May Contact 2013 - Lions Clubs New Zealand

Membership growth duringthe 2011-12 Lions year - PastPresident Lionel Raven ofFeilding Host Lions Club beingawarded the Keith MitchellMembership growth award.May 2013JOYCE RAVENDISTRICT GOVERNOR 2012-2013What a great idea - a Memorial garden wascreated at the Convention hotel (Chateau onthe Park, Christchurch) and a plant toremember the deceased Lions in eachDistrict will be there for a very long time.The Wigram Lions donated a memorial seatand anyone can visit to view the garden andrest and reflect on Lions who have gonebefore us. During the Rededication Servicea single rose was placed in a vase and thepicture of the DG and partner for eachDistrict was shown on the screen.This publication is proudly Printed and supported byMcDonald Real Estate Ltd.DG Joyce and Lionel with Executive Officer David Dawick - duties in Hamburg withthe District Governor Elects being explained.“PARTICIPATE WITH PRIDE”161

“The Big Sort Part II”The 2012-13 DG Team and partners in the memorial garden at the Chateau in thePark Hotel Christchurch.In front are Australian visitors Council Chairman Lou and Kaye Onley with ourcurrent Council Chairman Eric Carter and Karen.Sunday May 5 th at National Park School, starting withmorning tea at 9.30amAbout 1.5 tonne needs sorting to complete the task.All are welcome – bring a magnet (a big one). Wehave some to lend.Anyone wanting to come across to National Park onSaturday to makeA weekend of it – Contact Terry on 0274-805-834 oremail – diane.terryhem@xtra.co.nzWe are planning a social evening on the Saturdayand can assist with accommodation (this is still beconfirmed)We need help to get this job finished – at least untilthe next pile arrives.If you can put this in it would be a great help.CheersTerry___________________________________________________The DG Team's version of The Crusade goes on at the MD Convention in Christchurch.Australian Visitors and Council Chairman joined in the fun.Five photos were submitted into the Environmental Photo Contest.The District entry into the LCI Environmental Photo Contest taken by LionColin Sherwill of Feilding Host Lions Club,has been chosen as the MultipleDistrict winner. The photo has now gone forward to LCI to be placed ondisplay at the International Convention in Hamburg in July this year. I hopethis encourages more Lions next year to submit their photos into the Contest.Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.15

Christchurch Convention. 12 th -14 April, 2013.Greetings fellow Lions, families and friendsLeah/Melvin, Gay/Maurice, Jenny and Val arrived in Christchurchabout 11.30am. We had a good Flight. Only 2 bumps. We flewover the top of Mt. Egmont/Taranaki with a great view of the craterand the light snow fall. Over the South Island we flew down themiddle and had some good sights between the cloud, which disappearedas we flew over the Ranges. We had a good landingand journey to “The Tower on the Park”. We only saw minor damage.AfterLunch Jenny and I taxied into the Centre of the City. Such a lot ofdamage there, but efforts have been made to keep the CentralArea doing Business. Lots of colour and Garden Tubs around thecentral shopping area. After locating the Cathredral and beinggreatly saddened by the damage, we turned to return to the shopswhen we were stopped by a team of “Bailey’s” staff who were doinga Team Building exercise. They had to escort an elderly personacross the street amid Security. So I became it. So amongstmuch laughter I was escorted across and back. They then askedif we would Waltz with them, which we did. Further alon the streetanother Team escorted me across the street , with security. Ourspirits were much revived. After having a coffee in a “Container”Café we watched another Team doing Leap Frog over each otherand then caught a Taxi back to the Motel.Friday Evening we were welcomed by Ngi Tahu Kapa Haka Groupwith explanation from Ric. Toa. We received 2 presentations, 1from Cera Representative, who gave an over view of the earthquakedestruction and recovery. They still have a long long wayto go. After the Flag Ceremony we received a very informativetalk from William Pike who has recovered from being critically injured.Val Wilcox.The Convention season is over and having attended all but one ofthem (due to dates of two clashing) I can honestly say that thereis an amazing group of Lions out there doing fantastic jobs inorganising and running these very important milestones in eachLions’ year. Every one of the Conventions was amazing and