Freemason NEW ZEALAND
Issue 1 (Vol. 47), March 2019
Strategic Direction 2019–2023
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In this issue From the editor 2
THE FREEMASONS CHARITY
Hot off the Press 3
Speak up through community projects 22
Grand Masters’ Visits 3
The New Strategic Direction 4
More than ambulances 24
News clips 6
The expanding role of a region’s paramedic services
OPINION
Charting a future for rural Lodges 27
Fit for future, a reality check 8
Freemasons Foundation 28 Cancer T-cell therapy in practice 30
Have your say 9
The new Kilogram revealed at Powering Potential 32
Speak Up 10
FREEMASONS IN ACTION
The Masonic Villages Trust 34
Our ‘quiet benevolence’ honoured 12 RSA Poppy Appeal 13 Sustained support for Manurewa Central School 14
Camp Purple 2019 36
Freemasons, Mozart and the Hamilton Gardens 15
Freemasons continued support helps meet a growing demand
Camp Quality 16
The Times They Are a-Changing: Masonic Knowledge 38
Presentation on Freemasons CAR-T cell Research Programme in Waikanae 17
Lodge Erewhon – books to support new readers 39 A perfect example of ‘Speaking Up for Freemasonry’ 39 Upskilling scholarships for the construction industry 17
The Great War remembered 40
Freemasons to the rescue 18
The Freemasons Deposit Scheme 41
100 Years and a Freemason too! 40
Freemasons – Lords of the Ring 19
2015 Heartland Bank Scholar flying high 20
Royal Arch 44
Dedication of new Woolston Freemasons Centre 46 Welcome to our newest Freemasons 47 The Last Word 48
Elspeth Carroll goes from strength to strength
Service Awards 49
Front cover: Plan on a page poster for new strategic direction, 2019–23
www.freemasonsnz.org
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From the Editor
FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND
National Office Unit 2, 22 Tacy Street Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: membership@freemasonsnz.org communications@freemasonsnz.org www.freemasonsnz.org
Progression, Refreshing and Renewal
The New Zealand Freemason is the official journal of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand. Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions expressed and the advertising content are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy of Grand Lodge. Articles appearing in this journal may be reproduced without permission provided acknowledgement of the source is made and a copy of the publication is forwarded to the Grand Secretary (secretary@freemasonsnz.org). Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to membership@freemasonsnz.org or the Executive Director, PO Box 6439, Marion Square, Wellington 6141. Queries and comments regarding content and advertising should be addressed to the Editor. Contributions to the magazine, preferably in electronic form (e.g. MS Word documents) are greatly appreciated and should be of interest to a wide audience. Photographs should be high quality, preferably in jpg or tif format. Contributions may be edited in order to fit space available and to achieve overall balance. Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words. A guidance sheet for preparation of publishable material is available on request from the Editor. Contributions should be forwarded to communications@freemasonsnz.org Freemasons NZ contributions to Duane Williams, Editor communications@freemasonsnz.org Royal Arch contributions to Duane Williams, Editor gsn@royalarch.org.nz Magazines are distributed in March, June, September and December. The deadlines for contributions are the first day of February, May, August and November Layout by Bartlett Projects, Wellington Printed by Fisher Print Ltd, Palmerston North Copyright © 2019 Freemasons NZ
Welcome to 2019 and a fantastic year for Freemasonry in New Zealand. Whether it’s a Lodge Installation or a Grand Installation the ceremony is all about progression, refreshing and renewal. That age-old part of how freemasonry works is the ability to progress within the organisation according to merit and ability and the need for particular skills at a moment in time. Freemasonry is all about – arming men with extra skills that serve them well as men, as partners, with family and the community. Refreshing is the ability to give life and vigour to an organisation by making appropriate changes of the guard. Freemasonry is all about – change with a purpose and the ability to handover and let others have a go. Renewal is that renewed enthusiasm engendered into our organisation that is a perennial as the seasons. Freemasonry is all about – teaching us the ‘masonic way’ which has a proven track record of success over the centuries. This year we have a Grand Installation from 15–17 November 2019, so change will be upon us with some Freemasons promoted, others appointed and some of us making way for others after a job well done. Some of us will be pleased with results and others will be disappointed this time around but all will be thankful for the transparency of the process which in every instance has given us the ‘best man for the position’. It’s a fantastic year for Freemasonry because we are launching our Strategic Plan which will involve members, lodges, districts and divisions in creating their own future and of course our Grand Installation is a showcase for Freemasonry in New Zealand and overseas. This issue has some initial detail on the Strategic Direction for the next 5 years which includes still ‘Speaking Up for Freemasonry’, some really good pages outlining the work of and issues from The Freemasons Charity, the Freemasons Foundation and the Masonic Villages Trust along with all the usual features that we hope bring hours of enjoyable and informed reading to members and the public alike. VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, KLJ, GSec
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Duane Williams with Shelley Newson, The Freemasons Charity Administrator, with two of the new Pull Up Banners that your Division now has promoting two of our major programmes; Freemasons CART-T cell Research Programme and Powering Potential Programme.
Hot Off the Press Preparing for 2019 Scholarship Presentations The national presentations are being held in the Grand Hall and old Executive Council Chamber at Parliament on Wednesday 8th May 2019 at 11.30am. Freemasons University Scholarships of $6000 for Graduates and $10,000 for Post Graduates totalling nearly a quarter of a million dollars are being presented. The event is being hosted by Member of Parliament Greg O’Connor and addresses will be given by our Grand Master Mark Winger, the hosting MP, Guest Speaker Liam Malone – Paralympian and a Student Representative. It is a wonderful occasion especially as many parents, partners and friends fly in at their own expense to see their family member, partner or friend being honoured.
Freemasons from the Greater Welling ton Region are also invited to attend if you are interested contact the event organiser Jim Watt on jim@nzcc.net.nz
A flagship event that showcases Free masonry and its charitable support of higher education.
Five great reasons to come to the 2019 Grand Installation Just a quick reminder that it is being held on 15–17 November 2019 in Wellington and five great reasons to come to the 2019 Grand Installation.
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Registration is easy either online or by downloadable PDF which can be found at www.freemasonsnz.org/ grandinstallation
Getting in early saves money on airfares, hotels and registration (with early bird special). Wellington is an eclectic city with lots to do all within easy walking distance and nicely positioned within New Zealand to allow for the maximum attendance.
THE GRAND INSTALLATION WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND
15-1- November 2019
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Plenty of interesting events for your partner – Welcome Cocktails, Ladies Function (not be to missed – as ‘world famous in freemasonry’), Grand Installation, Grand Banquet and Ball, Church Service and Farewell Lunch. Just the Business Session is for the New Zealand blokes!
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A great weekend away with your partner for a once in every three years event. See you there!
GRAND MASTER’S VISITS 6 Mar 3rd Degree at Lodge Nau Mai No 177, Taumaranui 2 Apr 50 Year Badge WBro Sonny Beder, The Ponsonby Lodge No 54, Auckland 9 Apr 70 Year Bar Bro Lawrence Gatfield at The Alpha Lodge No 81, Cambridge 17 Apr 100-year old taking the Masters’ Chair for working at The Petre Lodge No 457, Whanganui
27 Apr Kapiti Coastguard Boat Launch of ‘Freemason Rescue’, Paraparaumu Beach 9 May 50 Year Badge RWBro Peter Aspden PDepGM Lodge North Harbour No 182, Auckland 10 May Freemasons Service at Beth Shalom Synagogue, Auckland
www.freemasonsnz.org
18 May Installation United Horowhenua Lodge No 464, Levin 24 May Installation at The Concord Lodge No 39, Christchurch 25 May 125th Anniversary of The Mackenzie Lodge No 93, Fairlie 5–7 Jul United Grand Lodge of Queensland Grand Installation, Brisbane
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The new strategic direction Member booklet A guidebook for all Brethren to reflect on our new strategy, collect their thoughts and think about goals their lodges can achieve
Lodge Booklet For each and every Lodge, this booklet will be a means to gather feedback from all Lodge members and use this feedback to work towards improvements in Lodge member engagement, and being part of your local community.
Plan on a page poster A one stop shop for all key information relating to our new strategic plan. These posters will be placed to keep what it is we are doing and why fresh in mind.
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ny organisation, to be successful, needs to plan for its future. Freemasons New Zealand has followed several plans over recent years, and this booklet contains the current strategy covering the period 2019 through to 2023. We felt it was critical to make sure any decision moving forward was well informed by you, the Brethren of Freemasons New Zealand. Our process to reach this new strategic plan was the result of numerous surveys open to all members. The booklet you find in this package was put together with the collective results of these surveys. (The member booklet has only been included with this magazine if you are a current member of Freemasons New Zealand) As important as it was to listen, it is also critical that we act, this new strategy will succeed, and its outcomes will be achieved, only if each one of us plays our part - Brethren, Lodges, Districts, Divisions and National Office. Each and every level of Freemasons New Zealand has a role to play in the coming weeks, months, and years.
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Put simply, the Divisional Grand Masters will decide how each Division will implement this plan and assist Districts and Lodges to bring this plan to fruition. National Office will be available, every step of the way to help each and every party involved understand what is required and more importantly help when it comes to doing. It is now the opportunity for each Brother and every Lodge to read the strategy and decide what they or their Lodge can do to contribute to the overall success of Freemasonry in this country. The primary focus of this booklet is to empower Brethren and Lodges with knowledge, ideas, resources and options. Once each Lodge has decided what it wishes to do, then District Grand Masters will assist them to fulfill their objectives. Each year Lodges will be asked to monitor progress and report – have you achieved what you aspired to do? Are you making progress? What resources are needed to give further assistance to Lodges so you make greater progress in your plans? And what more can be done to continue to make Freemasonry a force for good in our communities. The strategy is a living document – it is not intended to ‘sit on a shelf’. Annual reviews and reporting will keep everyone focused on this strategy as it proceeds through to 2023. As we all work together as a team to build Freemasonry, let us not forget the importance of enjoying our organisation and the friendships and relationships that it generates. We have much to be proud of, but it is beholden on us to introduce these benefits to the public in a clear honest and transparent manner. Questions and queries relating to this new strategic plan are welcome, for the questions that have already been asked, or may be on the tip of your tongue we have put together a FAQ below.
When does this plan come into effect? From now – the old strategic plan ended at the close of 2018
What will be required of me? To play a role in completing your Lodge booklet. This booklet is a way to understand where your Lodge is at and decide where you want your Lodge to get to. This will involve honest reflection and goal setting. Once completed your booklet will be referred to your District and Divisional leadership to help reach your goals. Your Member Booklet is enclosed with this magazine, fill it in and encourage others to do so.
Exactly how will National Office and District/Divisional leadership help? National Office will help with any documents and resources needed to improve your Lodges internal engagements and promotions to appeal to new members in your community. District and Divisional leadership will make sure your Lodge is on track to both setting important goals and working with other nearby Lodges to share ideas and strategies that are working.
So how much change will really take place? Change is important, it doesn’t have to be drastic, as small and simple change is easier to implement and can lead to the best results. As a member of a Lodge all that is asked is you contribute to your Lodge booklet, as said above, the goal of this booklet is to identify what improvements you would like to make in your Lodge. From here the only significant change is specific attainable goals your Lodge is working towards. This can be as simple as a few open Lodge nights every couple of months to draw in new potential members.
What if I have more specific questions or queries? Your District Grand Masters will be hosting District meetings in the coming months (see below) where you will be encouraged to join like minded Brethren sharing ideas and planning the future of your respective Lodges.
NOrthern
Central
Southern
District Meetings
District Meetings Hutt Wairarapa - 29 April & 7 May Kapiti-Wellington - 12 & 13 May Taranaki - 15 & 16 May Eastland Ruahine - 27 & 28 May Ruapehu - 29 & 30 May
DIVISIONAL MEETING
Auckland-Counties - 31 March Northland - 4 May 2019 Waikato-Bay of Plenty - 11 May
6 April Freemasons Hall, West End Park, Maltby Ave, Timaru.
Venues location and times to be announced on divisional websites www.themasons.org.nz
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News clips The Twenty-Five Year Badge The very underrated Twenty-Five Year Badge is available to all Freemasons who have been a Freemason for at least 25 years (either under New Zealand or another recognised Grand Lodge or both). Many of us may have a 50- Year Badge or 60- or 70Year Bar especially if we joined Freemasonry at an early age or have lived long enough. However, if you were late in joining Freemasonry then your Lodge can apply
on your behalf to get one presented as we may never reach the other masonic milestones. One of the reasons it was originally instigated. 25 Years in any organisation is a rare achievement but Freemasonry seems to have a preponderance longevity of membership which speaks volumes about our organisation. Applications can be requested from and sent to membership@freemasonsnz.org
Crossword solution Grand Master and a Cast of Thousands! Well 6,050 Freemasons and 218 Lodges to be precise. Our Grand Master Mark Winger in his Freemasons New Zealand cast. He was up for some witty caption suggestions. Some of his own… “GM – time for a break”, “GM – strategic planning or just wristful thinking…”, “GM – thinking of doing away with gavels.” Here are some more from members from the Freemasons Facebook pages… GM ‘I’ll be giving second degrees a miss for a while’ #dodgeysalutes. Time for a break – time for a … That’s one way to do away with cuffs. That’s Brotherhood cast in stone. Plaster the new way to smooth out a rough stone. Oh dear. A plastered Freemason. Typical Grand Master up to his elbows in it. Casting the path for 2019. ‘While your left arm will be employed supporting… this cast…’ ‘… The sign is given by placing the right hand in your pocket and your left hand in Plaster of Paris…’ Could be ‘fake news’ to help avoid the Round the Bays run. You should have told us you wanted to get plastered – we could have shown you a better way. If your watch is under that it is in trouble. Well you didn’t wing that very well.
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Grand Master going to Brizzie Take the opportunity to accompany our Grand Master Mark Winger, along with your partner, to the Grand Installation of the United Grand Lodge of Queensland in Brisbane, RWBro Paul Holland is being installed as Grand Master, from 5–7 July 2019. Details with your Lodge Secretary, online
HILTON HOTEL
www.freemasonsnz.org
here http://bit.ly/brisbane-installation (and let us know you are going) or obtainable from our Grand Secretary at secretary@freemasonsnz.org This is the last of the Australian Grand Installations in the current cycle so let’s get the largest New Zealand delegation together by going all out in Brizzie.
