Welcome to our latest Newsletter. This will be my last for a while as I am off to Europe until the end of June, and pass you over to Sue Colville (thank you!)
Contributions to our bulletin are welcome and if you have anything please send to Sue at sue.colville@gmail.com
And if you have any comments on the layout, content and information provided, let us know, because the Newsletter is yours.
Rotary Hutt City breakfast meetings
Meetings are held 7am to 8.30 am on the first and third Wednesday of the month at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club, Military Road, Lower Hutt. Please RSVP to chrissi@roll.nz.
For those of you who have not pre-paid, breakfast continues to cost $25 per person, payable on arrival to Gaylene Hughes.
Members, don't forget to check the Duties Roster (Meeting Responsibilities) below for your nominated duty for our next meeting on 18 March.
Meeting Responsibilities
Greeter
Robinson, Stephen
Payment Taker
Hughes, Gaylene
Reception Desk
Geremia-Young, Anna
Opening thought
McKenna, Conal
3 Minute Who Am I?
Colville, Sue
Intro to Speaker
Gibbens, Richard
Thanks to Speaker
Cranna, Rob
Closing thought
Dong, Robert
President's Report
Hello from the West Coast!
A travelling Presidential blurb this week as I lead a tour group (think Camp Mother) from Christchurch to Hokitika (did the amazing Gorge walk), to Greymouth, Westport (up to Denniston), over to St Arnaud with the final night in Hanmer Springs. Great fun exploring our own country with Richard Willis, geographer/historian of 50 years lecturing at Victoria University. With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, it’s a lovely escape to venture south and appreciate our own beautiful scenery, local history and learn about life on the Coast.
Our guest speaker this week is Colin Keating, former diplomat and UN representative who will bring us back to real life with his take on the current state of world affairs. We’ll also have two RYLA students tell us about their experiences at camp in January.
Some of you will remember Peter Saunders, longtime club member who retired from Rotary a few years ago as his dementia progressed. Peter’s wife Monica, who also suffered from dementia passed away on the weekend. They’ve been living at Bob Scott’s in recent times. Rather late notice, but if you read this in time and can make it, the funeral is Friday 13th March 10.30 a.m. at Gee and Hickton in Lower Hutt.
My thanks to Richard Nabarro who has been editing the Newsletter since last August. He and wife Marita are off to Europe shortly combined with a stay in their London flat, and will be back at the end of June. In the meantime, thank you Sue Colville who will be putting the Newsletter together for the next few months!
I'd like Rotary Hutt City to have a legacy at the Dowse Footpath and would like to set up bricks naming each of the past-Presidents back to 1980. (The club started in 1943, but that's a long way back!)
If you're a past-President, are related to one (or know of someone who is), or have a connection with one that you'd like remembered, please use the link below to purchase a brick. They're $150 each and funds raised will go to Lifting the Lid, our youth mental health programme. (The bricks are a Rotary Hutt Valley project and they've given us a discounted rate, so we'll be helping them out too!)
Doing a sales pitch at our recent Breakfast meeting
Today's Date 13 March
Growing up, I always felt I knew there were nine planets in the Solar System, but that all changed recently. 13 March is a significant date for the planets........
One of the most historically significant events to occur on 13 March was the discovery of the planet Uranus by astronomer William Herschel in 1781. This discovery fundamentally changed our understanding of the solar system, as Uranus was the first planet found using a telescope and the first discovered since ancient times.
Later, Pluto was discovered on this day in 1930. Although later reclassified as a dwarf planet, Clyde Tombaugh's announced Pluto’s discovery at the Lowell Observatory. According to the new definition, a planet must meet three criteria: it must orbit the Sun, it must be spherical in shape, and it must have cleared its orbit of other debris. Pluto did not meet the third criterion, as it is part of a group of objects in the outer solar system known as the Kuiper Belt.
Looking Back 3 March #1 Gibbes Watson under serious threat
Allan Brown attended a Council meeting on 3 March, at very short notice, to make a presentation about the Gibbes Watson pavilion. Allan's abbreviated speech notes follow.
Today councillors will decide the future of this building considering a motion to demolish.
With Council agreement, Rotary together with Victoria University ArchitectureSchool have explored options to repurpose this building.
Our preferred option is:
Remove the glass;
Install a fabric roof and fit out with seating; and
Markets, Gigs, wedding ceremonies, cultural activities general public use.
Rotary offered to fund this work and manage any bookings for a period of ten years.
Council assessed our offer as not viable, but we disagree.
1. On the question of Transferring Ownership, Council wished to transfer ownership outright to relieve itself of ongoing maintenance, insurance and depreciation costs. But the following should be noted:
Property law does not allow a building to be sold separately from the underlying land;
However, effective ownership or management can be transferred by Lease or Licence.
Rotary in principle a 10 year licence which would provide nonexclusive use allowing the public free access when the pavilion does not have a paid booking
So effective ownership can be achieved and the ongoing costs negotiated as part of the Licence agreement.
2. On the question of Cost Savings, the following should be noted:
Demolition requires the removal of concrete, glass, timber and steel to a landfill then making good the land. This is an expensive carbon-intensive waste-to-landfill" approach;
Rotary's proposal just requires the removal and recycling of the aluminium and glass; and
The repurposing proposal will have a much lower cost to Council than demolition.
