It is common in many Rotary Clubs for the average Club Member to be totally unaware and oblivious of the efforts of others tolling behind the scenes on certain projects which often remain undercover but are vital to our club responsibilities.
Rotary struggles with both internal and external Public Relations (PR) and we need to keep this in mind with everything that we do or else the opportunity or the moment disappears and is lost in History.
One such example is our responsibility concerning Kokako Lodge and the little known fact that District 9920 has charged our club with the Rotary Custodianship of this wonderful facility located a the base of the Hunua Falls. Two members of our club were appointed several years ago to the Board of Trustees and these members are Warren Megget and Tim Wilcock, both of whom have thrown themselves at the task with some amazing results with all sorts of remedial work and upgrades. Our club involvement with a painting bee or two was well supported.
Following Ainie Kwok's report following the first ever RYPEN Camp at Kokako in March this year and her comments about the kitchen facilities, our two Trustees immediately took it on board to accelerate previous planning for this upgrade and with the assistance of Barry Hobman and the newly appointed manager and other Trustees, a revised plan was developed and put into action. The upgrade is now almost complete with the minimum loss of occupation and income disruption and the recognition and thanks to the 1991 Trust for supplying the funding.
RYPEN will again be held next year at Kokako Lodge on 27-29 March and will be primarily run by Rotaract members in recognition of their elevated status within Rotary and assisted by RYLA Alumni.
We must remember to promote Kokako to all other clubs and schools, as word of mouth is still the strongest form of advertising and this will also assist the Lodge to remain a viable entity.
To our UNSUNG HEROES, our thanks for your efforts on behalf of Rotary and all the lucky young people who are fortunate to receive the experience.