Visitors: Fi ( Fiona) Sullivan (Buddy); Kalem Banks ( guest of Andy)
Welcome–from President – Welcome to our visitors. Good to see you again.
FYI: John Carlson gave his thoughts regarding the economic sustainability of
world resources.
In 1973 there were 4 billion people on Earth; now there are 8.4 billion and no increase in the worlds resources to sustain the human population.
In another 30 years it is estimated that there will be 9.7billion people.
Perhaps it is time for a re-think on our concept of good growth.
DE-growth is an academic and Social movement that challenges the concept GDP as a measure of human and economic development and success. The movement advocates for societies that prioritise social and ecological well-being instead of corporate profits/over production and excess consumption.
Guest Speaker – Rosalie introduced our own
Buddy Mikaere
Buddy gave us a history of the New Zealand Brigades involvement in the liberation of LeQuesnoy in France and his subsequent involvement in creating a New Zealand war memorial.
In November 1918 the NZ Division was in France and had surrounded the German occupied town of LeQuesnoy. Rather than bombard the town and risk civilian casualties the Division decided to take the medieval fortress using ladders the scale the walls.
The NZ Rifle Brigade successfully liberated the town on the 5th November 1918 despite loosing 140 men killed. There were no civilian casualties.
Buddy had a particular interest in one of the brigade- Winiata Tapsell from Maketu who made his own way into the fight and also managed to return with 2 chickens for his comrades in arms!
In 2017 Buddy was asked to join a group tasked with establishing a war memorial in LeQuesnoy- The NZ Liberation Museum Te Arawhata.
An ex Police station and associated buildings has been purchased with $1M raised and Weta Workshops involvement. The museum opened October 2023
The town is very supportive with an annual ANZAC service. There are hopes to have a meeting house on site at some stage.
Cambridge, Waikato is the sister city for LeQuesnoy
Speaker Thanks- Dean Thompson
.
Notices & Announcements
1/ Survey- Lisa thanked participants who had completed the survey. There
was good feedback received which will be given to Board and discussed at Club assembly.
2/ Website- Lisa is working on the website- Thanks Pat for the photos. Others please get photos to Lisa
16th Ave Theatre production- Another Rotary club may be interested in joining with some Sunrise members to attend if dates suit. Advise Lisa
Sports Marshalling- Michelle made a final appeal on behalf of Steve for Marshalls on 20th January 2023. Seems like there may now be enough. Michelle will contact Steve.
Taste of Waikato Books- Two remaining. Koha donation for anyone interested.
K Valley Bait Line- There may be issues accessing the storage room on site- If rostered in the next few days please contact Michelle prior to ensure that the door can be opened.
Xmas at the Beaton's- Please let Michelle or Simon know if attending on 17th December.
Raffle: The vino was won by James Clague
Sergeant at Arms –
Steve Dorrington has struggled to get over not being required 2 weeks ago and fined Dave for the double booking.
Steve gave us his reasons for becoming involved in the fossil fuel industry despite his Diploma in Environmental studies not being able to land him a job in a more sustainable field- lots of talk about educational institutions producing low value qualifications and no discussion at all regarding the quality of the applicant.
In the spirit of on giving gave Pat back the prize he put up for auction at the Crystal Palace.
Parting Thought from : Warren Banks
“The more you sweat in peace the less you bleed in war”
