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November/December 2017 LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
• Aotea train back on track
• Magazine changes for 2018
SOUTH PACIFIC EDITION
November/December 2017 / 1
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
FROM NARESH AGGARWAL, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
We need Lionism from every Lion
Have you ever been on a Lions who attend convention also find affirmation. It is great
great vacation where you to be a Lion. It’s great to be part of a worldwide service
did a lot and saw a lot? association that makes the world a better place. It’s great
When you get back home, to play a role in reversing blindness, feeding the hungry and
you are eager to tell family improving the environment.
and friends all about it.
In Chicago we celebrated 100 years of service and charted
But it’s hard not only to recount our course for the next few years. We’ll do our traditional
specifics but also to convey just how service regarding vision, but we also will focus on hunger,
exciting it was or how you almost felt the environment, paediatric cancer and diabetes. Your
Naresh Aggarwal like a different person. Words can’t contribution, however big or small, is appreciated. More
International President capture what you experienced and importantly, it’s needed.
how remarkable it all was.
Thank you for embracing We Serve. Thank you for attending
The same inadequacy of words confronts me now. I want to tell meetings, flipping pancakes and collecting eyeglasses. What
you about the centennial convention and how wonderful it was. you do as a Lion is invaluable. As Mother Teresa said, “I can
But you needed to be there to appreciate it. It was a party, a do things you cannot. You can do things I cannot. Together
celebration, a gathering of Lions from Alabama to Zimbabwe. we can do great things.”
That’s the main takeaway: the universality of Lions. We are
So if you were not able to make it to Chicago let me affirm
nearly everywhere. And for a week we were in one place.
what you do as a Lion. Together, “We Serve” over 100 million
Believe me, it’s exhilarating just to walk down a hallway or get people each year. While this number is amazing, I want to focus
into an elevator to find yourself surrounded by Lions worldwide. on another number. This year, my deepest wish is that each
And the beauty of that is that strangers quickly become friends. of our 1.4 million Lions must serve. We need some Lionism
The bond of service we share enables Lions to look past from every Lion.
obvious differences in cultures, customs and languages and Naresh Aggarwal
to find instant camaraderie. Lions Clubs International President
Reducing hunger is one of our top priorities
For Americans, Thanksgiving is a celebration of their Thanks to the “green revolution” that increased crop production,
blessings. Yet, in most nations, giving thanks also hunger can be conquered. It’s largely a matter of getting food we
is a part of the culture. In India, Hindus begin their have to people in need. Well, with Lions, we’ve eliminated the
day in their home shrine venerating the divine with middleman. We have an army of volunteers, foot soldiers willing
fresh flowers and prasadam (a food offering). Every and able to defeat hunger.
Hindu festival involves counting one’s blessings and
Understanding how vital food obviously is and how well-positioned
thanking God.
Lions are to lessen it, Lions Clubs International has prioritised
Giving back out of gratitude also is part of the culture of Lions. We hunger as one of Lions’ five core concerns. So, Lions, support
serve because we are thankful. We recognise our advantages and your local food pantry and bank. Help feed low-income children at
deeply desire to give others what they lack. schools. Donate to LCIF, which routinely supports highly effective
Lions’ projects to lessen hunger.
Sadly, many people worldwide lack enough food. Nearly 800
million people go to bed hungry each night, and a person starves Do what you can. As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do
to death every 15 seconds. Hunger is a problem both in developing great things. But we can do small things with great love.” So with
and developed nations. Shockingly, 16 million US households are your club or district feed the hungry. Lions will not fail those in such
undernourished, while 180 million people in my home country desperate need. This Thanksgiving, indeed each and every month,
of India lack food. In Africa, the situation is even worse. Millions I give thanks to all 1.4 million Lions and an estimated 175,000
experience chronic hunger because of drought, conflict and high Leos, men and women and youths grateful for their blessings
food prices. and determined to save and enrich lives by stamping out hunger.
2 / November/December 2017
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
SOUTH PACIFIC EDITION / November December 2017
EDITOR:
Contributions are welcome and should be emailed
to lioneditor@lionsclubs.org.nz or posted to The
Editor, P O Box 3276, Wellington 6140,
New Zealand.
LION South Pacific Edition accepts no responsibility for
unsolicited material, nor for the opinions expressed or
coincidental names used, by the authors.
Contents copyright.
LION magazine, official publication of Lions Clubs
International, is published by authority of the board of
directors in 20 languages – English, Spanish, Japanese,
French, Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean,
Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian,
Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian and Thai.
Publications Committee: MD202 PR & Communications
Committee
7 18
Publications Executives: Lions Clubs International: Editor-
in-chief: Sanjeev Ahuja; Managing Editor: Christopher
Bunch; Senior Editor: Jay Copp.
Distribution: Distribution of this magazine is by bulk
delivery to each Lions Club from where it is distributed to
each Lions member. Updating of membership numbers
is carried out by District Secretaries each month.
Queries in relation to distribution should be addressed to
The Executive Officer, P O Box 691, Orewa 0946, New
Zealand or email executiveofficer@lionsclubs.org.nz.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
International President: NARESH AGGARWAL, Delhi,
India; Immediate Past President: ROBERT (BOB)
22 28
CORLEW, Milton, Tennessee, USA; First Vice President:
GUDRUN BJORT YNGVADOTTIR, Gardabaer, Iceland;
Second Vice President: JUNG-YUL CHOI, Pusan,
Republic of Korea; Third Vice President: HAYNES H
TOWNSEND, Dalton, Georgia, USA.
Contents
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORS
SECOND YEAR (elected in Fukuoka, Japan)
BRUCE BECK, Palisade, Minnesota, USA; ANTHONY
“TONY” BENBOW, Vermont South, Australia; K
DHANABALAN, Erode, India; LUIZ GERALDO
04 Editorial MATHEUS FIGUEIRA, Brasilia, Brasil; MARKUS
FLAAMING, Espoo, Finland; ELISABETH HADERER,
8/9 Knights of the Blind keep up the fight Overveen, the Netherlands; MAGNET LIN, Taipei,
Taiwan; SAM H LINDSEY JR, Hilltop Lakes, Texas,
12 Wanaka Leos watery gift USA; N ALAN LUNDGREN, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA;
JOYCE MIDDLETON, Bridgewater, Massachusetts,
USA; NICOLIN CAROL MOORE, Arima, Trinidad and
18 Year in review Tobago; YASUHISA NAKAMURA, Saitama, Japan;
ARUNA ABHEY OSWAL, Gujrat, India; VIJAY KUMAR
19 Aotea train back on track RAJU VEGESNA, Visakhapatnam, India; ELIEN VAN
DILLE, Ronse, Belgium; JENNIFER WARE, Rapid River,
Michigan, USA; JAEPUNG YOO, Cheongju, Korea.
