Coming Events
Emergency Response Kits — social fundraiser
OCT
10
2020
Emergency Response Kits provide a lifeline for those affected by cylones and other natural disasters. Come and join this pot luck fundraising dinner to make a contribution and have a great night out. Only $20. Contact membership@rotarybirkenhead.org.nz to join us.
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Upcoming Speakers — a focus on business
OCT
7 & 21
2020
Hear a FMCG professional and local business owner discuss the current environment and how they've met challenges in the past. For more details contact membership@rotarybirkenhead.org.nz
World Polio Day — one day, one focus, ending polio
OCT
23
2020
Rotary International was a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Since 1988 the effort has immunized more than 2.5 billion children, involved more than 20 million volunteers, and included over 200 cooperating countries. Now the world is 99.9% Polio free. For more than three years there have only been cases in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Random Acts of Kindness — what can you do today?
UNTIL DEC
9
2020
Rotary members are undertaking 100 days of Random Acts of Kindness. We hope the community join us to spread more positive happenings in our community. Add your random acts on our Facebook page so that your contribution inspires others to do something too.
Here's a link to our Facebook page.
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Previous Events
sep
24
2020
An informative evening where five candidates standing for the Northcote Electorate outlined what they think the most important issues are and what they will do about them. Each candiate also gave us an insight into why they want to represent our area, why they should recieve our vote, as well as answering questions from the audience.
Candidates:
Dan Bidois (National, curent MP for Northcote), Shanan Halbert (Labour), Natasha Fairley (Green), Tim Kronfeld (ACT), Bill Dyet (New Conservative)
2020
General Election
Trees for Survival — restoring natural habitats
SEP
11
2020
We helped Verran's Primary school children plant about 1000 trees that they grew over the past year as part of the Trees for Survival programme sponsered by Rotary Birkenhead. The planted trees help landowners revegetate erosion prone land, improve stream flow, water quality and increase biodiversity.
Referendum Speaker Series — End of Life Choice Act
SEP
9
2020
Brooke Van Velden completed our referendum speakers with a detailed look at the End of Life Choice Act, what it doesn't and doesn't say and the processes undertaken to reach this point, why things were left o ut and/or put into the Act as well as answering many questions raised by members.
Referendum
2020
Referendum Speaker Series — Say No to Dope
SEP
2
2020
Aaron Ironside representing Say No to Dope presented a NZ perspective to complete our series of four speakers on the Cannabis Legislation and Control referendum.
Referendum
2020
AUG
19
2020
Dr Christian Thurstone, Director of Service of Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health, and a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado shared insight into the Colorado experiences of cannabis legalisation. Dr Thurstone has been honoured by the White House Office of National Drug Control Police for his work to reduce drug use and its consequences and is deeply involved in delivering mental healthcare and addiction treatments to students, teens and young adults.
Watch his presentation here.
Referendum
2020
AUG
19
2020
Chad Tribble, Marijuana Retailer and top leader in the marijuana industry in Colorado shared insight into the controversial decision that Colorado made over six years ago. Chad started out in the “medical” arena. Mountain High Suckers was the first known company to combine CBD and THC in the edibles that they produced. As a result of this “unique mixture” he had medical dispensaries from around Colorado share with him the incredible results they were seeing with their “patients.”
Watch his presentation here.
Referendum
2020
Referendum Speaker Series — End of Life Choice Act
AUG
5
2020
An amazing presentation by Dr Eugenia Romboli and Jane Greville, both palliative care specialists at Harbour Hospice to assist members make up our minds on the End of Life Choice referendum.
Referendum
2020
Quiz Night — test your knowledge
AUG
1
2020
A community Quiz Night, in collaboration with the Cedar Centre. A tremendous fun evening that raised much needed funds to support youth, children and baby programmes held at the Cedar Centre.
Handbags for Hope — providing essentials
July
1-30
2020
Handbags and backpacks filled with essentail items were collected for distribution to DePaul House and Auckland City Mission. The bags were provided to help people that are homelss or escaping domestic violence.
Thanks to The Good Home providing a central collection point for donations.
