When it comes to elections I am a firm believer in the advice given in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy: Don’t Panic.
I first voted in the 1972 general election. From 1972 to the start of this campaign I had already seen six changes of government in New Zealand (not counting the Bolger/Peters coalition in 1996). My memory takes in eleven presidents of the United States starting from John Kennedy’s election in 1960.
All these events have been accompanied by anguished cries from the defeated about how civility and civilisation will end, and by glorious cheers from the victorious that wrongs will be righted and heaven on earth will be a step closer.
Rarely does either happen. Things are never as good as supporters hope for, and never as bad as opponents fear.
Governments (and Presidents) typically fail to deliver all the aspirations of their supporters, or all the nightmares of their opponents.
We are not Venezuela or Zimbabwe where semi dictators rule through fear and violence, where there is little respect for the rule of law, and where the quality of life for ordinary people is in continuous decline.
Nor are we North Korea or the United States of America, where egomaniacs try to run things in accordance with their personalities.
In modern, western, mixed economy style democracies such as ours, voting is only one of the ways we control and shape governments. The courts, local government, public opinion, the media, pressure groups, other political parties, and the parliamentary process all constrain a government’s ability to exercise power. Ask any political leader who has ever tried to get things done quickly.
And there is always next season. It worked for Burnley (eventually), though it has yet to work for the Warriors. Good night and good luck, as a famous journalist once said.
Rex has had a long association with Howard Tong through their mutual love of theatre. Together, way back in the old days, they strutted their stuff on the boards for Porirua Theatre’s production of ‘Annie’. That interest led them both into the world of talent promotion with Wellington Garibaldi Club as the vehicle for the Garibaldi Benefit Series.
The Garibaldi Benefit Series has assisted many of Wellington’s talented singers and musicians who have gone onto to highly respected and glittering professional careers – to name a few - Anna Leese, Andrea Creighton, Julia Booth, Sean Dixon, Thomas Atkins (currently on a two year contract with Covent garden), Port Nic’s own Ben Baker, Ali Harper (currently on stage at Circa Theatre), Brett MacKenzie and Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords), Tim Beveridge, Chris Crowe, Barbara Graham, Isabelle Moore and Aivale Cole.
Wellington’s Italian community established the Garibaldi Club in 1882. In 1991 it moved from premises in Wakefield Street to its current home – the old Cricketers Arms – on the corner of Tory and Vivian Streets. In 1991 Howard and Rex decided the club would be an ideal venue for an after show party for a production they were both in. So the idea was born …
In May the following year, building on the success of the venue as a show space, they decided to put on a show for club members. No one turned up - Rex commented their mistake was in making if free! So, in December they organised another show, this time a catered one open to the public and with a modest ticket price. It caught everyone’s attention and continues to prosper.
The event is known now as ‘A night at the Garibaldi’. It runs for two nights and is always a sell-out. Tickets go on sale in December for the March show. The ticket price is $37 and includes an Italian-themed supper. Howard Tong is the resident MC and is vital to the show’s success. (Speaking from experience, I can vouch for the quality of the entertainment and the warm hospitality given by the club.)
Although there has always been an operatic leaning, ‘A Night at the Garibaldi’ has also offered programmes of musical theatre, dance and cabaret. The venue is tightly held and only available to members for hire.
In 2008 Rex received the Positively Wellington Award and in 2011 was honoured with the Queens Service Medal (QSM) for services to the community noting his significant contribution to the legal profession, the arts community and the Italian community in Wellington. ‘Through his involvement in musical theatre and the establishment of the Garibaldi Benefit Series of concerts, he has assisted the careers of young and emerging artists. As a member of Club Garibaldi, Mr Da Vanzo worked to raise the profile of Wellington’s Italian community, including involvement with the annual Italian Festival Day and National Day celebrations.”
At conclusion of his presentation Howard Tong and President John Bishop welcomed Rex as a new Paul Harris Fellow citing not only the above, but also his work in supporting Rotary through targeted benefit concerts.
On Saturday 16th September I saw Sam (Samantha) Bell off at the airport, on her way home to the Hunter Valley, at the conclusion of her three month stay here.
You will recall both Sam and May Hogkinson (her exchange student family member here) have attended the Club on a few occasions and recently gave us a presentation of their exchange experience.
They were both very supportive of the program and Rotary’s positive involvement in and support of this program.
Thank you to members for your support of our involvement In this program.
Members have voted for the Malaghan Institute as their most preferred charity, but there is considerable support for the Rotary Foundation and five other causes.
These were the Mary Potter Hospice, the Wellington Children’s Hospital, the House of Grace, Wellington Free Ambulance and Kahurangi School.
Thirty five members took part in the survey. Members were asked to support just two causes to receive funds from the annual charity auction. The Malaghan Institute received 19 votes and Wellington Free Ambulance 11.
Next came Mary Potter (9) and Wellington Children’s Hospital (9), the truck for Koropita village (7), the House of Grace (6) and Kahurangi School (3). The other causes listed each received between zero and two votes.
There was almost unanimous support for the club taking a share of the auction proceeds for its own projects. 34 of the 35 members who voted supported that view.
Asked about what percent of funds should be taken 44% of members said 15% to 20%, and another 6% said more than 20%.
26% favoured 10% being allocated to club projects, with another 9% saying between 10% and 15%.
Overall this means that 51% favour 15% or more of auction funds being used for club projects (44% + 6% = 51% after allowing for rounding)
The club supports a range of smaller projects besides the two major charities receiving auction funds. Members were asked to rank these, ignoring the two that they had voted to receive auction funds.
Counting preferences (rather than just first choice votes) shows that Kahurangi School and the House of Grace were clear favourites – in that order.
There was a clear gap to Mary Potter Hospice and the truck for the Koropita Village. The Wellington Children’s Hospital and the Zealandia Bus Shelter were the best of the rest – but well behind the top four.
The Board will now be asked to approve the Malaghan Institute and Wellington Free Ambulance as our two charities for the auction, and to approve 15% of the funds raised being used for club projects. (This will be made clear in all promotional material.)
It will be recommended that the “minor charities” for fundraising be: (and in this order) Kahurangi School and the House of Grace, followed by the Mary Potter Hospice and the truck for the Koropita Village.
The true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs. Together, Billie and Bobby served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis courts and animated the discussions between men and women in bedrooms and boardrooms around the world.
Helping to build cyclone-proof houses for young families in Fiji
Tickets: $25
Payment online: Rotary Club of Port Nicholson Charitable Trust Account 03-0502-0407484-00 Reference your name and ‘Fiji’
Enquiries: Bev ph 021 569 249
Meal option: 2 for 1 deal $35.00. No bookings required but arrive by 5.45pm.
All proceeds go towards supporting Koroipita town following
At our recent session John Bishop, our incoming President, encouraged us as member of Port Nicholson to be proud of our association with Rotary. We have a strong Club but can always improve by attracting new members and with that they comes new ideas and new commitment. ‘Rotary on the Move’ is circulated widely amongst Australian and New Zealand Rotarians. It is a monthly circular that has excellent articles.
One article states:
Clubs who are well organised attract members
Clubs who communicate well attract members
Clubs who develop strategic partnerships attract members
Clubs who understand that their 'clients' are their community attract members
Clubs who know their demographics attract members
Clubs who listen to their members and respond to their interests attract members
Clubs who have a great Public Relations /Marketing team attract members
Clubs who have effective programs attract members.
New ideas increase our desire to do more for our community through the time we give to serving others.
Please click HERE to view - download the ‘Rotary On The Move’ Newsletter for June 2017.
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