NZ Freemason magazine Issue 3 September 2016 by Freemasons New Zealand

Freemason NEW ZEALAND

Issue 3 (Vol. 44), September 2016

MARK WINGER Grand Master Elect looks ahead

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IN THIS ISSUE Back

From the Editor 2

outside flap

Hot news 3

XIVth World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges in San Francisco 20

The Grand Master 4

Grand Installation Programme 21

Looking back but always going forward

In science education we trust 22

Obituary: MWBro Donald Barry McLaggan JP, Past Grand Master 6

Introducing our Grand Master to be… 23

News clips 8

New Deputy Grand Master 26

OPINION Selling Freemasonry’s benefits in current times 10

FREEMASONS IN ACTION A number of firsts for Lodge Gisborne No 233 12

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of New Zealand

EDUCATION A daily advancement in Masonic knowledge: The new education website 27

227mm

Letters to the Editor 11

good pass mark 13

YOUR

INVITATION

Masonic Villages Trust 28

Our new District Grand Masters 30

What is Black and Blue and Red all over? 12

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY

Nelson Marlborough Freemasons Charity – A gratifying result and a

In memoriam: VWBro Gordon Riach 33

The Freemasons Charity turns 10… 32 DAISY Player 101 33

“Oh what A Night” – Grandparents raising Grandchildren 13

New ground-breaking Autism Resource Centre a first for Australasia 34

Safer seas 14

Promotions & Appointments 2016–19 37

Bene

The Freemasons Foundation 38

nce is benevolence 14

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Daffodil Day 15 Otaihape Lodge helping the Taihape community 15 Erewhon Lodge supports Ashburton Fun Run 15 The West Coast’s Shantytown and Freemasons 16 True Spirit of Freemasonry 16 Otago’s charity knows no bounds! 17

CULTURE

A rising star: The determination of Kayla Collingwood 40 REGULARS Royal Arch 42

The Order of the Eastern Star 18

Lewis denotes the son of a Freemason 46

Taranaki Freemasons help with Diabetes 18

Other orders 44

Eketahuna – the place all New Zealand loves 19 Rotorua Freemasons support young mariners 19

Freemasons Victoria appoints first woman chief executive 20

Our Newest Members 47 The Back Page 48 Service Awards 49

Cover picture: Mark Winger, Deputy Grand Master and Grand Master Elect.

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From the Editor

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND Level 6, Freemasons House 195–201 Willis Street Te Aro, Wellington 6011 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: secretary@freemasons.co.nz editor@freemasons.co.nz www.freemasonsnz.org

A Change of management and the management of Change

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. Queries or comments regarding subscription or distribution should be addressed to secretary@freemasons.co.nz or the Chief Executive PO Box 6439, Marion St. 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 editor@freemasons.co.nz Freemasons NZ contributions to Duane Williams, editor@freemasons.co.nz Royal Arch contributions to Geoff Davies, merlin81@xtra.co.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 © 2016 Freemasons NZ

ADVERTISING RATES PER ISSUE

ur triennial Grand Installation and associated activities is almost upon us and if you have not yet registered please do so online or print a Registration Form at www.freemasonsnz.org From 18–20 November this year is your chance to witness and participate over the Friday and Saturday the Welcome Cocktails, the Grand Communication (Business Session), the Ladies Function, The Grand Installation and the Grand Banquet. The Sunday being free to enjoy Wellington and all it has to offer by way of the sights, food, refreshments, nightlife and shopping. Two of the events are entirely free to all members being the Grand Communication and The Grand Installation on the afternoons of Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November. So, if you can make nothing else; make time for these and fully participate in the government of Freemasons New Zealand. Generally speaking Freemasonry has a progressive change management system in place with promotion on merit and ability to further office and with lots of personal development in that process by the individuals involved. Every year Lodges change their management and every three years Freemasons New Zealand makes that same change. Both Lodges and Grand Lodge have to manage that change so that a seamless handover/changeover happens without dropping the baton as we continue to see Freemasonry progress into the future. For some those changes will bring joy, to others disappointment this time around, but we must accept the changes with good grace and humility, for it make us stronger and more determined; for the advantage and advancement of our great organisation. Rejoice in the change of management; be glad it brings new life to the organisation and work with that change at a personal, lodge and Freemasons New Zealand level. In this issue we have more about our new Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master plus a snapshot of our new District Grand Masters – part of the change of management, recent Promotions for 2016–19, Masonic Education, other Orders, a feature on Autism, our regular features and lots of reading that is both interesting, informative and educational to a wide and varied audience. Let’s all make this Grand Installation one to be remembered and join in the fellowship and fun and the pomp and pageantry – see you in November! VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, CLJ, PDistGM

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Duane with panels in the public foyer of Freemasons House.

HOT NEWS

The Grand Installation for free! All New Zealand Freemasons can attend for free both the Grand Communication (Business Session) and The Grand Installation on the afternoons of the 18th and 19th November 2016 in Wellington. This is one of the best ceremonial events you will ever witness and your chance to be part of running of Freemasons New Zealand and remember it only happens triennially. It would be helpful for the organisers if you registered online at

freemasonsnz.org and pick that option (on 2nd page of Registration Form). If going to any of the other associated events they must be paid for. You are required to wear Business Suit or Business Suit/Formal Attire depending on the event with your Regalia. You still get to experience the Fellowship and Fun with Pomp and Pageantry but for free!

Guidance for Trustees booklet “I have been appointed a Trustee for my Lodge, and am honoured to contribute. But, where do I find out what I am meant to do, and do I have any liability if it all goes wrong?”

Freemasons New Zealand have published a new booklet titled Guidance for Trustees – What does a Trustee need to know? With thanks to our CEO Laurence Milton for its preparation. Five booklets are being sent to each Lodge for the Lodge Trustees to each have a copy, along with the Lodge Guidance for Trustees What does a Trustee need to know? and its members. Additional copies can be obtained from Freemasons New Zealand.

Ceremonial Review Committee Submissions on this review from Lodges or Members to crc@freemasons.co.nz

GRAND MASTER’S VISITS Fri 7 Oct

Ruapehu Masonic Association Trust Cocktail Party, Wanganui Sat 29 Oct 125th Anniversary & 50-year Jewel to WBro Dave Hardy, Hokianga Lodge

Wed 2 Nov The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318, Invercargill 18–20 Nov Grand Installation, Wellington … plus another couple of surprise visits!

