Rotary Club of Palmerston North (1924) ROTARY MATTERS! President David Petre, Secretary Steve Paterson, Treasurer Brian McMeikan President Elect Morva Croxson, Past President Lyn Gregg Monday 17 November 2014 Speaker: Ruma Karaitiana – CEO of Building & Construction ITO - NZ Topic: Where is the building industry heading and why do I want you to be interested? AND presentation of our “Rookie of the Year” Introduction: Colin Duckett Thanks: Brian Donnelly Reception: Latham Lockwood Grace: Alan Rowlett Annika’s Host: Rob Woodhouse Cashier: Brian McMeikan Attendance: Darlene Woodhead Sergeant: John Freebairn Corporals: Ron Eglinton/Allan Ford Parting Thought: Mark Buxton Editor: Chris Klein Monday 24 November 2014 Speakers: Topic: Erin and Mark Skelsey Active Minds Aotearoa. Inspiring Science for Students of all Ages Introduction: David Jopson Thanks: Andy Lowe Reception: Lyn Gregg Grace: Ken Rush 3 Minutes: Chris Michalski Cashier: Stu Schwartz Attendance: Lesley Boulton Sergeant: Roger Clausen Corporals: Garry Goodman and Brendan Hapeta Parting Thought: Del Costello Editor: Chris Michalski From our meeting on Monday 10 November, 2014 Attendance: 36 + 2 guests Make ups: Nil Sergeant’s Session: $126.40 ______________________________________________ President David: • Welcome to Ian Lees-Galloway and Anika • We had a nice thank you letter from Massey re our Cross Hills expedition • Del has been away recently and in hospital, but is recovering well, and will be back next week. • Chris Michalski announced that she has joined a new Club – The Grandparents Club! • Allan Ford announced that the annual Food Bank drive is coming up soon. It will be on Sat 29 Nov. Please meet at the Chalet on the lagoon at 4pm. Apologies to Olga Barrett 358-8798 or recorded on our website… Club # 18626 www.pnrotary.co.nz • Approx 12 people and trailers are needed. (Note that the date that Allan Ford gave was not quite right). Emma Dickins has been successful in winning a place at the Science Forum in Jan 2015 in Auckland, sponsored by our Club. Emma will also be Head Girl at PNGHS next year. Board Update from Morva • We have 56 members. Kevin Smith is on leave. • Two Icon Speakers for Youth Plus in 2015 will be Miss. Manawatu and Kimbra! • Congratulations to Latham who is now on the national Organising Committee for RYLA. Matthew Chamberlain has been nominated by our Club. 3 Minute Speaker – Allan Ford Allan described some of the challenges and fantastic personal support from Rotarians he received in the early years of building his property portfolio. With thanks in particular to the late Rotarian, George Taylor. Guest speaker – Lorraine Warren – Massey University Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Innovation and Entrepreneurship – What do Universities do?” Lorraine has been in PN since the end of June and is delighted with the warm welcome she has received both from Massey and the wider City community. Lorraine has ongoing research links and back in the UK and elsewhere. She hails from the UK and her Massey role spans PN, as well as Wellington and Albany. Lorraine noted that over 90% of businesses are SMEs. They have a high churn rate but this is where the majority of innovation comes from. Massey and the tertiary sector have a role to play in the influence of policy factors that encourage innovation by SMEs. These include tax rebates, research grants for R&D and the like. Other significant factors are Venture Capital firms and Investment “Angels”. Lorraine’s research includes methods by which firms innovate, and improvement of understanding of the whole innovation life cycle. Useful web links… District # 9940 www.rotary9940.org.nz DG’s Blog: www.9940.rotarysouthpacific.org Rotary Club of Palmerston North (1924) ROTARY MATTERS! President David Petre, Secretary Steve Paterson, Treasurer Brian McMeikan President Elect Morva Croxson, Past President Lyn Gregg Parting Thought: Roger Clausen “Innovation = Inspiration + Perspiration + Perseverance” Events 5 – 7 December - Rotary Institute 2014 + District 9940 Conference. President David invited members to join him and Morva at the Conference. The Conference boasts a high calibre of speakers, like former GovernorGeneral, Anand Satyanand. Entertainment will include Dame Malvina Major. Mon 15 December -- Christmas Function – Will be in the evening at IPC! Please mark your diaries. Apologies to Olga Barrett 358-8798 or recorded on our website… Club # 18626 www.pnrotary.co.nz Useful web links… District # 9940 www.rotary9940.org.nz DG’s Blog: www.9940.rotarysouthpacific.org