"Zoom is Back!!Last week a total of 19 members and 4 guests signed in to our first Zoom Meeting of the year, and regrettably it is likely more Zoom Meetings lie ahead of us.
We will keep you advised via email and the Bulletin as to what the meeting format each week will be.
At this meeting District Governor Steve Chaney was scheduled to address us and bring us up to speed with District plans and aspirations for the new Rotary year.
Unfortunately just as he was about to speak Steve started to feel unwell and decided it was best if he left the meeting. He extended his apologies to all and we hope that you are feeling much better now Steve and we look forward to your next visit which hopefully will be a face to face encounter!!
Also visiting the club last week was ADG Ashwini Sadhu and in Steve's absence she took the opportunity to introduce herself. Ashwini immigrated to New Zealand from Fiji in 1995 and is currently a member of the Harbourside Rotary Club. Although she hasn't had the opportunity to visit our club before, she is well aware of the good work we do and knows that we are a strong and healthy club. However, if there is ever any help we need from District we must not hesitate to contact her.
Following the discussion with Ashwini DG Elect Allan updated the club on how Fiji is coping with Covid19 and regrettably, as Allan has advised us in the past, it is not a good story. District are, of course, very aware of the huge challenges that they are facing and are continuing to do what they can to support the Fijian Rotary Clubs and our fellow Rotarians.
As we still had time available, Claire was then invited to update the meeting on the latest happenings in Madagascar and with ONJA. There are now four Graduates working in semi-permanent roles, but finding full time work is proving challenging. There could well be opportunities for New Zealand Companies taking advantage of the need for Software Developers and Claire ensured us that the price would be good. So if any members know of anyone who may be looking for Software Developers, at the right price, please put them in touch with Claire as soon as possible. Such an introduction could be a win win for all.
Prior to our Zoom meeting coming to an end, our Co-Presidents reminded all members, subject to Covid restrictions, that our Quiz night is still scheduled to go ahead on Friday September 24th, and tickets are being purchased, so to be sure of getting your own table confirmed, now would be a good time to sign up. We are also still looking for sponsors and auction items so if you think that you can help in this regard please do not hesitate to contact Penny or Lesley.
The meeting wound-up at 8.30am and, as already advised, an email will be sent to all members early this week confirming the status of our meeting on August 26th.