Referendum Speaker Series — NZ Drug Foundation
July
15
2020
NZ Drug Foundation kicked off our Speaker Series focusing on the upcoming referendums. Cannabis legislation and control was first up with NZ Drug Fundation explaining the reasons and research that informs their "for" view.
Referendum
2020
Citizens Advice — community challenges
July
8
2020
Graham Metcalfe, from Birkenhead Citizens Advice provided great insight into the different needs in the community, the challenges that lockdown had created, and the complexity of issues that arise in the community.
An interesting night, and our first "in person" meeting after lockdown.
Changeover — a new Rotary year begins
July
1
2020
A social night for the whole club and their partners at Tiny Tasty Thai set the scene for Club Changeover. President Janice reviewed the past two years, during which time she has led the club admirably. New President Jenny outlined her vision for the coming year.
The night, being the first social gathering after lockdown, was enjoyed by all!
Looking to the future
June
17
2020
Our speaker, District Govenor Elect gave a succint update on the priorities for the district and the areas of focus for the year ahead. Rotary in NZ celebrates it's Centenary in the 20-21 year!
Club review
June
10
2020
A last minute speaker cancellation gave the opportunity opportunity to review the club. The feedback came from every member, with the friendships that Rotary has fostered a consistent benefit highlighted by many members.
If you'd like more information on how Rotary might benefit you - get in touch! membership@rotarybirkenhead.org.nz
Bike Auckland — for a better city on bikes
June
3
2020
A timely discussion after many bikes were dusted off during lockdown. Duncan Laidlaw from Bike Auckland gave an update on cycleways and community consultation underway in our area. Safer, easier cycling is on it's way.
Welcome! & Congratulations
May
27
2020
Two new members were inducted into the club. Welcome! Rotary Birkenhead continues to grow.
A Paul Harris recognition was also presented to Danny Phillips his significant contribution to the club, using his vocational skills for the betterment of Rotary Birkenhead and our community, as well as contributing financially to the Rotary aims.
4 Amazing Students — Benefits gained from Rotary National Science & Technology Forum
may
20
2020
Rotary Birkenhead sponsored four students to the 30th Rotary National Science & Technology Forum. The students gave highlights of their time at University of Auckland, AUT and Massey University. They all have bright futures ahead.
Professor Peter Gluckman — Coronavirus
may
13
2020
How science, technology , politics and media relate to the current crisis and others over the years were explored by Sir Peter. An extremely interesting and educational speech that put many things into context and enlighted those listening in many different aspects. An online open meeting that was attended by over 60 people. A great night!
Empowering Kiwi Kids — Graeme Dingle Foundation
may
6
2020
Empowering young people to succeed and overcome obstacles are at the heart of the Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes. Clare Baldwin provided insight and information about the Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes.
Cyclone Harold — Vanuatu in strife
APR
22
2020
After shifting to online meetings as a result of Coronavirus lockdown, Lindsay Ford was our first external speaker to join us online. Lindsay, based in Norfolk Island, gave an update on recent projects in Vanuatu, and logicistical challenges associated with transporting relief supplies to Vanuatu in the current Coronavirus conditions. We adopted the idea to donate the value of one tank of petrol to the relief fund, given cars weren't being used over lockdown.
Rotary Rocks — celebrating communities
mAR
11
2020
As part of the Beach Haven Birkdale Celebrating Communities month of events, we held our meeting at the Beach Haven Bowling Club to show how being part of our vibrant and dynamic club enables you to make a contribution that counts in your community. At the same time, everyone enjoyed a game of bowls!
Discover Rotary — are you a Rotarian who doesn't know it yet?
fEB
27
2020
An evening to enable members of the community to discover what Rotary's all about and the benefits of being part of the organization. Fellowship and Service summed it up.
If you want to get involved in the community but aren't sure how, we'd love to share the value of being part of Rotary. Come to our next meeting!
Polio — the effects
fEB
19
2020
With the final push to entirely eradicate Polio from the world underway members were interested to hear from Judy Lawley who spoke about the little known latent impacts of polio that can surface after many decades.
