DG Vidya Nand visited us on the 11th.

 

 

 

He commented that when he attended the opening of the Rotary Summer Science Forum he saw about 170 odd participants who were unsure and uncertain about what they had been signed up for, and echoing the comments made by the participants who addressed our meeting, by the time he attended the closing event they had become confident enthusiastic young people.

 

DG Vidya spoke to us of RI President Stephanie Urchick's vision for Rotary as magicians doing good things in our communities.

 

DG Vidya spoke to the issue of membership. Our district seems to be in good health with an increase in members and a number of clubs being chartered.  The reason for the uptick is fellowship, followed by Fellowship.

 

DG Vidya has been a regular visitor to our meetings and it was good to see him again on Teusday night

 

 

 

Introduced by Allan Sam Stubbs spoke to us about Simplicty, its inception, around a kitchen table, the economy and the housing market.

 

Previously Sam was CEO Of Tower Investments, a KiwiSaver default provider. Before that he was Managing Director of Hanover Group, and spent 10 years working for Goldman Sachs in London and Hong Kong. He previously worked for Natwest Markets, Fay, Richwhite and IBM New Zealand.

He has been a Board Member of the Financial Services Council, and a member of the Government Taskforce on Financial Services.

 

He is now Managing Director of Simplicty.

 

Sam told us of his upbringing in Sunnyvale, New Lynn and how it set him up for his future.  He lived in an area where while is parents were teachers and better off than most, most of his neighbours were "working poor" in that the pay packet paid the rent or mortgage, kept people clothed and fed and that was it.  Getting ahead was hard. 

 

Sam told us of the creation of Simplicty around a kitchen table in Devonport. The aim was to provide a simple low-cost financial provider to the New Zealand community and be a disruptor in the financial services and residential sector.

 

Sam has an optimistic view of NZ's future and told us he thinks the next 30 years will be the best in NZ history. 

 

Going forward Sam commented that we are used to two things in New Zealand in financial terms- Money comes and goes which leads to a number 8 wire mentality as we make do with what have got and the way to get ahead or make money is through property gains. This has meant that the average price of homes has ramped up so they are now very expensive. This means home ownership has dropped from 82% of New Zealanders in 1979 to 62% now which means now 38% don't own a home which in turn means renting is becoming prevalent.

 

We heard from 3 young women who attended the Rotary National Science & Technology Forum about their experiences at the forum.

Each of them told us how the Forum had been a life changing and once in a life time event.  It enabled them to consider and reconsider their educational futures. They gained experience in areas that would not otherwise have been available to them. They made strong long lasting connections and the forum strengthened their passion for the sciences

 

Ginny Fraser, Lila Little and Michelle Soo

 

Below is a note of thanks from Sukie Feng who was to speak to us but was unable to do so.

 

 

The Rotary National Science & Technology Forum was an unforgettable two-week experience that left a lasting impact on both my personal growth and career aspirations. Looking back at the photos from that time, I realize how much I miss those moments of connection, learning, and inspiration. This forum was not just about exploring university labs or diving deep into New Zealand’s educational environment—it became a transformative chapter in my journey. Initially, the high-energy and extroverted atmosphere felt out of place for me. I am naturally reserved, a trait that has led me to value solitude and self-reliance. Being an only child, I have often traveled alone since I was 15, enjoying the calm of my own company. So, stepping into such a dynamic and diverse group was like entering a new world, filled with unfamiliar faces and experiences. But by the middle of the first week, something changed. I began to open up and embrace the energy and enthusiasm of the group. The people around me, so full of life and spontaneity, made me feel welcomed and connected. One of the most valuable aspects of the Forum was the way it made me step out of my shell. I’m not someone who easily makes friends or takes risks in front of strangers, but this experience helped me overcome that. I grew more comfortable in the midst of the "chaos" and even started envisioning a future where I might share this experience with my own children one day. The friendships I formed with my fellow attendees are ones I cherish deeply, and I would recommend this program to anyone without hesitation. The visits during the Forum were also eye-opening, particularly my trip to the University of Auckland’s specimen collection. There, I learned about the profound impact small habits can have on public health. The realization that something as simple as secondhand smoke can have long-term consequences was a pivotal moment for me. This visit reinforced my aspiration to work in healthcare, and it even inspired me to think about innovations, such as creating devices that can help clean lungs or sanitation systems that disinfect people as they enter spaces, similar to airport security scanners. This experience was so impactful that I considered staying in Auckland for my studies, which opened up a world of possibilities I had not imagined before. The Forum not only expanded my academic and career horizons but also helped me grow as a person. It sparked my curiosity and gave me greater clarity about my future. I left the Forum not just as a more informed student but as a more confident and open individual, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. I now aspire to join the Rotary Club someday, to give back to a program that has given me so much. The Rotary National Science & Technology Forum was truly a transformative experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

 

We as Rotarians should take pride in this program as it is one that truly affects, in a good way, those who participate in it.

 

From Scott Burridge - the REP program at Aorere starts 5 March 2025. He is looking for more volunteers. So if you can join up to the program.

 

We are making distributions from the proceeds of the Garden Design Fest.  About $80,000.00 will be distributed to the recipient charities.

 

Interact is holding a conference at One Tree Hill College on 15 March 2025.  Helpers are needed. Speak to Owen?

 

District Conference is being held in Rotorua 16-18 May 2025. It is a joint conference with 9920 and 9930. About 400 members and partners are expected. Register now.

 

Something for you to note in your diary's  -the 18th of March at the Epsom Bowling Club.

 

Why?

 

Becasue it is the Rotary Club of Newmarket's annual petanque tournament.

 

You know you want to be there.

 

It's a great night with the fun and fellowship that DG Vidya mentioned at Remuera GC on the 11th of February.

 

Contact Peter Corner to sign up.

 

$30 per person attending.