24 Major changes to your LION magazine FIRST YEAR (elected in Chicago, Il, USA)
DOO-HOON AHN, Seoul, South Korea; SANDRO
CASTELLANA, Podova, Italy;
November/December 2017
CHITI HASTINGS ELI, Lusaka, Zambia; WILLIAM
GALLIGANI, Nimes, France;
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
TOM GORDON, Ontario, Canada; NICOLÁS JARA
ORELLANA, Quito, Ecuador; ARDIE KLEMISH,
Adair, Iowa, USA; ALICE LAU, Guangzhou, China;
CONNIE LECLEIR-MEYER, Mondovi, Wisconsin, USA;
VIRINDER “V.K.” LUTHRA, Patna, Bihar, India; DATUK
K NAGARATNAM, Malacca, Malaysia; DON NOLAND,
St Peters, Missouri, USA; REGINA RISKEN, Giessen,
Germany; YOSHIO SATOH, Chikuma City, Japan;
PATRICIA “PAT” VANNETT, Mandan, North Dakota,
USA; GWEN A WHITE, Columbia, North Carolina,
USA; NICOLAS “NICK” XINOPOULOS, Brownsburg,
Indiana, USA.
MD202 COUNCIL CHAIRMAN: GRAEME WILSON,
Invercargill East.
Porirua City Council project manager DISTRICT GOVERNORS: 202D PHIL THEOBALD,
Palmerston North Fitzherbert; 202E PETER GAMBLE,
Philip Royle (left) and Waitangirua Lion Lyttelton; 202F LIZ MURRAY, West Otago; 202J LORNA
Aotea train back on track Kevin Wright are delighted to see the INCH, Lake Tekapo; 202K FRANK KING-TURNER,
Magazine changes for 2018 Wellsford; 202L ARVIND RAMAN, Hamilton Dinsdale;
Aotea Lagoon train back on track.
202M REX BULLARD, Silverstream
Photo courtesy of Porirua City Council.
SOUTH PACIFIC EDITION
www.lionsclubs.org.nz
www.facebook.com/LionsClubsNZ
November/December 2017 / 1
November/December 2017 / 3
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
EDITORIAL
Looking back
As another calendar year draws to a close, it Recycle in an effort to cut down on the amount of “stuff” that
is interesting to reflect on the many and varied is being produced and discarded.
projects you Lions have been busy with. There is no
Of course, the most important thing for most Lions clubs is
doubt that the motto “We Serve” has been well and
their commitment to their local community. Clubs truly make
truly upheld.
a difference by providing support and labour for hundreds of
Commitment to being Knights of the Blind continues – with projects – large and small, continuous or one-off – to make
Masterton Holdsworth Lions contributing to a wonderful service their communities a better place to live.
in Wairarapa, eye-screening in primary schools. It is clear from
Rotorua East Lions have made a huge difference to the
the number of referrals that this service is absolutely vital as
youth of their area, with their massive support of the Eastside
many children have missed out getting much need glasses.
Youth Space project. Giving the young people facilities for
This of course has a huge impact on their learning capabilities
entertainment and other activities provides an important
with long-term effects on their lives.
foundation for growing good grown-ups in the future.
Karori Lion Jennie Vowles and Ferrymead Lion Neil Pugh
And Toko Lions have shown extraordinary compassion for
take their roles as convenors of their respective club’s lens
the farmers in their area. Recognising that it has been a hard
screening projects very seriously, and have recently completed
year for this group, who rarely share their pain with the outside
a second tour of duty with the Volunteer Ophthalmic Service
world, the club organised a simple “pie and pint” to provide
Overseas. The pair visited Fiji to assist with the dispensing of
some light relief. The addition of a special guest (with Lions
hundreds of pairs of glasses to people – many in remote island
connections) was the icing on the cake (or should that be the
villages – who otherwise would have no chance of seeing an
tomato sauce on the pie?).
eye specialist.
It’s great to learn that Orewa Lions Club has taken on the
It is interesting to note that optometrist Ravi Dass (aka Mr
management of the Heads Up for Kids project. This on-going
Foureyes) had a role to play in both these stories. He is the
Lions project still has enormous potential to provide funding
man who first introduced the Wairarapa primary schools eye-
for good Kiwi kids to experience outdoor education that they
screenings, and he was one of the volunteers on the VOSO
might otherwise not be able to.
trip to Fiji.
So keep those unwanted coins rolling in, and while you are
Has he been invited to become a Lion, we wonder?
at it, keep on collecting Kan Tabs for Kidney Kids along with
Commitment to the environment is a massive undertaking for spectacles and sunglasses. Simple recycling projects that
the Lions of Whangarei Mid Western. Their dedication to the don’t cost anything, but provide such a boost to the recipients.
Tangihua Forest is huge, with public education programmes
Major changes lie ahead for LION magazine next year (see
and hands-on trapping playing a major part in this countries
page 24). We are grateful to LCI for the support given to make
ambition to become predator free.
this great communication tool even better with the introduction
Norsewood Lions also have made a long-term commitment to of the digital version. More exciting digital tools are being
the environment in their area, with their centennial project of a introduced, and all that remains is for Lions to take advantage
major upgrade to a precious piece of native forest at ANZAC of these 21st century additions.
Park. They too are heavily involved in pest eradication, as well
On that positive note – we at the LION magazine office wish
as creating tracks and paths to enable members of the public
you all a safe and relaxing Christmas/New Year break. We look
to easily access this beautiful area.
forward to hearing your inspiring stories next year.
On a smaller scale, Selwyn Lions held a competition for Iain Morrison
members to raise awareness of the need to Reduce/Reuse/ Editor, Lion South Pacific edition
Mission statement of Lions Clubs International:
TO EMPOWER volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage
peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
4 / November/December 2017
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
HEADS UP FOR KIDS
New lease on life for HU4K
By Mandy Hebben
Orewa Lions Club is delighted
to take on the Multiple District
Heads Up for Kids co-ordinator
role. We applied for this after
working with Red Beach
Primary School to obtain a
HU4K grant for an out-of-
school-experience trip.