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THE GRAND MASTER

Looking back but always going forward

hese last few months have been marked by the passing in June of MWBro Barry McLaggan, Past Grand Master and very dedicated Freemason. Our friendship lasted for many years and I was thrilled when he asked me to serve as his Deputy Grand Master which of course was a great honour and privilege. The respect in which MWBro Barry was held was clearly shown by the huge attendance at the ‘celebration of his life’ which was held at Hamilton Gardens Pavilion. Tributes were made on behalf of the farming and dairy industry, the Justice of the Peace Association and I paid a tribute on behalf of the Freemasons. Family were very important to Barry and the addresses given by his sons, daughter and grandchildren reflected the affection they had for both Barry and Jill his partner and greatest supporter. There were many things that I and others admired about MWBro Barry McLaggan amongst which were: his energy and commitment for whatever he became involved with his generosity and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and important the fun, laughter and joy he gave to so many the love he gave to his family and others and of course his love of life. To Jill may I express the gratitude of Diana, myself and so many other freemasons for allowing us to share in the life of a truly remarkable friend and Freemason. At the end of the month of May I was pleased to receive invitations to present two long service bars one in Napier 4

and the other in Gisborne. With the assistance and guidance of the District Grand Master VWBro Steve Shuker, we travelled to Napier where a breakfast was organised for Diana and myself to meet with some of the local freemasons. This was an excellent start to the day. We then moved on to the home of WBro John Leitch. Ill health prevents WBro John from attending his lodge but it was good to find him in good spirits for the presentation of his 60-year service bar and to wish him well for the future. The drive from Napier to Gisborne is familiar to the locals but for a stranger like me it was not one of the easiest drives with a twisting and winding road and the chance encounter of a wild goat racing across the road in front of you. We arrived safely and received a very warm welcome by the members of Lodge Gisborne and their partners. The presentation of a seventy-year bar to WBro John Bunyan PGStdB was held in the Lodge rooms with WBro John’s family and ladies present. It was wonderful to see such support from his family. The whole evening was full of fun and laughter which added to the pleasure and privilege of attending such an occasion.

John Bunyan and family at the presentation of his 70th service bar.

The Queensland Grand Installation was held at the end of June and again it was wonderful to receive the support of so many New Zealand brethren and their partners. The Installation Ceremony was held in their Grand Lodge Masonic Memorial Centre in Ann Street, Brisbane which houses a truly magnificent Lodge Room. Because of the size, ladies are not invited to the Installation Ceremony but of course this provided another excuse for further shopping. The banquet held that evening was a glittering affair and www.freemasonsnz.org

provided further time to renew old friendships and make new ones. On our return from Queensland we travelled to Rotorua to attend a number of events beginning with the Installation Meeting of Lodge Arawa and the following day the blessing of two new boats to the Rotorua Young Mariners at the Watersports Youth Club on the lake front. The funding of the boats was provided by a local trust and the Freemasons of Rotorua and it was pleasing to see the boat hulls marked with the Square and Compass and the sails clearly marked with signage to show the Young Mariners were being supported by Rotorua Freemasons. Following the blessings, we were invited to attend a District Lunch at a local hotel which was a very fitting end to the visit. I congratulate all the brethren on their hospitality and the efforts they have made in connecting and engaging with the local community. MWBro Ray Duncan Past GM has just achieved his 90th birthday and It was a pleasure to attend a celebration of this magnificent achievement at a United Forces Lodge meeting at the Shirley Masonic Centre. The Lodge put on a magnificent dinner to which partners were invited to attend. MWBro Duncan is of course the most senior of the Past Grand Masters and his contribution to masonry over many years has been exceptional. I am sure all of our brethren join with me in offering congratulations to MWBro Duncan.

Plans are now well in place for our Grand Installation in November and it is not too late to register. If you have never attended such an occasion, then it is important that you do not allow this occasion to pass by. The Business Session is on the Friday afternoon and the Grand Installation is on the Saturday afternoon, and are events to which all Brethren

are invited and are a must for all Lodge Masters and their Wardens. The Grand Installation is an occasion to which partners, family and friends are invited to attend. The ceremony will not only see a new Grand Master installed, RWBro Mark Winger, but the team of Grand Officers for the next three years. Please give your support to this threeyearly ‘flagship’ event.

This will probably be one of the last opportunities that Diana and myself can thank you all for giving us a wonderful journey over the last three years. It has been an amazing experience where we have been very spoilt by so many brethren and their partners. We send our best wishes and a very big ‘Thank You’ to you all. John Litton

From Diana

t is hard to believe that John has only two months left of his three-year term as Grand Master. At the start of those three years we seemed to have a long journey ahead of us, but now it is almost over, it does seem to have gone by very quickly. As John has already said, we owe thanks to so many people. We have been welcomed very warmly wherever we have visited and we have made so many great friends. The ladies have been wonderful! Thank you to all of you who have looked after me so well. I have had such fun being taken to local areas of interest in all parts of the country and had no idea that New Zealand had so many ‘best kept secrets’! In recent months we have enjoyed the hospitality of our masonic friends on a visit that included a trip to Napier and Gisborne, both such interesting and attractive cities. We had a very enjoyable time with all who hosted us and really loved the interaction with the families who were involved in the long-service presentations. Such occasions are so precious.

Our trip to the Queens land Grand Installation in Brisbane was also very memorable. We were so pleased to be accompanied by such a lovely party of fellow kiwis who were wonderfully supportive. The planned events lived up to expectations and for myself the Ladies’ breakfast was particularly memorable as I was asked to give a profile on Carol the wife of the outgoing GM, Dr Gary Bacon. The Australian Grand Installations are such fantastic occasions, enriched by enabling so many attending to make long-lasting friendships between Australia and New Zealand. Our most recent visit was to Rotorua and there we ladies were really very well looked after by the Master’s partner, Joan Pryde, who had arranged a full itinerary, firstly to a fashion boutique, then to an amazing flower demonstration by an international floral award winner and finally, the wonderful experience of a trip to the Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter, where we all learnt a great amount about kiwi breading, incubating and the raising of the kiwi chicks, and all the problems that can befall them. On the Sunday we visited the Young Mariners at the Watersports Youth Club on the edge of Lake Rotorua who proudly www.freemasonsnz.org

showed us two boats that had been funded by a local trust and the Freemasons of Rotorua. It was very rewarding to witness the enthusiasm of the team of the young girls involved. Later that day I was presented with many beautiful cot rugs and quilts that had been made by the ladies of the Bay of Plenty. They were amazing and I have been able to pass them onto the Neo Natal Unit at Wellington Hospital and also to Little Sprouts, both of whom were absolutely delighted and very appreciative of the work and generosity of these lovely ladies. We are looking forward to our last engagements over the next couple of months which will take place before John completes his term as Grand Master. The Grand Installation in Wellington in November promises to be a very memorable occasion and we hope to see many friends there. I would like to take this final opportunity to say a really big ‘thank you’ to all of you who have made the last three months so very enjoyable and memorable for John and myself. It has been a great privilege to meet and engage with you all. Thank you again. Diana Litton

OBITUARY

MWBro Donald Barry McLaggan JP, PAST GRAND MASTER

24 JANUARY 1939 – 21 JUNE 2016

His funeral was held in Hamilton on Monday 27th June 2016 with over 600 in attendance and eulogies from the Grand Master Freemasons New Zealand, the Royal Federation of NZ Justices Associations and the Dairy Industry and the Masonic tribute from the Master of Lodge Piako. Barry McLaggan the Man