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A booklet of ten stamps costs $10 – but with actual postage at $1.20 per stamp, you can see you’ll be getting a bargain! Orders can be placed by email with Kiwi membership@freemasonsnz.org or by telephone to Barbara on 04 385 6622. ®
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It would appear that the apron pictured belongs to a Master Mason with the Danish Order of Freemasons – Grand Lodge of Denmark. Well done to Bro Neil Morse from Australia – a Past President of the Australia and New Zealand Masonic Research Council (ANZMRC) who read the December issue of the New Zealand Freemason magazine online and who was first to give us the correct answer! NZM 04/14 ????
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VWBro Jeff Elston DivGAlm was invested as the new Divisional Grand Almoner – Southern by the Grand Master MWBro Mark Winger at the Dedication of the new Woolston Freemasons Centre in Christchurch on Saturday 19 January 2019. Jeff is a Past Master of St Augustine Lodge, The Mackenzie Lodge and the Midland District Lodge of Research as well as a member of several Lodges in the Canterbury Region. He brings many important skills to the role and takes over from VWBro Les Brenssell PDivGAlm who had completed a term of six years. Les received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Grand Master.
Where in the World? WBro Alan Thompson of Belmont Albion Lodge No 45 outside the Malta Lodge Rooms in Valletta , Malta. Two English Lodges and a Royal Arch Chapter meet there, Lodge St John and St Paul No 349, De Rohan Lodge No 9670 and Chapter of St John and St Paul No 349.
Have you got an interesting photo with the New Zealand Freemason magazine taken in New Zealand or Overseas? then send it to communications@freemasonsnz.org
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Where in the World? No 2 This photo was taken on the Fire Ground on my last day at the 2019 Pigeon Valley Fire in the Tasman District. I was part of the National Incident Management Team that was deployed there for 10 days. My role was looking after a Sector of the Incident, seeing that the objectives set out for the day where done and managing the crews and resources assigned the Sector. A number of Freemasons who are involved with emergency services have been helping with these devasting fires. Bro. Clayton Locke Rawhiti Lodge No.66 7
OPINION
Fit for future, a reality check F
reemasonry has deep roots in history. It’s an interesting thing to consider. In a hypothetical, if you were able to take all Freemasons who have been and put them in a room, what would the breadth of experience and perspective be? This is an interesting question as Freemasonry has seen more societal development and change than few other organisations still around today. I am drawn to this idea because Freemasonry is currently in the throes of significant societal change, and if you consider the momentum of history, perhaps more so than ever before. The first Masonic meeting in New Zealand occurred on a ship in port at Akaroa around 1837. Back then, roughly 182 years ago, what was life like? More relevant to this article is what was it that drew someone into Freemasonry? Now compare possible answers to the same questions asked in 2019, has anything changed? I believe on the surface yes, but fundamentally the core values of Freemasonry which have been consistent for hundreds of years are still as worthwhile and appealing as ever. The reason I write this, and ask these questions, is to get some collective thinking around what it is about Freemasonry that needs a refresh in today’s day and age. Of course, there will be things that will not change, as these things are the pillars of history that Freemasonry rests upon. But what do we change to ensure a vibrant future for Freemasonry New Zealand in years to come? Let’s look at things from an angle that much of today’s world works with, consumerism. Like it or not, consumerism underpins a great deal of what life is here in New Zealand today.
The basic equation of consumerism is the buyer and the seller. Now consider the process you go through when pondering a significant purchase, perhaps it’s to do with a hobby, maybe a new vehicle or insurance policy, regardless, one will generally go through a similar process every time. Understand what it is one wants, look what is available, and compare options. In this increasingly connected time a potential buyer can get as much information as they want about something by reaching for their smart phone. My query to you, is what is it that draws you into what a seller is selling? Is it value? Engagement in service? Resonance with the philosophies of the seller? I’m sure each individual has their own criteria, but I don’t think the spectrum of answers will vary greatly. This is to say, it is a small group of things that attract us to what someone sells. Now flip the coin, what draws you away from a seller? Poor service? Low quality goods? Corporate greed? As with above, there will generally be a small pool of answers when it comes to why one will not buy what another sells. So, what does any of this have to do with Freemasonry? Well, Freemasons New Zealand is changing. The core of this change is making sure what Freemasonry is selling is done in a way that appeals to the right buyers. Last year we took the time at National Office to ask questions that once answered would help us change for the
better. We sent out multiple surveys to members present and past and asked what it is that brought them to Freemasonry. We also asked members of the general public what their perceptions of Freemasonry where and what shaped them. Alongside this, myself and members of the leadership team worked long hours to adequately answer the question, why are you a Freemason? (what is Freemasonry to you?) Through all of this we have come to a new strategic plan. But to step away from traditional business lingo, we have come to a new idea on what Freemasonry in New Zealand is in 2019. The core of this being: Our community, our family, our compassion. Three words rich in meaning all closely interwoven into the reality of what Freemasonry is. I feel it important to view this new focus and method as a strong means to engage with potential Freemasons throughout New Zealand, not a fundamental shift in what Freemasonry is. Going back to the buying and selling of things. Freemasons New Zealand is many things to many people, for one who is interested it can be summed as: A community of family rich in difference but united in a compassion for all. Reflecting on this I feel it to be an accurate representation of what Freemasonry is in 2019. I hope that through proper expression of these themes Freemasonry will gain a firmer footing in these changing times. Gareth Turner MM Executive Director, Freemasons NZ
HAVE YOUR SAY Write a letter to the Editor – preferably 300 words maximum. Submit an Opinion piece – 800 words plus a 100-word author biography, and a photo.
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HAVE YOUR SAY Look well to your fellow Brethren: Charity and compassion come in many forms
Dear Editor, Everyone has both good and bad days. The way that others around you can help turn the bad into the good. This is what makes a good friend and brother. While some days can be better than others, there can be days when acts of unkindness and lack of caring permeate our lives and can cause us to be thrown into differing levels of despair. Mental health is something that we all should be more aware of as it can affect each one of us in different ways, something we in Freemasonry often don’t talk about it in a belief that men are meant to be above that. Everyone needs a place where they can talk openly in a non-threatening environment, somewhere where someone, maybe a brother, will listen and not pass judgement. This is about caring, about non-violent behaviour where no one is judged or questioned aggressively and there are no angry exchanges. This is a place where there is no denigrating “one way, my way” talk. What is your Lodge like? Are you aware of what is going on in your Lodge? Do you act when you see something that should not be happening? There are YWCA Women’s Refuge – helping hands
Dear Editor The Richard Baldwin Empty Stocking Fund – How the money is spent. For many years I have been querying how the money collected annually for this charity is actually spent and understand that the last two years a donation has been made to ‘Pillars’ a charity supporting the children of those incarcerated and has been well received by a worthy cause. This year we are assisting the Christchurch YWCA Women’s Refuge – Emergency and Transitional Accom modation in Hereford Street which until recently I knew very little about. We had a working bee there recently and over a cuppa discovered the wonderful work of this organisation in assisting women with a “Hand Up” in life.
many things that can be done to address and curtail unwanted behaviour, to make it okay to stand up and say “no that is not how we as Freemasons behave.”
Lodges can draw up a list of their values to openly display and discuss. These could be: Being a great team member – letting others trust you Having open and free communications – feeling safe, nurturing others Treating others with respect Integrity – talking about it and displaying it Helping others with kindness – showing brotherly love Discipline – being rude is not okay
These women and their children have suffered in many ways and are at a very low point in their lives. I appealed to lodges for unused toys suitable for reuse here and whilst delivering a bundle put foot in mouth and got volunteered to be Santa at their Christmas luncheon. I later discovered our donation purchased all the children a gift as well as the parent which included a $50.00 Warehouse voucher. Santa duly made his grand entrance and the children – from babes in arms to 8-year olds male & female were awe struck. The looks on their faces said it all. A little humour and some Christmas Carols and songs made laughter and simple fun enjoyed by all. Not one child needed prompting to thank Santa. The women were overcome with pleasure and some I am sure smiled and laughed for the first time in a while.
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Perseverance – necessary to establish perfection Freemasonry is all about the values we are taught from the very beginning of our journey, the very first step we ever took inside the Lodge. Why then have some of our brothers forgotten these lessons? Thus, we now have no option but to re-learn them. Values are what motivate and sustain behaviour over the long run and it is our job to help our brothers adjust to the ever-shifting structure of priorities and demands. As Freemasons, we shouldn’t be a bully, forceful, disrespectful or unkind. We should always recall the words “brotherly love, relief and truth” Our Grand Master launched the very successful externally focused campaign to “Speak up for Freemasonry.” Maybe we need an internally focused “Stand up in Freemasonry.” As a prick to the collective conscience Lodges need to speak about their values across the range of compassion, tolerance, understanding kindness and respect, remembering that with respect and understanding will create a culture that will attract and sustain many wonderful men. VWBro Bob Monson, Grand Almoner
After Santa had disappeared and Gerald reappeared a young lass came up to me with a pack of chocolates and said” I think you were Santa Claus Mr and this is to thank you”. Most humbling I felt, a 3-year-old received gumboots and when he excitedly pointed this out, we burst into song singing Fred Dagg’s gumboot song. This experience really made me appreciate our own children and grand-children so please give yours and their Mum an extra hug and feel proud of being able to love your own and bring a little ray of happiness to someone not as well off as you this Christmas by your small donation to The Richard Baldwin Empty Stocking fund assisted by the Canterbury Almoners Association. My only regret is there were no photos for security reasons. What sort of world do we really live in? VWBro Gerald F. Robertson GDC
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Logo Variations Master logo
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Speak Up success demands perseverance!
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We’ve found the way forward – the wave is building – don‘t let it slip by!
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The numbers can’t be denied FREEMASONRY
4 Speech bubble
FOR FREEMASONRY
FOR FREEMASONRY 5 Horizontal open
The ‘Speak Up’ awareness campaign is a success. Membership and ‘retention’ numbers are increasing for the first time in more than a long time. Who can remember when? So having discovered the way forward let us all take a firm hold of the Speak Up banner and tell the world what we have to offer. FOR
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9 White
We have the goodwill to build on
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It’s only a hint of the greater success we can all share So many of us have picked up the idea. From Northland to the deep South, we are getting out into our communities and being ‘seen’ in so many ways. In the 10 Small
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For ultra small spaces
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Get on the wave.
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process we are talking to many more people about who we are and what we stand for. Not in a brash aggressive way but in the ways of Freemasonry , quietly and steadfastly and with actions that reflect our care of those around us. And the word is being heard in our favour. There’s a break-through ahead. As the Grand Master has said “It is clear that what you’re doing is working!”
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Or is it, that the goodwill inherent in our name has always been there simmering away under the surface but hearing us speaking up for our ourselves and our inspiring notions has been the key. Whatever it is, and pure awareness must be at the heart of the change, a
momentum has begun that we must continue and enlarge. So come on Freemasonry we’re on a winner. Every Lodge, every member can be, should be, involved. Don’t sit back, join in. This is the opportunity we’ve all been waiting for. Be part of the wave that’s just beginning.
The new strategic plan A new plan for Freemasonry for the next five years is about to be announced – and with it the continuation of the Speak Up campaign. We’ve proven speaking up works so, of course, it’s going to be an integral part of our future.
SPEAK UP – Make sure you and your Lodge are part of our future success!
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Freemasons New Zealand
‘Speak Up for Freemasonry’ Commencing November 2016
Logo Variations Master logo
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Freemasons in action The ceremony – before the full University Council, (shown) senior staff, colleagues, friends and family.
Our ‘quiet benevolence’ honoured Public recognition of the work of the Freemasons of New Zealand with the University of Auckland was climaxed in January with the University conferring an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree on our Past Grand Master David Mace. The prestigious honour was first announced by Grand Master MW Bro Mark Winger in a special letter to all Freemasons in December and has been further expanded on our national website with details of the graduation ceremony at the University on 23 January. In the eulogy, given at the graduation,
The gown hood for Doctor of Laws is light blue
the University Public Orator, Professor Paul Rishworth, presented many aspects of David’s life including his early years in Auckland, his experiences in the financial world of Hong Kong and his work with the United Nations Gulf War Compensation Commission. David’s lifelong personal empathy with benevolence and his role as a major link between the Freemasons and the University was the focus of the address. 12
Professor Rishworth said of us ‘The Freemasons form a network of community-minded people who together raise the funding to be a major benefactor not just to this University but to the whole New Zealand community. The quiet benevolence of the Freemasons in modern New Zealand is hugely impressive…’ Of David, he further pointed out that ‘beyond his important work for Freemasonry, David continues to be personally involved in the Centre for Brain From left: Dr Mace, Chancellor Scott St John, Dr Schuler, Research Advisory Board, and Dr Parton, and Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon on other wider community boards such as the Auckland Regional Tissue Bank, a partnership David summed up his own feelings by between the University of Auckland and saying he was very humbled to have been the District Heath Boards. honoured in such a way and fortunate to The growing partnership has opened have been able to work with some very up opportunities for the clever and dedicated Freemasons and the University people whose vision for advancing the public good. for medical science so After 37 years it has become a closely aligned with large and important factor in our our Masonic aims. charitable activities and a sucTo be in a position to cessful part of our public awaretell the world what we ness aims. We can all be very stand for was an opproud of our Brother David’s portunity he relished. efforts on our behalf and the ‘In all of this Mrs Mace David William Mace LLD and deservedness of his new honour. is my right arm’. ‘Mrs Mace’.
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P PPY APPEAL DONATE 12 APRIL
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Freemasons in action Sustained support for Manurewa Central School At the turn of last century Manurewa was a very small rural village of only a few hundred people in the Southern District of Auckland. It was however a growing community, and in 1906 Manurewa Central School was established. As the township continued to grow, the Central Post Office opened in 1921 and it was in the same year that Lodge Manurewa No.222 was to be granted its Charter by Grand Lodge New Zealand. To date this has seen 4 main projects come to fruition as:
Project No.3 – Auckland Philharmonic Mentoring – Total Cost $900
Rationale: To provide opportunities for our talented musicians to access expert mentoring at our school over and above the tuition they receive through participation in our school orchestra programme. Outcome: Students engage in musical experiences that grow their potential as orchestral musicians.
