In a traditional sense a new year is a time of renewal just as we do in Rotary by celebrating the year that has passed and to look forward to the opportunities in the year ahead.

Article by PDG Sarita McLean, Rotary Public Image Coordinator

It is fantastic to be starting a new Rotary year at the same time we here in New Zealand celebrate Matariki.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). Matariki was used to determine the coming season's crop. A warmer season, and therefore a more productive crop yield, was indicated by how bright the stars were. Matariki provides an ideal opportunity to explore the ways that people pass on and sustain aspects of their culture and heritage. If you would like to know a little more about Matariki click here.

In a traditional sense a new year is a time of renewal just as we do in Rotary by celebrating the year that has passed (through our club and District changeover events) and to look forward to the opportunities in the year ahead. We also thank all those people who have given their time to serve at club, district and zone level and welcome all those new to the role on 1 July.

I would like to particularly thank Gina Growden for her leadership and perseverance over the 3 years. I would also like to thank the Assistant Public Image Coordinators PDG Julie Mason, PDG Melodie Kevan, PDG Mike Woods, PDG Liz Courtney and Evan Burrell for being part of Gina’s team and helping us tell Rotary’s story. Thank you.

Public Image is one of our major challenges, but one which I am hopeful that the team of 2021 will tackle to the best of its abilities. The Regional Leadership Team of (Zone Director, Rotary Coordinator, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator and Regional Public Image Coordinator) are committed to working collaboratively as very simply, we need each other whether it is to help raise funds for The Rotary Foundation, embark on membership drives or celebrate the wonderful work carried out by clubs and districts. I am excited to introduce the Zone 8 Public Image Team:

• Jess Karlsson (Districts 9455, 9465, 9510)
• PDG Darryl Iseppi (Districts 9560, 9620)
• Andy Marselos (Districts 9640, 9650, 9670)
• DGE Ken Miller (Districts 9780, 9800, 9810)
• Ros Tierney (Districts 9790, 9820, 9830)
• PDG Malini Raghwan (Districts 9910, 9920, 9930)
• PDG Liz Courtney (Districts 9940, 9970, 9980)

We are supported by Angela Stavrogiannopoulos (Senior Communications) from the Rotary International Regional Office Support. Please do reach out to us if you have any questions.

Do not forget that the 2021 Virtual Conference on the 11th and 12th of September will also include a video showcase of some the most impactful projects delivered by Rotary clubs and Rotarians around our zone. If you would like your club to be featured, please do let us know. We will also be hosting a breakout session so do not forget to register!