Many of the children in the school
come from single parent families and
extracurricular activities are too costly
for many meaning that the children
miss out.
The children had a brilliant day out at
Snow Planet learning about survival skills
in the cold and also taking the opportunity
to try skiing and snowboarding too – an
amazing experience as some of the
children had never seen snow before!
The HU4K Facebook page is active
again after a long hiatus and we would Te Puke Kiwicoast Lions Club HU4K convenor Sheryl Gibney (left and former convenor
love to get any pictures from clubs of Joan Shand are a dab hand at sorting coins. “The beauty of this project is that it is not
money anyone can spend, so it’s not taking money away from anybody,” says Joan.
your sorting evenings or photos of any
of the successful grant activities so we them “Heads Up For Kids” with your room at Resene HQ in Naenae.
can post these and spread the news! Club name and contact number, take
to your local Resene ColorStore and Great places for collection tins include:
We have supplies of collection tins, from there it will be delivered, courtesy your local bank, police station, airport (if
posters and envelopes, so if your club of Fastway Couriers, to the counting you have one) or travel agencies.
needs these please let us know and we
will get them to you ASAP.
We want to collate a list of all the Club
About Heads Up for Kids
HU4K co-ordinators around the country The Reserve Bank reckons there’s over $100 million in old New
so we can send you any new or updated Zealand cash and foreign currency unaccounted for, and Lions
information as it comes to hand. Please Clubs are encouraged to dig it out for the benefit of the youth of
email us and let us know which Lions New Zealand.
Club you are from and how best to keep Heads Up for Kids is an on-going national campaign (started in 2010)
in touch with you. that aims to collect $1 million worth of outmoded and foreign cash for the
We are working on new Club information benefit of young New Zealanders.
packs and hope to have this information The currency collection is suitable for all districts and areas as it doesn’t
available early in the New Year. compete with any other fundraiser – and with the average household hoarding
over 200 obsolete coins there’s plenty to be collected in your neighbourhood.
We have instructions on how to sort
your old money, please contact us for The pre decimal and old decimal New Zealand currency is redeemed at
these details. Once money is sorted face value via the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and all foreign cash is
please package into sturdy small exchanged off shore. Coins with high silver and copper content are sold
boxes. These weigh a lot! So try and for scrap metal and fetch a price well above face value. Collectible and rare
keep them under 5kg please. Label coins are sold to coin specialists.
November/December 2017 / 5
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
K A N TA B S
Keep collecting those tabs and tops
Recently members of the Levin
Waiopehu Lions Club, with the
help of some family members,
met for the afternoon to sort out
the stockpile of tabs and wine
bottle tops.
Armed with their magnets the
members, friends and families soon
got into the swing of things and
sorted the steel from the rest of the
aluminium. It was a great social event
followed by afternoon tea.
The total weight that was sorted was
140 kilograms. This was made up of
about two-thirds wine bottle tops and
one-third aluminium ‘kan’ tabs. The total
amount banked into our designated
“Kan Tabs for Kidney Kids” account
was $112.40.
“The prices are not the best at Lions Club members can check page 8 recycler and send cheques made out to
the moment, but every bit helps,” of their Multiple District Directory for Kan “Kan Tabs for Kidney Kids” to the Lions
said Diane Hemmingsen, the Levin Tabs contacts in each area. Clubs can Club of Levin Waiopehu, P O Box 435,
Waiopehu Club Secretary. take their aluminium to their local metal Levin 5540.
YOUTH EXCHANGE
We have pleasure to announce and invite youth for:
12th Brazil Lions Clubs Travel Youth Camp 2018
District LC 5 Brazil
• 20 spots
• Language: English
• Age 16–19
• Period: From 1–30 July
• Homestay plus 8–10 days camp
• Camp Fee: Euros 400
Activities
Travel to several cities visiting historical and tourist
attractions, countries presentation, talent show, themes
discussions as recommended, visiting Lions tasks.
Camp Director: Lion Benjamin Bueno
lionbenbueno@yahoo.com
Phone +55 12 3941 6010
6 / November/December 2017
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
GORE HOKONUI LIONS
Exchange experience a pleasure all round
Gore Hokonui Lions Club thoroughly enjoyed they could view the Tiwai aluminium smelter, harbour and
playing host to Japanese international youth Stewart Island,” Avis said. “A quick drive out to Oreti Beach
exchangees, Sakura and Sayo for a week, finding followed by lunch, and then a visit to Southland Museum to
the whole experience very rewarding. see 100-year-old ‘Henry’ tuatara, and all the other smaller and
large tuataras. They are so well camouflaged and motionless it
Sayo, 21, had been sponsored by her Lions club in Japan,
is a challenge to spot them in their enclosures. We visited the
while Sakura, 17, was the winner of the Young Speechmaker
beautiful Anderson Park and came home via Winton where
contest in Japan, with the prize being this trip to New Zealand.
we all purchased an ice cream.”
”Many thanks to Glenda Maxwell who hosted our Japanese
They also walked in the local bush, visited a dairy farm, went
exchange students, Sayo and Sakura,” club president Elaine
through Cadbury’s chocolate factory in Dunedin, visited
Scott said. “Members were invited to join them for a pot-luck
Queenstown, and helped collect donations for the Cancer
tea showcasing many NZ favourites, including bacon and
Society’s Daffodil Day.
egg pie, shepherd’s pie, fish pie and all the best salads. And
of course we had pavlova and cinnamon oysters. Sayo and ”Thank you very much to all the Lions Club members who helped
Sakura made yaki udon and gave us chopsticks to try.” to make our Japanese visitors’ week in Gore one to remember,”
said Glenda. “Sakura and Sayo loved every minute, enjoying the
Nola Howden and Avis McDonald took the girls on a day trip
food, the people they met and the places they visited. They are
to Bluff. They wanted to be photographed under the world
very keen to return to New Zealand in the future.”
famous signpost at Stirling Point which indicates Tokyo is
9,587 kilometres away.
”We walked up to the lookout point on the Bluff hill where
Above; The Japanese
students wore their
Lions blazers for
Daffodil Day, looking
so very professional,
according to Avis.
Left; Sakura, Nola
and Sayo pose at
the Stirling Point
signpost.