Barry McLaggan had a genuine love of his fellow New Zealanders. A man of high achievement, he was that rare person who also had the ability to relate to others as equals, establishing an instant rapport with all he met, no matter their background or position. A farmer, a businessman, a Freemason, a Justice of the Peace, Barry was someone who not only joined organisations, but who naturally assumed leadership roles within them, rising to the top on the strength of character rather than naked ambition. After achieving success in his personal and professional life, he sought to serve the wider community and did so in a multitude of ways. Donald Barry McLaggan was born in Waipukurau on 24th January1939, the third child of Herbert and Letitia McLaggan. Achieving School Certificate at Wellington College, in 1956 Barry

found initial employment with a dental and medical supply company. A keen sportsman, he was particularly adept at tennis and in the same year met Jill Morrison, a fellow player. Barry’s rural life began in 1958 when he took a job on a family farm in the Wairarapa. He and Jill were married in Wellington in 1960 and soon afterwards shifted to the Waikato. He worked as a farmhand for two years at Waitoa before moving to Tatuanui to a 39 percent share-milking job. Skilled, industrious and ambitious, Barry’s career went from strength to strength -130 cows were purchased as he and Jill shifted again to Te Aroha on a 50/50 contract. The herd size rose to 160 when they returned to Tatuanui on the same terms. By 1968, when a further relocation saw the family at Eureka, they were milking 700 cows. Barry had become the largest sharemilker in the country, nationally recognised for his excellence with stock. Three years later, the family farm was purchased at Henry Road in Taupiri. Milking some 240 cows, the farm increased in size over the years and a new house built. As Barry was able to pass more responsibility for its running over to others, he focused his considerable energies elsewhere. Tennis, golf and squash clubs, the Scouting movement, Young Farmers, junior rugby and the Morrinsville Dairy Community Trust were amongst the organisations he served and frequently led. When children Jim, Kaye and Lance received their secondary education, they did so secure in the knowledge that their father was chairman of the Hamilton

Barry and Jill.

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Boys’ High and Hamilton Girls’ High boards of governors. Barry was active in various dairy co-operatives throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, earning the respect of fellow farmers and industry colleagues alike. His natural instincts toward planning provided a necessary restraint on those less bound by personal integrity or driven by testosterone. In a period of huge consolidation, he helped facilitate mergers, invariably rising to the top of the resulting co-operative. From being the director of Morrinsville Dairy, he became director of the Morrinsville Thames Valley Co-operative Dairy Company, then chairman of the board and ultimately chairman of a new organisation as the two major Waikato co-ops merged. Barry brought considerable empathy to these managerial positions, drawing on his own diverse farming experience. The same empathy stood him in good stead when it came to working as a rural conciliator. Barry also functioned at one time or another as the director of the Morrinsville Rural Immediate Credit Association, president of the South Auckland Dairies Association, director of the National Dairy Association and president of the New Zealand Dairy Employers Association. His stewardship of the last saw the introduction of new systems of updating wage negotiations and conciliation, the success of which

can be measured by the fact that there has been no major strikes in the dairy industry since. Barry joined the Freemasons in 1967, becoming a member of Lodge Piako Morrinsville. The Masonic values of care, kindness, honesty and trust were also his own and he was renowned within the movement as much for his compassion as his leadership. Lodge Master on four separate occasions, Barry was appointed a Grand Lodge Officer in 1991, attained the position of 1st Grand Principal in Royal Arch Masonry in the years 2002–3 and became the Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand from 2006 to 2008. Barry took the Justice of the Peace oath in 1991. Electing to train further, he subsequently became a Judicial Justice of the Peace, enabling him to sit in the Huntly District Court. He was also an Issuing Officer, with the power to issue search warrants. Barry served as president of the Waikato Justices of the Peace Association in 2001/2002 and regularly attended national conferences. As in all other fields of endeavour, he was respected for his reliability and his courteous, scrupulous behaviour. To act appropriate to the occasion was one thing that Barry taught his children, not that every occasion was a serious one. A man of humour, with a taste for whiskey and a love of rugby, who added curry to everything, Barry enjoyed life to the fullest. Barry McLaggan is survived by Jill, his wife of 56 years, their three children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jim one of his son’s is the current District Grand Master for Waikato District No 6. Thanks to the Waikato Times Barry McLaggan the Freemason

Barry joined Freemasonry in 1967 and was initiated in Piako Lodge No 160. The other Lodges he was a member of reflected his interests and situation. He retained membership in Lodge Pukemiro, The Waikato Lodge of Research, The Baden Powell Lodge and Lodge Copernicus. He served as Master of Piako Lodge twice and as Master of Lodge Pukemiro. Barry achieved Grand Rank in 1991 as a Grand Deacon and the following year was appointed President of the Board of General Purposes 1992-1995 no doubt due to his business acumen and was installed at The Grand Installation in Wellington in November 2006 as Grand Master for a two year term. He was affectionately known as the ‘Travelling Grand Master’ as he very rarely turned down an offer to honour a lodge or special occasion, with the presence of the Grand Master, which involved some prolific travelling during his term of office. He was also involved in Royal Arch Freemasonry and was First Grand Principal from 2002–3 for the Order. In all his masonic endeavours as in his life he was ably assisted by his wife, of 56 years, Jill.

From a media release at the time of Barry’s installation as Grand Master in November 2006.

Farmer becomes Grand Master Taupiri farmer, Barry McLaggan, will be swapping his Swandri for more formal attire when he becomes Grand Master of Freemasons New Zealand at the biennial gathering of Freemasons in Wellington in November. The 67-year-old retired Waikato dairy farmer has been elected to the most senior office through votes cast on behalf of 11,000 Freemasons throughout New Zealand. His farming career began in 1958 and by 1970 had developed an interest in rural politics which has since led to directorships and chairmanships of dairy companies, the New Zealand Dairy Employers Association, the Auckland Employers Association, New Zealand Dairy Group, Tenon Development, Justices of the Peace Association. Barry is also a rural conciliator. Four years as a farm-worker and nine as a sharemilker, it was in 1971 that Barry and his wife Jill bought their farm in Henry Road, Taupiri. With a young family Barry McLaggan initially looked to sporting clubs for recreational interests, but was keen to become more involved working towards improving and consolidating family and community values. According to Barry, he found that in Freemasonry and a membership that goes back to 1967. “My father was a Freemason, he suggested Freemasonry, and I have never regretted it for one moment. “Today, my eldest son is a Freemason, my daughter would if she could be, and my youngest son, who has a young family and extensive commitments running two farms, may become involved when time allows. Barry works with his son on a ‘Need you, Dad’ basis and in recent years he managed a block of land for Tainui Group Holdings, working closely with Lady Mahuta, to make the property profitable for Tainui. Recent research from the University of Otago on consumer lifestyles suggesting that New Zealand society is becoming more conservative and values-driven hasn’t surprised Barry McLaggan. “We are seeing a net membership gain in the 35 – 40 year age group in recent years. Freemasons is an organisation interested in the community and the progression of young people in all spheres of society. “As an organisation we work to fund science and research, education and the arts – we want a society that celebrates success, sets high standards and enforces the values of honesty, integrity and responsibility.”

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NEWS CLIPS

Widow’s gift from The Freemasons Charity

Put your stamp on it

The annual gift from The Freemasons Charity for Lodges to distribute to their Widows continues….saying to them “the Brethren in the Lodge were thinking fondly of you, and wanted to do something”. This year it was a bound notebook and it is hoped that Lodges will take the opportunity to personally hand them over to their Widows. We know that Lodges separately support their Widows throughout the year Kiwi Kiwi as well. Kiwi www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

Kiwi ®

Freemasons New Zealand has been offering special Freemasons Postage Stamps for a number of years. They are lifetime value stamps issued by NZ Mail (but carried by NZ Post) promoting Freemasonry in New Zealand and now including the 125th Anniversary. A booklet of ten stamps costs $8. Orders can be placed by email with membership@freemasons.co.nz or by telephone to Barbara on 04 385 6622.

