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District Governor Gary’s end of term message

I write this message with only a few days left as District Governor. On 1 July I will join an illustrious group of Past District Governors who have contributed so much to Rotary and the community in our district and beyond.

The year as District Governor has been amazing and eventful. My wife Jan and I have many warm memories as Rotarians have welcomed us into club meetings and we have been privileged to see Rotarians supporting projects and having fun. While all the time living our motto of “Service Above Self” and doing good in the community and around the world.

It’s great to see clubs collaborating and supporting our Pacific Island clubs. The measles epidemic claimed over eighty young lives in Samoa and tropical cyclone Harold caused significant devastation in Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. The emergency response kits (ERKs) were prepositioned and immediately available to help those in need. The ERKs programme is well supported by clubs in our district and other districts and we will soon be volunteering to replace the stock of ERKs used during the recent disaster.

The 2019-2020 year has been a year of change. In many ways it has been pivotal with the advent of COVID-19 and with the forced lockdowns we have all needed to adapt. Rotarians and clubs learnt to use Zoom and other methods to communicate and engage their members. It was pleasing to see so many helping those isolated or needing help during lockdown. Now that we are in Level 1 we are returning to meetings. Many clubs have adopted Zoom or other technologies, either as part of their meeting or have replaced some meetings with a Zoom meeting. Many of the district committees and board meetings, the Leaders-elect Development, District AGM and the Rotary International Convention have been held virtually. This is part of the new normal and one of the benefits is that the Pacific Islands, eClub and travelling Rotarians can participate.

Like many of you, I attended the Rotary International virtual convention with the general sessions starting at 1.00 am and finishing at 2.30 am NZST. Many others have been able to watch the sessions on demand.

The Fiji Oxygen Project

No Child Should Die for Lack of Oxygen

Great News - we are delighted to be able to advise you, our funders and supporters, that The Rotary Foundation has approved our Fiji Oxygen Global Grant. The funds available total US$404,767. Of that amount 45 per cent has been provided by you and by our clubs. Rotary districts around the world have provided a further 15 per cent and The Rotary Foundation grant amounts to 40 per cent (approximately) and is paid in two instalments.

The delivery of the project is in the joint hands of our cooperating partners, Cure Kids, Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services (Fiji MoHMS) and an expert team from the University of Auckland, ably led by Associate Professor Stephen Howie.

Cure Kids Fiji was launched in 2006 in partnership with Accor Hotels. Since then, Cure Kids has partnered with Fiji MoHMS to deliver more than FJ$7 million of initiatives in child health. In recent years, Cure Kids Fiji has focused on preventing and improving outcomes for children living with rheumatic heart disease. Also on improving oxygen supplies in health facilities to prevent death and illness from severe respiratory conditions.

Cure Kids has already demonstrated proof of concept with the installation of oxygen concentrators at six sites in Fiji. The photos show the concentrators being unpacked at Taveuni Hospital and the solar power unit at Nausori Health Centre, two of the existing established sites.

Inspiring Youth Exchange Students Returning Home

L-R: Isa (Chile), Luise (Austria), Eva (Germany), DG Gary & wife Jan, Elise (France), Tijn (Netherlands), Clara (Denmark)

Front L-R: Robyn Inbound Coordinator & Tracey Faber RYE Chair

The District 9920 Rotary Youth Exchange Committee recently held a very special function for the departing RYE students, their host families, Counsellors and other Rotarian’s connected with the RYE programme. The gratitude of the students for the extraordinary and life changing experience of their exchange in New Zealand (their words) was evident as was the positive impact the students also made with their host families who commented that these students were an endorsement of their countries and the RYE programme.

Most people have heard of the Rotary Youth Exchange, the world's biggest and best-known student cultural exchange program. It is said that the programme provides students with a ‘year that defines a lifetime’ and the students about to depart after a year in New Zealand and Alumni who later in life reflect on their participation would endorse this as almost an understatement. The following is a distillation of the presentations from the departing students, their host families and Counsellors.

Second Step initiative recognised with Rotary Young Totara Award

The first recipient in District 9920 of the Young Totara Award was Molly Hillman for her school-based charity enterprise ‘Second Step”. The Young Totara Award recognises the positive achievements of our young people, promotes sound role models for our youth and fosters responsible attitudes towards the community. By singling out and recognizing young people with these qualities, we can promote these ideals and encourage positive role models for the growing generations. This new initiative for District 9920 is recommended for all clubs to use at anytime of the Rotary year.

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Welcome to District 9920 - part of Auckland and the Pacific

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