Those of you who have been to previous District Changeover events will have images of a breakfast that seemed to go on forever with endless formalities and awards and people falling asleep over their coffee and tea. This year, DGE Ingrid decided to change it up a little and instead held a cocktail function at the Barrycourt Motel in Parnell – home of the Rotary Club of Parnell. Papakura was represented by George Wilson, Peter Wilcock, Allan Mackay and John Fothergill.
The evening began at 5:30 with a complimentary glass of wine or beer (or fizzy drink for George since he is doing Dry July) and the formalities began around 6:00. Outgoing DG Malini Raghwan gave us a brief rundown of her year as DG and outlined the District awards that had been presented during the year and at District Conference. There were some serious presentations of PHF’s and some not so serious ones including, in what is clearly a case of mistaken identity, an award to John and Frances Fothergill for being the best dance couple at District Conference 2018.Malini then handed over the chains of office to DG Ingrid Waugh and Ingrid gave us an overview of the RI theme for 2019 – Be the Inspiration – and her own sub-theme – Keep Rotary Real. Ingrid’s theme is designed to make us all think about how Rotary can be real and relevant in today’s world. Ingrid reminded everybody about the District Conference in Napier from 10-12 May 2019 and the formalities concluded a little after 7:00. All in all a great evening and an appropriate way to celebrate Malini’s year as DG and usher in the new year with Ingrid.