quiteunique to their areas or their District Governors. The MultipleDistrict Convention was the finale, held at the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch –planned before the earthquake - and with the support of a dedicated group of attendees,coming to fruition a week ago (at the time of writing.) Both Lionel and I thoroughlyenjoyed our time there and with renewed enthusiasm and a new direction tohead in for the next Lions year, we assure you we will do our best for New ZealandLions as we take up the Council Chairman position.Our district did very well in the awards area at Multiple District Convention – wescooped the pool in the Youth award, Keith Mitchell Membership award and theEnvironmental photo competition. Well done to Palmerston North Papaioea RoseCity Lions for their Urban Art in the Square project which won the Pat Ryan YouthAward, and to Feilding Host Lions who won the Keith Mitchell Award for increasedmembership last year, and also their entry by Lion Colin Sherwill which won theEnvironmental Photo Award. Congratulations all! Also big Congratulations to PDGGraham Robinson who was elected Chairman of the Executive ManagementCommittee (EMC), taking over from our own PDG/PCC Dennis O’Rourke who hascompleted 2 x 3 year terms on the EMC. The amount of extra hours you have contributedto Lions in NZ is much appreciated - thank you Dennis and Graham.We recently tried something new in our District and set up a Lions promotion at theCentral Districts Field Days held at Manfeild Park, Feilding in March. My thanks toLions Alana and Colin Sherwill for their props and help in setting up the stand –shame on the wind for taking the gazebo out of our hands and wrecking it for you –but many thanks to those Lions from our District (Leo Danz, David Calow and Jillian,Ash Hazlitt and Pauline, Brian Barber and Barbara, Phil Theobald and Ngaire, andLionel Raven, along with Alana and Colin), who gave much time to hand out leafletsand talk to some of the 35,000 people who attended over the three day event,about the joys of belonging to Lions. It got our profile out there, made people moreaware of what Lions clubs are all about, and whether it was a worthwhile exercise isstill to be determined.Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.14Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.3

Talking of promoting all things Lions – have you thought of using neighbouring Lionswhen you need a catering job that you can’t handle, or manpower for a project?Our Cabinet meetings and training sessions are catered for by local Lions clubs andwe were very lucky to be able to sample the Opunake Lakeside Lions Club’s Cup cakesrecently, as well as the superb catering of Feilding Kowhai Lions. Well done ladies,your efforts were much appreciated. A great way to help others to help others.Your Club Bulletins continue to be very informative and a source of pleasure for meto read in my leisure time, as well as a source of great amusement. Getting morewomen into Lions is an initiative of our International President, and was one of mygoals, and internationally 40,691 more women have joined our organisation this yearso far! Loved the comment in one club’s bulletin which stated that they woulddouble the number of women in their club this year - President Madden will behappy to hear that, I thought – but, alas, it’s an all male bastion so status quoprevails, although wives and partners play an important role in the social events ofthat club.Club Excellence Award – Presidents are asked to check out the criteria again to ensureyour club is in the running for this award, (page 36 of your President’s manual). Theboxes are easy to tick but the stumbling block is often the net increase inmembership. Only a few more weeks left but not too late to put your club up therewith the best. 5 Clubs received the award in the last Lions’ year – let’s try anddouble that this year.Did you see the ads on TV recently promoting the collection of old money for ourHeads up for Kids project? According to the Reserve Bank there is still loads of oldmoney out there and hopefully the promotion has encouraged an influx of coins.To date money received and sorted in Wellington by the Lions volunteers hasconsisted of 70% old coins, 10% current and 20% foreign coins. Please keep thereceptacles in New World emptied regularly, and I would appreciate knowing whichclubs are actually responsible for this.By now incoming presidents will have filled all positions on their boards, informationforwarded to Cabinet Secretary