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Last Meeting: Matt Reid
Matt has an impressive history of senior positions, such as Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Corrections, a senior role with Te Papa, and Deputy Chairman of Barnardos New Zealand. Tonight he spoke of his work with the Taka Trust, where he had also worked with our own Mike Fackney.
Matt said how he was proud of New Zealand (mostly) but not proud of the fact that there are 200,000 children under 16 living in poverty, as defined by the United nations - missing out on 7 or more of the listed necessities of life, such as a warm, dry home. His belief is that it is far better to grow strong children than to have to fix broken men later.
The Trust works with children in the Hutt Valley, helping them with such things as bikes, sports equipment and visits, and controlled internet connections. He is currently asking for government aid to assist 400 children in our Valley. Matt pointed out that although the government provided $80 million for internet devices for poor families during the recent lockdown. This sort of generosity is not necessarily the best form, as such open IT devices can (and probably will in some cases) be used for unintended purposes such as pure entertainment, porn, or even re-sale. Hence the need for the more targeted Taka aid.
Matt is also involved with the "Youth Inspire" programme aimed at 16-20 year olds. With the assistance of 200 local employers it has helped place 600 vulnerable youngsters in employment. It is regrettable that the current Local Council has reduced its funding for this programme.
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
General Notices:
* Level 2 Covid-19 Restrictions: Monday's set-ups will allow for at least a 1-metre distance between members. Hand sanitizer will be available but, members are asked to wash their hands on arrival. If you are unable to attend, or prefer not to, it is important that you please advise either Tony Cornelius or David Thompson by email, text, or telephone, NO LATER THAN 6:00PM SUNDAY.
* District Conference Accommodation: If you are thinking of attending the District Conference, Jan wants to know URGENTLY, as only 3 rooms now are left.
* Rotary Public Image? Join us (virtually) this Sunday 30th August at 1pm. It's a Q&A Webinar with a panel of the public image coordinator team to answer any questions you may have to do with how your Club can raise its public image, tell its Rotary stories, get its branding compliant, or maximise its impact through social media. Participant numbers will be restricted and to register your interest contact Rotary Public Image Cordinator, Gina Growden on gina.growden@bigpond.com, or mobile 0412 128 106, and the Zoom link will be forwarded to you.
* Euthanasia Referendum: On Wednesday 9th September, Hutt Valley Rotary are inviting anyone interested in hearing Dr. Ian Gwynne-Robson speak on the End of Life Choice Act- all details HERE.
* Rotary Training Programme, Sunday 13th September: If you're interested in attending this learning opportunity, contact one of our Assistant Governors, Michelle or Tony. Here are the details:
Workshops from 9.00 – 2.00. They're highly participatory, with ample opportunity to mix with people from other clubs in your area.
Cost is $25.00 to cover lunch and printing costs. (Traditionally, we cover this cost)
It will be held at the Avalon Fire Station.
We are planning to make it possible for people to Zoom in, if they are unable to attend in person.
* "Spring into Alice" 19-20th September: Australia's Zone 8 virtual conference, featuring the World President, Holger Knaack, and many more top speakers. To find out more, click HERE.
* IYM Quiz Evening - Thursday 24th September: Innovative Young Minds, in partnership with Rotary Hutt City, they have organised an IYM Quiz night. There is a professional quiz master, food platters, a cash bar and lots of free parking! Start making up a winning team and for more detail, click HERE.
"Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments towards organisational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." ~ Andrew Carnegie
Please study and plan ahead, especially if you are on duty to write a Bulletin Contribution. A reminder that it's also your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unable to fulfill your duty.
Eastern Hutt Rotary e-Bulletin
We meet at Avalon Pavilion, Taita Drive entrance, Mondays, at 5:55 pm
Visitors and prospective members always welcome.
For catering purposes, contact our Secretary (027) 241 5092
