Our first formal Club Meeting of the year was held on 9 February at our usual venue of the Auto Lodge.
Apologies were received from Gaylene,Sally,Des,Gary and Taylor.
David Brownson gave his opening thoughts and grace before the meal, talking about our way forward in a changing world.
President Murray conducted his usual efficient Fines Session, sparing no one.
Three Minute Speaker was Simon who discussed the Winter Olympics, following its history up to the present day and NZ’s past and current prospects.
Jan D introduced our Guest Speaker Hamish Stieller fresh from attending this year’s Rotary STEM (Science and Technology Forum) at Auckland University as our club’s sponsored attendee.
He started by expressing his thanks to the Club for such a tremendous opportunity.
A pupil at NPBH since returning in 2024 from a stay in the UK, Hamish is particularly interested in Physics and attended the Forum thinking he would cement his plans for the future. Instead he came away aware of more options in various fields.
The two week course was packed with a mind blowing array of courses and challenges, both practical and academic , covering an amazing range of topics and areas of interest. He was involved in a module of Biomedical Sciences, dissecting a real sheep’s heart and a plasticised human torso.
There were two modules per day, including three practical hands on technical experiences, visiting such organisations as NZ Police where the students studied Forensic Science, a company specialising in 3 D printing ( everything from guitars to houses and a heavy engineering research company dealing with all aspects of of steel and welding.
The students also took part in a design challenge where a team of 28 had to work together to indentify a problem, find a solution to it and then pitch that solution Dragon’s Den style. Though Hamish’s team, didn’t win he found it a great experience.
Days lasted typically from 6.30 am till 10pm and in addition to the academic side, there was also a wide range of social and sporting events, designed to help those taking part mix and get to know their fellow students. Activities ranged from a volleyball tournament,a debating contest and a light hearted talent quest. At the Closing Dinner, several Rotarians were among the guests.
Hamish said he went to the Forum to cement his plans for the future and came away aware of more options. He also felt he had made friends from all over New Zealand and beyond.
Thanking him, Jan N said the Club is always interested in hearing about our sponsored students benefit from their experience. Hamish had obviously made the most of the Forum and enjoyed it immensely as well. We look forward to following Hamish in future and hearing of the next stages in his career path.
Hamish’s talk led on to much informal and wide ranging discussion.
President Murray wrapped up the evening with a look forward to our proposed collaboration with On The House and more immediately our annual charity golf tournament.
Parting thought came from Jan N:
Something to think about if you ever feel you’re not qualified to do something new -
Professionals built the Titanic,amateurs built Noah’s Ark