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New Zealand Freemason Kiwi Kiwi Kiwi Kiwi magazine Kiwi

You can now read the New Zealand Freemason magazine at www.freemasonsnz.org or subscribe by emailing editor@freemasons.co.nz to receive a free electronic version in addition to the printed copy. ®

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From Tapanui to the world

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Waikaka Lodge Master, WBro Richard Christie, makes a presentation to Olivia to help her on the way to Berlin. Margaret Phillips, Mataura Ensign

determination to make a practical contribution to solving the global problem. As part of her journey Olivia also visited Austria and the Czech Republic www.freemasonsnz.org

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Tackling the near impossible

Southland’s Olivia Butler has a focus on the world. When she spoke to Waikaka Lodge about her forthcoming trip to the Global Young Leaders Conference in Berlin, she so impressed the Brethren that they raised $1,100 to support her journey and this was subsidised 1:1 by The Freemasons Charity. Head Girl of Blue Mountain College, Tapanui, Olivia was one of only two representatives chosen from New Zealand, among the 150 participants with ages ranging from 14 -19. She had been alerted to the opportunity by one of her teachers. The communities of Tapanui and Waikaka added to the support from Freemasonry. The complexities of the Syrian refugee crisis came into sharp focus when she was one of the participants in the group tasked to come up with a plan for the refugee crisis. Olivia’s role covered the areas of health and safety. It was only at the Conference that she came to realise the depth of the problem. Olivia came away from the conference with a

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and she now has an appetite for further travel and to reconnect with the friends she made at the conference.

NEWS CLIPS

The Grand Library The Grand Library of Freemasons New Zealand is based in Wellington and has both masonic books, masonic publications from New Zealand and overseas, Lodge – Newsletters, Installation Programmes and histories. Additionally, through membership of a Research Lodge access to a Digital Library can be obtained for research purposes. Interestingly, we have records of membership dating back to 1890 in leather bound volumes in copperplate

Where in the world! writing, which then turned into a card index system in the 1960s and finally onto computer in the early 1980s. At each change those still alive were transferred to the new system. The Grand Librarian can be contacted at library@freemasons.co.nz and he and other volunteers are on the premises most Fridays at Level 6, Freemasons House, 195 Willis Street, Wellington. Pictured our archives of membership in the Grand Library at Freemasons New Zealand.

Dr George Allan the Chair of the Education Pillar during a 10-day holiday in Singapore which included a side trip to Vietnam with his copy of the New Zealand Freemason magazine at Changi International Airport. Take your NZ Freemason magazine somewhere special in New Zealand or Overseas and send your photo with it to editor@freemasons.co.nz

Bread tags for wheelchairs

12 challenges for the true Freemason I will do more than care –– I will help. I will do more than belong –– I will participate. I will do more than believe –– I will practice. I will do more than be fair –– I will be kind. I will do more than forgive –– I will forget. I will do more than dream –– I will work. I will do more than teach –– I will inspire. I will do more than earn –– I will enrich. I will do more than give –– I will serve. I will do more than live –– I will grow. I will do more than be friendly –– I will be a friend. I will do more than vote –– I will be an exemplary citizen.

All Freemasons and Royal Arch Companions and wives/partners and friends are asked to collect plastic tags from bread bags to be redeemed for the Red Cross to purchase wheel chairs. A wheel barrow load of plastic bread bag tags equates to a wheelchair for the Red Cross. So simple, so easy and we have plenty of time to accumulate the tags! Organisers would like to hand over a wheelbarrow or two or more at the Royal Arch Grand Convocation in New Plymouth in March 2018 as the Royal Arch have initiated this fundraiser. Please send your accumulated plastic bread bag tags (tags only) to Roger Gregory, 107 Hurworth Road, RD 1, New Plymouth 4371.

Read and take action on one of these each day! www.freemasonsnz.org

OPINION

Selling Freemasonry’s benefits in current times For much of my masonic experience the phrase “Making Good Men Better” has been my cringe factor, primarily because Freemasons have been inept in explaining the meaning behind the phrase and even more inept at explaining its importance in contemporary life. No more; I have adopted it as a truism and argue it should be placed at the centre of our recruiting and education.

aking good men better can be defined in many ways and the ultimate for me is that good men will not only be self-aware, act with personal conviction, maintain self-control and be self-directed, but will be observable by others demonstrating the Social Responsibility that sees them working for the greater good. About 3 years ago I was asked to take on another Masonic job, to contact non-connected referrals, introduce freemasonry and assist them to join, if they were suitable. This offer gave me cause to reflect on an important question – would I recommend a modern man join freemasonry? I’m still in the role however I did need to convince myself of Freemasonry’s value to men in today’s world. The obvious corollary to that is how I arrived at my positive answer and secondly how can this value be achieved. For both questions, I thought back to that little jingoistic phrase so often used for Freemasonry’s vision – making good men better. There are a plethora of learning opportunities that the craft offers for WBro John Clark is a Past Grand Steward and Past Master of The Ponsonby Lodge No 54. John has been in the craft for 17 years and has participated in both education and planning at a district level. His interest is in brethren and lodge development and reflects his professional interest as principal consultant of Heartstone Limited which specialises in using psychometrics for growing people and organisation performance. John currently serves as the Secretary of Auckland Masonic Centre Limited, the owner of the Auckland Freemasons Centre. 10

self-awareness and improvement. These need to be clearly enunciated in recruiting. I know many of you will be uncomfortable with the concept of selling “what’s in it for me” messaging but that’s the prime rule of sales and recruiting is a sales process. We also need to accept and provide the message that the level of opportunities taken resides with new entrants. First and foremost I will start inner growth, or self-improvement. Here it is looking primarily to our ceremony. Personally I have gleaned this improvement from the charges in our ceremonies. I say glean because it is self-discovery and it does need personal perseverance to translate ceremonial messages to contemporary lives. I appreciate our ceremonies are based on biblical times around the building of King Solomon’s Temple however the allegory and the ability to relate these contemporaneously are the true value. We need to get this across to entrants and given many now have little or no exposure to religious studies our educators need to scale back on religious aspects and treat the charges as stories. Equally we need to ensure new entrants understand that reciting the ritual through presenting charges takes a distant second place to their personal study of the ritual. Further, we need to provide the ability to discuss and explore why our new brethren have interpreted the allegory in the manner they have and be prepared to posture alternatives. This can be completed individually or in groups, perhaps even concentrating on key charges and centring lodge meetings on education. What needs to be stressed is that learning and reciting charges in a degree working will provide another level of practical skill which will be elaborated on below. In lodge and rehearsals, attentive brethren can learn leadership and management www.freemasonsnz.org

skills, public speaking skills through delivering charges and listening and interpreting skills. In committee they can enhance these as well as hone communication, problem solving and most importantly collaboration skills. Taking office or roles such as Treasurer and Secretary give us a stronger business insight. These skills are practical to men as they progress in both professional and personal life and yet we fail to even give them airspace in our recruitment. I specifically mentioned collaboration above as we are a voluntary organisation and lodge needs that collaborative team approach. Through that practice brethren can learn to harness the team’s talents best to cover the multitude of tasks that make a good lodge run, but that also requires a commitment to contribute time which is minimised if all brethren pull their weight. But still Freemasonry provides other avenues of personal growth. What other platform provides a better forum than talking with such a diverse group of men than our refectory. Every one of us is unique in our diversity of thought, as well as in age, situation in life, experience in working and family. What a place new entrants have to learn and to contribute to others learning! Active participation in benevolence, in any or all of its forms gives us both an opportunity to hone organising skills as well as an outlet for our social responsibility. There is no doubt freemasonry can make today’s good men better. In reality Freemasonry will make anyone better, but we have rules to try to limit it to good men and not all men and our current rules also won’t allow the admittance of women. I submit it is time for an overhaul of our criteria; especially given the decline in religious affiliation which is beyond our control and which will, with time, limit our market for new entrants.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Marae used for Installation Banquet