via the PU101 forms and all club details checked offon line by the club secretaries so that the directory is correct when it is printed. Allthat remains now is for members to enjoy your last few weeks in your clubs beforechangeovers take place and remind yourselves why you are members of the world’sgreatest service organisation.District Governor Joyce RavenAfter lunch, Council Chairman from across the Tasman, Lou Onley spoke passionatelyabout not giving money to other charities, which use our money topromote their cause. Be sure to go to your Lions activities for Fellowship,Friendship and Fun!Norm Thompson was then introduced as the new Chairman of the LMCCTreplacing Roger Lake. (Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust.)MD Awards presented to our D District Clubs were The Pat Ryan Youth Awardto Rose City /Papeoeia Lions ClubLCI Environment Photo Award to Colin Sherwell of Feilding Host Lions Cluband the Keith Mitchell Membership Growth Award, also to Feilding Host LionsClub.Next year the Bucklands Beach Lions Club in Auckland will host MD Conventionand in 2015 the MD Convention will be in Napier and hosted by HastingsHost Lions Club.Jenny Clarke._________________________________________________________________May is Lions Recyclefor Sight MonthCelebrate Recycle for Sight Month by organizing an eyeglass collection inyour neighbourhood, workplace or local business. LCI offers colourfulpromotional resources your club can personalize and distribute to supportyour efforts. Get involved with community schools by offering to give a briefpresentation about eyeglass recycling, start a collection campaign orsponsor a school contest to encourage eyeglass collection. If your club isnew to eyeglass recycling, it's easy to get started with the Club Guide forCollecting Used Eyeglasses. Learn how your club can contribute usedeyeglasses, including sunglasses and reading glasses, to the nearestLions Eyeglass Recycling Center for optical missions to developingcountries.4Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.13

Business Session of MD Convention 2013 in Christchurch.Council Chairman Eric Carter welcomed Lions to the Business Session andintroduced guests to the meeting.The keynote Speaker, PID Ken Bird from Queensland Australia, came with hisunfinished business to us., He was to be here at MD Convention in 2010 butwas stopped by the Chilean ash from the eruption and was unable to fly backfrom the USA for our Convention.His messages from International President Wayne Madden, were mostlyregarding Reading in Kindergartens to help the 26% worldwide illiteracy rate,by having Grandparents in Kindergartens.The literacy project is to be an on- going 10 year plan and we are to considerit a Club project.Of course there was the topic of membership and how much easier it is toform a new club in areas with large populations.There has been an increase of 51,000 members in the last 4 years mostly inpoorer areas such as India, China, Taiwan and Africa.Presentations were made to some special Lions on behalf of the Int President,Wayne Madden.Cyril Moore of Remuera Lions Club has introduced and nurtured 100 membersin to Lions Club.Lion Roy Peterson has spent more than 1000 hours sorting and ironing HeadsUp For Kids money.Jo Cameron has been appointed to the EMC or Executive ManagementCommittee.202D District Governor, Joyce Raven was elected Council Chairman Elect andwill chair the Council of Governors, including Leo Danz next year.For the business session there were 149 voting delegates. 279 registrationswere received. For the most part all the reports and statements were receivedand passed without fuss.The constitutional remits all engineered a great deal of discussion and CC Ericwas ‘on the ball’ with amendments and withdrawal of motions.Two of the remits were passed and two were lost while a fifth was arecommendation.A spokesperson for CERA spoke briefly on the recovery in Canterbury, sayingeveryone is in Recovery.100,000 properties needed repairs, while 7858 of those are in the Red Zone.In her words, “Life is still damn tough” for many people, without flushing toiletsand the like. The communities are holding things together and the LionsClubs are very quietly helping enormously.12District Governor Elect Report April 2013After returning from a very successful conference, I feel likemy head is exploding with all of the new information! Thiswas the final training for the District Governor’s job, and ourfirst big job was to elect a new council chairman. I ampleased to say