Reporter
Brent Gerrard
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Kiriwhakapapa news
Miss Piggy’s diary – Episode 5
Here we are again. Another week has hurtled past in a storm of calm. Julian has kept on saying that the worst is over and level four will end soon. This makes me a bit confused because as far as I am concerned, excluding the grape drought, life has been almost as good as ever.
Even Sue has been feeding me this week. She tried to pretend that bits of a plum she did want to eat would be as tasty as a grape. As if? I did eat some to make her feel better but made sure that I wiped my beak a lot on the ground to show disdain. At least Julian understands. Grapes apart, my two favourite foods are scraps from his home-made flapjack and organic wholemeal bread soaked in spring water to make it soft and easy to eat. I have been getting the soft soaked bread more regularly recently.
I have learned that when he has managed to drag himself out of bed, at an hour I will not tell you but believe me it is not early, he comes past my shed to get some chicken food organised. I get myself ready into an easy feeding position which is quite a struggle with my bad legs. I then sit and wait. He arrives, usually with my special softened bread, and sits on the stool conveniently right in front of my beak. I explain I always want more but he still thinks my chirping is appreciation of the food.
Overall, Julian has again continued trying to avoid working on what he should do on his ‘must do’ list. To be fair, he has been finishing off his magazine production work which has kept him inside on some of the nice sunny days we have been having, which he does not like, being inside I mean. However, he does keep saying how lucky he and Sue are that, even in lockdown, they can go outside whenever they want. A lot of people do not have this luxury and they will be very keen for it all to end.
Sue has been planning how to run her business when level three and even level two kick in. The first of the regular art shows is now going to be run virtually. It does mean she now has to concentrate a lot more on making jewellery instead of spending time reading or trying to invent new meals which Julian has to say he likes. Julian has told me he would prefer Sue to make some nice cakes with lots of chocolate and cream. Even I might get a morsel of sweet crumbs. I live in hope.
Meanwhile Julian has actually managed to almost finish one of his projects. He had put it on his ‘must do soon’ list in June 2010. It is an attempt to secure his large garage door open when it is windy. This project has given him the excuse to mix more concrete, as if he needs an excuse. I have been watching from my shed and I think it is doomed to failure, like many of his other projects he never talks about. The wind here is not to be trifled with, and his one-off designs are frequently best left as that, one-off.
I have been suffering from a bit of writer’s block this week, but have managed a peck a few words on the keyboard. I hope all my fans are keeping well and safe.
I thought I would include a photograph from only six months ago. It was one I took of a few Port Nicholson Perambulators here at Kiriwhakapapa. It is a reminder what it was like when social distancing had not been invented. Hopefully, social distancing will not be with us for ever, and one day, or even for more than one day, people can get back to enjoying life as it was.
Alias
Julian Bateson
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Joy Durrant's Column for this week..... Update on Food availability and delivery
The support for businesses, throughout the country, is being promoted through www.Sosbusiness.nz
You can purchase a voucher, typically from $5 upwards, towards a future service with the business. This is valid for 12 months, or for six months after we return to ‘normal’ service.
DELIVERY
Wellington’s cafes and restaurants are being given $10 per delivered meal, as they scramble to adjust to the realities of trading under Alert Level 3.
The $10 rebate, being offered by WellingtonNZ, is designed to give the ailing businesses a boost after more than a month in complete lockdown under Alert Level 4.
It will only be available to Wellington-region eateries for the two confirmed weeks of Alert Level 3, starting on Tuesday, up to a maximum of $500 per business.
There are strong calls NOT to support Uber Eats, who are charging up to 35% for delivery, making it unsustainable for businesses.
Taking on Uber Eats, with a recently launched business – www.eatlocalnz.com – will provide delivery of goodies, throughout New Zealand, for only 5% charge.
