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St Oran's Interact Club Activities

In our world today, it cannot be emphasised enough that we must prioritise our mental wellbeing, and take care of ourselves. As youth, we are completely immersed in a environment where we, along with our peers, friends and family, are all affected by mental health issues one way or another. This is how our Interact group decided on our first project, which was: ‘Wellness bags’ designed to promote self-care and self-love, for the pact group's youth clients.

The resulting Wellness Bags we made (on our assembly day) contain a stress ball, lavender bath salts, fruit tea, a bundle of positive affirmations/ quotes, and a small, but special book. Inside this book, we have included two anonymous stories written by two Oran's girls who have battled mental health issues but were able to overcome them in the end. There is also a "Wellness Toolbox," a page of Helpful Resources and a colouring-in page.

I am immensely grateful to Jo Newlove, and Hutt Valley Rotary for the opportunity to start the Interact club at my school this year, we are very excited for the future.

Jess Ye, on behalf of Interact

Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge 23/24 Nov

Make a note in your diary for Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th November – Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge – we would LOVE to hold on to the Rotary Challenge Cup for another year. The accommodation has been arranged.

For more information on how to enter click here. It's not too late.

Tree Planting at Tauranga Taupo

On Friday 19 April about twenty Hutt Valley Rotarians and supporters converged on this tiny village on the southern shores of Lake Taupo for a weekend of tree planting, fellowship and great scenery. The weekend started by most meeting at the carpark of Lake Rotopunamu on SH41 about 10kms west of Turangi. Our host, Shirley Potter, soon had everyone enthusiastically climbing through the bush track into the Tongariro National Park. This lake is a hidden treasure and is highly recommended you stop off and have a look. Despite the rain, and learning how to clear and reset some vermin traps, all reported a great start to the weekend.

The local Indian restaurant did well on Friday night and was a great night sharing food, drink and mix & mingling. The ages present were from 2yo to 70s. We were accommodated in three Airbnb houses and tended to congregate at The End of the Road, the house with the best fireplace.

Saturday morning started with breakfast, followed by a Health and Safety briefing, the digging spades had sharpened edges, and divided into working parties. We soon found there is more to planting trees than just dig a hole and drop a tree in, they need nurturing, watering and with a little bed of carpet. Later in the day, with over 600 trees planted there were some very tired Rotarians who then went to take the waters at the hotpools. While they were away it was up to the chefs who produced a spectacular dinner, salads, the usual sausies, roasted lamb, roasties with pumpkin, potato, kumera and carrots followed by apple crumble, custard and cream. Very enjoyable with a glass of Savvi.

A great time was had by all who attended, so much so a return trip is planned for next April.

Travel Tip: Driving up the Desert Road, about 10 minutes before Turangi, there's a hidden gem well worth a visit. Turn right up a signposted road, Tree Trunk Gorge Rd, a sealed road through beautiful native bush and stop at the bridge, about 5 kms in, and park the car, walk back onto the bridge and look down, you will see a miniature Huka Falls with water rushing through a narrow gorge about 70 meters below. Spectacular!

Drive on another couple of ks to the end of the road, park and walk about 300 meters to see one of the massive water diversion pipes across the valley. Gantries both ends and you can walk across, great bush photos.

Tree Planting at Tongariro National Park World Heritage Site

This was a great weekend, enjoyed by young and old alike. With over 20 Rotarians and others helping, over 600 trees were planted. Shirley Potter, of the Tongariro Natural History Society, was delighted. After the planting a plunge in the hot pools followed by a banquet and a glass of wine completed a really productive day. We have been invited to come back again next year, I for one have signed up already.