The second half of the Rotary year is well underway with February and March being particularly busy with club activities and events.
 
Jan and I had the privilege to attend a welcome function organised by the Rotary Club of Somerville for the Indian Car rally team from District 3131 in Pune, India.  The team of thirty enthusiastic Rotarians arrived in NZ on 18 February.  Besides experiencing our beautiful country, the team will visit Rotary clubs and projects in all six Rotary districts, promote Rotary and the End Polio Now campaign.
 
This weekend the South Pacific Presents Elect training (SPPETS) will be held at Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre.  Presidents-elect from all over NZ and the Pacific islands will be attending.  The event will be attended by Past RI Director and current Rotary Foundation Trustee, Jennifer Jones.
 
The Rotary Community Corps of Tonga has recently been formed and in April the Rotary Club of Ha’apai in Tonga will be chartered.  Both clubs have been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nukualofa.  We wish them every success.
 
We are in the process of seeking applications for the role of District Governor 2022-23.  Applications close on 4 April 2020.  The application forms have been sent to all club presidents and secretaries.  Applicants require the support of their clubs.
 
The District Conference is to be held in the Sir Owen Glenn Building at the University of Auckland Business School from 15 to 17 May.  If you haven’t already registered, a special offer is available for groups of four or more (Rotarians and/or partners) to register at the early bird concession rate.  So get your friends to join you and register.  We are also offering a Saturday only concession for prospective Rotarians to attend.  We are also asking clubs to register prospective members for the Saturday at the special price of $75.  This is a great opportunity for clubs to introduce prospective members to Rotary and its many activities.
 
Lastly, the coronavirus (Covid-19) which has been gaining traction around the world over the last few weeks, has now reached our shores.  A person, who had flown in from Iran last Wednesday and now in isolation in Auckland City Hospital, has been confirmed with the virus.  Experts say more cases are likely and clubs will need to consider the impact on events and individuals will need to take precautions to minimise the spread of the virus.