Monday 8th of May - It was a pleasure to welcome 25 Members from Auckland East RC , four from Penrose RC, one from Downtown, one from Harbourside and 36 of our own Members and Guests plus a visitor from Finland - Harry Swan Luung was a Rotary International Exchange Student here 53 years ago and has returned to NZ 16 times!
So what was the attraction? Antonia Watson CEO ANZ New Zealand, accompanied by her husband Tim Bartley and introduced by her uncle Norman Johnston Antonia delivered a most down to earth and enlightening address. An Old Girl of St Cuthberts Antonia entered the Economics and Banking profession after graduating firstly with KPMG in NZ. Upon commencing her OE in the 90's Antonia landed a job with Morgan Stanley in Budapest, Hungary then in the UK and Australia over a 13 year period before retuning to NZ as CFO of the ANZ. About three years ago Antonia was appointed interim CEO of the ANZ before becoming CEO New Zealand. With such a high profile one could have expected Antonia to be high powered and fast but she was charming, bright and very engaging. David McAuley expressed the Clubs appreciation with a warm vote of thanks.
Almoners update - Roy Ausin remains in Auckland Hospital, Colin Wilson is in Shalom Court, Ken Neighbours is recovering well in his unit at Edmund Hillary and Don Hawke is well on the road to recovery expecting to return to Rotary on 22nd May.
Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal at New World Remuera, Community Director John Cowan has reported that a full contingent of collectors will be assisting with this appeal this Thursday. Thank you John and all those involved.
Apology. I feel I must comment on the unfortunate publicity generated last weekend by the St Johns and Auckland East Clubs. Both Clubs have apologised and I am sure they are now reflecting on poor judgement and a debate topic which pushed the boundaries as Rotary is very strictly a non-political organisation. To me the main villain was the individual who posted the image on social media in the first place. As our AG Joyti Singh said to me we all work so hard building good relationships and doing such good work in the Community we must overcome such distractions.
Speaker next week - Tane van den Boon on Innovation.
Enjoy a fine weekend,