November/December 2017 / 7
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
KNIGHTS OF THE BLIND
VOSO trip delivers
gift of sight
Two New Zealand Lions, Neil Pugh from
Christchurch Ferrymead club and Jennie Vowles
from Karori Lions in Wellington (each the convenor
of lens testing programmes in their clubs) travelled
to Fiji recently with the Volunteer Ophthalmic
Services Overseas (VOSO) group.
The team comprised two ophthalmologists and five
optometrists as well as Neil and Jennie – who were the chief This man was so thrilled with his new-found vision that he
threw his arms around Neil’s neck in thanks.
dispensers and caretakers of all the glasses and sunglasses.
glasses and they could see they were so, so thrilled, happy
The ophthalmologists came for a week each and worked in and appreciative. Many gave us a kiss or hug or both. It was
the hospital. Dr Subbish saw 98 patients in his first week and amazing and so wonderful to see. Well worth the long drive.”
performed 20 laser retinal operations and in the second week
Dr Gale performed 52 cataract operations. Both these doctors Each week the outreach team spent two nights staying in
worked under extremely difficult circumstances as the hospital villages. This was a real experience. There was a variety of
microscopes weren’t functioning and a reconditioned one that accommodation ranging from homestays with individual rooms
was meant to be at the hospital was still in Sydney and didn’t with a bed to communal sleeping on the floor.
arrive before our departure. One optometrist also worked at In the eight days of the trip a total of 2,276 people were seen
the hospital each day. by the optometrists and over 2,500 pairs of glasses were
The optometry team had a much greater focus on going out dispensed by Jennie and Neil. A lot of people needed two
to remote villages than ever before. In total they visited 16 pairs for both distance and reading. Over 1,700 pairs of non-
villages, many of which had never been visited before. Some of prescription sunglasses were also dispensed. “We could have
the people came by boat from other villages to visit the team. even done with more.”
Two teams of two optometrists and Neil and Jennie went out “Labasa Lions were our hosts and they had done all the pre
to the outreaches each day. organising of the visits to the outreaches. They were perfect
“Our days were long as we left Labasa each morning at 7am hosts and put a huge amount of energy into the organising.
and didn’t get back until after 6pm,” they told LION magazine. They are to be congratulated on such a terrific project,” Jennie
“We travelled 2–3 hours on dusty, windy, gravel roads. It was and Neil said.
all worth it as when we reached these villages the people were Ferrymead Lions had processed and prepared 3,500 pairs of
lovely; so friendly and very appreciative of our service. To be glasses and 600 pairs of non-prescription sunglasses which
given glasses and sunglasses just made their day. A lot of were freighted over prior to the VOSO team’s arrival. Karori
the people had very poor eye sight and when we gave them Lions had cleaned and packaged 1,100 of non-prescription
sunglasses which Neil and Jennie took on the plane with them.
Any remaining glasses were packed into boxes and left at the
Labasa hospital to be used for patients within the coming months.
Neil and Jennie would like to thank all the clubs that have
helped supply these glasses.
“Keep up the good work. For those clubs that don’t yet
collect glasses – you might like to consider doing so. Lots
more glasses and non-prescription sunglasses are required
for future VOSO trips to Fiji and other Pacific Islands. Please
note we do not want the glasses cases as they are too heavy
to freight to the Islands.”
For more information go to lionsclubs.org.nz/spectacles
Jennie helps a Fijian woman try on her new glasses. or lionsclubs.org.nz/karori or voso.org.nz
8 / November/December 2017
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
MASTERTON HOLDSWORTH LIONS
Eye screening successfully with Mr Foureyes
By Glenys Hansen
After meeting Mr Foureyes –
optometrist Ravi Dass who
runs the Foureyes Foundation
in Wellington – early this year
while doing eye screening at
Masterton Primary School, I
got to thinking that this would
be a worthwhile “Sight/Youth”
project that Lions could become
involved with.
Ravi was using an instrument called a
“plus-optix” instrument that looks like a
glorified iPad with a camera on the front
of it. This machine takes a photo of the
children’s eyes within seconds and feeds
back the data almost immediately.
This was the first time this screening
programme had been run in the
Wairarapa and 20 per cent of the 200+
children were referred for follow-up
testing. Ravi came back to Masterton
and saw the referrals to gauge how
effective the plus-optix had been at
picking up eyesight problems. Of
the referred group about 70 per cent
needed glasses.
“This project is just amazing
and I am so pleased that
I put Lions to the fore to
become involved.”
Lakeview Students with Ravi Dass.
After meeting with Ravi and talking
through the possibilities of our Lions took only three hours. Efficiency was and it was apparent that this machine
club becoming involved, he quickly the key to getting each class into the was relatively easy to operate. I was
established that this was a wonderful library and doing the screening with the able to do the last two small classes
community service that we could help next class ready to follow on. Ravi had by myself. This machine picks up
with. He had met with school principals preloaded all the names into his system eye problems that the DHB School
from Masterton schools and was booked and it was just a matter of typing in the Nurse isn’t able to recognise with the
in to do four more schools. Ravi asked if surname to find the right child. Within usual school eye test. Once Ravi has
our club (Masterton Holdsworth) could 10 seconds the child’s eyes were analysed the data and identified the
provide two assistants to help him on the automatically photographed and the children who need further testing with
day he was doing screening at Fernridge next child was waiting to be done. Ten ophthalmology equipment, the school
percent of the children screened needed
School. Lion Raana Campbell and I will make appointments for them to see
further testing.
offered to help and we were amazed that Ravi when he runs a clinic at the Selina
the screening process for 207 children Ravi showed me how to use the machine Continued on page 10
November/December 2017 / 9
LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
MASTERTON HOLDSWORTH LIONS
Ravi Dass eye screening a Fernridge School student.
