"Agility" is the ability to move quick and easily (either mentally or physically) through challenging situations. This week we saw two examples of agility: the first in our speakers program team who put their heads together to help find a back up with only a days notice; and the second demonstrated by our guest speaker who transformed his life from professional Rugby to Education & now Professional Speaking. 

With the help of member Jim Hainey and Speakers New Zealand, we were fortunate to have  Filipo Levi as our guest speaker. Filipo is a New Zealand-born Samoan and former International Rugby Captain for Manu Samoa and standby All Black. He played professional Rugby from 2000-2012 for Otago, Highlanders, Ricoh in Tokyo Japan, Welsh team the Ospreys, and English teams Newcastle Falcons and Nottingham and Tasman Makos. During this period he also attained his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from University of Otago.

Filipo shared with us his personal story about how his father, a railway worker, made a brave decision to pick up the family and move from Auckland to Dunedin to pursue a better life. While in Dunedin, Filipo's father studied theology and became a role model for how hope, hard work, & education are pivotal in making dreams come true. Filipo followed his father's footsteps by breaking out of the norm, following his passion, and transforming his life.

Filipo also shared with us with some insights into Samoan family life by highlighting 3"F's": "Faith" and knowing how important it is in Samoan families; "Family" and knowing how the roles of parents (especially the mother) have in the household even after the "kids" are grown adults; and the importance of "Food"-  which has changed over time from natural foods (that are grown, harvested, and cooked at home), to the ubiquitous fast & processed foods that are causing a variety of health problems amongst many families. Healthy eating & living and discipline through coaching and mentoring are also areas he strongly advocates.

Since retirement from Rugby, Filipo has worked as a Course Director, Programme Coach and Community Manager for Startup Charter Schools in West Auckland and South Auckland from 2014-2018. He also has co-presented with Sir John Kirwan on the School of Hard Knocks Programme which helps vulnerable youth change their pathways through rugby values of discipline and education.

Our 5 minute speakers were AGGS Students Gwyneth Paraliag & Brianne Malone who were sponsored by our Sunshine Fund to participate on the Spirit of Adventure - 10 day Voyage of Development. The girls shared photos and tales of their life changing experience. Through the sailing and navigating experience, they built up their communication and leadership skills. Gwyneth also shared that thanks to our Club, she was also a participant in the Science and Technology Forum and as a result, aspires to be a Medical Science Officer.                                                                                                                          

Heindrick Sosse, Visiting Rotarian from Satu Vanawatu, stopped by our Club for a visit. Heindrick is in Auckland for the South Pacific President Elect Training. What do you think of his colourful and uniquely branded polo shirt. Something for us to consider for our Club? 

Thank you to members for registering meeting attendance on Club Runner. It appears there are some technical issues on the website for registering non-members at the moment. 

If you are having any difficulties, please email me the names of your guests and I will help register them for you until we get the issue resolved.

Please keep scrolling down to learn more about some upcoming events geared to help support our Social Causes (KiwiHarvest, Child Adolescent Mental Health & City Mission). 

Have a great week everyone & see you next Tuesday!

Lucy