In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 2 | Page 6

No kidding around for youngest Rotarians

New Zealand ’ s first Rotakids club is one of District 9980 ’ s greatest-ever success stories .
Less than six months after chartering , our youngest Rotarians , who are supported by the Rotary Club of Waimate and mentored by its Youth director Sharyn Cain , are fundraising up a storm , turning their hands to everything from baking and gardening to boot sales .
Here , inaugural president , Waituna Creek School ’ s Abi Lapthorn , 12 , shares with In Gear her leadership journey to date , and is quick to point out , New Zealand ’ s youngest Rotarians aren ’ t playing pretend .
The Rotakids members , Abi says , are deeply committed to their community , they have a strategy , they have an ambitious action plan , and they have serious goals – and they aren ’ t dillydallying around in achieving them .
She ’ s also thrown down a New Year ’ s resolution challenge to all clubs in District 9980 .
In Gear : When did you first hear about Rotakids , Abi , and how did you come to be involved ?
Abi : When Sharyn came and spoke at our school . Mum asked whether I wanted to join , and I said yes , it sounds like fun . I went along to the first meeting and really liked it , so have been a member from the start .
In Gear : How did your club choose its leaders , including you as president ?
Abi : Sharyn explained what each position involved , and then everyone was asked to think about what we might like to be . The next meeting we put ourselves forward for a position that we wanted , and then there was a vote .
In Gear : It must be a big responsibility to be New Zealand ’ s first Rotakids president – how would you describe your leadership style ?
Abi : I like to share the positions and get everybody involved . I think I lead by example by giving everything a go . It is important to me that everyone is treated the same .
In Gear : What ’ s one of your team ’ s achievements that ’ s left you feeling really proud , and why ?
Abi : When we did the car boot sale , because everyone had a go and got involved with different parts . Then we got to present the money to volunteer emergency services in Waimate , which are really good causes .