Welcome to our latest Newsletter, a very full edition, with lots happening.............
.................AGM coming up and there is an update on how the Lifting the Lid funds have been used......
...and don't forget to sign up for the Tree of Joy!
Contributions to our bulletin are welcome and if you have anything please send to Richard at nabbo_123@hotmail.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.
Breakfast costs $25 per person, payable on arrival. Please RSVP to chrissi@roll.nz
Members, don't forget to check the Duties Roster (Meeting Responsibilities) below for your nominated duty for our next meeting on 5 November 2025.
Incidentally, I'm putting the notice about the Plimmerton Rotary Garden Tour next because it is this weekend and there is not long to book!
Meeting Responsibilities
Greeter
Longstaff, Carl
Payment Taker
Carruth, Barry
Reception Desk
Barker, Andy
Opening thought
McKenna, Conal
5 min What is my Business?
Braniff, Judy
Intro to Speaker
Cherian, Ganesh
Thanks to Speaker
Tooley, Cameron
Quizlett (6 questions about your industry)
Rowell, Bob
Closing thought
Berman, Adam
President's Report
Tena koe, tena koutou, hello to one and all.
The year is racing by and we’ve got only 4 meetings left this year. I’m now old enough to be saying ‘where did the time go???’ haha.
We’ve got from local star plumbers Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas Jason and Kirstie Brown speaking this week, Alex Hockley from Wellington Heritage Festival later in Nov, then our ‘own’ MP Chris Bishop on 3 Dec and our last meeting of the year, 17 Dec will be a little different. We’re heading off-site to Ignite Sport at Bell Park (Bell Road, Waiwhetu) to see and hear what this sport-focused charity have been up to in recent years.
The AGM will now be held on 3 Dec at 7.15 am prior to our normal meeting starting. With 20 working days’ notice needed (as per the new Constitution) this has had to be deferred from mid November. Papers will come out with this newsletter. If you have any queries please raise them with me, Cameron (Past-President) or Barry (Treasurer) before the 3 Dec AGM.
The main focus for us between now and Christmas is the Tree of Joy project at Queensgate. It’s imperative that the roster is filled, and while a number of the early slots have been taken, there are still full days closer to Christmas that don’t have anyone rostered on (Fri 19th & Sun 21st in particular). We really need each member to take AT LEAST TWO duties to ensure enough cover. Please add your name to the roster here:Tree of Joy 2025 - Rotary Hutt City Volunteer Booking
You can also choose to be a "runner" and transfer the presents from Queensgate to the Salvation Army building in nearby Cornwall Street.
This is a worthwhile project, not just for the children of Lower Hutt that through numerous charities receive gifts. It’s fabulous and humbling, for us as Rotarians, to connect with those who donate. There are a myriad of reasons people choose to donate and we enjoy hearing their stories as we ‘man’ the Tree.
Looking forward to the Pike River Movie fundraiser on Monday night at Lighthouse Petone. It’s got rave reviews already. I’m told on good authority that tissues are necessary as it’s quite an emotional tale. If you’d like to come along and haven’t yet registered let me know – we’ve still got space available. (see below).
Our Annual General Meeting will be held during Breakfast on Wednesday 3 December. The Agenda is below, along with President Cameron's and Treasurer Barry's reports.
Full details with relevant documentation can be found on the Club Website. You can download the relevant papers by using this link:2025 AGM Papers
Andy Soper, Chairman Lifting The Lid Hutt Valley Charitable Trust, writes:
In the first 5 months we have approved support for 67 students. Of those, 47 applications have been completed.
3 applications were for groups of 20 (2 from Wainuiomata, and 1 for 20 Hutt Valley High students to attend the Billy Graham Boxing Academy).
Of the completed applications, we approved $13,947 but some of the invoices have been for less than anticipated, so the total spent so far is $11,440.
That leaves us $69,734 in the bank after the latest payment.
From the budgets and amounts still available for the 2025 calendar year, it looks like the amounts we allocated were about right for now.
Budgets 2025
Available
HVHS
$ 10,000.00
$ 7,240.00
Naenae
$ 10,000.00
$ 2,310.00
Wainuiomata
$ 6,000.00
$ 1,210.00
Taita
$ 3,000.00
$ 3,000.00
Gender breakdown:
Female 45
Male 22
Some of the applications cited more than one type of need, but the main issues were:
Mental health 65
Personal & social challenges 1
Behaviour and Safety Concerns 1
There were various ethnicities, so no meaningful stats on that.