Sarah Meikle, Visa Wellington on a Plate, said her team wanted to do something to help hospitality businesses. They have created a region-wide directory of eateries called “At Yours” https://www.visawoap.com/?delivery_locations=all&filter_by=all , which will be offering takeaways and delivery during level three. Set to launch on Monday.
If you want some specifics, I have been promoting:
www.loganbrownatyours – recently launched kit-set dinners for delivery or pick-up. Thursday through Saturday. Menu available. Looks delicious.
www.capitolrestaurant.co.nz – recently launched take-away dinners – Thursday through Sunday (I did see Bluff Oysters on the menu)!! Order and pick up from Majoribanks Street window.
Boulcott Street Bistro will be offering take-away and kit-set dinners from Tuesday. Keep an eye on their Facebook page.
I have also promoted several home delivery food and wine services operating throughout the country. Most days I send out a blog to clients and friends with a summary of what is happening around the world. I also usually have reference to a wine or food place.
Delivery to those living in tents as their houses have been shattered.
Thank you to all those Rotary supporters assisting today’s distribution in Tonga.
Cyclone Harold has devasted parts of Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Those areas most seriously affected according to information supplied to the NZ Govt. by the respective National Disaster Management Offices (NDMO) are :
Fiji Islands of Kadavu, Lau, Western Division (Lautoka, Nadi), Central Division
The number of families affected whilst significant, is not as for previous high category cyclones in recent years. Further, communities are better prepared than in past years mitigating damage.
We have been working with the NZ Govt. Aid Logistics (MFAT), Rotary Clubs and the NDMO in all three countries. Rotarian Bob Niranjan is our representative in Fiji to ensure coordination between MFAT and NDMO.
Rotary Emergency Response Kits (ERKs) have and continue to be distributed. They are for most beneficiaries, the first tangible support they have or will receive.
Thanks to Rotarians in all three countries for their support in getting the ERKs to where directed by the NDMO’s. This approach ensures that Rotary is the only agency supplying this type of relief and eliminate the risk of duplication
Rotary cannot do the distribution alone and is grateful to Govt. agencies (e.g. military in Fiji) and local businesses and NGO’s (e.g. MORDI in Tonga)
We anticipate that in excess of 600 families have or will receive a Kit, but this figure may go higher.
Replenishment stock will need to be purchased and assembled in New Zealand as soon as Corvid 19 allows.
As expressed earlier, we appreciate the implications on clubs from Corvid 19, but know this request will receive consideration.
Best wishes and thanks to all from those people who you will never meet, but benefit from your generosity.
NB: If you are rostered for duty and cannot make it, then please arrange for someone else to take your place and let Brent know at brent.gerrard@outlook.com or 021 725060 Txts are fine too!
Watch Shakespeare’s Globe, London’s 2009 production of Romeo and Juliet, directed by former Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole and starring Ellie Kendrick (Game of Thrones, The Diary of Anne Frank) and Adetomiwa Edun (Merlin) from the comfort of your own home.
This film of its production will be available to watch as many times as you like until Sunday 3 May via the Globe’s YouTube channel, shakespearesglobe.com/watch.
You can view YouTube on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and most Smart TVs have a YouTube app.
Following the release of Romeo and Juliet (2009) will be The Two Noble Kinsmen (2018), plus two previously unreleased titles, The Winter’s Tale (2018) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (2019). A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2013) will conclude the series. These films will all be available for free, one on rotation every two weeks.
Films will be available to watch on demand from the date of their release for 14 days.
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COVID-19 and the fight against Polio Our thanks to Michael Fagg, Kapiti Rotary, for this update
Polio immunisation programmes have been paused because the programme would break the physical distancing and hygiene rules needed.
Polio surveillance is being maintained and used to find cases of COVID-19 cases.
Polio-eradication-logistics experts are facilitating supply of personal protective equipment to health workers.
Polio resource centres are running publicity programmes to sensitize religious leaders and community influencers to the hygiene and physical distancing required to fight COVID-19.
