In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand In Gear - Issue 3 | Page 42

Martin Cooper I Master of ceremonies
Several Rotarians who work for Harcourts Wanaka have used their networks to
secure Martin, a seasoned speaker, mentor, businessman, auctioneer and real
estate executive, as the conference’s MC.
“What’s more, not only will he share his tips on fundraising, Martin has been
incredibly generous and waived his fee,” Deb says.
Gilbert Enoka I All Blacks’ mental skills coach and manager
Gilbert is a highly sought-after speaker, giving his audience an insight into the
psychology behind individual and team success in international sport, and how this
can be applied to any walk of life.
He’s presented keynote speeches throughout the world at more than 100 events,
talking leadership, performing under pressure, mental management, strategic
planning, effective business management and building thriving cultures.
As well as working with the All Blacks as mental skills coach and, latterly, manager,
he’s supported the Black Caps, Silver Ferns and New Zealand rally star Hayden
Paddon. Gilbert has also led the country’s largest real estate firm, Harcourts
International, for the past 12 years.
“We were very humbled – Gilbert joined Martin in waiving his fee in support of
Rotary, which we are so grateful for,” Deb says.
Rez Gardi I 2017 Young New Zealander of the Yea r
An invitation from district governor Janice Hughes to speak at 9980’s Our World.
A Better Place conference came before Rez was even nominated for Young New
Zealander of the Year.
Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Rez came to New Zealand aged six. She’s now
embarking on a legal career advocating for justice and equality for underprivileged
and marginalised people.
“We’re just thrilled that this remarkable young woman accepted, and that Rotarians
will have the chance to hear her remarkable journey first-hand, bearing in mind she
is particularly passionate about many of the very same areas of focus Rotary holds
dear.”
Daniel Flynn I Social entrepreneur, Thank You Group founder
At the age of 19, Daniel Flynn discovered, while 900 million people around the
world did not have access to safe drinking water, Australians spent $600 million on
bottled water each year.
As a result, Daniel founded ‘Thank You Water’, a social enterprise that empowers
Australians to fund safe water projects in developing nations through the sale of
bottled water. To date ‘Thank You Group’ has contributed to more than 100 water
projects across nine countries, and has helped bring safe water access to more
than 60,000 people.
Daniel’s motto? “Impossibility is only someone’s opinion, not a fact.”
Evan Burrell I Sydney Rotarian, actor and social media guru
In keeping with Rotary International president John Germ’s message on
membership and engagement, Australian Rotarian Evan Burrell has also been
asked to share his knowledge and experiences.
“One of Evan’s great skills is that he uses social media to show that Rotarians are
not only making a positive difference in the world, but they are having fun doing it,”
Deb says.
“He presents Rotary in a lighter and engaging way, showing the more fun and
humorous side to our organisation. He finds it grabs people’s attention – member
and non-member alike – and this makes the idea of Rotary more relatable,
Page 42 | In Gear - Rotary in southern New Zealand - District 9980 | www.rotarydistrict9980.org