11th December 2013 marks a decade of achievement

11th December 2013 marks a decade of achievement

Rotary New Zealand (RNZWCS Limited) was established in 1984 and incorporated on 11 December 2003 in the year following the establishment of NZAID by the then New Zealand government. Rotary historically aspired to a similar ethos since its formation in 1905, as to that behind NZAID, "Towards a Safe and Just World Free of Poverty". NZAID was disestablished in 2009 with the government declaring "Lifting people out of poverty depends directly on increasing economic growth and strengthening trade.” This change reflected the broader view that had been taken by Rotary New Zealand in the intervening years with some significant sustainable livelihood activities established with financial support from NZAID during that period. Since 2009, Rotary New Zealand has embraced this philosophy with many social and economic development activities being implemented in Pacific countries as well India and Tanzania. Rotary applauds the partnership opportunities that are made possible through the support of government and the public of New Zealand. The challenge for donors is to avoid creating global “social welfare” as is becoming increasingly evident in some countries, a spokesperson said.. Rotary, historically a volunteer organisation is conscious that to lift people out of poverty requires creation of self determination through transference of skills and encouraging people to do it for themselves. That is why they recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VSA Volunteer Service Abroad to provide a vehicle for Rotarians to volunteer for more skills based activities. In the past decade, Rotary New Zealand has also adapted to the change and frequency of humanitarian disasters. The Rotary Emergency Response Kits packed in New Zealand by Rotarians and supporters are now pre positioned in six strategic places in the Pacific. This ensures that as soon as the event permits, with the collaboration of National Disaster Management Offices, distribution of essential items takes place. The Board of Rotary New Zealand will meet in Wellington on the 10th Anniversary, 11 December 2013 and will reflect on the changes that have occurred in the International Aid and Development Sector in the past decade and endorse its strategic and business plans going forward..

© Scoop Media