This is a listed Heritage area and Councils Landscape Conservation Plan ranks the GW as a high degree of significance in a landscape of national significance.
3. In relation to Heritage, this is a listed Heritage area and Council's Landscape Conservation Plan ranks the Gibbes Watson pavilion as having a high degree of significance in a landscape of national significance.
This building was designed by Ian Athfield as a 26 year old architect.
It has rare aesthetic qualities and compliments the Modern Movement Structures of the Civic Centre.
Demolition would contravene Council's own heritage policies and likely be opposed by Heritage NZ and the public.
Rotary has a letter of support from Heritage NZ for the repurposing plan.
4. We propose the following Amendment.
''Do not undertake the demolition until 31 May 2026. During this period, Council officers shall engage in good-faith discussions with the Rotary Committee to determine a legally viable method of transferring management/ownership and to resolve the understanding of future costs. If a resolution is not reached by that date, the demolition process may proceed automatically."
Allan's presentation lasting three minutes was designed to secure additional time for Rotary and the Hutt City Council to negotiate in good faith. Whilst he believes it was ''well received,'' the official response is yet to come......
(If you look closely, alongside Allan you will see Councillors Simon Edwards (Rotary Hutt Valley President); Brady Dyer (recently interviewed (twice!) at Boulcott when a mayoral candidate); and Tui Lewis, previously Deputy Mayor).
Looking Back 3 March #2
In 2025, my wife Marita bid successfully at Rotary Hutt Valley's Big Hats High Teas auction for a day out at Life Flight in Wellington, with the package also including copious merch such as water bottles, caps, badges and first aid kits! These have been great Christmas presents for the family.
But we had pushed back on our visit until a very windy day at Rongotai, the other side of the airport close to Lyall Parade.
We arrived early which was a good thing. Although we missed out on the chance to crawl over the 2025 acquired H145 Westpac Rescue Helicopter, we were lucky enough to see it scramble and be loaded with equipment in time for a routine flight to Masterton for ferrying a patient.
Thereafter, we had an hour with Air Ambulance Crewperson Alex who showed us around the fixed wing Beechcraft Kingair 200C, as well as one of the former Wellington Free Ambulance vehicles. A great little trip topped off with lunch at the newly refurbished Catalina diner, on the site of the former Spruce Goose cafe. Great views looking out to a very choppy sea (and sewage (not honest!))
Looking Back 4 March
We were all very lucky to help celebrate Murray and Shona Brockelsby's 65th Wedding Anniversary, with daughter Sandy providing the address. President Katrina presented a superb bouquet of flowers, courtesy of Kelly The Florist.
By the way, Murray has been a member of the Club for almost 55 years!
In the "What is my Business?" slot Brad Xie explained how his firm can help other businesses source the best Chinese products. Although a previous Breakfast meeting had heard about a recent China trip he took with Brian Ross, there were even more anecdotes this time, the best being when Brad advised Brian to keep his personal belongings such as passport with him at all times. Brian took this very seriously, so after they left Shanghai and arrived in Guangzhou, Brad had to explain to a rather perplexed hotelier in Shanghai why he was going to mail him a TV remote! (More Brian below....)
There were ''plugs'' for the following:
Richard Gibbens requires ideas for our main speakers, as their presence is the lynchpin of our breakfast meetings;
The forthcoming meeting on 1 April being held jointly with the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and featuring MP Chris Penk (see flyer below); and
Angus Hotel Open Evening on 10 April from 4.30pm, to see the newly refurbished premises, (details of booking see Save the Date below).
Our main speaker was Neil Macdonald, who told us about his journey to business ownership of the largest manufacturer of quality wallpaper in the southern hemisphere, Aspiring Walls Ltd. Based in Porirua since the 1960s, he now has the whole family on the team.
Before Neil aquired the company, it went into voluntary liquidation in 2020 during Covid; but the liquidator encouraged Neil and his small team to keep trading. Neil was then able to buy the company once the liquidator had taken the money he wanted.
Three takeaways for me:
The company are designing murals for the new stadium in Christchurch;
Resene are their no. 1 customer; and
Within hours, based on any prints/photos, you can have your own digitally designed wallcovering manufactured by Neil's company.
Thanking Neil as speaker, Brian Ross (again!) our resident paperhanger then showed us the tools of his trade and how in his day he hung 45 rolls a day!!
And in the evening, a group of us enjoyed the fundraiser movie Holy Days at the Petone Lighthouse. Set in the 1970s, the backdrop was often the beauty of the South Island, especially Mount Cook, but the plot line and superb performances especially from the young Maori actor Elijah Tamati, gave the film more substance than just the scenery.
Looking Back 7 & 8 March
So I was able to return the compliment to Marita as I had successfully bid at an IYM auction last Spring to go on a Supercar and coffee experience courtesy of our own Robert Dong. Many of you will know of Robert's racing experiences, but this was a bit of an unknown to me.