I don’t have complete statistics on ages because of the group applications. But they range from 13-17 but more in the 14-15 range.
We hope to catch up with representatives of the schools before the end of the year. There must be lessons for everyone to learn about by now.
Looking at 2026, the Intermediate Schools are reaching out because they need help too, and they get less other funding for mental health than High Schools. So, although we have money in the bank, there will be a greater need and we will ask the Club for more support.
Regards
Andy Soper, Chairman, Lifting the Lid Hutt Valley Charitable Trust
(Editor: Many thanks to Andy for this informative piece, and of course to Cameron for making sure this could happen in the first place).
Halloween celebrated every year on 31 October 31 is a holiday steeped in a history that stretches back thousands of years. Its roots lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in), observed in Ireland, the UK, and Northern France. Samhain marked the end of summer and the harvest, and the beginning of the "darker half" of the year. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to return to Earth.
To ward off evil spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes, often made of animal heads and skins, to confuse the roaming ghosts. Early Christian officials later introduced All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Day) on 1November a time to honor saints and martyrs, with the evening before becoming All Hallows' Eve, which eventually evolved into the name we know today.
The traditions were carried to America by European immigrants, particularly the Irish. Customs like carving jack-o'-lanterns evolved from the Irish practice of carving frightening faces into turnips or potatoes to ward off the ghost of "Stingy Jack." In America, the native pumpkin proved to be a far better canvas.
Modern Halloween is a blend of all these influences, shedding much of its religious meaning to become a secular night of spooky fun.
Trick-or-treating, a staple of the holiday, likely grew from practices like "souling," where children would beg for food or money in exchange for prayers for the dead. Today, it’s a night for children—and adults—to don costumes, indulge in copious amounts of candy, and enjoy a bit of harmless fright.
Rotabiz members had a site visit at fellow Rotabiz member Metal Art Ltdhosted by Carl and Tracy Longstaff. It was a fabulous chance to get to know the business and to network together. Pizzas helped apparently! Members were lucky enough also to pop nextdoor to their other business, Powder Coating Services to check out what happens there. A great insight to a fantastic local business.
Ten Rotary Hutt City ladies had a ball at the Big Hats High Tea on this afternoon and contributed a large portion or two to fundraise for the Life Flight Trust.
(Editor: My wife won the Life Flight airport visit, along with more first aid kits than you can imagine! Christmas stocking fillers methinks.......)
The ten ladies, Katrina's Mum, Robyn and Katrina plus some lovely yummy goodies.............
Looking Back 15 October
Mark Ngan Kee, deputising for Robert Dong, offered the Opening Thought (see immediately below this article) from St. Francis of Assisi.
Brian Ross gave us his 5 minute journey, highlighting around forty years for his company BR Contractors, enjoying looking after his livestock of lambs and sheep and Rotarians counting as some of his best friends.
Fabian Straube from Resonate spoke about hearing loss, its effects and how Resonate measure and diagnose differently from their competitors. Their assessments look at hearing loss and how it affects balance, memory, sleep and more obviously the ability to understand words against background noise.
It was important to realise that hearing loss was one of the modifiable risk factors that increased the likelihood of the onset of dementia. 45% of dementia is linked to modifiable factors of which hearing counts for 7% and social isolation 5%. Hearing loss makes the brain work harder and decreased communication can lead to reduced brain stimulation.
Throughout, Fabian was engaging and used humour to get his message across.
Doug Webb provided the Quizzlet on his former profession, the law, with some great questions..
Finally, Richard Gibbens offered the Closing Thought (see further on below).
Opening Thought 15 October 2025
Presented by Mark Ngan Kee
''Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
The quote is widely attirbuted to Francis of Assisi.
Saint Francis of Assisi was born in Italy in 1182. As a Roman Catholic friar he founded the Franciscan order in 1209 and inspired followers with his devotion, simple living, and love of nature. He died in 1226 and was canonized by the the pope in 1228.
Looking Back 16 October Innovative Young Minds Quiz
A super evening of fun and quizzing raising almost $10,000 (net) for IYM, which is a fantastic result. As you can see from the pictures, the event was well attended with 18 teams.
Craig was superb as Quiz Master, alongside Nina (IYM Alumnae) and Hamish the Auctioneer, well done to you all!
