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Issue 26 – February 2019

Update from Chairman, Graeme Pierson

As we commence another year, I trust it will be as fruitful as last year. It is pleasing to find that Council members were able to successfully remedy all the inquiries they received from clubs

over the year. Council members have had a quiet time over the past 12 months and spent time either visiting clubs or attending local meetings of club representatives which have proved successful for all attendees. All Councillors believe that it is to the benefit of all clubs that they keep in contact with the clubs in their District. I have recently written to all Presidents in District 10 requesting their assistance to seek nomination/s for the position of FNZI Councillor for that District. I can assure any person/s prepared to stand for this position, the workload has lessened as FNZI has become positively embedded in place and the successful Councillor will be given every assistance by fellow Council members and other office holders in the organisation. Council has decided that the motto of FNZI going forward is –

”FRIENDSHIP, FELLOWSHIP & FUN”

I was recently concerned about the welfare of our members in the Tasman area who may have been affected by the recent fires in that area. I have now spoken to the Secretaries of two clubs in the close proximity and they assured me that they were sure all our members in this area were safe and well. This is the time of the year that clubs will be electing or re-electing members to the various positions in their clubs. It is of concern that a number of clubs throughout New Zealand have had to windup through the lack of members filling vacant positions on their respective committees when they occur. I would like to advise members that in some clubs, positions are now being shared by more than one member and calling them assistant Secretaries or Treasurers etc. Our Centre Administrator, Rosemarie will be shortly sending out notices for the payment of subscriptions and advice of club membership numbers (including Life Members), full particulars of Presidents and Secretaries and the Primary Contact person. Council has now renamed the role for Margaret Finnie who prepares our Highlights Newsletter. She is to be known as Highlights Editor and all future messages and photos relating to this document should be sent to the following address: highlightseditor@fnzi.nz I would now, on behalf of Council members and myself, wish all clubs a very successful time for the year ahead. Regards Graeme Pierson, Chairman

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Administrator’s Corner Welcome to 2019 and to the start of another year of participation in club activities, outings, special celebrations and hosting interesting guest speakers at club meetings. My administrative duties have diminished over recent weeks which has allowed me time to spend with my husband, and for us both to enjoy catching up with friends and members of our extended family. We have also just returned from a brief visit to Australia – an enjoyable break prior to another busy year assisting officers and members of FNZI member clubs.

It is usual as this time of the year for clubs to be preparing for their Annual General Meeting and the likelihood of a change of officers and committee. To enable any new officers appointed to your club to log on to our website, http://fnzi.nz, please remember to inform them of your club’s Username and Password. Also, do reassure the “newbies” that I am here to provide any assistance which they may need. I can be contacted via email counciladm@fnzi.nz or phone 0800 33 55 44. Within the next few weeks, FNZI member clubs will receive the annual payment form and a new form to enable clubs to confirm their meeting and venue details. It is essential that our records are always correct and current and club Secretaries are requested to complete and return this form to me, either via email or post to: FNZI Administrator, PO Box 245, Rangiora 7440. Further, should club officers update their club’s profile on the FNZI database when changes to club details, officers, Primary Contact, email addresses, phone numbers, etc. are made it would be appreciated if FNZI was advised accordingly by email to counciladm@fnzi.nz Best wishes to all member clubs for a successful AGM and a year full of Friendship, Fellowship and Fun. Sincerely Rosemarie Shaw FNZI Centre Administrator

Possible source of speakers for Club Meetings A recent option for Club speakers that came in through the FNZI website is from Volunteer Service Abroad. They have recently returned volunteers who are happy to give a talk to Friendship NZ groups around the country about their various assignments across the wider Pacific. For those members who don’t know who they are, VSA was founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1962 and is one of New Zealand’s most highly respected international development agencies. No speaker fees are required and a VSA talk is not a fund-raising opportunity. If you are interested, you should contact Madeline McNamara directly at mmcnamara@vsa.org.nz