Continued from page 9 after he had preloaded the students We have also been to Douglas Park
Sutherland Private Hospital. Masterton names etc. School in Masterton, with 398 children to
Holdsworth club has sponsored the screen over two days. So in five days of
“Why not?” I said, “if you think we are
hireage of the room for two days as a screening we have done approximately
capable to doing it.”
donation to the Foureyes Foundation, a 1,000 children here in the Masterton
registered charitable trust. In October Ravi and I screened 264 community plus the 200+ Ravi did at
children at Lakeview School with help
The first clinic was held on 29 September. Masterton Primary earlier in the year.
from two other members as scribes
Three more schools have booked Ravi and What a wonderful project to be involved
and a week later I alone did the
the screening will be done in the last term with and it ticks the “Youth” and “Sight”
screening of a further 150 with help
of the year. Members of the Masterton global action service projects that Lions
from two members. Lakeview being
Holdsworth Club will be on hand to help Clubs International are striving for. This
a low decile school there will most
make these days run smoothly.
likely be around 15-20% that will need project is just amazing and I am so
Ravi even suggested that we could do further testing. 618 children screened pleased that I put Lions to the fore to
it all ourselves if he sent up the machine in 3 days become involved.
Mission statement of Lions Clubs International:
TO EMPOWER volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage
peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
10 / November/December 2017LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
C LY D E & D I S T R I C T S L I O N S
Little libraries a great idea
By Deirdre Kokich
When Robyn Marshall, current
president of Clyde & Districts
Lions, saw a Lilliput Library in
Dunedin she was instantly hooked
on the concept and brought the
Library idea back to our club
to consider as one of our 2017
service projects for the township
of Clyde in Central Otago.
Our project team made contact with
the Lilliput Library Project in Dunedin
where we learnt about the concept,
how to build the libraries and involve the
community. We found out that the Lilliput
Library concept was the brainchild
of Ruth Arnison in Dunedin and was
based on a United States organisation would donate books. Of course they had requests to put more Lilliput Libraries
called Little Free Libraries. The libraries wanted to empty their garages and into Alexandra and beyond. Our club
belong to everyone – taking of books is wardrobes right away! is very mindful of the Lions motto of
encouraged and leaving books is part of We looked for sponsors who would “WE SERVE”. We believe our project
the concept to help keep the collection support the cost of building each library is serving the Clyde township and
stocked with good reading material. and found willing artists. Our club surrounding districts by enabling people
decided to sponsor one for the Clyde to find good books on their local streets
Ruth explained the Lilliput Libraries were
Primary School. Project team members and chatting to each other while they do
designed to encourage reading and
took the library to the school assembly so. Summer will be interesting when the
neighbourliness in a community. Each
and introduced the concept. The area swells with visitors, holidaymakers
library is erected on the street frontage of
children are currently planning their and Rail Trail cyclists. We think we will
the property of a “guardian of the library”
design for their library which they will need to do a lot of restocking.
who looks after it by making sure the
install in their own school grounds.
library is tidy and well stocked. The library If you are reading this and you think Lilliput
is designed and painted by local artists. We now have two libraries open for Libraries would work in your town, district
lending. We wish to thank our sponsors or city, please make contact and we can
Our club decided we would put three
Heidi and Gunther from Antique Lodge send you practical details about how to
libraries into Clyde township. We
Motels and Trish and Alan from Argyll run a Lilliput Library project.
approached the Alexandra Men’s Shed
on Clyde. We wish also to thank the
to build them for us, and we approached Another plus for this project was the
Alexandra Men’s Shed for building the
our own club members to see if they opportunity to get to know each other
libraries, and ColourPlus and Resene
Paints for donating paint. Also Lucy better. Our project team has had a
Low and Debbie Malcolm of the Living fantastic time working together to reach
Project Team: our project goals with a lot of fun and
Options Art Group for painting one of
• Anne Connelly our libraries and Ken Thompson, a club laughter on the way.
• Jan Morgan member, for painting the second one. Our Lions Club is only three years old,
We also thank the Central Otago District has 41 members and is very friendly
• Heather Pickering
Council Mayor Tim Cadogan for being and energetic. If you are in Clyde on
• Lyn Wilson excited about our project and the council the second Monday of a month come
• Deirdre Kokich planners for ensuring our libraries met and join us for our dinner meeting at the
• Robyn Marshall the council requirements in terms of
Clyde Bowling club at 6pm. You are very
positioning and by laws.
Photos by Sue Nobel-Adams welcome – and please use our Lilliput
Where to from here? We have already Libraries when you come.
November/December 2017 / 11LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
WANAKA LEOS
Clean water project clearly a winner
The Wanaka Leos are just a small group of
enthusiastic young people, but that doesn’t mean
they are put off by big ideas!
As their Centennial Legacy Project, they undertook to ensure
clean water for two schools in Cambodia, providing funding
for the Humanitus Foundation to do the “spadework”.
Humanitus, an Australian charity that works in conjunction with
other not-for-profits in Cambodia, has been dealing for several
years with a small school of 220 students in the village of Mkak,
in the Kouk Thlok Commune, Chi Kraeng District, Siem Reap
Province – so it was decided that that school should be the
primary target for the Leos’ funding.
Humanitus had been instrumental in digging a well and
Two Mkak pupils with Humanitas representatives show the plaque
providing a water-storage facility at the school, as well as acknowledging Wanaka Leos’ generous gift to their school.
installing piping from the well to the school’s latrines so that
the children could enjoy (possibly for the first time in their Unfortunately, water from both these sources was not of very
lives) the luxury of an enclosed water closet. Few families high quality, with bacterial contamination most likely E-Coli and
in the village of Mkak have an on-site latrine, and in fact it is Coliforms, which are particularly nasty bacteria, and generally
still quite common for Cambodia’s rural inhabitants to openly indicate exposure to sewage or animal waste contamination.
urinate and defecate – causing major health problems. A Both can cause illness and disease.
lack of clean water is one of the main causes of death from
Now that the quality of the water at Mkak School was known,
diarrhoeal diseases in Cambodia.
we needed to determine how to proceed. Infrastructure already
SO...what are the sources of water in the small village of in place seemed to indicate that we could simply connect the
Mkak? Mostly there are wells, some of which “might” be individual elements into a more efficient system, i.e. the well
dug to the requisite depth to obtain a relatively pure water- with the hand-pump to the filtration system on the World Vision
source; plus there are hand-pumps, which are usually set tower. However, this required that some mechanical fixtures
atop shallow wells which might
only access surface water – which
is sure to be inherently bad quality.
At the site of Mkak School, a well
was built by Humanitus to provide
water for the latrines. In 2016, World
Vision installed a water tower which
relied on water being pumped by
hand (or diesel-powered pump and/
or generator) from a separate well.