Looking Back 29 October Last Wednesday Drinks at the Angus
Fun at Pickle's Perch bar at the Angus Inn for our Fifth Wednesday Drinks, hosted by Adam at Carnmore who are about to start a $4m renovation. Very exciting!!
Zane Bennett, a builder and building inspector who was recently at the IYM quiz, came along too. He will also be with us as a guest at our next Breakfast meeting on 5 November.
Next Week's Speakers 5 November
Jason and Kirstie Brown - Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas
Jason's company has been crowned Master Plumber of the Year Winner for 2025. This national award is the highest honour in the plumbing industry and recognises commitment to quality workmanship, business excellence, and community values.
According to MP CEO Greg Wallace:
Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas represents the very best of our industry — skilled, trusted, and deeply committed to their community. Jason and Kirstie exemplify the values we strive for across our membership, setting a high standard for quality work, business leadership and customer care.
Jason is the backbone of Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas, with over 29 years of experience as a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter, and Drainlayer. Known for his problem-solving skills and dedication to quality, Jason takes pride in tackling every plumbing, gas, and drainage challenge.
When he’s not on the job, Jason loves the great outdoors. Whether road cycling, camping with his family, or taking on personal challenges like completing an Ironman or earning a black belt in Taekwondo, Jason’s determination shines through in all he does.
Kirstie is the organisational force behind the company. From scheduling jobs to keeping the team running smoothly, she ensures every project is executed with efficiency and care. Kirstie’s passion lies in helping clients transform their bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries into spaces they love while being a trusted ally in plumbing emergencies.
A lover of nature and adventure, Kirstie enjoys skiing, tramping, and camping in her downtime. She returned to Wellington in 2002 with Jason, where they’ve built their business and life together.
Wellington Heritage Festival Until 9 November
President Katrina writes:
As a club we have contributed funds towards this Wellington-wide event programme in October. A great Rotary initiative which has been running a couple of years now. Do try and get along to some of the events.
You can visit the Cable Car Winding Room, peer into the cells at the Old High Court, even see behind the scenes at the Upper Hutt Naturist Club (maybe not that one)!
Alex Hockley CEO of Wellington Heritage Festival will be speaking to us on 19 November.
Register for Wellington Heritage Festival below using this link:
(Editor: I was fortunate to attend a screening earlier this week in the presence of the Director, Rob Sarkies, alongside the inspirational Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse doing the Q&A. An extremely moving film, as you would expect, but with beautiful cinematography: and great performances from the wonderful Robyn Malcolm playing Sonya and Melanie Lynskey playing Anna (I remember her as Rose from Two and a Half Men, not realising that she was a kiwi actress), and a superb cameo from Lucy Lawless).
Please ketchup, I’m already in the Pak'n'Save Carpark!
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.
This has been commonly attributed to the Greek Stoic philosopher, Epictetus. While the exct wording varies, the core message has also been attributed to Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism.
In a modern context, the phrase is sometimes associated with figures like the American author, Susan Cain or American rapper, Paul Wall.
Richard Nabarro writes:
Although Rotary Hutt City's Board have not budgeted to support this project, they have agreed that we should promote via our Newsletter, and very much hope that some of you might like to contribute/donate.
This is a very full Newsletter, but I will feature more on this next issue, and will mention briefly at next week's Breakfast meeting. In the meantime, the full background and details can be found here:
Note there are 2-hour tree-manning shifts and up to 4 present delivery shifts per day.
- Wednesday 17 December Last breakfast meeting of the year, to be held at local charity Ignite Sport, Bell Road, Waiwhetu.
A chance for the Ignite team to show us their new venue and showcase the activities they use to involve kids in sport.
Breakfast provided by them, usual payment of $25 pp will be taken at the door.
2026
- Wednesday 4 February will be first meeting back in 2026 at Boulcotts Farm.
- Friday 20 March - Sunday 22 March Finally, planning ahead a little, President Katrina is really keen to get a group together to go to the new ''whole of North Island'' Rotary District Conference in Napier. Do pop the dates in your diaries – I think we can make an impact as a club and have fun together at the same time.
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: How many James Bond films have "Die" in the title and what are they?
There are 4:
Live and Let Die (1973)
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) (ok it's Dies, not Die)
Die Another Day (2002)
No Time to Die (2021)
So for this edition, according to the National Christmas Tree Association of America, when was the first recorded Christmas tree?
