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Welcome to the Inner Wheel New Zealand website - to New Zealand members, and to Inner Wheel friends from around the world.
The founding aims of Inner Wheel are to promote true friendship and personal service, and to foster international understanding. They are as relevant today as they ever were. Since Inner Wheel began in England in 1924 it has spread worldwide, now with nearly 100,000 members in 103 countries. The first New Zealand club was formed in Napier in 1936 and we now have 64 Clubs across five Districts, including two Pacific Island clubs in Fiji and New Caledonia.
International Inner Wheel President, Catherine Refabert, has given us an inspiring theme: Think Ahead - Aim High. This means that we should not be afraid to try new things, to be ambitious with our projects, or in selecting guest speakers. We may be surprised how successful we can be.
Members are the lifeblood of our clubs and it is imperative that we constantly seek new members to join and enjoy Inner Wheel. This includes taking opportunities to establish new clubs where appropriate. My challenge to you all is to increase your nett club membership, by at least one, by the end of this Inner Wheel year. That would take our New Zealand total over 2000.
This new website is designed to provide information about Inner Wheel – its history, aims and examples of the work of Inner Wheel within our communities. There is also a link to the International Inner Wheel website outlining its activities throughout the world. Members, this is your website to contribute to and to use regularly.
Of particular importance is the Inner Wheel New Zealand Conference in Napier, 29 March-1 April 2012. Planning is well advanced and I can promise you a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience. It is closely followed by the 15th International Inner Wheel Convention to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, 17-21 April 2012. International Conventions provide the opportunity to rub shoulders with other Inner Wheel members from all over the world, to compare notes, and to make lasting friendships. Already, several New Zealand members have registered.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as New Zealand President/National Representative for the 2011-2012 year. My wish for the year ahead is for all clubs to prosper and grow, and for members to enjoy their meetings and gain satisfaction from the valuable community projects that they undertake.
Let us continue to enjoy and be proud of Inner Wheel, and be enthusiastic. As Emerson once said,
"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm!"
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
Best wishes,
Dorothy Booth
Inner Wheel New Zealand President
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