Dear Editor In response to the article in the New Zealand Freemason magazine of March 2016, I can confirm Freemasonry has met and partaken in harmony on the Te Awhina Marae when WBro Donald Peter Bastion was installed as Master in 1996. Donald being Māori and Tasman Bay Lodge No 413 and Motueka Lodge No 117 amalgamating it made sense for the two to come together as one. The Masonic Lodge building had been destroyed by an arsonist; Tasman Bay then handed in their Charter and became Motueka Bays Lodge No 117. We then agreed to have a meeting in the Motueka Brass Band building but retire for the banquet at Te Awhina Marae where both Māori and Masonic custom were observed. The powhiri, the gathering, calling onto and into the Wharenui and the waiata, singing after a speech being very similar to both organisations. There are other similar customs such as removing ones shoes. I well remember attending a lodge banquet when one evening a visiting Kaumatua was claiming that Māori were the first to practice Freemasonry in New Zealand as all visitors were received on the point of a sharp instrument. The tables were waited on by the some very well attired wahines. It was a fantastic evening and one that is unlikely to be bettered. I am enclosing some photos of that occasion that you might like to use. WBro John AH Krammer Editor’s Note: Thinking about our ceremonial will bring comparisons to mind.

MWBro Barry McLaggan PGM

Dear Editor MWBro Barry was a man of the people. I enclose a photo taken on one of his several visits to the Trentham Lodge No 262, with Mrs Southon, who was our Trentham Freemasons Centre caretaker. Barry was always popular and made a lasting impression on all who knew him. He would find time to chat with our caretaker as well as other Brethren. He will be sadly missed. Peter Thomas, Upper Hutt Freemasons NZ website

Dear Editor Grand Lodge has responded to the need to provide an open education bank of educational resources for new members and others on the Grand Lodge website. I would recommend anyone who has a gap in their knowledge or may wish to know more of what freemasons say and do, to visit the Grand Lodge Education page. The bank of resources can be used by any person who has access to the internet and communication technology. I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism of this portion of the website. Any lodge can connect with the internet and have an interactive evening of discussion on the resources provided. Lodge masters may wish to have external facilitators for this discussion or use their own members. Younger members are more participative learners than before and the resources provided give a much desired improvement in how we communicate our values to them. Masters of Lodges can reserve a meeting or two to use these resources.

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I note that at the recent “Future Leaders” forum of Grand Chapter that attendees drawn from throughout the country asked for a better education program. A bank of improved education resources on the Grand Chapter website was high on a list of requests of Grand Chapter. The challenge for the new Grand Lodge website is to incorporate more resources that can be used by members that explain why we do things in a lodge in much more detail that an already complex ritual seeks to explain. The future looks bright if we can digitize a vast array of suitable material available from Research Lodges and Chapters and make that available via the Education website pages. There will be a cost but the need is great and I hope that this initiative receives the support it deserves. We could develop computer discs that could be widely dispersed at a small cost but this will require a dedicated budget and the measure of determination of Grand Lodge and Grand Chapter will be the size of that budget. WBro Graeme Martin The Ashley Lodge No 28 11

FREEMASONS IN ACTION A number of firsts for Lodge Gisborne No 233 On 31st May Lodge Gisborne created some records in what was a special occasion for the Lodge. This was a special meeting to honour WBro JH Bunyan’s receipt of his 70-year badge. It was special for the following reasons: 1. WBro John Hadfield Bunyan PGStdB is the first member of this lodge to attain the distinction of devoting 70 yrs of his life to the craft. 2. John is the first member of the Bunyan family to reach this milestone although he and his brother Digby received their 60 yr badges together in Lodge Gisborne even though Lodge Taneatua was their mother lodge. Unfortunately, Digger has since departed to the Grand lodge above and Lodge Taneatua is also defunct. 3. John is the first joining member of Lodge Gisborne to have held the office of Almoner conjointly in both this and Lodge Uawa, No 232 (now defunct).

4. John is the first member of Lodge Gisborne to either nominate or second 21 members into the lodge, WBro R Ellmers, IPM, being his last. 5. It was the first time that all the members of John’s family were able to meet in the Lodge rooms; not withstanding the fact that he has two daughters. The Lodge was given a dispensation to allow all the ladies to be present in the temple whilst the brethren were still wearing their regalia, after the Lodge had been closed of course. 6. It was the first time that the Grand Master, MWBro John Litton had been toasted in person in this, his lodge, by virtue of his position as Grand Master Mason being ex officio a member of all Freemasons New Zealand Lodges. He was presented with an appropriate certificate. 7. It is the first time that the Grand Master’s wife, Diana, has replied to the visitors’ toast, a capacity which she handled with the humility that both she and John possess. 8. It is the first time in this millennium that 67 members have been seated in refectory for a celebratory dinner of this kind. All this in a Freemasons New Zealand Lodge that is the first to see the sun of the new day by virtue of the fact that it has a Longitude of 178 degrees and 15 minutes East of Greenwich. It was also the first lodge to see in the new Millennium, when it chaired a meeting of all Gisborne Lodges, on 31st December 1999 at 24.00hrs. When receiving the certificate from Grand Lodge verifying John’s 70yrs in

Freemasonry the Lodge is requested to honour the recipient in a manner that is fitting for such a special occasion. I think we did it justice; wouldn’t you agree? WBro Bruce Kells, WM WBro B Kells WM of lodge Gisborne; WBro C Bunyan PGBB; MW Grand Master; WBro JH Bunyan PGStB; WBro J Bunyan; and WBro G Faulkner PGIG (son in law) and JH Bunyan being congratulated by the GM with smiles all around.

What is Black and Blue and Red all over? Must be WBro Simon Black PGS after his run up the Sky Tower in Auckland. Simon Black, of Empire Fergusson Lodge No225 in Wellington, and a volunteer Waikanae fireman, took up the challenge and competed in the Sky Tower Stair Climb. This involved 1100 stairs; wearing full fire-fighting kit, breathing apparatus and a steel cylinder (weighing about 20+Kg). 12

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He raised over $2,300 for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand which was this year’s fund raising charity. Nearly half of this money was donated by the brethren of his Lodge and supported by a grant from the Lodge’s charity fund. Simon said, “I would like to acknowledge and say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who gave me such awesome support and sponsorship. I might think about doing it again next year!”

