Read on to find out what happened at our meeting, what’s
coming up, and who will be doing what at the next meeting.
🚨 NEWSFLASH!! 🚨
We're heading back to the RSA for our next meeting, which coincides with the Melbourne Cup. This will be a Partners & Friends Meeting, so feel free to bring your partner or guests along.
As the RSA will be catering for us, confirmed numbers are required no later than Friday 30 October. Please email or message Kelvin with your attendance numbers as soon as possible so that the RSA can be advised of accurate catering numbers.
Don't miss what promises to be a fun and social Melbourne Cup meeting! 🏇🍾
Guest Speaker
Ben Duffield
Owner Operator 4 Square Ngatea
As a relatively new owner of Four Square Ngatea, Ben provided Rotary members with an insightful look behind the scenes of both the Four Square brand and the wider Foodstuffs North Island cooperative. His presentation highlighted how Foodstuffs North Island, a 100% New Zealand-owned cooperative, combines the buying power and resources of a major grocery organisation with the independence and local knowledge of owner-operated stores.
Ben explained that Four Square, established in 1924, has become one of New Zealand’s most recognised retail brands by focusing on convenience, friendly service, and strong community connections. While each store is locally owned and operated, Foodstuffs provides extensive support through purchasing, distribution, marketing, and business services.
Members were particularly interested to learn about the sophisticated supply chain that keeps store shelves stocked. Products are sourced from approved suppliers and distributed through Foodstuffs’ network of distribution centres, with deliveries made throughout the North Island to ensure freshness and availability. At the same time, local owners retain the flexibility to stock products that meet the needs of their community and to support local suppliers.
Ben also spoke about the important role Four Square stores play within their communities. Beyond providing groceries and employment, stores regularly support schools, sports clubs, charities, and families in need through sponsorships, donations, and local initiatives.
Ben also demonstrated his commitment to community involvement by pledging his support for Rotary Paeroa. He encouraged members to reach out whenever assistance was needed, noting that supporting local organisations and initiatives was "just a matter of asking". His willingness to partner with Rotary was warmly received and further highlighted the community-focused values that underpin the Four Square brand.
His presentation clearly demonstrated that the strength of Four Square lies in combining the resources of Foodstuffs North Island with local ownership, personalised service, and genuine community engagement. Members thanked Ben for providing a fascinating insight into an iconic New Zealand business and its vital role in supporting local communities.
🗣️ TWO MINUTE SPEAKER
The Days Of A Vet Having To Insert The Arm Have Gone!
Nobody quite knew what to expect when Ivan rose to deliver his two-minute talk. Spread out before him was an unusual collection of items: an old television monitor, an elephant tusk, a pair of shoulder-length latex gloves, a television remote control, and, most intriguingly, a broad smile.
As Ivan began to explain the tools of his trade as a veterinarian working with dairy cattle, the mystery quickly unravelled. The “elephant tusk” proved to be a specialised probe used during pregnancy scanning, while the “TV remote” was an ultrasound scanner no longer connected to the ageing monitor but to a laptop. The long latex gloves were once an essential part of the process, allowing vets to manually examine cows internally to determine pregnancy status and reproductive health.
Ivan explained that pregnancy scanning is a critical management tool for dairy farmers. Early and accurate identification of pregnant and non-pregnant cows allows farmers to make informed breeding, feeding and herd management decisions, improving both productivity and animal welfare. Traditionally, this involved a great deal of manual examination, a physically demanding process that often resulted in aches, pains, and repetitive strain injuries for veterinarians.
Modern ultrasound technology has revolutionised the job. The portable scanner provides a clear image of what is happening inside the cow, delivering faster and more accurate results while significantly reducing the physical toll on those performing the examinations. Hence the smile that accompanied Ivan's collection of props!
There was even talk of Ivan returning to a future meeting with a cow to demonstrate the process in practice. While members were enthusiastic about the idea, there remains a lingering question as to whether the RSA would be equally enthusiastic about a dairy cow becoming the first four-legged creature to christen its newly installed carpet!
Bits & Pieces of Interest And importance
Due to an oversight by the President, several new members were advised that subscriptions were $23.00 per month and have been happily paying that amount ever since. Following a review by the Directors, it was agreed that an increase was appropriate, and subscriptions for all members will therefore increase to $23.00 per month from the next billing cycle. Thanks to members for their understanding, and to our newest members for unintentionally leading the way.
The Paeroa RSA recently faced a $5,000 shortfall to complete the replacement of its dining room carpet. The Directors had agreed, subject to member ratification, to contribute $2,500 towards the project. However, following discussion, members unanimously agreed that Rotary Paeroa should cover the full $5,000 shortfall. The proposal was warmly supported and duly ratified, ensuring the RSA could proceed with the carpet replacement without delay.
RYLA - Open to 21 - 28 year old. Great personal development course held at Lake Karapiro Sunday 11 - Friday 17 April. Cost is $1,000 but there are grants available. If you know of a work colleague, family member or young friend who would benefit from this course please email President Kelvin krgricketts@gmail.com
Awaiting bright, inclusive, entertaining, fellowship ideas for our Christmas function - please speak up!!
📅 events, socials, and Vocational Visits
Santa Parade is 4 December the theme being Wrapped Up
Car show is Saturday 27 February.
Barn Dance at Maritime Museum is 13 March We might look at pre-empting the visit by having our first meeting of 2027 there?
🙋 Volunteers Needed
Trail Ride Reminder: The Trail Ride is on Sunday 8 November. Walter still needs eight volunteers, so please contact him if you can help. Your support will make a big difference.
Lions require Marshall's for the Santa Parade - 4 December. This will be a short walk up and down an allocated section of the main road to ensure people stay off the road whilst the parade is traveling through.
🏫 Central School Support
Mona and Rich will work together on a plan!
🗣️ Voices from the Floor
No calls from the floor
🗂️ Meeting Duties – 3 November -
early start 4:30pm!!
Sergeant: Eugene
2-Minute Talk: NA
Hospitality Includes Hall Set-Up: Rich
Dinner Thanks: Tui
Intro Speaker: NA
Speaker: No Speaker - Melbourne Cup followed by a Club Forum
Thank Speaker: NA
Stewards: Anyone & Everyone
Parting Thought: Steve
Raffle: Mona
LAUGH TIME
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and fat. Alex Levine
My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying.- Rodney Dangerfield
Money can't buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery. - Spike Milligan
Until I was thirteen, I thought my name was SHUT UP. - Joe Namath
I don't feel old. I don't feel anything until noon. Then it's time for my nap. - Bob Hope
I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it. - W. C. Fields
We could certainly slow the aging process down if it had to work its way through Congress. - Will Rogers