I was expecting a leisurely drive somewhere with a coffee at the end of the drive. But Robert turns up at home in his red Porsche accompanied by two racing friends Vikash and Wei driving a Ferrari 430GTB (also owned by Robert!) and Audi Quattro (not that one, Wei owns!)
Suffice to say we might have done a fraction over the speed limit into and out of Wellington (stopping at the new Catalina diner in Rongotai - twice in a week!), before revving up and over the Wainui hill.
A wonderful Saturday morning experience and has definitely whetted my appetite to take my Mini around the Manfield track where Robert and his friends race, later this year.
Chrissi Walker too bid successfully at the same auction and the following day, took the same route into Wellington and out to Rongotai with Robert.
Looking Forward 18 March: Colin Keating, former diplomat and UN representative
Colin Keating is an international lawyer and former New Zealand diplomat. He was the New Zealand Ambassador to the UN Security Council in 1993-94 and is recognised as a leading global authority on the Security Council. He served as the Legal Adviser of the New Zealand Foreign Ministry and later as the CEO and Secretary for Justice.
He also served as a Special Envoy for Prime Minister John Key, first lobbying for New Zealand to be elected to the Security Council in 2014 and then advising during New Zealand’s term on the Council.
He has also worked in the private sector in New Zealand as a partner in legal practice.
At the link below, you will find a short interview with Colin from 2018, and the accompanying notes with the YouTube clip provide further details of his career.
He was going to tell a joke about a cloud... but it would just go over Riker's head.
A Reminder of Club Meeting Duties: Closing Thought
Our closing thought is for you to round off a warm and interesting occasion where everybody has shared
the moment, enjoyed themselves, and head off with a memorable thought to lift their day.
• See if you can choose something linked to the speaker’s topic.
Rotary Eastern Hutt's Mike Keehan, Walk for Mental Health Sub-Committee Member writes:
The Rotary Club of Eastern Hutt in conjunction with Wellington Rugby will be conducting three Walks for Mental Health, in support of Youthline, on 15 March 2026. The events will be held at the Hikoikoi Reserve Petone; William Jones rugby park, Wainuiomata; and the Ngati Toa domain, Plimmerton.
We will have volunteers and supporters on the day, but the presence of other Rotary representation would be most welcome and appreciated.
Free barbeque services will be provided and donations towards Youthline will be gratefully received.
Tough Guy & Gal Challenge 9 May: Save the date please!
Andy Soper writes:
We are once again providing marshals for the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge in Wainuiomata on Saturday, 9 May. I’m coordinating this – and will also be entering the event, so there’s an extra incentive for you to be there and have a good laugh!
We need 24 volunteers, to make sure nobody veers away from the course. Your help will raise $3,000 towards our community and youth projects.
There is great camaraderie and it’s such fun to watch competitors struggling through muddy ponds etc 😊
For now please just save the date – 9 May – and talk to anyone you know who might like to help. It’s a good opportunity for young people to get involved in a Rotary project.
While the Saturday has to be our main focus, if you can’t make it but could help with registration and finish line duties on a morning earlier in the week, please let me know as soon as possible - Tuesday 5th, Thursday 6th or Friday 7th May.
A flyer from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce advertising our forthcoming Breakfast meeting in April with Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans and Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing.
Closing Thoughts 4 March
Presented by Sue Avison
Every day focus on your purpose. Remember why you do what you do. We don't get burned out because of what we do, we get burned out because we forget why we do it.
Never feel guilty for doing what is best for you.
Self care is not selfish, but essential for your well-being and potential. Prioritizing your needs is a healthy, necessary step for mental health, even if it disappoints others. You are responsible for your own happiness, and protecting your peace is not a wrongdoing.
- Tuesday 28 April Petone Rotary Club are holding its 75th Anniversary dinner, to which we are invited.
We now know this will be held at The Petone Club on Udy Street Petone commencing around 6.00pm and will include a 3 course buffet style meal.
Further notices will be issued closer to the time and as more details of the program become available. If you wish to register your interest to receive further updates, please contact Gerry Pallo, Petone Rotary 75th Anniversary Convenor at gernpa@actrix.gen.nz
This will further assist in the event planning for catering purposes.
- Thursday 30 April Come and join us at The Devil Wears Prada 2, Petone Lighthouse 5.45pm. $30 pp, including munchie pack!
Remember to bring some loose change along to the meeting so you can contribute if you answer a Quizlett question incorrectly :), or wish to "Buy The Box".
If you should have any interesting stories about fellow Rotarians then please pass them onto Craig so he can share them at the meeting. Email: craig@packprod.co.nz
Payment is also now available by Eftpos onsite - no excuses!
Last Edition, I asked: When was Rotary Hutt City founded? 1943
This Edition's question: Which countries make up the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council?
Colin Keating is an international lawyer and former New Zealand diplomat. He was the New Zealand Ambassador to the UN Security Council in 1993-94 and is recognised as a leading global authority on the Security Council. He served as the Legal Adviser of the New Zealand Foreign Ministry and later as the CEO and Secretary for Justice.
A flyer from the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce advertising our forthcoming Breakfast meeting in April with Chris Penk, Minister for Building and Construction, Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans and Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing.