that our District Governor Joyce has beenappointed. Congratulations to Joyce and Lionel, we are reallylooking forward to working close together with you both, and we will have alot of fun. Graham Robinson was elected as Chairperson of the executivemanagement committee, congratulations. This position became availableafter past EMC Chairman Dennis O’Rourke stepped down after six years in thejob, and once again we thank Dennis for his dedication and hardwork.I am now lucky enough to have Dennis as my mentor in my journey as DistrictGovernor. Past Council Chairman Joanne Cameron has been elected to fill thevacancy in the Executive Management Committee.During the convention we had Lou Onley- Council Chairman from MultiDistricts 201, as a guest speaker. He updated us on the recent disasters inAustralia- such as the floods, fires, and the tornado. He also pointed out theimportance of the support from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF),and how this continues to make a big impact on the effected communities.Even after every other organisation leaves, Lions is still there. Therefore onceagain, as your LCIF coordinator, I would like to encourage you to continuemaking donations to the foundation so we can rebuild the funds that thesedisasters have depleted. You never know when we ourselves may be in needof LCIF’s help once again.My job from now on will be training the incoming cabinet, encouraging ournew presidents and boards, preparing to implement my action plans for nextyear, and really building our “Dream Team”. With that in mind, we still havethree months in which to continue our support for Joyce, and finish off with areally strong effort.Dates for the incoming cabinet training will be Saturday the 11 th of May andwill be in Taranaki- more details to follow. We also have incoming officerstraining on the 29 th of May at Stratford primary school (7pm), and the 30 th ofMay at Kairanga Primary School (7pm). Please make sure that as many aspossible of you incoming board and interested members turn up to theseevents- there is always a lot to learn.Leo DanzDistrict Governor Elect/LCIF Coordinator5

Hi Everyone,Please use this (margaretgill50@gmail.com) email address fromnow on. My old extraroom account may continue to operate fora wee while, but I wouldn't bank on it.If you need to call me on a landline you can try Mum & Dad's number which is07 5769 110. I expect to be living there for another couple of months at least.Oh, and , as you may have noticed, I am progressively reverting to my maidenname, apologies for any confusion this may create.CheersMargaret_________________________________________________________________The Guest Speaker was William Pike who was in Dome Hut the night in September2007 when Ruapehu erupted. We saw some very graphic slides of theaftermath on the mountain and his recovery in hospital. He was technicallydead when his rescuers arrived following the heroic dash for help by hismountaineering mate James.After losing his leg just below the knee, this young man has had several yearsof readjustment, but he has become a teacher, written a book and is nowhead of the William Pike Challenge – he has several schools throughout thecountry involved (including Francis Douglas Memorial College) at Intermediatelevel where he encourages kids to ‘conquer the outdoors’.He certainly gave us a most inspirational address.Supper followed – the usual ‘bunfight’ – when will caterers ever learn!!202D ROLLING CALENDAR 2012-2013.Gay HarveyDINNER AND DANCE:MayThis year we will endeavour to run a rolling calendar ofevents in the district.Could everyone please send data to contact editor at:thehighchapperal@farmside.co.nzMonth Day Date ClubWednesdaySundayWednesdaySaturdayFridayWednesdayThursday1st5th8th11th24th29 th30thProudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.6Tail Twisters Competition at RongoteaKan Tabs sorting at National ParkDG’s 3 rd attempt to Visit RahotuPungarehuIncoming cabinet trainingClosing date for Young speechmakerentrantsClub officers training – NorthStratford Primary School – 7 p.m.Club officers training—SouthKairanga Hall – 7 p.m.June Saturday 8th Young speechmakers finals forDistrict (16-21 years) held in FeildingThe Theme of The Crusade Goes On, led to afine assortment of costumes, from two lots ofCrusading Knights – the DG’s opting for Viking hats as well – Ithink they got their wires crossed on that one! Then we hadthe Rugby Crusaders aplenty, - even a one-eyed Crusader from Rongotea –our VDG1 Elect Ashley and ofcourse our very