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Marlin What a wonderful outing 34 members of the Marlin Friendship Club had in November 2018 and made even greater by their bus driver, Ron Sinclair. They started with morning tea at Okere Falls, watching the kayakers coming through the falls - a delightful spot to stop and enjoy the beautiful bush and nature often missed by a hurried trip to Rotorua. A short drive later they arrived at the NZ National Fire Training Centre where they spent one and a half hours watching how the dedicated Police, dogs, and Firefighters (33% are women) are trained. Following a drive through Rotorua gardens and views of the lake, lunch was enjoyed at the Citz Club (a delicious meal with a huge variety of choices). A leisurely cup of tea and they were on their way to the Redwood forest. Some walked amongst the trees while others were suspended up in the ecological walk getting a birds-eye view of the forest and capturing its unique and picturesque beauty. Of course, all great days are made better with a stop for ice cream on the way home! Membership This club was delighted to give Life membership to Mick Jones and Beth Ward in 2018. Both have served on the committee, have run numerous activity groups (and still do). Both Mick and Beth, pictured here, are really deserving of this award.

The club were also delighted to welcome seven members, their wives and partners from the Mount Maunganui Men’s Friendship Club into the Marlin Club in November 2018 following the closure of that club.

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Torbay Vanguard Military School opened in Albany four years ago. The Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hyde, spoke at the General Meeting on 14 February about the secondary school which operates under a military ethos, catering for year 11, 12 and 13 students following the best practices and traditions of military schools around the world.

The Torbay Club has lined up all its speakers for the second hour of general meetings during 2019. The list includes the local constituency's National Party Member of Parliament, Erica Stanford.

The Club wound up 2018 with a Christmas menu lunch at Vaughn Retreat late November (see below) and subsequently the general meeting on 13 December was given over to more Christmas fare and fun.

Merrilands Members of the Merrilands Ladies club are seen here enjoying their Christmas lunch at the Town and Country Club in Waitara.

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Paremata Socius In the last week of October 2018, a group of around 29 members went on a three-day trip to Rotorua. On the way they stopped off at the Waiouru Army Museum and Huka Falls. They also watched a glass blowing demonstration and chatted to the llamas at Flat Hills. Several places were visited in Rotorua, including a tree-top canopy walk in the Redwood Forest (photo below), dining on the Lakeland Queen Cruise and at the Skyline restaurant.

Bishopdale Ladies Last November this club, went for a bus tour of the Central City and onto a Christmas lunch at the Casino. The ladies enjoyed a fun filled day as they boarded buses to head off for a tour around Christchurch and then onto a Christmas themed lunch at the Casino. A wonderful commentary was given by both tour drivers, their knowledge of the city was amazing which made the tour so interesting.

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Tauranga area On the evening of the 6 December 2018, as a direct result of the drive and initiative of Maria West and her team from the Arataki Coastal Club, over 100 people from a number of Tauranga Friendship Clubs (FNZI) attended the Musical Show “Steppin’ Out” put on by a local theatre company at the 16th Avenue Theatre. The famous Broadway Show has for years been a theatre-goers favourite and is all about amateurs trying to make the grade with their tap dancing. The theatre was fully booked out by Friendship for the event. The total evening was a great success enjoyed by all. Not only did the $20 per head charge, pay for the show, but Maria also wangled into that price complimentary tea and coffee and superb finger food supper. If that wasn’t enough there were also 12 lucky ticket spot prizes given out.

The photographs show a portion of the large gathering (above) and the irrepressible Trevor Swindells from the Papamoa Palms Friendship Club making a presentation during the interval to Maria West for her wonderful efforts in organising the event (below).

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Kawaroa Twenty-nine members attended the Christmas luncheon held at The Plymouth International Hotel in New Plymouth. A very pleasant time was had by all in attendance and a lovely way to finish the year off.

Birkenhead Members of the Friendship Club of Birkenhead paused at their recent Xmas luncheon to elect only their second life member - Colin Cowie, a Past President and current Secretary. Colin received his honour to the acclaim of the 65 guests and members attending the luncheon at the Birkenhead RSA. The Life Membership was proposed by Tracy Watson, who is the club’s only other current member to have been given this honour.

