In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 1

OUR CLUB IN THE By Janice Hughes, district governor Rotarians, whenever we take up a challenge, forge new territory, or throw our all into a project, we do so knowing we’re never alone. The same can be said for the ideas that drive Rotary. Another of Rotary’s great strengths is like minds who sure know how to make things – often the seemingly impossible – happen. It’s no secret Rotary is very much in repositioning mode, adjusting – as are all other organisations, philanthropic and otherwise – to this new, fast-paced digital world. Each edition during my district governorship, I want to cast the spotlight on a club within District 9980 that I feel is leading the way, and braving a brand new Rotary world with heart and flair, and share what I know of their cultural fabric. There are a fair few contenders, I tell you, but this issue, I’m putting the spotlight on ... the Rotary Club of Waimate. What is it with Waimate? I’m not sure if they spike the baking, or there’s a little something special that goes in the drink, but every time I leave the Rotary Club of Waimate, I do so with a spring in my step, invigorated and inspired. If I had to put it in a nutshell, I’d say Waimate boxes well, well above its weight: Waimate does positive. Waimate does teamwork. Waimate does outside-thebox thinking. Waimate does community engagement. Waimate does strong communication. Waimate does: “give it a go”. Waimate does innovation and new initiatives. Waimate does Rotary so, so proud. The club’s always had “good bones” since its inception in 1947, a strength members put down to the vision of Rotarians past and present. One of the things I just love about our Waimate crew is their willingness to change things up. Take last year. The motto was: “Positivity and Evolution”. So, they ditched the three-minute talks, and encouraged members to share their positive news. If there was any reluctance at the start, that’s certainly Page 26 | In Gear - Rotary in Southern New Zealand - District 9980 | www.rotarydistrict9980.org

In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 1 | Page 26