Hamish Dick from Victoria University was our speaker for the day 13 March - he is working on the project named “Mana Tangata”. 

 

Mana Tangata is a project to record the history of Rotary and to celebrate the contribution of Rotary to society.  The book is expected to be published prior to the Centenary in June 2021 called “Telling Our Story of Rotary” by the author Dr Stephen Clarke.  He is recording the history of Rotary as is the Rotary Centenary Committee.  It should be noted that NZ is celebrating its Rotary Centenary in 2021 as is Australia but Rotary International’s Centenary was in 2005.

 

Hamish invited clubs to contribute to the story by including stories from all clubs across the nation on an on-line platform called Wiki Tiki.  There is already material to draw on as 65 clubs have recorded their history in a range of publications.  The growth in members over the years and including women in clubs is of interest but the theme really is the way in which Rotary has not only been able to change but to evolve into being a change maker.

 

It was interesting to me to learn that the Milk in Schools national programme under the Savage government was pioneered by the Wellington Rotary Club and that the now Crippled Children’s Society was founded by a generous Rotarian donation.

 

Hamish gave us an insight into the expected result of the research which is that our collective consciousness for communities, maintaining ethics and challenging the world will help us all to continue evolving.  Hamish used a quote “Whatever it is we touch we should keep in touch with” the message is of relevance to today and will be brought to life by engaging more with youth.  This focus is expected to keep members active and able to adapt in order to thrive.  While it is useful to reflect, the expectation is that by reflecting and celebrating our history we will drive a desire to thrive and continue to be change makers. 

 

Anne

 

 

Clue: The man pictured is Steve Lawton Entries to paula.mcknight@ppmck.co.nz