This morning Sir Don McKinnon, former Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Nobel Prize nominee, shared with us his perspective of how over the last 70 years- wars, treaties, democracies, dysfunctional leaders, and the rapid flow of information has dramatically led us to an "Uncertain World". Sir Don spoke about how the Marshall Plan and NATO were useful instruments that gave the world a remarkable period of peace. Shocking as it is, some political leaders of today are trying to dismantle the EU, Brexit and other structures meant to unite. They are putting democracies at risk and bringing in more authoritarian regimes.
Sir Don also spoke about how the Global Financial Crisis caused an economic divide and inequities within societies that have led to some marginal groups splintering off and questioning the merits of democracy and spouting messages of hate. Often politicians say what they think their constituents want to hear, but the key to governance is governing for all and not just to a small margin of the population.
Finally Sir Don ended by saying the world is too small for hate and intolerance and that New Zealand is being watched by the world for what we might do next regarding gun control and other legislation. The movement of people and the diversity of ethnicity, race and religion are a reflection of the world of tomorrow versus a world of yesterday and being isolated is no longer an option.
Our 5 minute speaker Greg Moyle talked with us about the relationship and importance of a small French town in New Zealand history. The town council of Le Quesnoy has built on a century-old recognition of the New Zealand forces who rescued the garrison town from the Germans. The Le Quesnoy museum is being developed in memory of New Zealand soldiers who died liberating the town. Maisonettes are being planned for construction around the museum as a way to provide accommodation for overseas visitors and to facilitate the remembrance of the sacrifices made by the 140 soldiers who lost their lives.
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This month we celebrated 30 years of Women in Rotary. It was a long hard fought battle - all the way to the US Supreme Court for women to be accepted into Rotary. It all began in the 1970's when a number of Clubs worldwide lobbied Rotary International (RI) to accept women members. In 1977, the Duarte Club in California decided to admit 3 female members, only to be terminated as a Club by RI as it was in violation of the Rotary Constitution. In 1984 the Supreme Court ruled against RI's argument that they could exclude women due to their selective membership policy. In 1989 RI passed with an overwhelming majority to accept Women in Rotary. Our Downtown Club currently has 22 out of 72 members (31%) who are female and collectively, we have contributed 229 years of service. Past PresidentSheila McCabe is our longest tenured female member with 26 years of service (having joined Rotary at a very young age) and she shared with us several stories about her journey with Rotary.
Next week our speaker is Former Prime Minister Jim Bolger (1990-96). His talk is titled "Bridging Gaps to Create Inclusive Societies - How fair pay agreements can help". More details about his background are listed on the website. Please make sure to take a look and register to attend.
A final note on meeting registrations. While we encourage all members and guests to attend our informative and fun meetings, it's important to register your attendance in advance. The Northern Club normally charge members who fail to register in advance a $5 late fee as it causes challenges with catering. Starting in May, we will begin charging members/guests who don't register the $5 fee. The Northern Club have graciously agreed to donate any late registrations fees to our Sunshine Fund. So please make sure to click your meeting invitation to register yourself or your guests by the 12noon deadline on Monday before our meeting.
As you are aware from last week’s bulletin, as a result of the generosity of Mal McLennan and other members of the club, we have been able to increase to the Trust capital by $102,500, whereby now stands at approximately $220,000.
As was advised at the Club’s AGM last December, the Trustees have resolved to undertake investment of the capital with the aim of increasing both income and capital growth.
The first initiative being a loan of of NZ$25,000 to SPBD Singapore to be on lent as micro-financing for particular purposes to individuals in the Pacific Islands, expected to be in Fiji. The loan will be for a period of 3 years with an interest rate of 6%. The Trustees have received confirmation that the Trust’s tax free Charitable Status is not exposed by the making of the loan outside New Zealand.
The Trustees are in process of completing the loan documentation with the intention that the loan be advanced within the next month.
The Trustees are cognisant of the need to diversity investments other than through the SPBD loan and bank term deposits and to seek capital growth of the Trust fund. Representatives of the Trust have met with a Fund investment advisor and the Trustees have resolved to invest up to N$100,000 in a diversified income fund being a conservative fund managed through the investment advisors firm. These funds can be redeemed on short notice.
The Trustees are in the process of completing all documentation and expect the initial investment to be made within he next month with funds to be invested as term deposits mature.
As to the balance of capital, being approximately $95,000 the Trustees will be arranging for this sum to be initially placed on term deposit while they consider it’s appropriate investment but ensuring diversification of the Trust’s investments.
Three Rotary Clubs in the Christchurch District have sent out an email appeal to Rotary Clubs throughout NZ to help raise funds to support the families and survivors of the Christchurch tragedy. Together we send to the families, our thoughts and wishes of strength to overcome their deep grief. United we stand in our belief that all people have the right to live free from violence and prejudice.
Our Club members have donated this week's sargent's session and a matching amount from our Club's Sunshine Fund, totalling $1605.
Let us continue to build bridges of cultural understanding and tolerance.
Our club has established what we hope to be the first of a series of annual debates between two established law firms. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for the charitable causes supported by our Club. In the first year, the primary cause will be Auckland City Mission, with the balance of the funds going to the other charitable causes supported by our Club. Funds will be raised from ticket sales, auction items sourced by the Club and a raffle.
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