An update from our District Governor, Gary Hopkinson.

Talking face-to-face through a screen and microphone is a solution being applied faster than the spread of the Covid-19 virus as Rotary Clubs respond to the isolation of members and the need to keep each other informed.

The speed at which club leaders have stepped up and connected with new technology tools including ZOOM live video, Whatsapp chats and face-to-face Messenger links, is truly impressive.

Enforced separation has members joining what their children already knew through their digital homework assignments. You can talk and learn and share social chat through a screen. We can keep alive the fellowship and desire to meet with like-minded people committed to serving their communities both within their own district and on the international stage.

Our commitment to service within our community and on the international stage makes Rotary stand out from other service clubs. Rotary has endured in New Zealand for nearly 100 years.

The new digital platforms are a far cry from the soap box oratory of our forebears in Rotary. The new generation of communication tools have been tried and proven in commerce and education for a long time.

As your District Governor I have been asked by member clubs for directions on how to proceed. My advice is simple: just get on and do it. Take up the tools that are needed to do the job. To keep each engaged and to inform our communities.

And what about members who claim no knowledge of these new digital tools? We must continue to accommodate them by speaking through the medium they know, often voice-to-voice,or by written newsletters.

For the first time in history New Zealand has joined with countries around the world in closing our borders and using the power of law to force isolation on our citizens. We are isolated from each other and Rotary must show by example the way forward. We must embrace online communications and reinforce the trust in Rotary by the communities we serve.

Our district has purchased a new ZOOM licence for extended meetings with up to 100 participants. To book a time please email the District Administrator Ken Booth distsec2020@gmail.com. You can also have a free subscription to Zoom, however there is a limit of 40 minutes.

A list of E-clubs across the zone for Australia and New Zealand is being collated and will be sent to us shortly. This will enable New Zealand clubs to visit an established E-club and see how they work, further details to follow.

We are also compiling stories about small projects under the banner ‘Our Best Little Club Project’ which will be of interest and perhaps inspire.  Continue reading the newsletter for project profiles from Hokitika Rotary, Blenheim South Rotary and Christchurch Sunrise Rotary. 

Rotary and its members are confronted with a rapidly changing environment with the outbreak of Covid-19 virus. Please follow the official advice of the Ministry of Health and on the dedicated Covid19 website. 

The Rotary Oceania website (www.rotaryoceania.zone) has some important ideas on how to keep engaging with our members.

We are in this together as Rotarians and will respond to the needs by supporting each other to enable ongoing serviced to the community. Stay safe and look out for each other.

Best wishes
Gary Hopkinson