Rotary background
New Zealands first Rotary clubs, the Rotary Club of Wellington and the
Rotary Club of Auckland, were chartered in 1921, 16 years after Chicago lawyer Paul
Harris, with three friends - a merchant, a coal dealer and a mining engineer - decided to
meet regularly for friendship and business networking.
They had set up their group as a stand against corruption and poor business ethics that
prevailed in Chicago at the time.
Other clubs soon sprung up with members rotating meeting venues hence the name
"Rotary". It wasnt long before they recognised the opportunity to use their
skills and business contacts to help their local communities and, later, to promote the
concept of world peace and understanding.
Rotarys achievements are all around us
Did you know that Rotary helped set up:
 Outward Bound Trust CCS (formerly Crippled Children's Society) The first Karitane Hospital Milk in
Schools Health Camps National Kidney Foundation Asthma
Society Riding for Disabled National Children's Health Research Foundation The first mobile TB clinic
Ronald McDonald House Auckland Ellerslie Flower
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Committed to the motto "Service Above Self", Rotarians are men and woman from a
wide range of professional, managerial or business ownership backgrounds representing New
Zealanders from builders to brain surgeons.
Many activities of Rotary have been lost in the mist of time:
The professional chair of obstetrics and gynaecology, University of
Auckland (in 1945) which eventually led to National Womens Hospital
Administration of the JR McKenzie Youth Education Fund
Outward Bound Trust (1961)
Give Kids a Chance (Otago and Southland)
Trees for Survival, school tree planting programme for erosion sites (1991)
Hutt City Tutukiwi Orchid House
Riddiford Park, Lower Hutt
All towns and neighbourhoods in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands where Rotary
has a presence have benefited from projects for local improvement and support of social,
economic, cultural, educational and environmental programmes.
Local and global
The worldwide family of Rotarians has grown to nearly 1.3 million in 31,000 clubs carrying
out global and local projects for illiteracy, disease, education and caring for the
environment.
New Zealand clubs have taken responsibilty for the Pacific Islands and helped
reconstruction after tropical cyclones, built schools and hospitals in Tonga, Samoa, the
Cook islands, Vanuatu and Fiji, and provided over700 "Rotahomes" for families
who previously lived in flimsy shelters.
Internationally, the biggest commitent todate has been the campaign to eradicate polio
worldwide, working in partnership with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and
government agencies. The 20-year project is on track for a polio-free world during 2005 -
Rotary's centennial year. Clubs around the world have contributed close to $NZ1billion for
oral vaccine and taken part in mass immunisation campaigns.
Rotary helps young people achieve
Many of Rotary's programmes are designed to give life-changing
opportunities to young people. These include:
International Youth Exchange - This offers secondary
school pupils aged 16 and 17 an opportunity to live with a familiy overseas, attending
school and learning about another culture. In return, New Zealand families host incoming
pupils.
GENESIS national Science and Technology Forum - An opportunity for
high-achieving secondary school students to experience science and technology campuses in
Auckland. Open to New Zealand students in Year 12 who will be returning to year 13 in
January and are planning to enter tertiary programmes in science and technology. A
two-week residential programme.
Rotary Australia/New Zealand Student Exchange - matched students 14-16
years live together with host families and attend school. Both students attend school and
live in Australia for Term 2 before travelling to New Zealand for a simular experience for
Term 3.
Challenge Camps - These week-long annual residential camps give young
disabled people aged 16-24 the chaqnce to take part in activities previously thought
beyond their reach. Whether they are wheelchair bound, blind or deaf, they do abseiling,
kayaking, swimming and learn from inspirational speakers. They all leave feeling ten-feet
tall.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - A residential seminar/camp for
young adults between 18-24, bringing together people who've shown leadership qualities.
Full-on activities including outdoor team building, discussions, meetings with
inspirational figures, debates and interaction over a week. Participants always include
their RYLA experience on their resumes.
Ambassadorial Scholarships - Ambassadorial scholars are granted up to
US$25,000 for transport, tuition and living expenses to undertake postgraduate study
usually for one year at an overseas institution or university. The purpose is to further
international under-standing and friendly relations among different people of different
countries.
Interact (for ages 14-18) and Rotaract, young adults 18-30 - clubs
operating under the guidance of a sponsoring Rotary club to give young people experience
in community service and leadership development.
Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) - A residential weekend
seminar for secondary school students aged 14-18, similar to RYLA. Aimed at
self-improvement and to broaden social and cultural horizons.
Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) - Teams of secondary school students
learn how United Nations works, its current issues, and take part in debates and problem
solving experiences.
Rotary World Peace Scholarships - The Rotary Centres for International
Studies in Peace and Conflict Resolution offer individuals committed to peace and
co-operation the opportunity to pursue a two year Master's level degree in international
studies, peace studies, and conflict resolution at one of the seven Rotary Centres for
International Studies established at partner Universities in five countries. The scholars
will be expected to act as ambassadors of goodwill wherever they go.
For a New Zealand Rotary club near you, phone
0800 4 ROTARY (0800 476 8279)
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