own Hurricanes who actuallywon a line-out against the Crusaders – look out for the photo in the next Lionmagazine. Your Immediate Past DG’s opted for a Building Crusade, so weturned up with hammers and other tools, hard hats ready for the repair job –another lot were in blue overalls with the same theme. We also had a gladiatorand his lady – very authentic. The team from Heartland even thought theywere All Blacks – Yeah Right!.Once seated, we enjoyed a delicious 2 course dinner. There was a small spacefor dancing and later various teams strutted their stuff before Council ChairmanEric declared the present DG’s the winners (highly biased!)All in all, a great funfilled night.Gay.Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.11

MULTIPLE DISTRICT CONVENTION, CHRISTCHURCH 12-14 APRIL‘THE CRUSADE GOES ON’Friday for me, (PDG Gay), started off with a text from IPDG Mary from Christchurchat 12.44am telling me DG Joyce had been elected as Council Chairmanfor next year.CONGRATULATIONS, Joyce and Lionel, What an honour for us all in District D.Joyce will be our first Council Chairman since Dennis O’Rourke in 05-06. I amsure everyone joins me in wishing you a successful and enjoyable year.These reports are from Bell Block Puketapu members as DG Joyce asked meto do a report for Contact. As Jenny Clarke and Leah Shoemark were doingsomething for our Bulletin, I just asked them to send theirs onto Contact EditorLynette as well.Following the Earthquakes, there was some doubt as to whether Christchurchshould proceed with the Multiple District Convention and I am able to say itwas a vote by my team of District Governors who said it should proceed.This certainly proved the right decision, as everyone from Christchurch continuedto thank us all for coming back to their city.It was brought home to us how lengthy the repairs are going to take - over 2years already yet our Hotel was still only part repaired with 80 rooms stillblocked off and renovations underway. It is the most beautiful settingthough, lovely gardens etc – though as I sat and looked up at the rafters (likein a castle), I just hoped there would not be a jolt! Each session commencedwith an Emergency Procedure.Opening Ceremony.We had a prolonged welcome by Ngai Tahu and the Kapa Haka Group beforePast District Governor Lynette Batt conducted the Flag Ceremony . This wasvery different from the norm – taking us on a musical journey of nostalgiafrom the top of the hit parades starting way back in 1917 up to the presentday. – with lots of people singing along at times (mostly the 50’s and 60’syears.)The Hon Gerry Brownlie was supposed to open the Convention but he was ano-show, so it was opened by Past International Director Ken Bird from Australia,although local MP Clayton Cosgrove did have a bit to say.Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.10RONALD McDONALD HOUSE – DISTRICT 202D ROOM NAMING PROJECTAt the recent District 202D Convention held in Palmerston North, the Districthanded over a cheque for $25,200 to the representatives of the RonaldMcDonald Wellington Trust. This represented donations received from clubswithin the District. Additionally there were a number of donations that hadalready been sent directly to the Trust thereby making up a total of$52,910.10 having been subscribed to the $50,000 ‘Lion’s Den’ 202D RoomNaming Project.The following Clubs are hereby listed as being recognised for theircontribution to the success of this ‘District’ project:-Colyton Bunnythorpe, $2,500.00 Feilding Kowhai, $5,000.00Feilding Pakeke, $2,250.00 Manawatu Town & Country, $50.00Palmerston North Fitzherbert,$800.00 Bell Block Puketapu, $200.00Palmerston North Heartland, $1450.00 Palm Nth Manawatu, $1,000.00Palm North Papaioea, $500.00 Palm North Rose City, $2,000.00Ruapehu, $500.00 Wanganui $8,500.00Hawera Mt View, $1,700.00 Eltham, $500.00Inglewood, $2,500.00 Kaponga, $1,000.00Opunake Lakeside, $200.00 Toko & Districts, $2,850.00New Plymouth Pakeke, $200.00 Kairanga, $2,000.00Rongotea, $5,000.00 Feilding Host, $1,000.00Bell Block & Districts (TPACT) $10,000.00 * Zone 2, $210.10Foxton Te Awahou $1000.00Additional to the above; the following clubs are also recognised who havecombined to purchase four separate rooms in the facilities ‘Lion’s Den’;Ashhurst-Pohangina / Rongotea $30,000.00Palmerston North Middle Districts $24,000.00Bulls / Huntertville / Marton $50,000.00Kairanga $25,000.00It goes without saying and also quoting the comment made by the projectorganising Chairman, Roy Petersen, “what a fantastic effort”!Compiled and reported by Barrie Stening, District 202D TreasurerProudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.7