Principal, and the Lodge looks forward to continuing in a relationship with the her to continue in providing those positive outcomes. These few words are from Michelle Dibben – Principal of the School Manurewa Central School is a large, urban, multi cultural, low decile primary school that has proudly served the community of Manurewa since 1906. Our success can be attributed to the support from our families, whanau and the wider community.
Project No.1 – School Camp 2018 – Total Cost $1050
An additional 7 Children being able to participate in the School Camp in March of last year: Rationale: To provide opportunities for students to experience Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) activities over and above what can be provided within the confines of the school’s budget, and beyond the financial capabilities of many of our families. Outcome: Students acquire Chair of the Board of Trustees Waru Clark presenting awards to Kingston and Cameron. personal attributes that conTherefore, we recognise the important tribute to their development as lifelong Project No.4 – Maori Student role everyone has to play in ensuring our Award – Tekoteko – Project total: learners. young people excel in everything they do. Approx $400 Our partnership with Lodge Manurewa Project No.2 – Robotics Computer Rationale: To provide an opportunity No. 222 has been no exception. They have Programme – Total Cost $6216.66 for Maori students to achieve success provided opportunities for our students to Rationale: To provide opportunities for as Maori. The school currently presents attend camp, participate in a progressive students to experience a variety of digital a trophy for ‘Most Outstanding Pasifika digital technology curriculum and, in technologies over and beyond what can Student’. 2019; our more able musicians will be be provided within the confines of the Outcome: Students experience a school’s budget (currently we have 1 sense of pride to be recognised for con- supported by a mentoring scheme run by Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra. We Lego EV3 robot and kit that we used to tributions to their language and culture. have also been able to recognise the outenter a competition in 2017). To date, these applications have been standing leadership of our Maori students Outcome: Higher levels of achievesupported by The Freemasons Charity through the grants provided to the school. ment across the digital technology with total funding of over $8600.00 These opportunities support our vision curriculum. having been forwarded to the School, for students to “dream big”. With the supand with a balance if additional funding port of the Lodge we are opening doors for is approved of approximately $1250.00. our children and providing opportunities The presentations were made at the for them beyond what we could provide school end of term assembly, when ourselves. We look forward to working Laurie retired after being Principal for 35 closely together in 2019. years, with Michelle Dibben having been WBro John Oliver appointed to take his place as School WBro John Oliver, Secretary Lodge Manurewa, with Laurie Thew (former Principal) and Michelle Dibben (current Principal), with letter of intent.
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Freemasons, Mozart and the Hamilton Gardens Fantastical, Whimsical, Picturesque garden A wonderful setting and good profile for Freemasonry. Our Freemasons Foundation has made a substantial donation as principal sponsor to the ‘Picturesque Garden’ with in Hamilton Gardens given its masonic
theme – thanks to Mozart and his Magic Flute with masonic symbolism of the rough and perfect ashlars, columns, etc. all couched in an 18th Century garden set along the Waikato River.
Wednesday 13 February was a ‘Thank You’ evening – it is officially opened later in the year, but it was beautifully decked out, a gathering of 150 people attended, including the GM, enjoying the musical interlude. Dr Peter Sergel MNZM Hamilton Gardens Director with Mark Winger Grand Master and the Magic Flute.
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Freemasons in action Camp Quality Camp Quality – a series of wonderful camps for children with cancer supported by Freemasons throughout New Zealand. Reporting on one of the many camps – this time the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Region Camp.
These photos paint a thousand words and you can see the support, fun and enjoyment of just being kids on the faces of all the children despite the challenges they face and the only words I will say is a big ‘thank you’ to the Freemasons
ce, with two campers Our camp manager, Bry d on the final day hel during our colour run sisted of throwing con run our col The of camp. each other. at nt pai coloured powdered,
Arrival day, A companion meeting with her Cam per.
Camper extinguishing a fire as a par t of the fire training display.
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ing a llama on
an outing.
Campers eagerly gettin g splashed by a jet bo at at velocity valley.
Camp quality family before the disco night. Campers and companions all dress in theme and perform skits before the disco, this year’s theme was ‘kiwiana’.
A companion helping a ca mper down during an on the slide site activity
A camper feed
for their continuing support of Camp Quality. Freemasons and The Freemasons Charity supported the Camp Quality organisation this year with a donation of $40,275.00 Holly Young
Group photo on an Training station.
ion going down the Camper and his compan of camp luge on the third day
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outing to the Rotor
ua Fire
Enjoying the swing at velocity valley, one of the mo st popular activities of the da y.
Presentation on Freemasons CAR-T cell Research Programme in Waikanae
L
odge Tawera O Kapiti No 253 took the Malaghan Institute up on its offer of doing a presentation on the Freemasons CAR-T cell Research programme recently with nearly 50 Freemasons from Lodges in the Kapiti-Wellington District attending the event which was followed by a dinner. CAR-T Cell therapy in its simplest form works to reprogramme immune cells to recognise and kill cancer. Dr Philip George did an excellent presentation and answered questions afterwards as well as again taking the opportunity of thanking Freemasons
New Zealand via The Freemasons Charity for its generous support of the Research Programme to the tune of $600,000 over two years which was making research and clinical trials possible in 2019. Freemasons in New Zealand have contributed millions to medical research including degenerative brain diseases, child health and now new cancer therapies.
The Freemasons CAR T-cell Research Programme
Upskilling scholarships for the construction industry Since 2016 UCOL, Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47, and Registered Master Builders have partnered to deliver the Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarship for qualified tradespeople in the construction industry wishing to upskill. Scholarship recipients have the option of studying the New Zealand Diploma in Business, the New Zealand Diploma in Construction, or the New Zealand Diploma in Architectural Technology at UCOL. This year’s recipients, construction workers Thomas Monaghan and Cameron McIntosh are looking to add quantity surveying to their skillsets after each being awarded a study scholarship worth $6000. Thomas Monaghan, a Junior Project Manager at Shane Stone Builders in Whanganui, says he will be studying the New Zealand Diploma in Construction with the aim of advancing to a Project Manager role. “I’m looking forward to the next couple of years. It’s going to be tough work but I’m ready to see where it takes me. I’m keen to get a broader overview of the industry, because Project Managers need to know all aspects; the Quantity Surveying strand of the diploma is going to help a lot and could open up some more doors for me in the future.” Cameron McIntosh, a Construction Manager for Landmark Homes
Manawatu and former UCOL Carpentry lecturer, will also be using the scholarship to complete the Quantity Surveying strand of the New Zealand Diploma in Construction. “Already being a project manager in the construction industry, studying Quantity Surveying will add another string to my bow and make me useful in a range of aspects of the construction industry; not just as a project manager or builder. I already have the first year of the diploma under my belt, so getting this scholarship is awesome because I can now finish it.” UCOL Executive Dean of Engineering and Applied Technologies Danny Reilly says UCOL is proud to partner with Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47 and Master Builders to provide scholarships for programmes which produce high-quality graduates. “We have great engagement with our stakeholders. The thing that really spins our wheels is students getting jobs, and we can’t do it without the industry. The graduates of these diplomas are the
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very best that employers can get. We know that because we have a 95 percent employment rate over the past three graduations.” The scholarship is named in honour of long-time Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No. 47 members Jim Willson and Sam Lewis, who both ran significant construction businesses in the Manawatu. Their estates provided the initial funding for the scholarships, with additional funding coming from Freemasons Charity, Master Builders Manawatu branch, and UCOL.
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Freemasons in action Freemasons to the rescue An increasing number of rescues in the area has prompted the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust (CWCART) to purchase another full-time $14 million rescue helicopter. During the handover of $22,500 to the CWCART by the Sophia Street Car Park Trust (SSCPT) and Freemasons of the Midland District on Wednesday, trust’s chief executive Christine Prince revealed it will launch the helicopter later this year. “The exciting news is that we will be getting a new helicopter soon – the EC145 that will be launched in July or August,” Prince told those at the presentation. “It is a huge investment and this one is costing about $14 million. It will be completely medically equipped.” Prince said the number of rescues in the area were increasing and a second helicopter would help to secure more rescues. “The reason they’ve upgraded to this new helicopter is that it has more manoeuvreability because obviously it is very small contained space. They can more easily carry two patients at once and the safety is better,” she said. “What we’ve had to do as the number of missions have built up is that we’ve had to rely on pulling in another helicopter with a second crew.” Prince said the trust has a contract with aviation company Garden City Aviation and sometimes leased a helicopter from them. “At other times, like this new one, they purchase. Essentially we will pay it off through return on capital with the company.”
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Sophia Street Car Park Trust board members, back from left, John Taggert, Berry Mitchell, David Darling, Jeff Elston, Peter Smith, Bruce McDuff and Ray Bennett celebrate as trust chairman Paul Johnston presents a cheque for $22,500 to Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust chief executive Christine Prince.
Prince also praised the unsung work by the SSCPT, Freemasons of the Midland District in inadvertently saving lives. “People, through parking, are helping to save lives. That’s a really amazing initiative,” Prince said. “We think you are hidden gems, you’re beavering away doing all of this good work but very few people seem to know what you are up to.” She said the trust was always well supported by Timaru and the donation would go directly into her trust’s operating costs. “The donation is going directly to our operating costs and helping to save lives,” Prince said. “We feel very well supported by the Timaru community. It has some great initiatives like the trust that helped us finance night-vision goggles last year. About 30 per cent of our missions are at night.”
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SSCPT chairman Paul Johnston thanked people who use the car park. “The money we are giving today is $22,500 – $10,000 has come from the car park, $10,000 has come from The Freemasons Charity and $2500 has come through from the District Grand Master,” Johnston said. “The money donated today has come from Sophia Street Car Park Trust, Freemasons of the Midland District and the motoring public. We don’t ask. It’s from the change. That’s really what drives us.” Johnston said the CWCART was selected as a beneficiary because it covers the whole area in which their lodges are located that their members come from who voluntarily man the car park. “Some of them drive for up to an hour-and-a-half to get here. They are that dedicated to what we are doing.” Timaru Herald
Freemasons – Lords of the Ring A ring a New Zealand pilot was wearing when he was killed during World War II was returned to his family in Nelson today after a remarkable 75-year journey that saw it travel around the world. “You’ve got German villains, Freemasons, families on one side of the world, families on the other side of the world, a New Zealand consulate-general,” New Zealand’s diplomat to New Caledonia, Bruce Shepherd, explained. The ring belonged to Flight Lieutenant Leonard Kilgour, who was killed when his plane crashed in 1944 near the village of Graffigny-Chemin. Kilgour was flying a top-secret mission to supply French resistance fighters with troops and weapons in their struggle against the Nazis.
Generations of Kilgour’s family, who have a photo of their late relative wearing the ring, assumed it was lost. But in actuality the postmaster of GraffignyChemin had hidden it from the Nazis. He figured it belonged to the only Kiwi on the plane, but he couldn’t locate the family, so he passed it to his son. “His father passed away on his deathbed said to his son, ‘You’ve got to find the family and return this ring,’” Mr Shepherd explains. Roland Feutri migrated to New Caledonia, where he became a teacher for 40 years. “On his retirement, [he] thought, ‘I’ll give it one more go, see if I can find the family’, and then he came to see us,” Mr Shepherd said.
Leonard Kilgour's initials were found on the back of the ring.
“I took one look at it and I thought, ‘Oh, Freemasons ring’, got on the email, sent an email down to the Freemasons in New Zealand.” Gill Knox, the wife of the Freemasons’ Grand Librarian, a genealogist, tracked down Mr Kilgour’s family.
New Zealand's consul-general to New Caledonia Bruce Shepherd, right, returns Flying Officer Leonard Kilgour's ring to his nephew Warren Gibbons and niece Pauline Kent. Kilgour died when his heavy bomber crashed in northern France in 1944.
A telegram sent to Leonard Kilgour's family in Palmerston North saying that he had been reported missing. The secrecy of the mission delayed official confirmation until 1946.
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“I knew how much it meant to Mum and her parents. It was kind of like he was never forgotten,” one of Mr Kilgour’s family said. After the discovery, Mr Shepherd came to Nelson to deliver the ring personally to the family. “I’ve been carrying this thing around for weeks, it hasn’t left my sight,” Mr Shepherd told the family. “This is the combination of 75 years of searching on behalf of the family who recovered your uncle’s body.” TVNZ One News & Nelson Mail 19
2015 HEARTLAND BANK SCHOLAR FLYING HIGH
Elspeth Carroll goes from strength to strength
When Elspeth Carroll received her Heartland Bank Scholarship in 2015 she already had a significant number of achievements to her name. Her scholarship was to assist her studies at Auckland University of Technology for a conjoint Bachelor of Communications and Bachelor of Business Studies, from which she graduated in 2018. With many achievements since receiving the scholarship, she is now undertaking a Masters of Liberal Arts, International Relations, at Harvard.
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lspeth was born in North London and immigrated to Auckland at the age of 8. Both her parents are British, they got sick of the London commute and wanted a better life for their two children. Elspeth started secondary education at Pinehurst School in Albany and moved to Kristin School in 2009. In the years prior to university, Elspeth had raked up an impressive pedigree, including acting from a very young age and film making. As part of a year-long
school project where students had the opportunity to select an enquiry topic of their choosing, she embarked upon a project about the film industry. As she says. “The ambition was to make one short film over the year, but I got really into it and ended up producing seven films as well as officially registering a film company FluffySocks Films. Through this I was commissioned to film youth projects at Auckland Museum, which saw me invited to sit on the Auckland
TOP TEDGlobal Arusha 2017. Elspeth is sixth from the left, second row up.
