Cassandra Shih – UN Intern in New York

Cassandra Shih was supported by Tawa Rotary for assistance towards her internship at the NZ Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.

Cassie shared her enriching experience seeing “international diplomacy in action”. Such experience with the UN included working on the Fifth Biennial Meeting of States targeted at tackling the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons; and the development of the Sustainable Development Goals or 'SDGs', which will replace the Millenium Development Goals in 2015.

She explained how there is no such thing as a ‘typical day’ and took us through an 8.30am to 10pm day as an intern that presented the opportunity to meet other interns from permanent missions of other countries; ensuring that the NZ Mission had the necessary information to deliver the most value when attending sessions. A memorable highlight was the opportunity that recognised how the UN team was working so hard – and they were invited to meet with Lorde and the former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Tawa Rotary has noted how this opportunity contributes to Cassandra’s development as a potential community leader, and that the internship is particularly relevant to Rotary International's focus on contributing to international humanitarian development.

Photo from left - President Martin Garcia, Cassandra Shih (centre), Past Pres. Laura Sommer, 28 Apr 2015

Members’ 3 Minute Talk

Paul Mears shared some memorable experiences from his time in the NZ Police. Paul’s son-in-law John Lewis, and Sam Lewis – Paul’s grandson, were welcomed to Tawa Rotary’s meeting.

Pictured from left - Sam Lewis, Paul Mears, John Lewis.

Upcoming events

Diana Crossan, CEO, Wellington Free Ambulance

Guest speaker for 5 May 2015 - Diana Crossan, appointed Chief Executive of Wellington Free Ambulance in February 2013, has accepted the challenge to speak on the following:

In recent times the subject of the Wellington Free Ambulance being a "standalone" service has arisen - and to put some context to that comment we have several members who have been involved with emergency services over time. In this age of consolidation, economies of scale, shared use of technology, Government funding and the like - the question has been asked "Why is there not one Ambulance Service in NZ and why is it not nationalised?" I am sure these sentiments are close to your heart and that you would love to put your views forward in response.

Salvation Army collection – 9 May

Message from PDG/IPP Pat Waite -

Thank you all for volunteering to collect on behalf of Salvation Army on Saturday 9th May at New World Tawa. As with last year there will be two collection points: Oxford Street entrance and Main Road entrance to New World.

Keith Wray will deliver buckets, signs etc by 9am on the day to the first person rostered at each entrance and he will call back to collect the buckets at 7pm from the last person on the roster.

Here are the rosters:

As you will see we still need 4x 1 hour "slots" for the Main Road entrance so if you know anyone who can help or if you would like to volunteer to do an extra shift I would be very grateful? If you suddenly find that you are not able to do your session for some reason can you please find your own replacement as it is not fair on the person you should be taking over from! Thanks very much. 

Cancer Awareness Public Evening, Karori

The next big event that Karori Rotary has coming up, on Thursday 14 May – a Cancer Awareness Education public evening at the Karori Baptist Church, Marsden Village Karori. Top surgeons have been invited to speak on trends and treatment of Prostate, Bowel and Melanoma cancers, big issues at the moment.

This is a Rotary initiative, coordinated by me, with the support of the Wellington Division of the Cancer Society and the ANZ Bank.

Hopefully, you may be free that evening to join us in Karori that evening. We are spreading the message widely to attract as much support from our various communities to come to this event.

David Watt

Past District Governor 9940

Rotary International - Relief for Nepal

From RI President, Gary C.K. Huang:

Dear Rotarian,

We express our profound sadness and extend our sympathies to all those affected by the devastation resulting from the 25 April deadly earthquake in Nepal. Rescue missions and emergency aid continue to arrive in Nepal for the 8 million people impacted by the massive 7.8 magnitude quake.

As we mourn the thousands of lost lives, Rotary joins many international agencies in providing immediate relief to survivors and mobilizing our expertise to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

How to help:

• District 3292, Nepal, has established a disaster relief fund to provide needed equipment and supplies to affected communities. Contact District Governor Kumar Piya for information about contributing to the fund.
• Rotary’s service partner ShelterBox is working closely with Nepali Rotarians to coordinate immediate relief efforts. On Monday, 27 April, and Wednesday, 29 April, Rotarians greeted ShelterBox response teams in Nepal who will mobilize temporary housing and relief efforts. An initial 1,000 housing tents and 1,000 shelter kits will be distributed throughout affected communities. Two more ShelterBox relief teams and additional kits are ready to be deployed once further assessments are complete. Learn more about supporting ShelterBox’s relief efforts.
• As with all disasters, the Rotary family may apply for global grants to support long-term recovery efforts in Nepal. Once immediate health, safety, and relief efforts have been addressed, work with local Nepali Rotary members and their international partners to develop projects within Rotary’s six areas of focus.

Monitor the announcements section of My Rotary for more information as it becomes available and do not hesitate to contact relief@rotary.org with any questions.

Our thoughts are with our Nepali neighbors during this difficult time. Thank you for continuing to Light Up Rotary through your compassion and generosity.

Yours in Rotary,

Gary C.K. Huang
President, Rotary International 2014-15