12/01/2006

He's a jolly good Fellow

Otorohanga's first mayor was recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow late last month.
Jim Earwaker was elected as mayor of Otorohanga District Council in 1989 after spending the previous three years as council chairman.
On December 23, 2005 Mr Earwaker was commended for his contribution to the local community when the Otorohanga Rotary Club named him as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Otorohanga Rotary Club president Trevor Coley said Mr Earwaker was chosen for the honour due to
the way his life "exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation".
"Jim, with the support of his wife Joy, has led a busy and successful life centred on their family, their business and service to the community," said Mr Coley.
"During his years in local government Jim worked diligently on many issues including working with the police to establish the Support House which brought together the many health and welfare groups working in the community. He worked for the coordination of pest control in the Northern King Country and re-instigated and drove the council road improvement and extended sealing programme.
"Jim was an honorary member of Otorohanga Rotary Club for many years. He made a significant financial grant to Rotary which enables the club to extend the support it offers to students in our community.
Mr Earwaker was presented with the three emblems of the Paul Harris Fellow - certificate, lapel pin and medallion.
Named after one of Rotary's founders, the Fellows were established in 1957 after US$1000 was donated to the humanitarian and educational programmes of the Rotary Foundation.
"These programmes include an array of projects that serve and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding. Foundation programmes provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunisations and shelter for millions of people. These activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the world," said Mr Coley.
Rotarians are able to designate a Paul Harris Fellow to recognise a person in the community whose life demonstrates the objectives and mission of the Rotary Foundation "to build better world, understanding and peace".