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Council Youth Advisory Group.” The film activities have continued with Elspeth helping distribute Hunt for the Wilderpeople and working on the 2016 Olympic Games. With the Freemasons support, some pressure was taken off financially, and she was able to take up more opportunities throughout her undergraduate degree. She became both a producer of TEDxAuckland and Vice President of the AUT Students’ Association,
representing some 30,000 students. Elspeth talks about her introduction to TEDx. “It was Auckland Museum which introduced me to Elliott Blade, the producer of TEDxAuckland, in 2013. He was lookFROM LEFT AUT Graduation 2018, Harvard Yard, and Elspeth with Elliot Blade in Tanzania. ing for TEDxYouth speakers, and I endwas only upon the acceptance of this that former college hall) where I was sured up talking at the 2013 event. During she realised the truth in his words. rounded by an energetic community that process I fell in love with the TEDx “After many months of mulling, and of learners. I took two courses over the community and, a couple of years later, upon acceptance and the understanding summer, both in International Relations. Elliott asked me to join the TEDx team that it was possible, I ended up switching Personally, the magic of Harvard is in the as an assistant producer, and that’s how I to Harvard. I am now progressing to- freedom to express ideas, in a respectful ended up in Africa at TEDGlobal.” wards the Masters of Liberal Arts. I have environment, through quality debate. I Elspeth’s affiliation with TEDx learned that life has a snowball effect. found this experience to differ signifiAuckland took her to Arusha, Tanzania, The year I made an entry to the Auckland cantly to what I had experienced in my to attend the TEDGlobal conference in Museum film competition, ‘I AM undergraduate studies.” 2017. It was there that she met many in- Making Movies’ which birthed a longElspeth found it somewhat hard to credible people, but most importantly, a term relationship with the Museum. I answer questions about her future due to man called Hussain, a Fellow at Stanford recently stood-down from the Auckland the rapid change cursing through every who convinced her to apply for the Ivy Museum Institute Council, making this industry. “I believe my generation is set League, even if it was only for a summer the first time in eight years that I am not to have nine different careers, and the programme. He advised her that this involved with the museum.” generation after me some thirteen plus. world is all about communities, and if While back in New Zealand for her Therefore it seems rather pre-emptive for she endeavoured to be part of stronger AUT graduation, Elspeth had a real me to name a job, but I do know that I communities this would be a great next chance to reflect on the incredible op- enjoy people. I discovered a way to help step. He convinced her that the famous portunity she has had in Boston. “One people through policy in my time at the universities look for more than just aca- of the main takeaways was understand- AUT Students’ Association (AUTSA), this demics and, only after months of mulling ing the difference between a ‘learning in combination with a conversation at the idea over, she put in an application experience’ over just ‘learning content.’ TEDGlobal drove me to study internafor Stanford’s Summer Programme. It I spent the summer living on campus tional relations and policy.” in Kirkland House (Mark Zuckerberg’s Where to from now? Elspeth aspires to complete a PhD but, given her short but stellar experience and achievements to date there is no knowing where these aspirations will lead her. For Elspeth, the sky’s the limit. In Elspeth’s words “I am dearly thankful to the Freemasons and Heartland Bank for the scholarship I received in 2015, it alleviated some of the financial burdens of tertiary education and enabled me to volunteer for the likes of TEDx and AUTSA.” Freemasons New Zealand and The Heartland Bank can take pride in their selected scholar. Morris Robertson TED began 30 years ago as a conference about Technology, Entertainment and Design. It was conceived by architect and graphic designer Richard Wurman, it featured demonstrations of the Sony compact disc and the Apple Macintosh computer. It took six years for the next conference to be held but by the 1990s it had broadened its areas of expertise. There are now over 1,600 talks available free online – with over 60 million views – that have inspired, educated and entertained people around the world.
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Speak up through community projects Small projects can have a big impact, particularly when they speak up for Freemasonry in their community. Community projects have traditionally come about by various means. Typically, it has been by an approach from a school, sports group or an age care organisation. However, it is the desire of The Freemasons Charity that every Lodge undertakes the minimum of one community project each year and to do this the Lodge needs to be proactive in identifying community needs. There are advantages to be had by partnering with community service clubs such as Rotary and Lions. This not only widens the contact base for the Lodge but, also helps to demystify Freemasonry and show that it is also an active player in the community, which could lead to membership enquiry. The community spirit can be further enhanced by opening up the Lodge premises as a base for community activities. That said, there appears to be clear divide between the aspirations and abilities of rural and urban clubs. Rural town Lodges, with a local membership base, can best focus on local community projects and be recognised in their communities. Suburban Fringe clubs, again with a more local membership base are in a similar situation. Urban clubs, generally with a much more scattered membership base, can find it more difficult to associate with any particular community and, therefore, need to look to participate in projects which partner with larger organisations.
The project, for a relatively low cost and supported by The Freemasons Charity, involves the spotlighting of the historic 1888 Arrow Kilwinning Lodge, in association with the wider project. This participation is seen as being an effective way of spreading the work and word of Freemasonry in the local community and to tourists in the area. Alpine Rescue
Taranaki is dominated by its mountain, which is a drawcard for experienced mountaineers and day trippers alike. The mountain can be both a friend and a foe, with its challenging weather patterns often leading to situations of search and rescue. Each year rescues are accomplished by a highly trained team, thus avoiding the tragic loss of lives. Their importance to the region, the rescued and their families is immeasurable. As an example of a District wide project, eight Taranaki Lodges have given their support to provision alpine cliff rescue training and equipment valued at
Three Projects Lighting up the Lodge
Arrowtown is a tourist mecca near Queenstown. Originally a gold mining town, it has morphed into an attractive village with an historical atmosphere. The Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association developed a plan to install discreet period lighting to highlight the historic buildings, trees and other features of the town with the object of creating a night landscape. The Lodge – a winter view.
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$7,500, some $5,000 of which was contributed from the Grand Master’s pledge to Districts. Securing the net
Halfway Bush is a suburb of Dunedin, located 3km to the northwest of the city centre, close to the point at which Taieri Road becomes the winding rural Three Mile Hill Road. It was this road which gave the suburb its name, as this locality was halfway between the Taieri Plains and central Dunedin in the early days of European settlement, when Three Mile Hill was the main route from Dunedin to the Otago hinterland. Halfway Bush is the most inland of Dunedin’s suburbs and is at an altitude of 280 metres. For these reasons, it often receives harsher winter weather than much of the rest of the city. The Halfway Bush Kindergarten is endeavouring to improve the outdoor area by building a covered space for the children to use on the more unpleasant days and shelter on the hotter days. The
The challenging snows of Mt Taranaki.
parents have been holding quiz nights, barbeques and car washes to raise funds for this and other improvement projects, which include the purchase of a Hercules rope net, worth $2,094 with funding from Lodge Waverly and subsidised on a 1:1 basis by The Freemasons Charity.
In this example of a community project the recipient made an initial enquiry to The Freemasons Charity in Wellington. The request found its way back to Lodge Waverly, which came to the party. The moral of the story is; there is opportunity for Lodges to become more proactive with their communities
or adopt a nearby community not served by a Lodge Our People
In order to widen the engagement of The Freemasons, two Brethren have been seconded to work alongside the Charity Management Committee. They are WBro Jeff Mear and WBro Adrian Douglas. Jeff Mear was initiated into Lodge Tironui in 2009 and was installed as Master in 2013. He is currently Master of The Mangere Lodge No.330. Adrian Douglas was initiated into New Zealand Pacific Lodge No.2 in 1999 and was installed as Master in 2012. Adrian played a major part in bringing Camp Purple to the attention of The Freemasons Charity as a project worthy of regular support. We acknowledge the service to The Freemasons Charity by VWBro Les Brenssell who has completed his term as Southern Division Grand Almoner. Les has had a long history of promoting charitable projects in the south. We welcome WBro Jeff Elston from Timaru as the new holder of the office. Morris Robertson
ABOVE LEFT  Halfway Bush Kindergarten. LEFT  Presentation to support the Hercules net.
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MORE THAN AMBULANCES
The expanding role of a region’s paramedic services While, to most New Zealanders, the name St. John is associated with ambulance services but, in the region covering Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kapiti and Wairarapa the name Wellington Free Ambulance comes to the fore. For over ninety years this organisation has been providing an invaluable and continually expanding service to the people of the region, thanks to the vision of philanthropist, foundation member of Westminster Lodge No.308 and Mayor of the day, Charles Norwood.
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ir Charles Norwood later recalled its beginnings. “A man was lying on the cold footpath with the crowd just standing around looking at him. I asked: has anyone sent for a doctor – yes, they had. Has anyone sent for an ambulance – no, they couldn’t get one from the hospital.” This really set the idea of a free ambulance service going in my mind.” The year was 1927 and his vision was a gift that has held through the years and makes Wellington Free Ambulance 100% unique. Operations got started from the Old Naval boatshed, today’s Wellington Rowing Club, with three ambulance
Sir Charles Norwood, Past Grand Deacon.
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cars, one from the Harbour Board and two from Wellington Hospital. Charles Norwood donated three vehicles himself. Back then the ambulance crew were ‘stretcher bearers’ whose sole duty was to get the sick and injured from one place to another, a far cry from today’s comprehensive services. In 1932 the service moved to a new Cable Street building which, ironically, today is known as St John’s Bar. However, the name ‘Wellington Free Ambulance’ remains proudly embossed along its parapet. In 1956 the first station outside Wellington City popped up in Lower Hutt, followed by stations in Upper Hutt (1961), and Porirua (1963). The Kapiti Coast finally got its ambulance station in 1977, the same year a station was established in Newtown. By the early nineties things had outgrown the Cable St building. After a major fundraising effort Prince Charles opened today’s Davis Street headquarters in 1994. Bases were also established in Waikanae and Wainuiomata in 1999 to meet patient needs. Finally, Wellington Free Ambulance moved into the Wairarapa in 2011. www.freemasonsnz.org
TOP 1932 Art Deco headquarters designed by William Turnbull, now a popular waterfront bar. ABOVE Davis Street headquarters.
The service is more than just lights, sirens and a fast trip to hospital. Most of the time their staff are doing something else. They provide expert clinical
treatment, alongside warmth, compassion and kindness to ensure the best possible care for all their patients. They give help over the phone to those giving CPR, they trek for hours in the bush with Search and Rescue teams to find the seriously injured, safely transport patients to dialysis treatment three times a week or teach workplace CPR. The work they do is vast, reaching all corners of the community, helping with illnesses, injuries and emergencies.
LEFT Paramedic Geoff Procter, Executive Director of Healthcare Services at Wellington Free Ambulance with a LIFEPAK 15. BELOW Richard Illingworth hands the cheque to Laura Golland.
The Service doesn’t send an ambulance to a single patient without a LifePak on board. It’s crucial to what Wellington Free Ambulance does and plays a part in the care of every single person they help. Earlier this year the Master of Westminster Lodge No.308, WBro Richard Illingworth, sought a project to be supported by the Lodge. His mind turned to Wellington Free Ambulance in recognition of the valuable need in the community to support the emergency ambulance and paramedic service, commenting that. “We consider the Wellington Free Ambulance of particular value to the community and deserving of donations which allow it to continue to provide a free service to those in need. The professional and outstanding care they provide, is well appreciated.” With a contribution to a Lifepak 15 in mind, Richard and his wife, Margaret, hosted a fully catered dinner for Lodge members and partners with voluntary contributions in lieu of payment towards the project. The evening was further enhanced by the music of their son, James, a professional jazz pianist. As a consequence of the evening, plus a 1:1 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity a cheque for $6,910 was passed over to Wellington Free’s Fundraising Manager, Laura Golland, at a subsequent Lodge refectory.
FREEMASONRY SUPPORT The Westminster Lodge project Over time the equipment available to save lives has become more sophisticated and more expensive. An example is the automatic external defibrillator (AED) which, with many funded by Lodges and The Freemasons Charity, are becoming more readily available. AED’s can increase someone’s’ chance of survival by up to 80% if applied immediately. To see defibrillator locations across New Zealand visit www.aedlocations. co.nz. The LIFEPAK® 15 monitor/defibrillator is the new standard in emergency care for teams who want the most clinically advanced, operationally innovative and tough device available today. A LifePak can tell a paramedic all those things they can’t know any other way. It tells a person’s pulse, their heart rate, their cardiac rhythm, how much oxygen they are getting, amongst other things. By its continuous monitoring, it tells whether treatment is working, and whether the patient is getting better or worse. It helps make the crucial decisions needed to save lives. In the case of a cardiac arrest, a LifePak takes a reading of the heart rhythm, and can decipher whether a shock should be administered. It sounds the right chest compression rhythm through beeps, to help the user deliver chest compressions at the right pace between shocks. In the case of a heart problem, it also sends information directly to the Coronary Care Unit at Wellington Hospital, so no time is wasted, and hospital staff know exactly what is happening to a patient’s heart before arriving at the hospital. An ambulance is just a van without skilled people and vital equipment inside it:
AND THERE’S MORE GoodSAM – Signing up to save a life The GoodSAM (Good Smartphone Activated Medics) smartphone app which has been saving lives in the UK has now landed in New Zealand and is fully embedded into both the St John and Wellington Free Ambulance emergency ambulance dispatch systems. The app turns CPR trained members of the public into ‘Good Samaritans’, by enabling a nearby community response to patients in cardiac arrest. Outcomes from cardiac arrest are dramatically improved when a patient receives immediate CPR and defibrillation within the first few minutes. Emergency services can’t www.freemasonsnz.org
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always arrive that quickly, but it is likely that someone who knows CPR and how to use a defibrillator is nearby and able to help. GoodSAM is a free app that alerts registered “Responders”, to a cardiac arrest within a 1km radius, allowing them to possibly help save a life prior to emergency services arriving. “When a bystander calls 111 and starts CPR immediately, it can double the chances of survival, when combined with the use of an AED, then the chance can increase to 80%,” says Wellington Free Ambulance Medical Director, Dr Andy Swain. Community AEDs are available for the public to use in emergencies, with the device talking through the instructions to ensure the user can focus on the patient. The app, which was developed in London, has been implemented by a number of ambulance services around the world, and is available to everyday Kiwis willing to make a difference. Trained frontline personnel within St John and Wellington Free Ambulance have been using the app for the past year along with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and DHB healthcare professionals. Over 1,000 Kiwis have signed up to become a GoodSam responder. Visit www.goodsamapp.org to learn more.
