Rotary Paeroa was delighted to welcome District Governor Janine on her visit to the Club, where she shared her thoughts on the year ahead and challenged members to embrace three simple ideas: Be Visible, Be Bold and Be Connected.
Born and raised in a farming community in the Central North Island, Janine has always called Rotorua home. She is a sister, proud mum of three daughters and Nana to six grandchildren. Her working life has included education, the not-for-profit sector and forestry, where she spent the final 13 years of her career before retiring.
Volunteering has always been an important part of Janine's life and was one of the things that first drew her to Rotary. She described it as an incredible privilege and honour to serve Rotary members, clubs and communities across District 9930.
Janine's presentation was short and sweet, before she turned it over to members to respond and share how Rotary Paeroa was already putting her three challenges into action.
Member Viv explained that, as a long-standing "petrol head", she had been particularly persuasive in bringing the Motor show and Swapmeet to Rotary Paeroa. The event has become an important part of the Club's fundraising and community involvement, while also providing an opportunity to highlight Rotary to a much wider audience.
Treasurer Ivan highlighted another major decision from the Club's past. He explained that former member Roy Bennett's decision to purchase commercial property for Rotary had provided the Club with a regular source of revenue for many years. It was a bold decision at the time and one that continues to benefit Rotary Paeroa today.
President Kelvin then reflected on how the Club's current plan of action already ticks all three of Janine's boxes.
Be Visible: Rotary Paeroa continues to be active and visible within the local community, supporting projects and initiatives that make a genuine difference.
Be Bold: The Club continues to look for new ideas and opportunities, including fundraisers of a Golf Day and community Barn Dance sure to strengthen Rotary's future.
Be Connected: Most importantly, the Club is increasingly working in partnership with others. Rotary Paeroa is now working alongside the local Lions Club, has a member involved with the Paeroa Business Association, and is playing an active role in the Beautifying Paeroa initiative.
Kelvin also pointed to the Club's recent grant application and successful receipt of funding from the Hauraki District Council, demonstrating how partnerships can turn good ideas into practical community projects.
The discussion showed that while Janine's three challenges may sound simple, Rotary Paeroa is already demonstrating what they mean in practice. By being visible in the community, bold enough to try new ideas and connected with other organisations, the Club is well placed to continue making a positive difference across Paeroa and the wider Hauraki community.
Janine said she was looking forward to spending the next two years visiting clubs, celebrating their successes, hearing their stories and working alongside Rotarians as they continue to grow Rotary's impact.
For Rotary Paeroa, her visit provided both encouragement and a useful reminder that the work the Club is already doing fits very neatly with the direction being encouraged across District 9930.