THE VALUE OF A GOOD LIONS CLUB PROJECTIn February 1985 Bell Block and Districts Lions Club undertook to pioneer ahumanitarian community based telephone linked medical alarm service primarilyDistrict Speechmaker Competitiontargeting elderly persons living alone and also to those living at home withdisabilities.A reminder to all clubs of the details.The service was developed and organised by Lions Club member Kerry Sinclair,Open to young people aged 16-21 years. To be held Sat 8 June 2013.initially within the New Plymouth environs but as the technology of the equipmentVenue-St. Johns Rooms, Bowen Street, Feilding.being used had advanced, the service quickly gained popularity and grew over thenext 10 years to encompass all of Taranaki.Time-9.30am registration and morning tea. 10am start.In 1996 the club membership expressed their desire to relinquish their interest inAll clubs have been sent information, including entry form, in February by thecontinuing with the service as the project was getting much too large for them toNational Speechmaker Coordinator.carry the responsibility of the number of clients now becoming dependent on thePlease follow up with HOD English at local schools, speech/drama groups,service.At this point, five Lions Club members namely Kerry Sinclair, Roy Betts, Georgeyouth clubs, children, grandchildren. To make this contest worthwhile yourRowe, Barrie Stening, all members of Bell Block & Districts and Graeme Harvie, ahelp is needed now.member of Normanby & Districts and representing the South Taranaki area, set toFirst and second place getters receive a place at the National Final in Aucklandin August. First place getter also is invited to attend the Lions Interna-and registered a Charitable Trust which became known as the Taranaki Phone AlarmCharitable Trust (TPACT). The service continued to flourish over the next 16 yearsreaching at one time a client base of over 350. Regrettably too during that period,tional Youth Camp, held in RotoruaTrust members Kerry Sinclair and Roy Betts passed away. The Trust BoardDec 27th-Jan 6th. Value $600subsequently added Kerry’s son David and Bell Block & Districts Lions members StanPlease note-Closing date for the District contest is FRI 24 MAY. No exceptions.Keast and Maurice Harvey to its board. The Medical Alarm service itself was thenrebranded to 3C Personal Alarms.Contact your Youth Chairmen for any queries.However late in 2011 the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) who was providing_________________________________________________________________significant funds for Medical Alarm clients through their Disability Allowance movedto legislate greater controls and conditions on the Medical Alarm industry with theexpress aim of reducing the number of operators in the market. The upshot from thisis that TPACT found it was inadequately resourced to meet these new conditions anddecided to exit the service. The 3C Personal Alarm service and its assets weresubsequently purchased by an Auckland operator. These funds are now retained byLions Quest Expandsthe Trust and will be administered and allocated over the next few years inaccordance with the conditions embodied in the original Trust Deed.The Trust Board met late last year decided to recognise the origins of the servicehaving been attributed to Lions, by making the following distributions in the firstLions Quest has expanded to reach a new total of 80 countries, thanksround allocation:-to the recent program implementation in St. Maarten. Working with theRonald McDonald House - District 202D Room Naming Project $10,000Ministry of Education, the St. Maarten Lions Club held a two day LionsOzanam House – Lions Court $10,000Quest workshop in February that trained 72 teachers. At this time lastStarship Foundation – Neonatal Training & Development Funding Awards $10,000year, LCIF's positive youth development program was present in justNote: The Donations to Ronald McDonald House and Ozanam House will name Bell72 countries. Lions Quest is also working with local Ministries of Educationin the Dominican Republic, Malawi, Peru and Uganda to expandBlock & Districts Lions Club / TPACT as co contributors.Yet to be finalised, a further $10,000 from this round will also be distributed evenly tothe program further in those countries.five local Taranaki entities.Barrie SteningTrustee / Administrator8Proudly Supported by McDonald Real Estate Ltd.9