There isn't currently a vaccine against COVID-19; neither was there a polio vaccine during the polio epidemic.
The disaster of this pandemic is a reminder of the importance of Rotary maintaining it's work against polio. You can donate to End Polio Now.
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History repeats.....
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FUNNIES!
This is a musical salute to Captain Tom Moore - also known as the NHS' Hero who using nothing more than determination, the power of his legs and Crowdfunding has managed to raise £27 million for the NHS. Click the following link......
When you talk to Nicci Tong about her work, you would be forgiven for thinking that interior design has been her life-long calling. She speaks so passionately about helping people re-create their personal spaces.
But, Nicci is an example of how it is possible to re-invent one’s self. As a very young woman, just out of Uni, Nicci didn’t know what she would do with a degree in Physiology. Turns out her degree opened doors to good employment opportunities, but Nicci knew she wanted a more creative career. Living as a square peg in a round hole, even a successful one, could never lead to professional satisfaction.
In her mid 30’s Nicci took advantage of an opportunity to get some career coaching, a decision that changed the trajectory of her life. “I have always loved interior design but couldn’t see myself as an Interior Designer since I was completely against the idea of designing spaces from scratch. I’ve always been very resourceful, and this approach felt wasteful”. As luck would have it, as part of her career coaching, Nicci found a way to combine her passion for interior design with her innate resourcefulness. It was through this process that her first business “Room Space Design” was created.
Fast forward a few years, Nicci is armed with some real-world business experience, a diploma in interior design as well as personal experience of having renovated her own villa. Her entrepreneurial focus morphed into the success of what is now Homes with Soul – a business helping people define their personal style, and update their interiors in a way that incorporates their treasured belongings.
“I love to hone into the style and personality of my clients to create timeless interiors. I’m not one to follow trend.” Inspired by a client’s treasured personal belongings, Nicci most enjoys working with her clients to transform their homes - into spaces where they feel happy and content. “We purchase new pieces where necessary but it’s also the configuration of the space that can make a big difference,” says Nicci. You don’t need to start from scratch to create a home you love. Afterall, it’s being surrounded by history and memories that creates a soulful home.
Nicci has worked hard to build a reputable brand in the local interior design market. She regularly blogs to a growing fan base and Tommy’s Real Estate Magazine has featured 2 of her articles (so far)! She’s recently started offering virtual consultations on ZOOM and this time next year hopes to offer an on-line course. It’s clear that Nicci has found her niche.
But, you know what they say about all work and no play….well, that is only true of Nicci if it also refers to working hard at doing something fun! Nicci’s artistic talents are not limited to design. She sings too and would like to do more of it. Her voice is most suited to the likes of Adele, Nora Jones, Eva Cassidy and Sarah MacLachlan. “I’ve been meaning to start a YouTube Channel for ages” Nicci said. Lucky for us, she is not one to procrastinate (any more) and promised to post her first song on You Tube for our listening pleasure in time for today’s newsletter.
A little light reading to put a smile on your face......
The "Middle Wife" by an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher
I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second grade classroom a few years back.
When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show-and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it in to school and talk about it, they're welcome.
Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater.
She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday."
"First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord."
She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.
"Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts going, 'Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh!' " Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!'" (Now this kid is doing a hysterical duck walk and groaning.)
"My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man. They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this.'"(Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall.)
"And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty, and it just blew up and spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" (This kid has her legs spread with her little hands miming water flowing away. It was too much!)
"Then the middle wife starts saying 'push, push,' and 'breathe, breathe.'
They started counting, but never even got past ten. Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother. He was covered in yucky stuff that they all said it was from Mom's play-center, so there must be a lot of toys inside there. When he got out, the middle wife spanked him for crawling up in there in the first place."
Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat.
I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, when it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another 'Middle Wife' comes along.
Now you have two choices...laugh and close this page or pass this along to someone else to spread the laughs. I know what I did!!!
Live every day as if it is your LAST chance to make someone happy!
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