Nelson Marlborough Freemasons Charity – A gratifying result and a good pass mark While the Freemasons University Scholarships and those of the Heartland Bank deservedly received publicity in the recent June 2016 issue of the New Zealand Freemason, over the past several years the Nelson-Marlborough Freemasons Charity has awarded on a much smaller scale, scholarships to worthy recipients

from the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT). This year for the first time we awarded four scholarships each of $1000 – three for Nelson based students and one from the Blenheim campus. Prior to the formal presentation ceremony, WBro Alistair Campbell, P Dist GDC and I met with NMIT staff and selected who, we thought, were the most deserving cases. At the presentation, 120 scholarships were presented by 26 groups and business organisations, each donor including ourselves introduced with a brief summary of their organisation. Alistair and I found this a very rewarding experience and we were impressed by the calibre of the students who were also advised to include their award on their CV.

At the after match function – coffee and cakes – we were, as usual, thanked by those to whom we had presented certificates, but this time to our delight we were also thanked by one of the parents who introduced himself as Bro Joe Regan, Junior Warden of the Havelock Lodge No 104 meeting in Blenheim and father of Alison who is studying for a Batchelor of Nursing. We were of course unaware but thrilled to learn that the daughter of one of our own Brethren was one of the recipients. VWBro R M Chapple PDistGM Nelson Marlborough Liam Sloan NMIT (L) Alison Reagan (C) with Roger Chapple (R) at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.

“Oh what A Night” Grandparents raising Grandchildren In the words of that famous “Frankie Valli” song, ‘Oh what a Night’!

Friday 29th July saw a Gala Dinner and cheque presentation at the Albany Freemasons Centre of $30,000 to a Partner Organization of “The Foster Hope Charity” called “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren”. The original total was $15,000, which had been raised by the Lodges of the North Shore District in conjunction with the Grand Masters initiative, The Freemasons Charity and the North Shore Masonic Centre Charitable Trust. However, on the night a most wonderful surprise eventuated when MWBro David Mace PGM of the Freemasons Foundation announced that their Board had unanimously voted to double the collected amount, in effect raising the

contributions to $30,000. “Oh what a Night”. An eager team of organizers: RWBro Murray Morrissey PGW, VWBro Peter Goodwin PDistGM, WBro Grant Brown PGS any myself along with WBro Treadwell turned the Lodge refectory into a splendid venue befitting the occasion. WBro Carl Treadwell, Master of Lodge Takapuna No 202 has been the driving force behind Lodge Takapuna’ s support to the Foster Hope Organization for several years and thus it was a natural progression to assist their partner group “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren”. The intent of both of these charitable groups is to be of valuable assistance to those children both young and old whose lives have been thrown into turmoil generally from circumstances way beyond their control, often from the breakdown of the family union. The funds raised enable those Foster children to enjoy a weeklong camp environment with others www.freemasonsnz.org

from similar circumstances, to show they are not alone and that they are not to blame, in an environment that is caring, loving and purposeful. Freemasons New Zealand and more particularly on this occasion, those from the North Shore District embrace these ideals because they know this charitable endeavour also gives those caregivers, the Grandparents, a period of respite, a break to ‘catch their breath, enjoy a moment to themselves, to smell the roses once again’, before they assume the mantel of caring for the offspring of their offspring once more. Freemasons New Zealand salutes those Grandparents. We are proud as a fraternal organization to stand alongside and support their efforts. VWBro Barry Rushton Dist GM North Shore District No 2

FREEMASONS IN ACTION Safer seas Onehunga Maungawhau Freemasons Lodge has donated $3,000 to the Aotea Sea Scouts to help them upgrade their sailing equipment. Members of the Aotea Troop visiting the Lodge after its monthly meeting on the 28th of June to accept the gift; which was especially appropriate as the organisation started out as a Mariners’ Lodge. Members remain proud of this connection, and one of their traditions is to end their dinners by ringing a ship’s bell and singing the first verse of the ‘Mariners’ Hymn’, better known as ‘For those in peril on the sea’. The Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Martin Ratcliffe, is also a former member of the Aotea Sea Scouts. Before presenting the cheque he spoke about his days in the troop in the 1950s, when it was based at the end of Princes Street. The donation came from the Lodge’s Benevolence Fund. It is just one of three charitable projects they will be involved in this year, the other two being the St John New Zealand Youth Roadshow and mobility dogs that are trained to help people with disabilities. Martin Ratcliffe saying that it was a pleasure to be able to support such groups, “We’ve been a pretty fortunate Lodge and have found somewhere neat in the community to give the money.”

STANDING Martin Ratcliffe, Malcom King, Caleb Evile and Stephen Lasham. SEATED Inigo Shearer, Perdy Shearer, Rose Lasham, Kathleen Lasham and Jordan King.

The money will be used by the troop to purchase safety equipment including an EPIRB, GPS locator and four radios. Scout Leader Malcolm King saying that having such equipment “…will allow us to go much further afield.” Following a meal with the Lodge members, the Scouts thanked them for

both the gift and the dinner with their traditional “Bravo” chant. The Lodge members responding with one of their own traditions, called the “Onehunga Fire”, and a toast. Courtesy of Onehunga Community News

Benelovence is benevolence Several months ago, VWBro Keith Eaglesome, a member of the Lodge Benevolence Committee, noticed an article in the North Shore Times. It was a plea from Ms Maree Martinovich, Clinical Psychologist of He Puna Waiora. Maree was bemoaning the lack of basic creature comforts available for patients being admitted to the unit. Lodge Belmont Albion No 45 assembled 48 small convenience packs that were presented to Maree Martinovich on 20 July in a small ceremony at the North Shore Masonic Centre.

They were given as a gesture from our Lodge towards meeting some of the needs of the patients who arrive for urgent treatment requiring admission. Frequently they have only the ragged clothes they arrive in and lack basic hygiene needs –such is the urgency of their admission. Our packs contain soap, flannel, toothbrush and floss as well as oral hygiene instructions. We leave the clinical management to the experts, but little things like these let the recipients know that someone else out there cares also. WBro Russell Ward WM

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The 48 packs were presented by Murray Morrissey, Russell Ward and Keith Eaglesome (Benevolence) to Ms Maree Martinovich

Daffodil Day When all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden Daffodils… Each year Geoff Mather donates from his property, on behalf of Lodge Rotorua, daffodils to the local Cancer Society for the Annual Daffodil Day. The local branch thanked him and the Lodge as they raised over $200 from the donated flowers. Additionally, members of the Lodge manned a stall at the Rotorua Library to help raise further funds on 26th August 2016 being Daffodil Day. They were pleased to hand over a very heavy collection bucket to the organisers.

Erewhon Lodge supports Ashburton Athletic Club Fun Run

A sea of daffodils and Collection Day Helpers at the Rotorua Library stand.

Otaihape Lodge helping the Taihape community with sports, elder care and iPads Taihape Freemasons from Lodge Otaihape No 142 presented a cheque for $4,000 to assist 11 students from Taihape Area School to represent the Central North Island at the 2016 New Zealand Area Schools’ National Tournament in Dunedin. The school was fundraising and approached the Lodge for assistance. Lodge Otaihape No 142 has been making theses sort of donations for

Dr Peter Oliver (left) presenting a cheque for $4,000 on behalf of Lodge Otaihape, to Richard McMillan (centre), Principal of Taihape Area School and Jason Fellingham (right), Sports master.

many years, not only to our local area school, but to other local community projects. This month we will also be giving another $4,000 (including a 1 for 1 subsidy from The Freemasons Charity) to the Ruapehu Masonic Trust for work to be done at their Masonic Rest Home in Wanganui. As Lodge Otaihape had contributed to our local Ruapehu District Charity Project to provide iPads to local Low Decile Schools, we now have two iPads ready to present (again to Taihape Area School) and will probably do that next week. To raise the money for our charitable donations the Lodge members have been chopping/splitting firewood which we have then raffled and/or sold. No mean feat for our elderly brethren! Lodge Otaihape has a longstanding relationship with charitable donations to school projects, etc. over many years, and the members see this as a good way of supporting the local community and future citizens of Taihape.