SAFE IN THE SUN AND THE SURF, AND BEYOND The Riversdale outpost As the map shows the area of coverage of the Wellington Free Ambulance service extends far out into mountainous areas and rural coastal settlements. Serving the more remote regions requires innovative solutions such as that instigated for the east coast holiday settlement of Riversdale Beach, where trained members of the Surf Lifesaving Club are helping the Ambulance Service to keep people safe on the beach, in their home, and in their community. Late in 2017 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Wellington Free Ambulance and the Riversdale Surf Lifesaving Club, which means surf lifesaving first responders are automatically alerted to medical emergencies when they happen in their community. As Andrew Gladding, one of the Wairarapa based paramedics says. “It’s all about getting to people in remote places fast. It takes an ambulance under lights and sirens 45 minutes to get from Masterton to the holiday community at Riversdale Beach, and about the same for the Life Flight helicopter to arrive from
Surf lifesavers at their clubhouse with ambulance personnel.
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Wellington. This arrangement can get someone there in minutes.” The process works by Riversdale Surf Lifesaving captains and trained first responders being connected to the Wellington Free Ambulance communications network. When a 111 call comes in for the Riversdale community, these people receive a text alert and immediately head to the scene. Riversdale Club Chair Dave Rose says. “The time saved by getting a locally based surf lifesaving volunteer to the scene might mean the difference between life and death. From the incident surf life savers will be able to speak directly to specially trained paramedics in the Wellington Communications Centre who will provide lifesaving advice to the surf lifesavers. To the residents of Riversdale Beach, it’s a huge relief to know that someone can be there in minutes, and the people concerned are trained first responders. The volunteers deal with everything from dog bites, sting ray attacks, people falling out of trees as well as what we do on the beach – pulling people out of the water and doing CPR. Our people will have all the medical gear they need. If we can save a life because of our actions, well – isn’t that great.” Morris Robertson With thanks to Sarah Coulthard and Laura Golland at Wellington Free Ambulance
Swimming beyond the sandbank
Charting a future for rural Lodges T
he town’s name means to “run aground on a sandbank” because Maori canoes could go no further up the Makakahi River. But it is better known as a byword for small-town New Zealand, a funny-sounding name which stands for the middle-of-nowhere. Eketahuna is used to being the butt of the joke. Located at the foot of the Tararua Ranges in Northern Wairarapa, Eketahuna is a small rural service centre considered by some to be the stereotypical rural New Zealand town and is occasionally used in conversation to represent “the real New Zealand”. However, some people think it’s not actually real, that it’s New Zealand’s Timbuktu.” The town was initially called Mellemskov, but was renamed soon after its founding. Eketahuna School places great importance on being able to provide every child at school with a programme of comprehensive swimming lessons and
water safety knowledge. Due to the unreliable nature of the weather in the area uncomfortable pool temperature the school undertook to heat the school pool so that they would be able to provide a six-week programme of swimming each year. The Eketahuna Lodge No.92 has had a long association with the school and the community in general. In support of the heating project, following an approach from the Home and School Association, the Master, VWBro Glen Houlihan facilitated fund raising activities. The funds raised were matched by the Freemasons Charity with an added donation from the Grand Master’s Fund. Typical of Lodges in small rural towns, The Eketahuna Lodge, which lists twenty members no longer has a base of local members. The numbers are mostly made up of Brethren from throughout Districts 21 and 19. This gives rise to the
question, why should it continue to exist? There are several answers. It is unique in many ways and Lodges from throughout the two Districts bring candidates to experience the special aspects of this rural Lodge. More important, as evidenced by the school pool project, it provides an appreciated presence of Freemasonry in this rural town. Our country has a large number of Lodges in rural communities, many of which are struggling for membership. Yet, it is important that we do not abandon them and become confined to the metropolitan areas. The Eketahuna Lodge membership base is an example of how Freemasonry can speak up, not only in the large towns and cities, but also in the rural heartland. Long may they continue and not be allowed to “run aground on a sandbank.” Morris Robertson
School pool.
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REPORT All NZ secondary schools get our history books
Late last year we donated 8,000 books of New Zealand history to all secondary schools throughout the country through our continuing association with Bridget Williams Books, an award-winning, specialist publisher of New Zealand history.
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he most recent distribution of newly published New Zealand history titles comprised 50 titles placed in all 500 New Zealand secondary schools - a total of 25,000 books of which our 8,000 books came from 16 titles. All books have a ‘bookplate’ acknowledging the donor. During its development the programme has adopted some clear principles based on reviews by teachers, librarians and education advisors - the most consistent feedback being how important New Zealand history is today to both students and teachers. The ‘Bridget Williams Books in School Libraries Programme’ began in 2009 and the Foundation has been a major supporter in recent years. Amongst the award-winning books in our name have been Vincent O’Malley’s ‘The Great War of New Zealand’, Barbara Brookes’s , ‘A History of New Zealand Women’ and Alison Jones and Kuni Kaa Jenkins’, ‘The story of Tuai: A Traveller in Two Worlds’.
Emerging from this work another project supported by the Foundation is one making big history more accessible to students. ‘Stories from Tangata Whenua’ are short, lively narratives based on the magisterial ‘Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History’. Over fifty will be released by Radio New Zealand in coming months. The stories range from rugby heroes, the story of Poi E, and the Otaki Racing Club. The teaching of our history, the Treaty and it’s principles and particularly the European development and the reaction of Maori, has once more recently come under scrutiny around Waitangi day. History teachers are saying it is shameful that so few of us have a sound understanding of the relationships involved and it should be compulsory to teach all perspectives. Taking New Zealand history to our schools is an evolving project and placing books in school libraries is at its heart for both teachers and children who are on the journey of knowing the history of this place. We’re proud to be part of that.
The Writers Festival brings the world to Auckland The Foundation will again be a major supporter of the 2019 Auckland Writers Festival Schools Programme in May. If you are in Auckland, bring your little ones and not-so-little ones to experience some exciting and inspiring sessions with some of the world’s best children’s authors. The main Festival will run from Tuesday 14 May to Sunday 19 May and the Freemasons Foundation-supported Schools Programme and Family Day on 14th to 16th. Of course the festival is a joy for us all so get onto the website and start planning. It’s very popular and sessions will fill quickly. 28
Proud to support the Community MEDICAL RESEARCH | COMMUNIT Y HEALTH | HOSPICE | ARTS & CULTURE
| HIGHER EDUCATION
Brain cells on the heart ? Winning a Marsden grant is regarded as a hallmark of research excellence in New Zealand. That’s what a research team working for the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research has done. Headed by Associate Professor Johanna Montgomery, Principal Investigator of the Synaptic Function Research Group in the Department of Physiology, the project has received a significant funding boost from the Marsden Fund, which will enable an extension of the work investigating the role of ‘brain cells’ to control heart rhythm. As part of the on-going assistance Freemasons give to the University’s Centre for Brain Research, the Foundation provided initial funding to commence the project but this new grant allows the full execution of the work. As much research is difficult to explain in lay terms here’s a small quote from the introduction of Johanna’s project looking at heart rhythm: ‘Our research will focus on the brain cells (neurons) located on the surface of the heart. These neurons can control heart rhythm, and they play a critical role in the arrhythmia Atrial Fibrillation (AF). We hypothesise that these neurons can communicate more strongly with each other, which causes the neurons to have aberrant activity patterns that trigger and maintain AF’. Did you note that first sentence? ‘Brain cells …….on the heart’, Google provides much more if you want to pursue that mystery!
Looking at ourselves The NZ Portrait Gallery We encourage both locals and visitors to Wellington to visit the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in Shed 11 on the waterfront. Freemasons Foundation is a ‘Cornerstone Supporter’ our association beginning when we helped with the Great War 1914 Centennial exhibition. The gallery is setting the highest professional standards while giving us perspectives on ourselves and our place in the world with painting, sculpture, caricature, photography and new media. A new exhibition ‘Edith and George : in our sea of Islands’ begins Thursday 21st February.
Happy? The grant to Associate Professor Montgomery’s project was $955,000 over 3 years.
The Marsden Fund The Marsden Fund is a contestable fund managed by the Royal Society Te Apārangi on behalf of the Government. Grants are made annually and in 2018 $85.6 million was distributed to a total of 136 research projects across New Zealand.
Awareness - the macular degeneration problem The Foundation is helping Macular Degeneration New Zealand in a national 3-year programme called Vision for 20/20 planned to reduce the incidence of this eye disease, the most common cause of blindness for the over-50’s. The problem is that macular degeneration is treatable and steps can be taken to prevent its onset, yet people in New Zealand today are still going blind from it. It effects one in seven people yet 40 percent of those at risk, the over-50’s, don’t even know about it. Across the country that’s 600,000 people out of the at-risk population of 1.5 million. Currently 219,000 New Zealander’s have macular degeneration. It’s three times as common as dementia and it’s costing the country $20,000 per year per person. The aim of the Vision 20/20 project is to have four out of five over-50’s aware of MD and the way towards testing and treatment. Thousands of education presentations will be held around the country, through age-aimed groups such as Grey Power, Aged Concern, Retirement Villages and public meetings. To find out more about the plan for your area call 0800 MACULA (622 852) or email info@mdnz.org.nz and tell them the Freemasons sent you!
The Foundation can be contacted at: PO Box 28242, Remuera, Auckland 1541. Telephone: (09) 520 6414 Email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Or by visiting 373 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland. Charity Registration No CC27639 29
Southern initiative brings rewards
Cancer T-cell therapy in practice In the December 2012 issue of this magazine we reported on the commitment of Southern Brethren to the Live Life Lighter Programme by conducting a charity walk. The level of support was such that they began to look around for a way to utilise the funds gathered. Thus, The Freemasons Oncology Research Project was launched.
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niversity of Otago researcher Dr Sarah Young was optimistic that innovative forms of immunotherapy would soon become new weapons in the fight against cancer. Dr Young, of the Otago Pathology Department, and other university colleagues were leading research, which aimed to develop new therapies directed at stimulating a much stronger immune response to cancer.
This research was made possible through the initiative of Southern Freemasons and the generous support from The Freemasons Charity and the Freemasons Roskill Foundation. The local brethren purchased a cell counter for use in the laboratory. Prior its introduction laboratory staff had to view a sample through a microscope and count the cells manually with a
hand-held clicker. A year later Dr Young was presented with a flow cytometer, a further aid to the leading research being conducted in the Dunedin laboratory. She explained how, potentially, the two main new forms of immunotherapy being developed at the university could reach clinical trials. Dr Young said, “Existing forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while valuable, were blunt instruments which killed healthy cells, such as hair cells, as well as the tumour cells. The new therapies could provide a much more targeted approach.” The March 2013 issue of NZ Freemason carried an update which also reported on the work being done by Oncology Postgraduate researchers, funded by The Freemasons Charity and the Roskill Foundation (now The Freemasons Foundation). Braeden Donaldson was off to the Mayo Clinic to test vaccines and Melanie Grant was continuing to assess the role of cell therapies for cancer.
LEFT Infusion of the very first T-cells into a child with a brain tumour. ABOVE Melanie gowned up in preparation for receiving a sample from a brain tumour autopsy.
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Formerly a nutritionist, Melanie Grant gained entry into the Dunedin School of Medicine›s PhD programme with a focus on improving adoptive cell therapy for cancer. Her PhD asked the question “Can we improve adoptive cell therapy for cancer by using more than one antigen presenting cell?” Using tumour lysate as the antigen source she used dendritic cells, macrophages and B cells, and combinations thereof, to present antigen to CD4 and CD8 T cells. Her data showed that the combination of a dendritic cell and a B cell stimulated an improved T cell response over the use of a dendritic cell alone. After completing her PhD in early 2016, Melanie’s took up a post-doctoral fellowship in cancer therapy at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C. At the time, she said. “I am really excited about the future of cancer therapy, particularly as it is on the cusp of revolution and I am looking forward to contributing to new therapies.” Last December Melanie reported back from the hospital to Southern Division Grand Almoner, Les Brenssell, that. “Today we infused our first T-cells into a child with a brain tumour. It was an historic moment for our team.” Melanie has since reported that the patient is doing well and has received her second infusion. “When we have 3 monthsworth of samples frozen down we will begin to process and analyse them. The second patient is about to be infused and we have another four patients whose cells are being cultured in readiness for infusion. We are of course very excited to see how these patients respond, but it is still very early days.” As reported in the December 2018 issue of New Zealand Freemason,
THE RESEARCH CONTINUES We are grateful to Melanie Grant for keeping her original sponsors up to date with her research. Not only that but, in an endeavour to provide a layman’s explanation of her on-going research, she has provided the following explanation “In addition to tracking the cells that get infused into patients I am doing a comparative study to see if we can make T-cells in a better way. I’ve been stressing tumour cells from kids with brain tumours by heating the tumour cells up to 60 degrees C before bursting them open. After I burst the cells open, to expose all their bits to the immune system, I load them
onto dendritic cells, which take up the cell material and get ready to show the tumour cell bits to other immune cells. We then put some T-cells in with the dendritic cells and the dendritic cells show the T-cells the tumour bits and the T-cells learn to recognise the tumour. After that we run tests to see if the T-cells can both recognise and kill the tumour. The good news is, they can! If our pre-clinical tests are successful this may ultimately lead to another clinical trial where we infuse T-cells made to recognise the child’s own tumour, instead of using the generic tumour bits that we currently use to train the T-cells.
Melanie with her poster presenting her work at the Children’s National Research Week.
the partnership established between Wellington Based Malaghan Institute and Freemasons NZ continues cement New Zealand’s valuable relationship with cancer research.
Our Southern Brethren can be very proud of their contribution to the ground-breaking research which has followed from their initiative. Morris Robertson
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Teams at work.
MEASURE FOR MEASURE
The new Kilogram revealed at Powering Potential Measure for Measure, first performed in 1604, is often called one of Shakespeare’s problem plays. It continues to be classified as a comedy, albeit a dark one, though its tone may defy those expectations. The play’s main themes include justice, “mortality and mercy in Vienna,” Move forward to May 2019 when a new definition of Measure for Measure will come to pass. This was revealed by the Martian to the Future group at the fourth Powering Potential event, which took place in last December.