This water was to move through an
in-built filtration system to provide
clean water for the children (mostly
for hand-washing), but required that
water be continuously pumped up
to the storage tank – something that
Humanitas found, on numerous visits
to the school, wasn’t happening.
In order to get the ball rolling on the
Wanaka Leos’ project, both these
sources of water needed to be tested. A happy group shot of Sopheak school children say thanks.
12 / November/December 2017LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
in hygiene and sanitation are provided.
Biosand filters in general require very little
maintenance (occasional stirring up of
the top few inches of sand and scooping
the suspended sediment) and are still
functioning effectively more than 10 years
after installation. Filters are manufactured
locally using local materials.”
Now that the first part of the water project
was completed, time for Phase 2! This
entailed selecting another deserving
school which would benefit from clean,
drinkable water via the installation of
several Water for Cambodia biosand
filters.
In the quest to find further projects for
Humanitus to be involved with, we had
come across ‘Sopheak’s Friendly School’,
Some of the Wanaka Leos who have enabled two schools in Cambodia to have access situated about 20km out of Siem Reap in
to clean water. the village of Roluos Khang Keut, Roluos
should be housed permanently in a secure housing, and we Commune, Prasat Bakong District, Siem Reap Province. As
found that the teachers at the school did not want to change with one of the sources at Mkak School, water was currently
the system already in place... What to do? being brought up from a shallow surface-water well, so again
we had to get the water tested, just to find out what we were
Ultimately, we turned to our friends at Water for Cambodia,
up against. Again, results were not great, with the following
and requested that they supply their cement Biosand filters to
being the overview: ”Water has low pH and is a bit saltier
the school – one for each classroom, and one for the Library.
than normal. Iron is higher than the limit but not too much. A
Delivery of the filters coincided with a visit to the school by
sand filtration would fix this. Manganese is very high, and at
Humanitus representatives, so photos were taken of the filters
a certain point it can become an issue. As it is, it would be
in place, as well as the technician instructing three of the
better not to use it with children (over 0.5mg/L of Mg in water
school’s teachers on how to maintain and look after the filters.
can cause health issues – and this sample has a concentration
Here’s some information on the filters themselves: “Each filter of 1.21 mg/L). A sand filter can solve the matter; even better
is constructed of a concrete body 3’ tall and a foot square filled if the well water is collected in a tank and filtered after hours
with layers of gravel and sand. Source water is poured onto from collection. There is evidence of some Arsenic; over the
a diffuser plate at the top of the filter to prevent disturbing the WHO limit but below the Cambodian limit. It is very common
top layer of sand. After passing through the sand and gravel, to find this compound in water here; there is no cheap way to
the now clean water travels through the copper pipe and out get rid of it. Water has just a slight contamination by Coliforms
the spout using the force of gravity alone. There are no moving (28 CFU/100ml) but no Faecal E-Coli coliforms were detected.
or mechanical parts to break. The key to the effectiveness This is good news!”
of the filter is the biological zone which naturally forms on
Because this school is smaller than Mkak with only three
the sand surface. This layer consumes harmful bacteria and
classrooms plus a stand-alone library – and because there
other pathogens. As the water passes through the sand layer
were enough funds in the kitty – we decided to add in a much-
larger contaminants (e.g. parasites) are trapped and others
needed hand-washing station outside the two sole latrines.
(e.g. viruses, certain organic compounds) are attached to the
A local tradesman was called in to create the design, and the
particles of sand, a process called adsorption. In the lower
children were very pleased with the result – a tile-covered
layers of the filter where oxygen levels diminish organisms
concrete structure with roof, lighting (for late afternoon use)
die a natural death. A family receiving a biosand filter pays a
and SIX taps!
nominal fee and is actively involved in the installation giving
them a vested interest in maintaining them. Also, instruction So, AWKUN CHARAN, Wanaka Leos; that’s “Thank you”
in filter operation and maintenance as well as basic education in Khmer!
November/December 2017 / 13LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
Be part of the celebration
NORSEWOOD LIONS
ANZAC Park upgrade a gift to community
Story and pictures courtesy of Dave Murdoch, Bush Telegraph
As a project to celebrate Lions Clubs
Internationalís Centenary, Norsewood Lions have
worked for several months with a number of
groups and individuals to upgrade ‘Norsewood’s
Hidden Treasure’ – ANZAC Park.
Using timber supplied by Tumu Timbers and finance from the
Tararua District Council, Lions have marked paths and erected
signs showing the age and type of tree. They also linked the
paths into one continuous circuit. Jeff Bryan from Norsewood
made the signs for the trees with the information supplied by
Ruth Fleeson of Horizons Regional Council.
Pest control has been another focus, with Lions purchasing,
placing and monitoring rat traps with guidance from Ray
Wilman of Horizons. Regular checking of these traps makes
a point of interest at Lions’ meetings as each Lion owns a
trap and is rewarded with a chocolate mouse when their trap
Above; John Ellison talks to the group about some of the ancient trees in ANZAC Park. Inset top; Lion Barbara Summers by
her rat trap in ANZAC Park.
14 / November/December 2017LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
Norsewood Lions and visitors at the unveiling of the new ANZAC Park sign.
catches anything. So far one stoat, 15 rats and 15 hedgehogs in co-operation with neighbouring farmers.
have been caught.
On Wednesday July 26 the park was opened again with
ANZAC Park is just a kilometre north of Norsewood. It is a Norsewood Lions past president Barbara Summers and Colin
very precious piece of bush having survived the settlement Veale, community assets and property manager for the Tararua
process in the late 1870s and 80s because it was reserved District Council, unveiling the new sign before Lions and friends.
as Maori land and miraculously avoided being destroyed by
Colin thanked the Norsewood Lions for their great work over
the huge fires of that time.
the years, past president Barbara thanked the wide variety
In 1912 as land about it was balloted for farms, its of groups who assisted the project, local Lion and historian
uniqueness resulted in it being kept as a reserve. It contains John Ellison gave a history of the reserve, before taking the
a wide range of old native tree species including a 400-year- group on a tour of the bush ending at the picnic shelter for a
old Matai, Tawa, Kahikitea, Black Maire, Rimu, Rewarewa, barbecue lunch.
Supplejack, Rata vines, and NZ Passionfruit.
Last word goes to Ray Wilman of Horizons Regional
Over the years the reserve has had toilets, a boundary Council who said his organisation was happy to assist in the
fence, a new septic tank, picnic facilities and tracks preservation of such ‘a lovely piece of bush’ and said it ‘was
added by both the Tararua Council and Norsewood Lions a pity there were not more left like this in the Manawatu’.
