“This is why the Zone is running the Regionalisation pilot. Last year 98% of our 9930 clubs voted in favour of running a pilot which will hopefully address some of the issues causing this decline. It is a known factor that 60% of new members leave within 2 years, so this is something we need to address. We should change our clubs to fit around its members not the members around the club. Ask a new member why they are joining, what they want out of Rotary, what they want to do in Rotary, and maybe a project they would like to start or do. This is going to engage them so they don’t become part of the 60% leaving.

“As part of the ongoing efforts of the Regionalisation Establishment Team, there will be communications over the next few months asking the clubs to select a grouping they wish to be part of, and from that grouping the clubs will be asked to select a Rotary Community Leader. As Jim Bolger said at the Te Kuiti conference, “Just let it happen and don’t let it divide us”. I know New Zealanders are reluctant to accept change, but this is one I hope you all will accept. There are 100’s volunteers (me included) working on establishing this pilot so please accept any requests that are asked. Remember what I said earlier about membership, if we don’t do anything Rotary will die and you don’t want that.

“Have a good month and Deb and I look forward to meeting the rest of you when we visit.

Bill Robinson
District Governor
0272870596
[email protected]”