Want an excellent way to promote Rotary in this our special Centennial year? Rotary Matamata has produced a number plate surround that allows Rotarians from around the country to mark this special occasion in a lasting way.
Rotary is celebrating the establishment of the first clubs in New Zealand and Australia in 1921 (Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne and Sydney). 100 years on Rotary is more diverse and community-focused than ever but still faces challenges to be recognised for the work we do.
Rotary Matamata project co-ordinator David Hulme says the plate surrounds are an excellent way to promote Rotary’s 100 years of service in New Zealand, both in this the 100th year and in years to come.
One such matched couple are year 10 Matamata College student Ruby Deare, and Abigail Martin from South Australia. Ruby applied for the exchange through Rotary Matamata and on being accepted was one of a team of six students who in July departed for Australia. Ruby and Abigail first met in April when the Australian students arrived in New Zealand. Students live for 12 weeks with their matched twin’s family. Ruby is an only child and her mother Miranda Thomson pointed out that learning to share was something Ruby had to learn very quickly. “And Abigail learned what it was like to live with a family very different from her own”. Both the girls have gained confidence during the exchange. Just this week Ruby has given a presentation to Abigail’s local Rotary club about her life here in Matamata and Abigail commented that she did things in New Zealand that took her out her comfort zone and that she would never have attempted before she joined this exchange.