November/December 2017 / 15LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
Be part of the celebration
M ATA U R A L I O N S
Looking ahead
When Les Glassey was the district
governor for 202F in 2015, he was
aware that there was going to be a
big push by Lions all over the world to
celebrate 100 years of Lions in 2017.
With impressive forethought, when the
site of the old picture theatre in Mataura’s
main street became vacant, wife Elisabeth
suggested that the area be turned into a
centennial garden – it would be the perfect
site for maximum profile.
With the help of the Gore District Council
and the Mataura Community Board,
a boundary fence and pathway were
constructed, and flowering shrubs and
Above; PDG Les Glassey
daffodils planted. A huge rock was and Tulloch Transport driver
transported from a nearby farm and Laurence Kelly doing the
craned into position – the perfect plinth spadework as the huge rock
is craned into position.
for the centennial sign.
Left; Tulloch Transport
The area is now a peaceful little trucked in the rock and
park for Mataura-ites to enjoy – and craned it into place.
commemorate 100 years of service.
Past International President Barry Palmer and Anne visited the centennial garden in March, accompanied by some Mataura Lions
and then District Governor Graeme Wilson. From left: PIP Barry, Anne, Laurel Turnbull, Patti Appledorn, PDG Les Glassey, DG
Graeme, Linda Dunstan, Elisabeth Glassey.
16 / November/December 2017LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
S E LW Y N L I O N S
Centennial evening opens community’s eyes
The aim of Selwyn Lions Club’s On Friday 28 July approximately 300 Tracy Henderson, the Family & Women
centennial evening was to open people had their eyes opened by a Co-ordinator for District 202E, then
the eyes of their community to very emotional talk by Lesley Elliott spoke – once again using our theme
domestic/relationship violence. and Bill O’Brien from the Sophie Elliott “Open Our Eyes” to community service.
Foundation. It was very pleasing to have The raffles were well-supported and some
a large number of young people present people walked away with great prizes
and many of them had the opportunity to donated by the generous sponsors.
talk one to one with the guest speakers.
The Sophie Elliott Foundation is keen
The evening started with stalls to peruse to promote the “Loves-Me-Not”
and wine tasting, along with information relationship education programme to
stalls provided by Selwyn Gets Ready; Year 12 students and the Selwyn Lions
Victim Support; Camp Quality, and of Club would like to encourage all schools
course a Lions Club stand and raffles. to make contact with the foundation
and discuss this.
MP Amy Adams was the first speaker of
the evening with an informative talk on President Alison Benefield said “It
crime within our communities and used is pleasing that our aim for our
the “Open Our Eyes” theme to emphasise Centennial evening of informing the
the community’s responsibilities to public about relationship abuse has
Selwyn Lions Club president Alison combat crime. certainly been achieved.”
Benefield with guest speakers, Lesley
Elliott and Bill O’Brien from the Sophie www.sophieelliottfoundation.co.nz/Loves-Me-Not.php
Elliott Foundation.
CENTENNIAL SERVICE CHALLENGE
Recycling on display at Open our
Eyes evening
The Recycling Project was a “Most members got into the swing and
Centennial Service Challenge made things. The items ranged from a
that took place late last year – an simple vase made from a jar, cushions
awareness competition to assist in made from an old bedspread, to the
making our Lions members aware winning entry – an old boot painted up
of Reduce / Reuse / Recycle. and planted with flowers (it had to be
replanted for Open our Eyes).
“Our club is all ladies and some elderly
and some not at all well. The environment “It was then decided that the few
area of the Centennial Challenge had best entries would be displayed at
not been looked at and I (then 1st VP) our Open our Eyes evening, as the
suggested we do something that any of Selwyn District Council gave us a grant
our members could do,” Alison Benefield to assist with costs for that evening,
said. “A notice was sent out inviting and part of the agreement was that we
members to ‘find something old and would publicise recycling. Publicity for
take a photo (if possible) of the article. the District Council and a project for us
Then make something new from this to promote the environment. This was
article. Bring your new article along to just an interest factor at our centennial The prize-winning entry in the Selwyn
Lions Recycling Competition, created by
the Selwyn Lions Change of Officers evening and showing something that Lion Helen Allison, was part of the Lions
evening, where they will be judged.’ Lions do. display at the Open our Eyes evening.
November/December 2017 / 17LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
MILESTONES
The year in review
As Lions, we impose our own calendar, beginning
a Lions year in July. 2016–17 was full of service and
also rich in milestones. It was a great year.
Reaching new heights in membership
This year we reached our all-time membership high of
1,445,591 Lions. It means that we have more hands for
more service. That we are stronger than ever. “For every
Lion who is ready to serve, we can serve the needs of 70
people,” said 2016-17 International President Bob Corlew at
the 100th International Convention. “That’s 70 people who
won’t go hungry today, 70 children who will receive a free eye LCIF’s $1 billion in grants have generated a lot of grateful
screening at school, 70 people who will regain their sight by smiles – such as those of a Louisiana mother and her 7-year-
Lions-sponsored cataract surgery.” That’s the power of Lions. old visually impaired son after Lions and LCIF gave him a
closed circuit magnifier.
A new service framework to triple our impact
a crew of highly dedicated and experienced Lions, is working
We are “Knights of the Blind”. That’s our legacy. But we’re also to help clubs strengthen their leadership development,
so much more. Lions also focus on hunger, the environment, membership and service. The team was created by unifying
paediatric cancer and our new global service cause, diabetes. the Global Leadership Team, the Global Membership Team
Our service framework is uniting Lions around the world to meet and the new Global Service Team.
emerging humanitarian needs, strengthen our communities
MyLion and the Digital LION
and improve the lives of 200 million per year by 2020–21.
The future arrived suddenly this year. MyLion is a world-class
Lions take on diabetes
mobile app that makes serving as a Lion fun, fast and easy.