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orty secondary school students from across New Zealand came to Wellington to tackle some ‘wicked problems’ posed by scientists and technologists who mentored the students. with students coming up with solutions to issues as diverse as how artificial intelligence can benefit society and how to regulate gene edited organisms. The eight teams of five, who met each other for the first time collaborated to discuss and develop solutions to problems which had been posed by the Royal Society. The teams had to research the topics in depth and then work together to come up with potential solutions that they then presented to a public audience. They explored issues including what do the new measurement standards mean
for communications across the galaxy, how can we better treat or prevent type-2 diabetes, how can we clean up and better manage our fresh water and social bots? In opening the presentation ceremony Royal Society Te Apārangi Chief Executive Dr Andrew Cleland congratulated the students. “To be here, you have demonstrated a passion for science, a love of learning, a strong “Together with Freemasons New Zealand, we are proud to have brought you together for this event. We hope you have enjoyed the challenges, made valuable connections and leave inspired to pursue a future curiosity and that you are motivated to make a difference. Our Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger, had two clear messages for
the students; first, there are wonderful opportunities to work in science in New Zealand in fantastic locations and second; go overseas to gain experience but come back to New Zealand. This programme is a great example of speaking up through word of mouth. The young scientists will remember this event, that it was supported by Freemasons New Zealand and can each in their own way ‘speak up’ for Freemasonry. This article concentrates on just one of the teams, whose challenge revolved around something that will affect us all in our daily lives, although we are likely to be unaware of it. It is a new standard for measurement, future proofed by being applicable throughout the Galaxy.
The new Kilogram
THE SI REDEFINITION The International System of Units (SI) is structured around seven base units, with at least another 22 (such as volume) derived from these. Four of the seven base units (the kilogram, ampere, kelvin and the mole) have been redefined according to fixed values of natural constants. The new definitions are based on fixed numerical values of the
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Planck constant (h), the elementary charge (e), the Boltzmann constant (k) and the Avogadro constant (NA), as well as on three other physical constants whose numerical values are already fixed. Member states under the Metre Convention voted in favour of these redefinitions.
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Until 20 May this year, when the new measurement standards kick in, the kilogram will continue to revolve around a 129-year-old little cylinder of metal kept in a vault in Paris. Currently scientists from key agencies around the world fly their measurement equipment to Paris to calibrate against ‘the big K’ or ‘le grand K’. But, over the years its mass has shifted
Participants waiata at the conclusion of the ceremony.
and the world scientific community has decided that quantum physics must come to the rescue. Scientist, Dr Chris Sutton and his Lower Hutt based colleagues at Measurement Standards Laboratory have created a desktop version of a super-precise instrument. The Kibble Balance will produce New Zealand’s primary kilogram and could be used by many other countries. In the Northern Hemisphere, the equipment needed to measure the new kilo cost millions and is literally the size of a two-storey building, “All we really need is a device that allows us to plug in a natural constant of nature along with other variables, and from this calculate a kilogram to a high enough accuracy. The Kibble Balance is a stroke of kiwi ingenuity that does all this for us.”
The Challenge Dr Fazara Masouleh, who was mentor to the Martian to the Future group, describes their challenge as follows. “In a landmark decision, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures’s member states voted on 16 November 2018 to revise the International System of Units (SI), changing the world’s definition of the kilogram, the ampere, the kelvin and the mole. The decision, means that all SI units will now be
Martian to the Future Group.
defined in terms of constants that describe the natural world. This will assure the future stability of the SI and open the opportunity for the use of new technologies, including quantum technologies, to implement the definitions, “While the effect of redefinition is negligible in everyday life, the importance of this
redefinition in the scientific community is not deniable. The Measurement Standards Laboratory plans to provide an awareness in the scientific community from school to universities, and laboratories to research centres. We thought that this science challenge is the perfect place to start publicizing this big news. The feedback was unexpectedly brilliant. RIP the Kg. My group was composed of a couple of clever students very well equipped with knowledge to understand this concept. People in the audience said they were very pleased with the Martian to the Future Group Mentor, Farzana Masouleh, holds a PhD in Solid State Physics and a second PhD clear and simple explanation from in Engineering Physics. She has published dozens of my group for such a complicated papers in journals and conference proceedings. She is topic, which is a great achievement experienced in Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) for the young scientists.” and Finite Element Method (FEM) based computational modelling and material characterisation. Her recent “Working with the team was research was focused on creating transparent conducting an experience I am very proud of. oxides for plasmonic applications. Currently she is a They were very eager to learn new member of the Light and Temperature Team at the things. Although the topic was new Measurement Standards Laboratory, where she is responsible for the Humidity Measurement and the and complex they did not give up Calibration Laboratory. and progressed a long way in only three days. They learned about a LEFT Dr. Masouleh at work in the laboratory. currently hot topic in the word of metrology and were successful to grasp my tips to prepare a clear and simple presentation. I am sure they are good ambassadors who will circulate this important news and spread the word. They exceeded my expectation and filled me with excitement and satisfaction as they finished their presentation.” From bathroom scales to medical lab balances, the mass standard is now based on a value that is “woven into the fabric of the universe.” Morris Robertson
DR FARZANA MASOULEH
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THE MASONIC VILLAGES How to provide great care to people regardless of their means? The Masonic Villages Trust and its architects are grappling with the challenges of providing rest home/ hospitals that meet the needs and expectations of the post-war generation as they enter aged care. The Trust operates five rest home/hospitals. Glenwood Masonic Hospital in Masterton is a state-of-the-art facility, built in 2010. Edale Aged Care Centre in Marton was built in 1980. Horowhenua Masonic Care in Levin was opened in 1976, but has had major renovations in recent years. The two oldest care facilities, Masonic Court in Palmerston North and Woburn Masonic Care in Lower Hutt, have facilities dating back to 1972 and 1967 respectively. Renovating and upgrading Woburn Masonic Care, because of its age, is now a priority for the Trust. A new rest home/hospital is being designed for 60-75 residents, a size the Trust sees as optimal. “More than that and you need to add additional layers of management and lose the personal connections between staff and residents which are so important for resident welfare. Any smaller and you become vulnerable to any cyclical fall in occupancy rates,” says chief executive Warick Dunn. The architects’ brief is to design a rest home/hospital that provides:
showers, easy access toileting – built into rooms •
More rooms with access to the outside, with natural lighting and an outlook
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All rooms suitable for providing both rest home and hospitallevel care.
Dunn says Woburn Masonic Care, like the facilities offered by many traditional rest home operators, no longer meets the expectations of the baby boomers coming into care or their families. Most of the rooms were designed to standards set by government regulations applying at the time they were built, he says. In the Old People’s Home Regulations 1987 every room with two beds needed to have a minimum width of 2.2 metres and a minimum floor area of 12 square metres. Single bed rooms needed to have a minimum floor area of 6 square metres. Because these room sizes were the basis for government funding, the minimum became the norm. Bathrooms were communal.
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Larger rooms, some with the feel of a small apartment, some with a small kitchenette
“Such rooms, even where ensuites have since
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More space in the rooms for residents’ personal effects
becoming obsolete. In suburbs and towns
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Ensuite bathrooms and toilets in all rooms
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Full support for fragility – hoists, wet floor
been added as they have at Woburn, are
where there is a choice, potential residents
prefer modern aged-care facilities offering larger rooms and care suites,” Dunn says.
Above: Older-style rooms, such as this one at Woburn Masonic Care, no longer meet the expectations of people going into aged care Left: The way of the future A resident enjoying her spacious modern care suite at Horowhenua Masonic Village
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TRUST
The Masonic Villages Trust is a leading charitable aged care provider founded in 1960 by the Freemasons for the benefit of all. The Trust and its two charitable operating companies, Masonic Care Ltd and Masonic Villages Ltd, have an enviable reputation for providing great care, great homes and great communities to older people from all walks of life.
These modern facilities come at a cost. Residents may pay fees over and above their income from National Super. Some are sold to the residents under an occupational rights agreement (ORA) similar to that used to purchase villas or apartments in retirement communities. “This preference for modern facilities has a flow-on effect on the occupancy levels and financial performance of traditional facilities which are reliant for income on the day rate paid by district heath boards (DHBs). This rate is already insufficient to meet day-to-day operating costs, let alone a return on capital to fund replacement,” Dunn says. He says the Trust, to remain viable, provides premium rooms and
ORA care suites at Glenwood and Horowhenua. It will be doing the same when it redevelops Woburn Masonic Care. “However, because we are a charity we hope that at least 10 per cent of our rooms will be for residents who are reliant solely on DHB-funding and their national super. We would like to offer more, but whatever we build has to be financially sustainable.” (See below) Dunn says the Trust is still at the design stage at Woburn and while it has not yet agreed to go ahead, he expects it will make a decision around the middle of the year. “We have a facility where residents are provided with excellent care, but is fast becoming unattractive because of its age.”
A benevolence role for Freemasons
Mark Winger, Grand Master, has urged Freemasons to be proud of the Masonic retirement village trusts and to support their work. “While we will continue to support other charitable activities within our communities, let us not forget our own Masonic Trusts,” he said in the 2018 Freemasons NZ Annual Report. “[They are] helping the aged, employing staff and resources on huge scales, being seen to deliver compassion and support under the Freemasons banner.” Masonic Villages Trust chair Steven Molotsky says The Masonic Villages Trust is the largest of the Masonic retirement villages trusts. It has 11 villages in the North Island and also provides services to some of the other Masonic trusts operating elsewhere. “Our retirement communities are financially self-sustaining and this enables us to provide great homes to a growing number of New Zealanders from all walks of life. The same cannot be said of our care facilities, where there is a growing gap between the level of funding from government and the actual cost of providing rest home and hospital care,” he says. “The only way we can fill this funding gap is to replace our standard rooms with premium rooms and care suites, and to charge patients for the additional cost. This limits our ability to provide care to New Zealanders who can’t contribute to the cost of their care, over and above their national super. Molotsky welcomes the Grand Master’s endorsement of the work of Masonic aged care trusts. “It would be wonderful to have more financial support from Lodges and individual Freemasons. This would enable us to provide what could be called benevolence care for frail and vulnerable residents who don’t have the financial resources to pay their way. There is a great social need for this as there is no sign that government will fill the funding gap anytime soon.” He urges individual Freemasons and Lodges to get in contact with the Trust’s chief executive Warick Dunn if they would like to assist the Trust with its charitable mission.
Grand master Mark Winger being assisted with his regalia before the stone laying ceremony at Woburn Apartments in 2017
“Some Lodges have been very generous with their donations to fund electric beds, patient hoists and other essential equipment. These, along with donations and bequests from individuals are always appreciated. There is also the potential to make long-term benevolence endowments for the provision of care to patients with limited or no financial resources,” Molotsky says. Contact: Warick Dunn, phone 04 569 8512, email warick.dunn@ masonicvillages.co.nz
The Masonic Villages Trust Head office: Level 6, 15 Daly Street l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz
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CAMP PURPLE 2019
Freemasons continued support helps meet a growing demand The Crohns & Colitis Trust initially obtained Freemasons support for Camp Purple in 2017 through the initiative of NZ Pacific Lodge No.2. This magazine has previously carried articles on the camps. The support has grown with the past two camps being honoured by visits from the Grand Master and other senior Grand Lodge Officers
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n late January, over seventy-six children and teens with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis arrived in Christchurch to attend Camp Purple 2019, hosted at Living Springs in Allendale, along with over forty volunteers. They spent an amazing week in the outdoors in fine weather playing kickball, swimming at the river and pool, climbing, abseiling, doing archery, and participating in team building activities. They were so excited to spend the day
Breakfast.
“My first year as a volunteer for Camp Purple has been amazing! This experience has given me a totally new perspective on life as a I live with my disease. Learning from everyone is amazing and inspiring – the list of moments from this incredible Camp experience are endless – I truly hope I am able to come back again next year!” (Volunteer) “My son had a great time. He gets to meet other kids with IBD which is so important and endless non-stop Fun! I never have any worries while he is at Camp, he’s in great hands – looking forward to Camp 2020!” (Parent)
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Abseiling.
at the Antarctic Centre in Christchurch with the rescue huskies, travelling on the snow mobile and learning about the penguin colonies and care programmes.
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Wednesday evening saw them joined by the local Community Police for a Blue Light Fluro Disco and a great night was had by all.
Most importantly though, they spent the time talking and just being together, sharing personal experiences and being in the company of others who totally understand their immense challenges. For many this is the first such time they
camp was particularly moving and said all that was needed to demonstrate the importance of Camp Purple. Organizing a camp for children and teens with IBD presents special challenges. There was a highly experienced
Deputy Grand Master, Graham Wrigley, and Southern Divisional Grand Master, Rob Angelo, visit the camp
Goodbyes.
