President Jay outlined to Club members the key principles in the proposed Regionalisation project being put to two Rotary Districts as the initial pilots, the United Kingdom and Zone 8 which includes Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands by Rotary International. Voting on this proposal will take place before the end of September and reported to RI.
The project will focus on streamlining responsibilities at District level, improve efficiency and service to Clubs, better governance, and to achieve stronger branding for Rotary at national level dealing with government and other authorities. With the endorsement of the Karori Rotary board, club members gave support for a positive vote for the pilot project to proceed when votes from these two districts are returned to Rotary International.
Allan Frazer also ran a workshop with those present on projects and fundraising opportunities. He outlined that the Club has put in place a new grants applications application scheme with the first community applicants having applied for funds for local projects from a pool of $10,000 available from the club in the current Rotary year. These applications are currently being considered for shortlisting by a Club committee, chaired by Jim Johnston.
There was strong support for the Club running a Pride in Work annual event in conjunction with the Karori Business Association. The Club will now approach the KBA to seek their support.
Club members had a wide ranging discussion on future fund raising initiatives with strong endorsement for working with other clubs on combined projects for the benefit of communities. One idea with club support would be to hold an Open Day at the new Wellington Convention Centre, but partnership with other clubs would be necessary.
Other initiatives could include the refurbished Wellington Town Hall, the Hannah Playhouse, a new venue at Te Whaea and the National Music Centre in the Civic Square precinct.
The Club also discussed other proposals which could include partnership with local businesses and with our business breakfast partner, Forsyth Barr. Partnership with corporates should be further explored particularly for Christmas Pudding sales.
Looking for events in place of the Gutbuster which had considerable success will require significant sponsorship support and will be a major challenge for the Club.
Quiz events through the year in support of projects were recognised as great fund raisers and will continue to be a focus for the club as well as in partnership with others.
Those members who were not able to attend the club meeting are asked to put their views to Allan as soon as possible.