Visitors: Maria Fenton, Madison Fredheim, Danna Leslie, Simone Cuers
President Chris.
The first meeting with new President Chris Dever who thanked those involved in the very successful changeover lunch at Omokoroa Boat Club.
Birthdays & Anniversaries – birthdays for Dan Allen-Gordon, Pat Taylor, Brett Hobson, Leonie Trubshoe, Mary O’Sullivan and Glenn Dougal’s Debbie. Wedding anniversary for Simon and Michele Beaton. Greg Brownless has been a member of Rotary for 24 years.
Dune planting Tuesday 13 July
Yale St Mt Maunganui 9.15am till 12 noon. Wayne will email further information.
District Governor Visit 8 October – DG Ross Pinkham will be guest speaker. Ross
is a friend of President Chris and it will be an interesting talk.
Number Plate surroundsDavid Hume of Matamata Rotary will in future speak to us about this exciting project.
Posh Homes – save the date Saturday 26 March 2022
Street collections
Wendy reported that although the amount was down the Alzheimers Appeal was still worthwhile. She also diplomatically reminded us if we sign up for collection duty and can’t make it, to please contact her.
Meeting venue change
30 July meeting will be at Legacy 383 Pyes Pa Rd. Duties remain the same.
Guest speakers: Simone Cuers and Danna Leslie “The People’s Project.”
Buddy introduced Simone and Danna (who he confessed broke his heart when she left Council).
Simone was a psychologist and town planner and now works with the People’s Project to end homelessness in Tauranga. 80% of homelessness is transitional, 15% episodic and 5% chronic. Clients often suffer from trauma whether it be from mental health, addiction or other complex needs. The Project uses a Housing First model which leads from emergency to transitional to permanent homes. Clients need to accept they must pay rent and accept minimum weekly visits. Once housed the Project can address other issues. A number of the clients get into art, music and gardening. Feedback included “You guys never gave up on us.” They have housed 84 people and most take care of their homes.
Danna Leslie spoke of her role with the Wise Group, which includes the People’s Project. They operate 925 residential properties in NZ together with 23 offices and premises and three 24 hour respite centres. They aim to add 470 properties this year including 51 new builds in the Bay of Plenty. Property owners interested in working with them should contact Danna.
Bryan Winters thank the speakers for their important work.
Sergeant Session: Jim Rickard
Jim confessed that he forgot that Grace was part of his duties, hence Wendy stepping in to provide that part of the meeting.
He listed a number of important happenings on 9 July over the years such as:
620 years ago Tamerlane destroyed Baghdad.
In a certain year the Swedish Navy captured the Russian Fleet.
1893 David Williams repaired a torn artery.
1971 Henry Kissinger visited China.
Today was also the birthday of Tom Hanks, Courtney Love and a number of Youtube stars unknown to most of us.
Parting Thought from Dan Allen-Gordon
“Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they see, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa.” Dame Whina Cooper.