Disco evening.
have been able to do so. It is difficult to convey the impact the camp has on these children. Seeing them hug each other goodbye at the airport on the last day of
volunteer medical team of Doctors and Nurses to dispense medications and address all the medical issues that inevitably arise over the course of a week, with
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a team on call at all times. The dietitians worked tirelessly in the kitchen to assure that all the children on restricted diets could safely attend. Over thirty volunteer leaders, all with IBD themselves, served as role models for the children. The volunteers overwhelmingly felt that they benefitted from the camp as much as the children. One evening was devoted to a group discussion with the nurses where the children shared stories in a safe environment, asked questions about medications, surgery, and other issues such as whether they would be able to have families. Dr Richard Stein, Chairman and Viv Gurrey, Chief Executive, Crohn’s and Colitis Trust have extended their personal thanks to the Grand Master, MWBro Mark Winger, and his team who visited Camp and gave their valuable time and words of wisdom to the campers and volunteers alike. The organisers are very appreciative of their time and of course the continued generosity of Freemasonry. They say. “Thank you for helping to change the lives of these children because without your support Camp Purple simply wouldn’t have been possible. You have made a real difference to each and every one of their lives and those of their families.” Morris Robertson with thanks to Viv Gurrey
37
The Times They Are a-Changing
Masonic Knowledge? I
received a nice letter recently from the President of the Board of General Purposes thanking me for my contributions as Chairman of the National Education Committee (NEC) but pointing out that due to the new strategic direction the NEC was no longer required and is therefore to be discontinued. It was probably because of my 25 years as an educationalist that I was originally appointed in 2012 as Chairman of the NEC by the Board of General Purposes for a five-year tenure. Here are some of our achievements to date which are available to all Freemasons in New Zealand: Developed a National Curriculum of Freemasonry in conjunction with over 100 Freemasons throughout NZ; Developed the Mentoring Guide; Lessons for Freemasons in each of the three degrees; An explanation of all 3 degrees in New Zealand format; Job description/Terms of Reference for Grand Lecturers, District and Lodge education advisors. Much of this information is gathered together at www.themasons.org.nz/cdiv/ education.php or ndiv or sdiv In 2017, I was asked to continue for a further year during which time I suggested that a younger Freemason take over. However, I continued to chair meetings with the three grand lecturers where we discussed points of masonic education. In recent times these meetings were on-line which saved us a lot of time and money in travelling. These regular meetings proved to be a support network giving the Grand Lecturers inspiration, motivation and confidence in their masonic educational work back in their respective divisions, under their Divisional Grand Master who runs and manages divisional business, including education. Each Divisional Grand Master has a Grand Lecturer who is (or should be)
38
knowledgeable in the needs of masonic education in that Division and able to advise his Divisional Grand Master on ways to satisfy those needs. This has always been the case and hasn’t changed. It was for the Grand Lecturer to discuss action with his Divisional Grand Master to bring interest and motivation through their District Education people to Lodge level in their Division. In years gone by, we had an annual mini-conference of the three Grand Lecturers and their District teams when we met physically in Wellington over two days. This boosted moral and the confidence of newer team-members in knowing who-was-who and everyone
would depart to the four corners of New Zealand with renewed motivation and ideas. I am sure that under the new Strategic Direction Plan masonic education will continue as before in the three divisions of New Zealand Freemasonry and deliver to Freemasons everywhere the explanations and materials needed to make good men better. One change I would like to see is in the word ‘education’ as it is usually a turn-off for most people. Everyone understands what the word means but everyone has a slightly different interpretation. Our aim in Masonic Education was to provide information that all masons can use to become more knowledgeable and more aware of their Freemasonry and hence
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develop greater satisfaction in the Craft. Much of this information or knowledge is gathered together at www.themasons. org.nz/ndiv/education.php or cdiv or sdiv Click on the link and have a good read. You will see a lot of masonic knowledge gathered here so it is more appropriate to call our website The Masonic Knowledge website. Education is a vague term, and as we are all charged with making a daily advancement in masonic knowledge (see the Charge After Initiation), so the term Masonic Knowledge is more appropriate. We are conscious that many people look but do not see, some people listen but do not hear, and the result is that they make assumptions. What assumptions have we made about the decline in membership? One is that younger men have more pressure on them these days with their family, their job and other activities to choose from – BUT is this really true or are we making assumptions? Shouldn’t we be tackling the deeper, more difficult question of “what has led to this position”? There is a true saying in management that it is more difficult to do the right thing than to do the easy thing. For many years we have lived in fear of this dwindling membership and losing members and maybe we have lowered the bar to prevent Freemasons leaving and made the mistake of doing the easy thing instead of the right thing. Another true saying is that many of today’s problems have come from yesterday’s solutions. Maybe it’s because we are still clinging to 19th century practices or maybe it is because we are making membership too easy. A third true saying is easy come – easy go. Whatever happens in the short-term, I am confident that Freemasonry will survive in just about every country it exists in today and go from strength to strength. VWBro Dr George Allan GLec
Lodge Erewhon – books to support new readers Master Jeffrey Sostinto and Deputy Master Brian Reodique presented Mrs Cath Blacklow, Principal of St Josephs School 2 Sets of Quick 60 Books valued at $900, which aim to aid students who are having difficulty in reading... Photo by VWBro.Noel Lowe
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A perfect example of ‘Speaking Up for Freemasonry’ O
ur Grand Master Mark Winger met Mark was formally received as Grand The Grand Master invested Bro Evan Donnelley casually and, true Master with appropriate dignity and the Donnelly with his Master Mason’s Apron. to his own “Speak-Up” campaign, spoke 3rd degree ceremony was well performed In the Refectory, where the tradiof Freemasonry to him. by Lodge Nau Mai with assistance from tional warm Nau Mai hospitality was After giving Evan time to consider, the visiting Officer of Grand Lodge. enjoyed, the Grand Master charged the Mark asked him if he was interested in Brethren to continue to ‘Speak Up for joining. He was, and Mark Freemasonry’, and most imporduly proposed him into Lodge tantly to take good care of new Kauri. Evan then moved to members. Taumaranui and joined Lodge The Official Visit by The Grand Nau Mai before he had comMaster to the Waikato District at pleted his 3 degrees. Lodge Nau Mai was a great occaMark asked the Waikato sion. It was also a good example District Grand Master, Don of our Grand Master’s leadership Seath to keep an eye out and qualities. He is prepared to go out advise him when he would be of his way to practice “Speak Up”. raised. This was done and on Furthermore, our Grand Wednesday 6th March 2019, Master will be ensuring that Bro Mark travelled from Auckland Donnelly receives ongoing mento Taumaranui to witness From left: WBro Todd Saunders, Master of Lodge Nau Mai; Bro Evan toring support. Evan’s raising to the 3rd Degree. Donnelly MM, the Grand Master MWBro Mark Winger and VWBro VWBro Don Seath Dist GM Don Seath District Grand Master Waikato.
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The Great War remembered T
e Awahou Lodge No 133 in Foxton dedicated their November 2018 (Armistice Day) meeting to a ‘once in a lifetime’ extraordinary event: a very special tribute and commemoration to honour those who sacrificed so much for our free world. The efforts and input of all – and particularly Freemasons – were
recognised and remembered, in both their civilian and in their military roles. Grateful thanks were expressed for those who laid down their lives. To mark the centennial occasion, there were commemorative additions to the regular Te Awahou ritual; a trumpet, a guest speaker, banners and flags abiding.
Guest Speaker Murray Kennett as Past Master gave a deeply stirring address, reminding the Brothers and their guests that over the 1,650 days of conflict “…a whole generation of young men from almost every country…” had their lives wasted. Trench warfare, in particular, destroyed so many lives in the mud, as ground was taken, lost, and then retaken; the 5 months of the 1916 “Big Push” saw 60,000 killed or wounded on one day alone, an horrific attrition rate of over 50%. 2,111 of the lives lost in this campaign were New Zealanders. A further 2,779 were killed at Gallipoli.
The Table was laid.
The trumpeter called the Lodge to Order.
Jack Dryden, Lodge Chaplain, presented the Cross, a Fellowcraft carried the Wreath.
The very moving address was given by Wing Commander Murray V. Kennett psc RNZAF (rtd.). Master Keith Greenwood in the Chair of Solomon.
Editor’s Note: With ANZAC Day shortly upon us, here is a reminder of some things we can as part of our Lodge meetings do during April 2019, along with assisting as Poppy Day Collectors and taking part in ANZAC Day ceremonies laying a Freemasons/ Lodge Wreath, etc (and with Dispensation wearing masonic regalia in public).
100 Years and a Freemason too! H
is secret for reaching this age is to have young happy people around
him. Lodge Winton No 108 in Southland at their annual Lodge Christmas Dinner celebrated the recognition of Bro Tom Johnstone reaching the grand old age of 100 years. It was rather special to have him attend our Christmas meeting and dinner. He celebrated his 100th birthday on 16 November 2018. He already has his 50 Year Badge and 60 Year Bar in Freemasonry. Tom has been a Freemason since 1956. 40
Christmas Dinner with Tom as the chief guest.
Four generations of Johnstones.
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The Freemasons Deposit Scheme – a win, win, win! T
he Freemasons Deposit Scheme is currently between Freemasons New Zealand and Heartland Bank and the scheme has been around for over 40 years. The scheme aims to provide our members with great call and term deposit interest rates exclusive to Freemasons, their partners, families, businesses, widows and other Masonic orders. Taking advantage of the scheme provides you with great interest rates and a personalised Freemason service. When our members take up the offer, Freemasons also benefits from Heartland Bank funding support.
With Heartland’s support, the delivery of the New Zealand Freemasons magazine and publication materials for Lodges, Districts and Divisions is made possible for our members and their communities. This is all done without increasing your Freemasons fees. The significance of the Deposit Scheme with Heartland Bank has grown in recent years due to changing membership trends and capitation fees. As a result, Heartland’s support is important for Freemasons New Zealand to keep up its good work throughout the country. Heartland Bank also supports Freemasons New Zealand with
other sponsorships and scholarships. The Heartland Bank Freemasons Scholarships provides three $6,000 scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Freemasons each year. Additionally, Heartland Bank is a major sponsor of the upcoming Grand Installation. Below is your limited time offer on term deposits, well ahead of current market offers. Consider making your money work harder with Heartland Bank. Contact the Freemasons Deposit Scheme on freephone 0508 373 263 or email freemasons@heartland.co.nz
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Southern – lake trip.
Northern –minigolf.
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The Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund
T
he Royal Arch’s efforts in furthering the education of young people.
History
Masonic Boys Home (both sadly no longer in existence). Very quickly it proved difficult to find sufficient possible recipients of the Funds grants and the scope was extended on several occasions over the past 78 years to extend coverage initially restricted to only those with a Royal Arch then those with a more general masonic connection until the first complete separation from a masonic connection in 1969. The applications are now open to all students
irrespective of a masonic connection although they must be sponsored by a Chapter. In summary
The Jubilee Scholarship Fund in its various Unlike the Craft, Royal Arch masonry has styles (direct, Royal Arch member connectended to focus on Charitable activities on a tion only, bursary, scholarship) local basis or as part of a members own Craft charitable commitments. has helped 1,747 young people since the However, the first major change was with first awards were made in 1945: a desire to commemorate the Jubilee of 50th in Present Day Values (as at June 2018 Anniversary of the establishment our last balance date) this equates of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch to $2,597,400 Chapter of New Zealand (1892) the first grant was “to a in 1942. boy from the Papakura Masonic Essentially it was designed Home of £39 who wished to qualto lay a permanent mark for the ify as a chemist” (this is $3,285 in years to come of the successes of current values). Grand Chapter over the 50 years “The second award of thus far – particularly poignant £25 was given to the daughter of when you consider this was a a deceased Royal Arch Mason to period of uncertainty with the assist her training to be a teacher” Second World War. The stated (this is $2,106 in current values). aim in 1939 was “that Grand Chapter affirms the idea of a As well as regular contributions LEFT REComp Ken Burt presenting to James Robertson. From fitting jubilee memorial.” left: Ken Burt; James Robertson; his mother Theresa Robertson; from Companions a number The initial intent of the Fund VEComp Tony Russell 1st Principal Wairarapa (at the time of pic); of significant bequests have agreed in 1942 was to support Comp Phillip Robertson, father of James. been received particularly since further education for a child who RIGHT MEComp Brian White GZ presenting to Benjamin Carpenter at 1969 with approximately a total attended or had attended either Brooklyn RAC meeting. of $88,191 (PDV Q1 2018 = of the Kirkpatrick Institute for On both occasions the recipients and the Robertson’s were invited to $192,250) being derived from Girls (in Nelson) or the Papakura refectory after presentation held in Chapter Room (after it closed). this source.
The Royal Arch Masonic Centennial Award Fund
T
he Royal Arch Masonic Centennial Award Fund was established in 1987 to celebrate the Centennial of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand in 1992. The purpose of the Award is the promotion and encouragement of excellence and of skills in some aspect of professional, commercial, technical, or other practical endeavour. Biannual awards are made to researchers who have had at least three years’ practical experience after qualifying in their respective fields of endeavour, and wish to improve their skills by study or practical experience out of New Zealand, or to a highly skilled person not resident in New Zealand who would be prepared to visit New Zealand for the purpose of communicating his or her skills to members of his or her profession, trade, or other occupation.
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Awards in the range of $20,000–$35,000 In contributing funding for higher rehave been made in fields such as Medicine, search, the Royal Arch Masonic Centennial Dentistry, Geology, Agriculture, and Award Fund complements the work of the Horticulture, and Veterinary Science. Capital Royal Arch Jubilee Scholarship Fund which base of the fund stands at $428,000. assists students. Independent research funding such as Note: The Hamilton Gardens has been supthat offered through the Royal Arch Masonic ported by the Centennial Award Fund with Centennial Award is essential in enabling a Fellowship to its Director Dr Peter Sergel researchers to work on projects which may MNZM to conduct research on Gardens fall outside government funding perimeters throughout the world to help develop the and criteria, as well as allowing different, and Hamilton Gardens. sometimes more appropriate, timeframes (Also see separate article on and requirements of accountthe 18th century ‘Picturesque ability. The members of the Garden’, with masonic overSupreme Grand Royal Arch tones thanks to Mozart and Chapter of New Zealand are the Magic Flute, within the proud of the contribution Hamilton Gardens where this fund has makes to the the major sponsor is the health and happiness of New Hamilton Gardens Curator Freemasons Foundation). Zealanders. Dr Peter Sergel MNZM, with Mark Winger.
www.royalarch.org.nz
Royal Arch Masonry Continuing the Masonic Journey
T
his pamphlet has been produced to assist you in your daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge. Your qualification as a Master Mason enables you to join a Royal Arch Chapter. The Grand Lodge of New Zealand has a special relationship with the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand. The Book of Constitution recognises six degrees as Pure Ancient Freemasonry (Rule 71) and the Degrees of Mark Master, Excellent Master and Royal Arch are considered an extension of Craft Masonry.
