Learning about our history
Kia ora Club Members,
What a wonderful start we have had to this year. Joe Wakefield, Deputy Chair of the Waihopai runaka was our guest speaker at the first formal lunch meeting we had for 2024.
Joe's talk was insightful and educational. He took us through his whakapapa, his genealogy which identified the many links he has to iwi across the country as well as to Scotland, Ireland, UK, US. He identified the importance of knowing where you are from to be able to move forward. He spoke about his forefathers from 850AD and how they were the first settlers in the South Island.
I found the story of how Maori demi-god Kiwa, summoned Kewa the magical whale to create Foveaux Strait quite fascinating! Thank you Joe for you you lovely story telling and sharing your family history with us. One thing that links Joe's story to Rotary is the importance we place on strong ties to family and community.
Reminders:
- Hawthorndale Dementia Care are hosting Rotarians on Wednesday 21 February starting at 5:30pm followed by a BBQ tea. The tours will take place in groups of 10 and it would be great to have members of our club present as well. If you can make it, please let me know as we need to confirm numbers to them.
- Drive A Dream hosted by the Rotary Club of Invercargill East will be held on Sunday 25 February 2024 at Teratonga Park. More details are in the poster below
- The Rotary Day of action - our combined Rotary activity is scheduled to be held on Saturday 23 March. Further details will be shared once we have them from DGE Dave McKissock
- South Island Conference - Lisa-Maree has been able to get us a special rate at Ashford Motor Lodge for those of us attending the conference on 20 April 2024. You can read the full details here.