Pictured L-R are: Tracy Watson, Life Member, Terry Simpson, President and Colin Cowie, Life Member. Photo: Reinold Disse

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Henderson Falls Combined

Early in November Henderson Falls club members had a bus trip down to the Woodlands Historic Homestead in Gordonton, near Hamilton. The estate was the origin of the 'Anchor' dairy brand. After a delightful light lunch in Woodland's Prof's Cafe they visited the magnificently restored 1870's Homestead which is largely built of kauri and absolutely beautiful. Members continued on with a walk through the estate's gardens which have extensive plantings of camellia, wisteria, draped Monet style bridges over the lake and bordered with formal lawns. On the lovely sunny spring day, they continued on for a brief visit to the amazing Zealong Tea Estate, also in Gordonton, followed by a short walk along the sculpture pathway telling the story and history of tea.

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Churchill Park Ladies The Churchill Park club members celebrated their penultimate event of 2018 with a coach trip out to Opening Day of the New Zealand Flower Show, on 28 November. The sun shone on the day and a great time was had by all. Many members managed to fit in a little Christmas shopping, as well.

Their year began with their 30th Birthday celebration and a visit from District Councillor, Peter McEniery, and ended with a celebratory Christmas lunch, in December. A wonderful year of many and varied outings and speakers.

Johnsonville

Johnsonville Friendship members gathered on the Pukerua Bay beachfront (thanks to Life Member Ian MacLean's hospitality) on a perfect summer's day recently for the Annual Summer Barbecue. In more than 20 years of such events bad weather has intervened only once. (Photo supplied by Patrick Flanagan)

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Highland Park Ladies

For their first outing of the year, Highland Park Ladies Club accepted an invitation from Pakuranga Croquet Club to join them for morning tea and to “have a go” at Golf Croquet. For most of the members, this was a new activity to experience, and with the guidance of croquet club members everyone had an enjoyable and fun morning. Those who already had “ball skills” from the likes of golf and tennis seemed to have an advantage and quickly got the hang of working the mallet and balls.

Highland Park Ladies Club members had a go at playing croquet – here after their game, with hosts from Pakuranga Croquet Club (above). All concentration (at right)

Whangaparaoa Combined On a sunny February day, a good number of members gathered under the shade of a magnificent Pohutukawa tree beside Orewa beach for the club’s annual picnic. A shared lunch was enjoyed by all and some ventured in for a swim in the surf. It was a beautiful day, and all agreed how fortunate club members are to live in such a lovely area. (Photo source: trip101.com)

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Wellington Ladies All smiles from the members of the Wellington Ladies' Friendship Club at their first meeting of 2019 which was held on Monday, 28 January.

The speaker was Shirley-Anne Thomson, seen at front right. Shirley -Anne is a Scottish Highland Dancing expert from New Zealand. She has taken contingents of dancers to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, choreographing their performances. Shirley-Anne told members all about the behind scenes organisation of this iconic event.

Ngongotaha The traditional Christmas gathering of 2018 was well attended by 50 members. They commenced with a carol service provided by the pupils of Ngongotaha School along with their music teacher, Rosalie Palmer. Refreshments and festive drinks were provided by members and the club who enjoyed festive exchanges and well wishes. January 2019 Twenty-three members supported the Ngongotaha club’s annual picnic which was held at the band rotunda in the beautiful Government Gardens. A day of changeable weather gave everyone a chance to catch up on the latest holiday news and events with friends. The club recognises with gratitude Shirley and team for the catering provided for both events.

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Parklands Ladies At the November meeting the ladies were encouraged to wear hats to celebrate Melbourne Cup day. Many participated and Pat Curd and Hilary Griffiths did exceptionally well with their ensembles.

The Deco Club Members of the Deco City Club Morning Coffee Group decided to treat themselves to a High Tea for their September meeting. Dressed for the occasion they enjoyed the sumptuous spread laid on by their hostess, Maggie Hanlon in her Art Deco inspired home in Taradale, Napier. Maggie has spent many years collecting delicate fine bone china. Tea always seems to taste so much better in a beautifully decorated cup. They had a delicious variety of club sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and petit fours to choose from. Afterwards Maggie took them on a tour of her vast china collection which she loans out for celebrations like weddings and Pink Ribbon breakfasts. It was a most enjoyable outing.

Members from L to R Marion Gardner, Jan Jobbins, Annabell Watson (who organised it), Audrey Johnstone, Pearl Keep, Shirley Findlay, Beverley Dunlop, Kath Frechtling (Convenor), Barbara Dine

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