As the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for New Zealand, PDG Peter Garnett’s journey has been an inspiring testament to the profound impact of The Rotary Foundation.
Peter’s term as Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator has been marked by numerous highlights and achievements.
“It is difficult to choose just one,” he humbly acknowledges, “as there have been many.” Among these highlights he emphasises the unwavering support he has received from Past Rotary International President Ian Riseley and 2021-23 RI Director Jessie Harmon, who have been instrumental in promoting Foundation events and activities in the region.
This year’s RI Convention in Melbourne, Vic, proved another highlight, when RI President Gordon McInally took to the stage and shone a spotlight on a global grant project from New Zealand – the District 9910 Te Tai Tokerau Tamiriki mental health project. Peter says his role as Regional Foundation Coordinator has allowed him to delve deep into the heart of many impactful Rotary projects like these.
“It is incredibly important that The Rotary Foundation Regional team continues to work hard to ensure that individual and club support for The Rotary Foundation and its activities continues unabated throughout the Regionalisation Pilot and beyond.”
He has also found it inspiring to witness a growth in giving to the Annual Fund for 2022-23, despite a declining membership and adverse exchange rates for Australia and New Zealand, and is proud that all districts in Zone 8 participated in the district grants program.
Likewise, he has enjoyed working with other regional leaders to introduce annual combined learning and development workshops for their assistant coordinators.
In terms of promoting The Rotary Foundation, Peter says its importance cannot be overstated. “If I could only influence the Rotary International Global Training Team to accept the importance of the role our Foundation plays and introduce The Rotary Foundation to the learning and development syllabus for Global Networking Training Seminars (GNTS) and increase the time and emphasis provided during the annual Governor-elect Training Seminar (GETS) program.”
He would also like to encourage district leaders to take advantage of and utilise the knowledge and development capability available from the Regional Foundation team for district conferences and training assemblies.
As for his 2024 successor, Peter offers some valuable advice.
“Continue to work collaboratively with the other Regional Coordinators and hold face-to-face learning and development events for the Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinators and District Rotary Foundation Chairs.
“It is incredibly important that The Rotary Foundation Regional team continues to work hard to ensure that individual and club support for The Rotary Foundation and its activities continues unabated throughout the Regionalisation Pilot and beyond.”
As his term as Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator draws to a close, Peter would like to acknowledge the unwavering support he has received from the small but dedicated team at the Rotary International South Pacific and Philippines Office (RISPPO). In particular, Foundation team members Mark Anderson, Rob Byrne (now retired), and in recent times Avneet Bhasin.
“Their continued support and service to the regional team and to everyone in the region goes well beyond expectations.”