In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 2 | Page 5

The Rotarians in
these pages have
shared more than
words; they have left
us with true gifts.
Let’s honour and
acknowledge them.”

all over the globe? President Dr Chris Bloore, of
Dunedin, explains all in this edition. Spoiler alert:
it was rather quirky and great fun. Our warmest
congratulations to Chris and the team for all the
hard work and dedication that’s driven the e-club’s
establishment.
In this world of ever-increasing change, resilience
is where it’s at. As individuals and as organisations,
finding healthy ways to survive and bounce back
from change is no longer optional, it’s critical. Society
has changed. Life has changed. And, once more, our
country’s landscape has changed, too.
Our hearts and thoughts are with those who have
been affected by the earthquakes. One of our own,
president-elect of our newly-chartered E-Club of
WASH Rob Overly and his wife, Kate, a GP at the
local health centre, were in Kaikoura when the 7.8
magnitude quake struck. Rob shares his story in this
issue.
There is clearly a very long road to recovery ahead for
Kaikoura and surrounding districts; Wellington, also,
is facing its share of challenges. We think, too, of the
people who mightn’t have been in these particular
quakes’ immediate line, but were close enough to have
nerves rattled and painful memories brought rushing
right back. Kia kaha.
Rotary has launched an appeal in the wake of the
quake – and I am very proud to say District 9980 and
our clubs have donated more than $8500 already. As
we go to print with In Gear, we’re considering possible
projects, looking into which best meet the affected
communities’ needs and fit well with Rotary’s areas of
focus. We’ll keep you posted.

With Rob’s community contacts, our E-Club of WASH
is exploring ways our newest club might lend its
expertise, given the challenges facing Kaikoura
and surrounding districts when it comes to water
and sanitation. Remember, while the club is based
in District 9980, it meets in cyberspace and its
membership includes some of the world’s leading
lights in the water, sanitation and hygiene field.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have
contributed to this, our summer edition of In Gear.
Your Rotary stories speak volumes. The content
list for the next issue is already underway, and
it’s looking pretty impressive, too. Remember, if
you have a news tip, please let us know as soon as
possible.
It’s hard to believe I’m nearly half-way through
my year-long tenure as district governor already.
There will be no letting up in the second half.
Rotary International’s recommendation we explore
restructuring means we might just have to look at
sprinkling a tad more pepper on progress.
In the meantime, Clayton and I wish you all the very
merriest of Christmases, a wonderful New Year, and
a safe and relaxing holiday season with your loved
ones. Thank you so very much for all you do for
Rotary, 9980’s communities and important causes
further afield. You make a difference.
Bring on 2017 ... it’s sizing up to be a bit of a cracker all
round.

Janice

Page 5