Our meeting on 27 May was AGM for Past President Bill Strand's year.
Bill presented members present with his report on the year ended 30 June 2024 as well as accounts for his year for both the club and the Rotary Club of
Newmarket Charitable Trust that were circulated by Ric Buchannan.
In his comments, Bill highlighted the Grants & Donations made totaling $146,106 which are listed under each
committee.
Bill also spoke about the Newmarket Rotary Charitable Foundation which currently has investments
managed by Craigs of over $2m and funding from the Foundation supports a number of the clubs
grants and donations.
Bill highlighted the club's fundraising activities, including Circus Quircus, the Garden Design Fest, and other events. He also acknowledged the work of the volunteers who made these events a success both in terms of fellowship and fundraising.
He pointed to the contributions of various committees, including Community and Environment, New Generations, World Community Service, and Vocational.
All in all a year that while having some interesting happenings is one to remember.
After Bill had finished his address John Meadowcroft took us through the incoming Board noting that he and Warwick Leyland and himself will be joint Presidents for the 25/26 Rotary year with David Jack and David Bradshaw being joint Presidents Elect for the 26/27 year. we were then introduced to the 
In addition John told us that he had attended the award nights for the MAPAS Program at Auckland University which supports Maori and Pacific Islander students preparing for medical school.
he told us that the winner of the Rotary Club of Newmarket MAPAS award was Te Paea, a young lady of tongan decent. She won our award and a a scholarship of $2,500.
Te Paea spoke fluently in Maori and emotionally about her heritage, particularly her Tongan heritage, which was brought to the fore by the MAPAS program. She will speaking to our club most likely at the Oncology Award Evening, depending her exam schedule.
Johne mentioned the potential threat to the MAPAS program due the government coalition agreement focusing on merit rather than race-based programs. The need for more Maori and Pacific Islanders in the medical fraternity is emphasized, suggesting an exception to the rule.
On other matters:
We have our oncology award night on Wednesday, June 11th.
We need to increase membership.
We have established a Rotary Support Team for people interested in helping with projects and attending meetings without full membership. The intention is for this team to be a stepping stone to full membership although we do need to attract younger and middle-aged members to prevent the club from shrinking and ensure its sustainability.