by Brad Miller, MG #68082 Chair

First, the GOOD NEWS – Rotary Foundation has approved the Matching Grant to create a Vocational Carving Center for the Maoris in Hokianga in the North Island of New Zealand.  The announcement was received this week and clubs on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are submitting their pledged funds together with their District matching funds.  Once submitted the Rotary Foundation (TRF) can wire all the monies to New Zealand into a special account has been set up solely for the purpose of managing the $NZD22,667 for the equipment and materials.

The NOT SO GOOD NEWS – Local clubs had been refurbishing the barn that will house the equipment and training classes, at their own expense.  The first phase was $NZ6000 of materials to repair the barn roof and insulate with 5 local Rotarians as the labor.These are NOT matching grant funds.

A huge storm blew much of the roof off the partly repaired building and it has to be redone. The storm blew the corrugated iron so far the pieces could not be found on the property.  For any members who have thought about contributing to this project (and obtaining more Paul Harris credit)… now would be a good time!  The exchange rate has improved greatly to over $NZ1.60 per U.S. dollar. Contributions of any size would help.

A second phase also budgeted for materials at $NZ6000 to provide drainage, a concrete walkway, electrical, float the concrete floor and paint is on hold.