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Starting at the Pavilion on Walnut Avenue in perfect summer sunshine fifty five runners including twenty four woman and children took part in the Athletic Club run on Tuesday 22nd at 6-00pm There was no stipulation on the distance run (5 kilometre track) by the individual so some chose a shorter run or walk according to their fitness. Some of the Women pushed their children in buggies around the course. The Athletic Club has noted a fall off of participants as other sporting codes ramp up for the winter sporting season. Free running singlets were handed out to runners to keep. A Lodge member from the Philippines Raymond Flores from Sta—Rosa Lodge No 297 Grand Lodge of the Philippines donated and printed the Lodge Erewhon Running Singlets. The Lodge thought it was an appropriate time to support the cause for healthy living in our Community and will look at repeating their participation next season. Noel Lowe

FREEMASONS IN ACTION The West Coast’s Shantytown and Freemasons The Advance Mawhera No 61 from Greymouth has their Lodge rooms as part of the Shantytown Heritage Park. This is operated by a Trust and as such they are always looking for funds or free labour. The Brethren of this Lodge have been active recently in assisting with tidying up areas around the Park.

First up was to restore the Main Gates and clean off all the rust, lichen, moss, etc., and then give them a coat of Paint. Since then, they have cleaned up a very old Wrought iron fence leading to a recently refurbished ‘Hospital’. This has been a labour of love and sweat but brethren have enjoyed the camaraderie and the chance to do something for

Shantytown which is one of the major visitor attractions on the West Coast. As an aside, it has been also rewarding to meet visitors to Shantytown who are either in a Lodge from overseas, young people whose father, grandfather or other male relative are or have been Freemasons, and to just talk to the public about Freemasonry.

Chris Bryne, Peter Robertson, Norm Young and Mel Woodgate hard at it!

True Spirit of Freemasonry United Horowhenua Lodge 464 continues to carry on the great work of benevolence and charity that it is well known for in the Levin area. For the last three years a band of brethren have rallied behind WBro’s Laurie Carlisle and Peter Rogers as they have chain sawed-split and sold and delivered close to 200 trailer loads of firewood. The recipients have been

Lodge members, the Widows and the general public. Two local farmers that have very generously donated the tailings from their forestry blocks and have allowed full access over their land must be given a big ‘thank you’. Our present Master, WBro Harry Wheoki, has galvanized the small team of nine members this winter, despite the damp weather. He is a gun with the chain saw, and is very fast on the wood splitter. WBro Peter Rogers says when Harry gets going it’s hard to stop him even for a www.freemasonsnz.org

smoko. These brethren from United Horowhenua Lodge 464 must be acknowledged for all their efforts over the last 3 years, to those who used their own vehicles, chainsaws and fuel, and not forgetting our past Treasurer WBro Tony Wallace, a member of the team who passed away a few months ago. Tony was our chain saw maintenance man and provider of the log splitter from his former business, free of charge. Tony is sorely missed for his help and presence on the team. WBro Rogers says “this project epitomizes the true spirit of Freemasonry – in that a little effort from a small team all pulling together, can achieve a great benefit for all, and help to spread the name of Freemasonry to a wider public.” A fine body of men hard at work keeping homes warm and raising funds for charity.

Otago’s charity knows no bounds! Early in June, The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust presented its annual Community Grants at four functions around the Otago Region. The grants totalled $61,831, given to 40 different community organisations ranging from Scout Groups, to Outdoor Education Trusts, and Sports Clubs, to the Waitaki Community Patrol. Certificates were also presented to the young participants who went on the Youth Development Course at Stewart Island in March. At the Dunedin Presentation $4000 was given to local Foodbanks, and presentations of cheques for the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge Bursary and to the Dunedin School of Art which are administered by the Otago Masonic Charitable Trust. As usual acknowledgements were made for the funds contributed to the University of Otago via the Freemasons University Scholarships and Fellowships, and to the Chair of Paediatrics thanks to The Freemasons Charity. Overall, the total amount given to Otago in 2016 was in excess of $340,000. While all the groups receiving grants were contributing, each in their own way, to their communities, but a few really stood out.

students who are leading rather than the adults. They are using the various types of communication that young people use today, such as Facebook, Texts, Tumblr, Ask.fm, and Snapchat, to teach and improve the awareness of potential dangers. Each school has a School Action Group which meets regularly to plan how to spread their message. Their website www.sticksnstones.co.nz explains their concept very well: “Sticks ‘n Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me … The truth is words do hurt. At Sticks ‘n Stones, we’re a group of teenagers who have seen first-hand what words can do. We are a new generation, with a new way of communicating and with it come new problems. Students have an enormous amount of experience with life online and can support younger students, their parents, families and communities to better understand the benefits and pitfalls.” The project has received a lot of positive recognition and is now being replicated in other areas. The grant is for the costs of printing material to help spread their message. The Otago Masonic Charitable Trust was inspired by this organisation.

Sticks ‘n Stones

Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary

The Sticks ‘n Stones Project was one. This is an initiative by students from five Central Otago High Schools to combat Cyber Bullying. It is co-ordinated by Central Otago REAP (Rural Education Activities Programme) but it is the

Another grant was given to the Orokonui Eco-sanctuary near Dunedin. The Ecosanctuary is a flagship biodiversity project where multiple species of plants and animals are protected from predators. A predator fence surrounds 307 hectares of Coastal Otago forest, pests have been removed, habitat enhanced with weed control and planting, and many rare and endangered species re-introduced to the area. Including Takahē, South Island Kākā, Otago Skinks, Tuatara, Haast Kiwi, Jewelled Gecko, among many other species of native fauna and flora. The ecosanctuary is open to the public with a number of walking tracks available, and a very good Visitor Centre, to inform and educate the community. The grant was for a 25,000 Litre water tank in the upper area to assist with watering plants in the nursery and to supplement water for ponds in the summer.

Emily Boud and Ally Nichols.

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Marie Penese and Andrew Noone, representing Dunedin City Council.

To CT or not to CT – children need friends in hospital

The Friends of Children in Hospital, asked for funds to help buy a special infant cradle for use in the Dunedin Hospital CT Scanner. The CT scanner is designed to allow access for patients of all sizes, but in particular adults, and in many cases this is unsuitable for young children. This means having to use uncomfortable restraints. The new cradle will allow babies and small infants to have a scan while comfortably secured in the correct position, and will allow for much more accurate scans and less stress for all concerned.

Chris Ballie and Andrew Noone, representing Dunedin City Council.

FREEMASONS IN ACTION The Order of the Eastern Star The Order of the Eastern Star (which is for female partners and family of Freemasons) has been going in New Zealand since the Dunedin pioneer Chapter started on 19th March 1910. Since that time there have been 23 Chapters within New Zealand . However there are now only 2 left, namely, Caledonia Chapter which is 88 Years old and Porirua Chapter which is 14 years, both in the Wellington Region. In Caledonia during the last year our charitable project has been for a chair bed for the Children’s Hospital in Wellington, we had a few fund raisers during the year which included; 1. A fancy dress rehearsal for a very successful Burlesque evening at the Tawa Community Centre.

