Tuesday 26 August 2014

The excitement is mounting ...


 
On December 5-7, the largest gathering of Rotarians for some time will meet in Wellington, NZ.  Around 700 Rotarians, partners, family and friends from Australia, Pacific Islands and NZ will attend the Rotary Zones 7B and 8 Institute.  This weekend event will also accommodate the District 9940 Conference.  Local Governor Anthony Scott decided that the opportunity for Rotarians from his district to hear top speakers and to meet Rotary International President Elect Ravi Ravindran was too good to miss!

The list of speakers at this joint Institute and District Conference is impressive:
·         Suzanne Snively ONZM will speak on "Rotarians’ sound values lead the world through Just Business
·         PDG Geoff Mathis’ amazing story about the Tanzania dairy project that provides significant improvements in the lives of villagers.
·         “Water the next gold” is an address by Alan Watson whose company has reduced the huge deterioration of water quality, particularly in 3rd world countries.
·         Young entrepreneur Brook Turner accepted his mentor’s invitation to join Rotary. His story “Rotary and Youth – a Formidable Combination” has lessons for us all as we try to attract younger members!
·         Well-known New Zealand actress, Miranda Harcourt’s story includes coaching on story writing and telling to women in the local Arohata Women’s Prison.
·         Belinda Moore, CEO of the Australasian Society of Association Executives based in Brisbane is one of Australia’s top speakers. Her topic "Mastering the perfect storm; generational, cultural and economic change and Rotary" has lessons for us all!
·         Dr.. Swee Tan is one of NZ’s most recognized plastic surgeons and a world leader in the field of removing birthmarks. He has supported ROMAC by operating on young disfigured children. His story is riveting!

·         Post-polio syndrome is a growing issue faced by so many former polio sufferers. From perfect health to now moving with the assistance of a walker, Claudia Mushin will tell her story of the challenges she faces in her daily life.
·         Dr. John Thorne will tell us the story of incredible successes in helping impoverished communities source sustainable food through the work of the Rotary Action Group: Food Plant Solutions.
·         And many other speakers from ROMAC, Interplast, Books in Homes, Peace Scholars to name just a few.

On Friday morning is a Forum which has been organized by the Rotary Club of Wellington to which the public are invited. Those registered for the Institute or District Conference can attend this event at no extra cost. “Issues in Non-Governmental Organizations: Survival and Thriving Models”  has attracted top political and business leaders. If you are familiar with “Ted Talks” you will appreciate this event.

On Saturday morning, the Rotary Leadership Institute breakfast is for up to 140 people to hear Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd speak about leadership, followed by international and local panellists’ updates about RLI initiatives and successes around the world.   

All of this is being held at the Michael Fowler Centre which has the capacity to hold over 2,000. Organizing Committee Chair, Pat Waite and Anthony Scott have a goal to not only fill the venue, but to have Wellington join with Rotary.  Events being organized by Wellington clubs include Jumbo Tennis tournament in the Civic Centre on Friday morning, a Polio Walk around Wellington over the weekend for Rotarians, families and the community, a Box Cart derby and of course having displays in the MFC foyer for the public to see Rotary in Action!

To register go to: www.rotaryinstitute.org.nz