Diabetes impacts 420 million people and claims the lives of five And the new digital LION magazine is a great way to read the
million each year. That’s why Lions around the world are rallying greatest stories on earth when you’re on the go.
around this modern-day epidemic. Diabetes was launched
One billion dollars in change
as our new global service cause in July at the international
convention in Chicago. Large numbers stagger the imagination. Consider 1 billion.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959. A billion hours ago our
Celebrating our centennial
ancestors were living in the Stone Age. This year LCIF awarded
Milestones matter. Lions Clubs celebrated our 100th birthday an ordinary grant that marked an extraordinary milestone: our
this year, reminding our communities and the world just how Foundation had given out more than $1 billion in grants since
much we matter. We partied, enjoying one another’s company, it began a half century ago.
and served, recognising that service is what we are all about.
Leaps for Leo
It was an opportunity to look back on our achievements. And
look forward to another incredible century of service. For 50 years, Leo clubs have been inspiring young people to
serve their communities today and develop the skills to be the
The Global Action Team
leaders of tomorrow. Now, with over 7,000 clubs around the
Lions Clubs International is putting the entire Lions’ support world, Leos are showing what it means to be the agents of
network to work for your club. The new Global Action Team, change. Leos are our future.
18 / November/December 2017LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
W A I TA N G I R U A L I O N S
Full steam ahead for popular train
The much-loved miniature train of silt that had built up in certain areas.
at Aotea Lagoon in Porirua is Safety fencing has been put up in
back on track. several sections. screams in the tunnel. It’s a million dollars
to the young ones.
The popular attraction re-opened at The 832m track runs around the park
Labour Weekend after a hiatus of from a small station at the southern end ”There’s been so much interest in getting
two years, with the occasion being of the lagoon. The loop takes about five the trains running again. I’ve already got
celebrated with free rides. minutes on the train. three party bookings for December,”
Kevin said.
”We’re really thrilled to be back,” says ”This is a fantastic attraction for children
engine driver and Waitangirua Lion Kevin and their families, so we’re really pleased “Currently we have three club members
Wright. “A big thanks to the Porirua City we’ve been able to help get the service who are on duty on the train on Sundays,”
Council for all the work they’ve done back on track,” Philip Royle said. club president Keith Nicoll said. “However
with us to repair and upgrade the track we are assisted by two members from
While the track repairs were being done,
so we can start running the train again.” Tawa Lions plus we are also lucky to get
the Lions spent the weekends doing
three or four club family members.
Council project manager Philip Royle maintenance and tidying up the engine
says the service stopped running in and carriages to get them ready for action. “Duties include train driving, guard’s
2015 mainly because of rust and decay duties, ticket collections, crowd control
The Aotea Lagoon miniature train service
affecting the track. and general safety patrols, and kiosk
has been running since 1979; in fact
and ticket sales.
Since then, 90 metres of track has been Kevin remembers taking his own children
replaced using track sourced by the Lions, for rides on it. He became involved, as a “Revenue from the train is the club’s main
about 50 sleepers have been replaced, a driver and maintenance volunteer, when income which is then redistributed to
new bridge has been built over the duck his grandchildren were young. local and national causes.”
pond, and new doors installed and a mural
”I joined as a volunteer 17 years ago The miniature train will run 1–4pm
painted on the tunnel.
and I’ve been down there every Sunday every Sunday, all year round (weather
Drainage has been improved under since. I love it. I absolutely love it. It’s the permitting). Rides cost $2.50, with
parts of the track, including the removal kids; their laughter and satisfaction, the children under three years free.
Waitangirua Lion Kevin Wright (left) and Porirua City Council project manager Philip Royle are delighted to see the little train
back on track. Photo courtesy of Porirua City Council.
November/December 2017 / 19LION / S O U T H PA C I F I C E D I T I O N
ROTORUA EAST LIONS
Outdoor stage a legacy for Eastside community
By David Elliott
Development of Rotorua’s Eastside Youth Space
at Puketawhero Park has provided the Rotorua
East Lions Club with the opportunity to take on a
major Legacy Project in recognition of Lions Clubs
International’s centennial celebrations.
After a representation two years ago by a group of local youth
to Rotorua Lakes District Council, the Mokoia Community
Association consulted with Eastside youth through workshops in
schools and conducted visits to other youth spaces around the
city. One feature that arose out of this consultation was a request
for a stage large enough to hold kapa haka performances and
outdoor concerts – the perfect job for the local Lions.
Some years earlier the club had made a commitment to
focus its service activities on the Eastside community, where David Elliott, Murray Longley, Ralph Mosen and Kevin Jensen
many of its members live, and they had established a working take a break from construction.
relationship with the Mokoia Community Association. The
wheelchair access. Based on this design Ralph prepared
other party in the subsequent organisation of the stage
detailed drawings and specifications for the building consent.
construction was the local hapu, Ngati Te Roro o Te Rangi,
He subsequently was able to negotiate discounted rates for
whose representative on the Mokoia Community Association,
the supply and delivery of materials, thanks to the generosity
Ralph Mosen, volunteered his services as manager for the
of local suppliers, notably Red Stag Timber, Perma Pine, Mitre
project. Ralph had been an architectural draughtsman, and
10 Mega, and JB’s Electrical. Finally, when the project got off
a qualified instructor with experience in house construction.
the ground, he took on the role of supervisor and health and
The concept design for the stage, which reflected the feedback safety officer for the voluntary workforce of Rotorua East Lions.
from Eastside youth and the wider community, was provided
While most of his labourers had little more than do-it-yourself
by the landscape architect at Rotorua Lakes Council. It is
experience, the club has one trade-qualified member, a registered
a timber structure, and is unique in having both steps and
electrician who organised the underground delivery of power to the
site for the construction process, and a permanent power source
for stage performances that will require sound and lighting and
other power demanding features.
The Lions’ supply of labour also assisted in securing funding for
the project though its related value contribution to the Rotorua
Lakes Council’s Neighbourhood Matching Fund.
Construction of the stage, which had involved 20 club
members contributing 850 hours of working bees, was
completed on 12 August, with the official opening of the
Eastside Youth Space on 27 October.
This permanent structure has resulted in a Centennial Legacy
Project that benefits the wider Rotorua community and one that
the club can be proud of. It has also provided an opportunity
for members of Rotorua Geyserland and Rotorua East Lions
to work together, creating a sound foundation for the recent
merger of the two clubs.
East Lions Club has volunteered to help with other aspects of
Puketawhero Park’s construction, showing our willingness to
assist our community to create an aesthetically pleasing place
for people of all ages to engage and interact with each other
The team at work on the outdoor stage for Eastside Youth. for many years to come.
20 / November/December 2017You can also read