Abilities — ethical and transparent recycling of just about everything!
fEB
10
2020
A site tour and fascinating presentation at Abilities, where we discovered how electrical and electronic items, TVs, polystyrene, batteries, mobile phones, whiteware, LPG bottles, cardboard and soft plastics are recycled.
A brilliant operation that recovers valuable resources and diverts waste from landfill.
Formed in 1959 by the Takapuna Rotary Club, Abilities has been providing employment for people with intellectual or learning disabilities every since.
First Meeting of 2020 — a lively start!
jAN
22
2020
Dan Bidois, Northcote Electorate Member of Parliment, shared his experiences in Washington and Colorado where he travelled with a cross party delegation of six young MPs. His interesting stories and observations sparked much discussion.
Christmas Parade Day — the best little Santa Parade in town!
DEC
7
2019
Rotary Birkenhead organised an event like no other. Free photos with Santa in Santa's Grotto, a Christmas colouring competition, free face painting, free balloons from balloon twisters, free candy floss, entertainers, market festival, Christmas raffle and of course, the parade with more than 35 floats and groups joining in. A fantastic community event.
Finishing Touches — a spectular community event is coming
DEC
4
2019
Another fantastic day is guaranteed with the final planning for the 35th Rotary Birkenhead Christmas Parade completed.
If you'd like to be involved in the 2020 Rotary Birkenhead Christmas Parade, the best little Santa Parade in town, get in touch with us today.
JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund information evening — funding children in need
NOV
20
2019
Representatives from the nine schools in the Rotary Birkenhead area were all invited to hear an informative presentation by the JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund Chairperson.
Administered by Rotary Clubs, the JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund exists to assist in the betterment, education, advancement and physical welfare of the youth in the community, particularly in cases where bereavement, sickness or family disturbances leave the children in need of assistance if they are to continue their studies.
Paul Harris Fellows & New Member Inductions — recognising community heros
NOV
6
2019
Two Paul Harris Fellow recognitions were presented by Rotary Birkenhead, and two new members were welcomed into the club.
Keith Salmon received the Paul Harris Fellow to recognise his more than 20 years of volunteer work protecting and maintaining Le Roys Bush and other reserves
Marvin Yee (pictured), a club member for 18 years, received the Paul Harris Fellow to recognise his service to Rotary and his contribution to the clubs strategic plan.
Paul Harris founded Rotary with three other business associates in Chicago in 1905. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in 1957 to honour Paul Harris, one of the founders or Rotary. The honour expresses appreciation for a contribution of US$1000 to the humanitarian and educational programmes of Rotary Foundation.
Rotary Birkenhead contributed US$1000 to the Rotary Foundation in the name of each recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow who were presented with their recognition on 6 November 2019.
World Polio Day — billboards to promote End Polio Now
OCT
24
2019
To highlight World Polio Day we brought Polio and Rotary to the attention of people passing through the Onewa Road/Highbury Bypass/Birkenhead Ave intersection.
We received many toots, waves, thumbs up and other positive feedback to our promotion. We also had some great conversations with pedestrians walking to a nearby bus stop, people walking their dogs, runners and cyclists stopped at the lights.
Rotary International was a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio cases have reduced worldwide by 99% since the initiative started in 1988. During this time Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion dollars, the effort has immunized more than 2.5 billion children, involved more than 20 million volunteers, and included over 200 cooperating countries. The aim is to achieve a Polio Free World. Learn more.
The most recent case of Polio in New Zealand occurred in 1998.
Eat My Lunch — we made 1954 lunches in 3 hours!
OCT
16
2019
Fourteen members joined Eat My Lunch as part of their morning volunteer crew to make lunches to be delivered to be kiwi kids in need.
Following the briefing at 6.15am there was a continuous flow of bread, butter, fillings and wrapping!
The experience was awesome and left us feeling like we'd made a huge difference to each student receiving a lunch that day.
We intend to volunteer one morning a term in 2020. If you'd like to join with us, get in touch — we'd love you to be part of our crew!
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