Im back!  But only occupying the president’s chair while Cameron attends his daughter’s wedding in Croatia.  It would be rude not to let him go.

I won’t double up on the other great material Richard has in store for you.  But I must say that good progress is being made with our new project, ''Lifting the Lid'', and the associated fundraising walk next year.  So far we’ve only been drip feeding information to you in newsletters, although most of you will have heard the presentation from the Port Nicholson Rotary committee at our meeting on 17 April.  Here is a more comprehensive explanation.

Regrettably, our health service is over-stretched so there are long waits, especially for mental health treatment.  This is worse for young people, where long delays can have long-term effects, both for them and others (family members carrying the load, and school classmates having to deal with disruption).  The Rotary "Lifting the Lid" program aims to significantly reduce the waiting time by providing funding, and a quick and simple application process.  It is aimed at state secondary schools, and sometimes intermediate and primary schools.

The program originated in Australia and is already well underway in Wellington, Kapiti and Hawke’s Bay.  Our club, along with Hutt Valley, Petone, and River Valley are combining resources to run a pilot program for Naenae College, Taita College and Hutt Valley High School starting in October.  Wainuiomata High School may join this group.  Thanks go to our own Darryn Gray, Dave Appleyard from Hutt Valley and Kevin Harris from Petone who form the initial operating committee.  I’m helping in the early stages to get things set up.

A school in the program can arrange immediate help for a vulnerable student.  When the Guidance Counsellor becomes aware of a student with a mental health issue, the principal can apply to the committee for funding, giving details of the service provider and some anonymous statistical information about the student.  The designated committee member will generally approve the application on the same day, so the school can immediately arrange treatment. 

The action might be a referral to a medical specialist, or to an experience that could be helpful, such as Billy Graham's gym or the Boys Institute in Wellington.  The school has complete freedom to choose.  It is a high trust model.  Rotary does not question the validity or efficacy of an application.  When the treatment has been provided, the provider invoices ''Lifting the Lid'' and payment is made promptly.  Even though we haven’t quite started yet, our schools are already comparing notes about good providers they can use.  Representatives of the schools will also meet with the committee and club representatives every quarter to provide feedback.

The committee sets each school’s annual budget, taking into account the school’s expected needs, amounts committed by the clubs, and the need to maintain equity among all participating schools.  It’s up to each school to decide how to use its budget.  Individual clubs are not required to contribute any particular amount.  So far, we have put in $10,000 from the corporate bowls event, and the other Hutt clubs together have together contributed another $16,000 for the pilot.  As you know, work is also progressing to organise a major “Walk the River Trail” fundraiser in March next year.

In so many ways this is a perfect example of a Rotary project.  It is a program that meets an urgent social need.  It makes use of existing expertise in the schools and medical fields.  It is high trust and avoids any moral dilemma as to which candidates receive help.  All assistance is given at arms-length, and most topically, it involves local clubs working together to administer the program and raise funds for it. 

Ultimately, for as long as there is a need, we expect the program will continue and acquire a life of its own like IYM.

Regards

Andy Soper
(Immediate Past) President
Rotary Hutt City

Our speakers are Stuart (Stu) Hurst & Gina Ewington from EQUIP Recruitment who will be giving an Employment Market update.

Stu has been in the recruitment industry for nearly 19 years, a journey that began by accident. Approaching an agency for a warehouse manager role, they suggested recruitment instead, and he never looked back!

He set up the Lower Hutt branch for that agency and followed that with a new brand in Wellington. These experiences prepared him to start EQUIP in 2010, with the support of an angel investor, Colin Chapman.

''Early on, I realised my passion for helping people find jobs, something I've always loved doing. To turn that into a career has been incredible''.

Stu's travels have provided great experience across many industries helping him understand business, a key in recruitment.

Within EQUIP, he is very hands on, involving himself in day to day operations. My role involves finding solutions, supporting our team, and managing business relationships—everything I'm passionate about.

Outside of work, Stu is a proud father to his 7-year-old daughter, enjoys spending time with his wonderful partner, and keeps busy with puppy Patrick, who feels like a second child! I also enjoy playing cricket and practising Krav Maga. (Editor: so no messing!!)

Gina has 20 years’ experience through various Sales Management and people-focused roles, before eventually finding her way into the world of recruitment where she is happy to say that she is very much at home in the industry.

She began in cosmetics, running her own clinic for seven years before selling and moving to an educational role at the Beauty college in Wellington. From there, she moved into area management roles in the beauty and fashion sectors.

''I was able to combine my passion for sales and business development with leading and recruiting for large teams around the country''.

Extensive travel and the impact of Covid on these industries led Gina towards choosing a closer to home and more stable enviroment. And that has brought her to a role as the Commercial Recruiter at EQUIP, which she feels is the perfect fit.

Outside of work Gina is very busy with her 3 children aged from 16 down to 8. She enjoys yoga when she is lucky enough to have any downtime.