Mark Master Mason
All business in the Craft Lodge, except Degree work, is conducted in the First or Entered Apprentice Degree and a Candidate, once admitted a Freemason, may attend all regular meetings. Lodge members are called Brethren. A Craft Lodge that is governed by the Master and his two Wardens forms part of a District, governed by the District Grand Master. Districts are grouped into Divisions, governed by a Divisional Grand Master. The Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand controls the Degrees of Mark Master Mason, Excellent Master and Royal Arch, The Royal Ark Mariner Degree, The Four Degrees of Cryptic Masonry and The Red Cross of Babylon Degrees. The First Grand Principal is the head of Royal Arch Masonry in New Zealand. The Mark Master Mason and the Excellent Master Degrees are conducted in Lodges working under the Charter of a Royal Arch Chapter and the members are called Brethren. The Royal Arch Degree is conducted in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and the members are called Companions. The business of a Royal Arch Chapter is conducted in the Royal Arch Degree and therefore a Candidate cannot attend in the Chapter until he has been “Exalted” to the Royal Arch Degree. Three Principals jointly govern a Royal Arch Chapter and each Chapter is part of a District, under the guidance of a Grand Superintendent. Districts are grouped into three Divisions, overseen by a Grand Principal and the First Grand Principal presides over Supreme Grand Chapter.
Royal Ark Mariner Worshipful Commander Noah
The Grand Master is the head of Craft Freemasonry in New Zealand.
To Learn More… … visit www.royalarch.org.nz or contact Grand Scribe Ezra: gse@royalarch.org.nz
Excellent Master Holy Royal Arch Third Principal Second Principal First Principal Membership of further Degrees and Orders in the Masonic system is available to Royal Arch Masons who wish to continue their advancement in Masonic Knowledge.
Red Cross of Babylon Most Excellent Chief Cryptic Degrees Select Master Royal Master Most Excellent Master Super Excellent Master Thrice Illustrious Master Royal Arch Masonry
The Order of the Royal Arch is a continuation of Craft Freemasonry and together they constitute “pure Ancient Freemasonry”. Royal Arch Masonry, like the Craft, is open to men of all faiths who profess a belief in a Supreme Being. It continues the process of self-improvement towards a perfect superstructure. The Craft Mason is presented with a series of practical principles and tenets by which he may hope to live a life pleasing to his Supreme Being and of service to his fellow man. The spiritual aspect of his nature is introduced in the Third Degree when he is led to a contemplation of his inevitable destiny. This becomes the central message of the Royal Arch Degree. Based on stories from the Old Testament, the Degrees take the Candidate from the building of the Temple of King Solomon to the aftermath of its destruction when the Jews were carried into captivity. Ultimately Cyrus, King of Persia, granted them permission to return from captivity in Babylon to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem. In clearing the ground of the original Temple for the new foundations, the Candidate makes a number of important discoveries that, without transgressing the bounds of religion, lead him to contemplate his personal relationship with his Supreme Being.
www.royalarch.org.nz
In this sense, “pure Ancient Freemasonry” can be seen as a journey of discovery and self-knowledge, with the Royal Arch expanding the practical lessons of the Craft and extending the philosophical teaching. Further contemplation of his spiritual nature assists the Craft Mason to reinforce and support the lessons he has learned to guide him on his journey of perfection. This process of integration serves to enlighten and guide his progress through the Degrees of Royal Arch Masonry and beyond. Much significance is attached to the threefold nature of Royal Arch Masonry, in its governance and in the internal development that the Candidate undergoes. Royal Arch Masonry system has three ceremonies: 1. Advancement to the Degree of Mark Master Mason. This ceremony introduces the Candidate to practical aspects of ancient Craft Masonry, which are currently omitted from the first three degrees. Symbolically it presents lessons of practical value and marks the final act in the building of King Solomon’s Temple. 2. Acknowledgement as an Excellent Master. Here, the Candidate receives permission to undertake a metaphorical return from Babylon, the land of captivity, to Jerusalem to assist in building the second Temple. Thus beginning the journey towards his spiritual home – “an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 3. Exaltation to the Degree of the Holy Royal Arch. This Degree encompasses the lessons to be learnt from the building of the second Temple. It guides the Candidate’s progress to a greater understanding of the whole meaning of Freemasonry. So that at the last, having corrected his imperfections, he may humbly, yet confidently, hope he may be admitted within the Sanhedrin and to be welcomed by the Prince.
To Join To join a Royal Arch Chapter you must to be a Master Mason in good standing. You will need a Proposer and Seconder, who are Royal Arch Masons. Consult your Mentor and talk to your Brethren in the Craft; a number of them will already be members of the Royal Arch. There are many benefits that await you in the Royal Arch. It is considered to be the copestone of the whole Masonic structure. As sharers in something valuable all Companions feel a sense of unity and fellowship. You will be warmly welcomed.
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Dedication of new Woolston Freemasons Centre – a Trifecta G
rand Master Mark Winger lead a Team of Officers of Grand Lodge in dedicating the new Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge No 23 Lodgerooms, a facility used in conjunction with the RAOB (Buffaloes), on Ferry Road in Christchurch on 19 January 2019. The Trifecta included the opening of a new masonic facility to
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support Freemasons in Christchurch, interviews with Radio New Zealand and Television One on a confident future
www.freemasonsnz.org
for Freemasonry in New Zealand and a two-day Public Open Day the following weekend which attracted nearly 100 members of the public and a number of membership enquiries.
Welcome to our newest Freemasons November 2018 – January 2019
Jack Aitken Lodge of Unanimity Sumner No. 3 Mark Horton The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 Michael Furby Hercules Lodge No. 36
Elmor Juanitas Lodge Switzers No. 223 Kenneth Wieblitz Lodge Doric Brighton No. 236 Aaron Davy Lodge Arawhaiti No. 267
Johnny Waghorn The Robert Burns Lodge No. 50
Nikolas Parker The Methven Lodge No. 51
Nicoluss Deo Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Shaun Hodson The Te Aroha Lodge No. 52
Lucas Hutton Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Daniel Wood The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54
Jason Catterall Lodge Howick No. 314
Junnel Sigue Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Mathew Robertson The Franklin Lodge No. 58
Jalmar Solano Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Jerry Lim The Rawhiti Lodge No. 66
Christopher MacFarlane Lodge Te Papa No. 316
Brett Bateman The Alpha Lodge No. 81
David Howell Lodge Eckford No. 334
Charles Munar Lake Lodge of Ophir No. 85
Bradley Conley The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97
Jouie Galao Browns Bay Lodge No. 346
Karl Le Couteur The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98
Mark Goeschl Browns Bay Lodge No. 346
Jimmie Henderson The Havelock Lodge No. 104 Richard Preen Lodge Torea No. 121 Logan Hunt The Tauranga Lodge No. 125 Daniel Cooper The Crown Lodge No. 138
Dennis Vista Browns Bay Lodge No. 346
Leon Cleland Lodge Tironui No. 400 Jacques Fourie Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426 Michael Duncan Lodge Waikanae No. 433
Laurie Avia The United Lodge of Otago No. 448
Sean Johnson Piako Lodge No. 160
Shane Mamanu The United Lodge of Otago No. 448
Ian Compton Lodge Clinton No. 183
Mark Robinson The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185
Hamish Fry The United Lodge of Otago No. 448 Freemasons New Zealand
Up forNo. Freemasonry’ Mark Magliocco Lodge ‘Speak Aquarius 466
- Awareness Project
Commencing November 2016
Logo Variations Master logo
Being open about Freemasonry is encouraging enquiry from men of calibre and nurturing these new members will bring about a lifelong involvement in Freemasonry. FOR
FOR
FOR
FREEMASONRY
FREEMASONRY
FREEMASONRY
1 Full colour
2 Greyscale
3 Black
Alternative logo
FOR
FOR FREEMASONRY
FREEMASONRY
FOR FREEMASONRY
4 Speech bubble
5 Horizontal open
6 Horizontal reversed
Master colour variations
FOR
FOR
FREEMASONRY
FREEMASONRY
8 Light blue
For ultra small spaces
10 Small
FOR
FREEMASONRY
7 Gold
9 White
Colour palette
11 Smaller
12 Smallest
Dark blue c100 m68 y0 k50 r0 g49 b104
Gold c10 m40 y100 k0 r228 g160 b37
Light blue
Black
c48 m0 y0 k0 r116 g209 b246
k100 k60 k30 k0
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The Last Word! Freemasons New Zealand Crossword
Solution page 6
ACROSS
DOWN
4 Just, …… and Regular?
1 Where does the Master of a Lodge sit?
7 Famous British Prime Minister who was a Freemason?
2 One of Founding Fathers of the United States and a Freemason (Surname)?
10 Freemasons met on the..... and part on the square? 14 In recognising service what comes before the 50 Year Badge (two words)? 16 Name of ship on which first 'masonic' meeting held in New Zealand in 1837 (three words)?
3 The square, the level and the (two words)? 5 Freemasons Deposit Scheme and Freemasons University Scholarships are both over...old (two words)? 6 Venue for next New Zealand Grand Installation?
17 Who sit side by side in Lodge, Secretary and?
8 Name for Dining area in Lodgerooms?
19 Who receives candidates into the Lodge (two words)?
9 Another name for the second degree?
20 What is the sublime degree in the Craft?
11 European explorer Abel Tasman named it New Zealand but Maori had much earlier name for it? 12 Area famous for its thermal activity? 13 When perambulating the Lodge one is said to....it? 15 Initials for the spiritual tracing board within a lodge? 18 The glory in the centre?
From Brother Franklin D Roosevelt – true today as ever.
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www.freemasonsnz.org
SERVICE AWARDS November 2018 – January 2019
70 YEARS BAR VWBro Donald Glenelwyn Ivey PGDC WBro David Brian Blackwell PM
Lodge Erewhon No. 200 Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225
60 YEARS BAR Bro Lawrence Llewellyn Tyler MM WBro Ian David Park PM Bro Graham John Drummond MM WBro Robert Taylor Walker PM WBro Stanley Walter Alexa Ralston PM Bro William David Alexan Pollock MM WBro Bernie Ashley Richmond PM WBro Duncan MacLean PM Bro Laurence James Murray MM VWBro Herbert Eoin Wimsett PG Alm WBro John Charles Dickinson PM
The Concord Lodge No. 39 Lodge St John No. 84 Golden Bay Lodge No. 144 Lodge Switzers No. 223 Lower Hutt Lodge No. 299 The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318 The Mangere Lodge No. 330 Ngatiawa-Russell Lodge No. 345 Lodge Mt Maunganui No. 376 Lodge Windsor No. 377 Lodge Waikato No. 475
50 YEARS BADGES Bro Leon Howard Broadbridge MM WBro James Ernest Gillan PM Bro Owen Robert Urry MM WBro Raymond John Cooper PM WBro Bruce Thomas Arthur PM Bro Rex Glenroy Hibbert MM WBro James Wilson Montgomery PM WBro Brian John Win PM Bro Hamish Bower Rankin MM WBro Stanley Frank Hill PM Bro Derek Ross Albrechtsen MM WBro Robert Carr Jagger PG Swd B Bro John Michael Quirke MM VWBro Percy Lloyd Tong PGDC WBro Kelvin James McMinn PGD WBro John Galvin Fitzpatrick PM WBro Roderick John Harper PM
The Wairau Lodge No. 42 The Hiram Lodge No. 46 Lodge Wairoa No. 55 The Heretaunga Lodge No. 73 St Augustine Lodge No. 99 Lodge Whangarei No. 102 Lodge Winton No. 108 Golden Bay Lodge No. 144 Teviot Lodge No. 148 Lodge Ahurewa No. 181 Lodge Waihopai No. 189 Lodge Whangamomona No. 234 Lodge Arawhaiti No. 267 Lodge Manaia No. 286 Lodge Otahuhu No. 387 The Hawkes Bay Daytime Lodge No. 453 Lodge Waikato No. 475
www.freemasonsnz.org
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Invest Invest in in the the Freemasons Freemasons Deposit Deposit Scheme Scheme to to invest invest in in New New Zealand Zealand Heartland Bank is proud to be the Freemasons Deposit Scheme partner. Heartland Heartland Bank Bank is is proud proud to to be be the the Freemasons Freemasons Deposit Deposit Scheme Scheme partner. partner. With roots stretching back to 1875, Heartland Bank has a proud history With With roots roots stretching stretching back back to to 1875, 1875, Heartland Heartland Bank Bank has has a a proud proud history history of providing families, small-to-medium sized businesses and farms with of of providing providing families, families, small-to-medium small-to-medium sized sized businesses businesses and and farms farms with with financial solutions to help them achieve prosperity. financial solutions to help them achieve prosperity. financial solutions to help them achieve prosperity. Through our partnership built on shared values, Heartland Bank is Through Through our our partnership partnership built built on on shared shared values, values, Heartland Heartland Bank Bank is is working with Freemasons New Zealand to support the Craft in local working working with with Freemasons Freemasons New New Zealand Zealand to to support support the the Craft Craft in in local local communities, while providing Freemasons and their families with communities, communities, while while providing providing Freemasons Freemasons and and their their families families with with competitive interest rates on their deposits. competitive interest rates on their deposits. competitive interest rates on their deposits. To discuss your specific requirements, contact a dedicated To To discuss discuss your your specific specific requirements, requirements, contact contact a a dedicated dedicated representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62) or representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 33 62) 62) or or email freemasons@heartland.co.nz. email freemasons@heartland.co.nz. email freemasons@heartland.co.nz.
Freemasons New Zealand is not a promoter of and does not guarantee the obligations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation to Heartland Bank deposits. Heartland Bank’s current Freemasons New is aa promoter of does the Heartland Bank Limited relation Bank Heartland FreemasonsStatement, New Zealand Zealand is not notFact promoter of and and does not not guarantee the obligations obligations ofConditions Heartlandare Bank Limitedatin inheartland.co.nz relation to to Heartland Heartland Bank deposits. deposits. Heartland Bank’s Bank’s current Disclosure Product Sheets and Account and guarantee Service General Terms andof available or by calling 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 current 37 33 62). Disclosure Disclosure Statement, Statement, Product Product Fact Fact Sheets Sheets and and Account Account and and Service Service General General Terms Terms and and Conditions Conditions are are available available at at heartland.co.nz heartland.co.nz or or by by calling calling 0508 0508 FREEMASONS FREEMASONS (0508 (0508 37 37 33 33 62). 62).