Our speaker this week was Richard Froggart, MD of Regency Tourism Group. He gave us an interesting overview about Macao- one of the special administrative regions of China. Located just 40 miles from Hong Kong, Macao retains an old world charm of Portuguese and Chinese influence.

Richard shared with us information about the food, festivals & entertainment and of course travel. About 1000 Kiwis travel to Macao every month. During my 7 year stint in Hong Kong, I traveled to Macao a few times and my last visit was in 2009 when the Venetian Hotel was the newest hotel on the block. In addition to the new mega hotels that have been recently built, Macao boasts the world’s longest sea bridge (the 55 km Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge) with a $20billion price tag and superior engineering, the bridge itself is a sight to see. 

Our 5 minute speaker Andy Picot shared with us a “Good News Story” about how author Hans Rosling, in his book “Factfulness - 10 Reasons We’re Wrong about the World and Why Things are Better Than You Think” provides us with arguments as to why we may be influenced by the negative things we see in the media (fake news amongst others) and according to Melinda Gates- “why progress is often so secret and silent and teaches readers how to see it clearly.” The Good News- is that the world is not that bad and that there are many things to be hopeful for. 

Sounds like it will be on my “books to read” over the Christmas break.

Speaking of Christmas, please make sure to register via Clubrunner or our Club website (https://rotarydowntownauckland.club/) for the following Events:

4th December- Christmas Party (6-9pm) at Williams Eatery (83 Daldy Street, Wynard Quarter) is near full capacity. Please contact Kat directly regarding last few seats or waitlist. It’s going to be a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to meet & rub shoulders with our partners in community service.  

11th December- Christmas Meeting at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (7:15-9am). Pre-registration is required for catering by EatMyLunch. Gill is helping with the orders, so if you have any dietary requirements, please let Gill know before 6th Dec. Andy Picot is leading a choir so please contact Andy if you would like to join our choir -everyone welcome!

11th December- Visiting CAMH Scholar/Lecturer, Dr. Helen Christensen from University of New South Wales will be speaking about Teenage Suicide Prevention at University of Auckland Medical School from 5-7pm. Please contact Graham Hendry for more information. 

22nd January- First Meetup of 2019, come join us on a luxury chartered yacht (The Savoy) for our first get together of the year. Nibbles will be provided and please BYOB. Tickets are $50 per person and pre-registration is required as seats are limited to the first 47 to register. Guests/partners of members are welcome.

Christmas pudding sale - Steve & James (PFL) have done a great sales job and we are sold out of stock. If you would like to purchase a “virtual pudding” or make a donation to the City Mission, please contact Steve or James. 

Some news about our members: 

One of our long standing members Maurice Chatfield, passed away on 23 November. Memorial services are being held on Thursday 29th Nov. at St Aidan’s Church (5 Ascot Avenue, Remuera). 

Finally please come out to the AGM next week. It’s an important meeting with a few formalities (including the announcement of our President Nominee) and also an opportunity to hear from our Champions about the progress made to date with our Social Causes. In addition, it will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

I look forward to seeing you all there. 

Have a great week!

Lucy