2. The Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron Patricia & John Flowers opened their home in Gladstone for members to enjoy a day in the country. 3. Members and friends enjoyed a combined BBQ with Te Puni Lodge at the home of Sister Eastergaard. 4. Approximately 17 members from both Caledonia and Porirua travelled to Sister Jessie Sarney’s home in Levin where everyone enjoyed a lovely meal, good fun and a very hot day in the sun. 5. Our last fund raiser for Worthy Matron’s project was a Sales Table at our March Regular Meeting.

The total raised was $1681.00 for the Bed and an addition $300.00 which was donated for the volunteer knitters for wool for the premature babies. There was a visit from the Eastern Star to the Children’s Hospital to officially hand over the Chair Bed and the cheque for the wool on Thursday 7th July which was attended by 11 members. We were supplied with morning tea and then taken on a tour to see the Royal Doulton tiles which were in the original Children’s Hospital of which there are now only 3 sets left in the world. A great day was had by all and we hope that the current year holds just as much for the current Worthy Matron. Sister Leonie Eastergaard PWM

Past Worthy Matron and Patron Patricia & John Flowers in chair/bed, Past Worthy Matron handing over the cheque, Members of the Eastern Star attend the hand over for the chair/bed.

Taranaki Freemasons help with Diabetes Taranaki Freemasons Lodges presented a cheque for $10,500 to the Taranaki District Health Board’s (TDHB) Child and Adolescent Community Centre in association with Diabetes Taranaki. The money will be used to buy three blood test analysers for people with diabetes, which allows TDHB staff to give on the spot education and advice relating to the patient’s results. Each Machine, Printer and Carry Case is suitably inscribed with Freemasons Taranaki.

Remaining funds of about $4500 will be used over the next few years to purchase consumables like blood testing kits. One of the additional benefits of this project is that all three organisations will work together, by taking Health Week Workshops with health professionals, around the Taranaki Province. The project was subsidised by The Freemasons Charity on a 2 for 1 basis as a District Project.

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Graeme Thompson having his blood tested.

Eketahuna – the place all New Zealand loves At the top of the Hutt Wairarapa District in the Central Division is the small provincial town of Eketahuna just after Masterton and before Pahiatua. It’s a name that invokes the New Zealand countryside. The Eketahuna Lodge No 92 has been in that community for a long time with a membership from throughout the District.

The Lodge is famous for its third degrees and a descent into the depths. Recently the Lodge presented the local school with a cheque for $472.77 for the purchase of Basketball tops. A big effort from a small Lodge. Said, WBro Peter Knight – Secretary/ Treasurer and local Policeman, “it is pleasing to be able to assist our local community in this manner.”

Peter Knight from The Eketahuna Lodge with one of the Basketball Jerseys and Cheque and Nick Beamsley Principal of the Eketahuna School.

Rotorua Freemasons support young mariners Rotorua Freemasons have recently further demonstrated their support of local youth activities by making a further contribution towards sailing resources for Young Mariners Rotorua. Young Mariners are a group of young females in the 8–19 age groups whose purpose is

to teach members life skills through the medium of marine activity. In 2013 the two local Lodges, Lodge Rotorua and Lodge Arawa combined their financial resources to purchase four Optimist boats and a purpose built boat trailer to a value of $3.800. This generous action was recently followed up with a further donation of some $5,000, being the cost of two sets of sails for Sunburst boats

and two Mission Access 280 Kayaks. As sponsors, Freemasons are proud to have their logo on the boats, sails and kayaks. WBro Geoff Miller has been the Project Co-ordinator. As the project was generously subsidised by The Freemasons Charity, it was most appropriate that the Freemasons New Zealand Grand Master John Litton was on hand at the Rotorua Lake-front recently when the latest gift of sails and kayaks were formally handed over. BF Scott

ABOVE Grand Master John Litton surrounded by Young Mariners. RIGHT Freemasons at the Rotorua lake-front with Grand Master John Litton (back centre) and Geoff Miller (Front centre) for the blessing of the boats, and their formal handing over to the Young Mariners.

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Freemasons Victoria appoints first woman chief executive RSVP

To accept this invitation please register your attendance at: www.freemasonsnz.org

reemasons Victoria is proud to announce the appointment of Jane Sydenham-Clarke as its new Chief Executive. Jane was a former senior executive at Federation Square for close to ten years, and has had a career spanning the not for profit and commercial sectors in human services, cultural, tourism, community and property management. Richard Elkington, President of the Board of General Purposes said, “The

appointment of Ms Sydenham-Clarke by the Board comes at a time of rapid and continual growth in society making it vital for Freemasons Victoria to build on its strong community foundation while taking a progressive approach to engage with current issues”. Editor’s Note: Readers will remember that the Grand Lodge of Western Australia has already done something similar.

Please send apologies to:

FROM LEFT Deputy Grand Master, Keith Murray;grandinstallation@freemasons.co.nz Jane Sydenham-Clarke, new CEO Freemasons Victoria; Grand Master Don Reynolds; President of the Board of General Purposes Freemasons Victoria Richard Elkington at the announcement the new CEO for Left: MW Bro JohnofLitton Freemasons withWinger the model of the new Right:Victoria RW Bro Mark headquarters in Albert Street, East Melbourne.

XIVth World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges in San Francisco

he Grand Lodge Temple in San Francisco with its impressive ancient Egyptian-style white pillars, was an ideal location 18 November 2015, for the XIVth World Conference of Regular Grand Lodges, a four-day event of Representatives from 102 Grand Lodges entitled: “The Chain of Union: Strengthening fraternal bonds in a changing world.” Delegates and speakers were Grand Masters, present and past, as well as ranking grand lodge representatives, who tackled several main topics as: “The role of the World Conference”, “Membership quality verses quantity”, “Information age technology”, “Tolerance in contemporary Masonry”, “Benevolence, Charity”, etc. While the constitution of the World Conference provides for an exchange of ideas and for personal contacts at the highest level, it expressly excludes any kind of binding resolutions. This rather non-committal principle has been in force since the onset in 1995, when the first “World Grand Masters Conference” was held in Mexico City. Three years later in New York, at the third World Grand Masters meeting, the

name was altered to “World Conference of Regular Masonic Grand Lodges.” Thomas W. Jackson, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, was appointed as the first Executive Secretary of the World Conference, an appointment he held for 16 years. Following his resignation in 2014 in Bucharest, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Romania, Radu Balanescu, was elected as the second Executive Secretary and he presided over the meeting in San Francisco. The World Conference is open to Regular Grand Lodges only. It respects the “Ancient Landmarks”, the “Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition” as well as the “Aims and Relations of the Craft.” The World Conference never addresses religious and political matters. The purpose is to collect and share information, to work out and propose solutions that promote the stability, progress and strength of regular craft Freemasonry. It respects the sovereignty, independence of all Regular Masonic Jurisdictions and never attempts to evolve any superstructure above the Grand Lodges. Only the Grand Master

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or his Representative and the Grand Secretary/ Grand Chancellor are permitted to be seated at the conference and address the meeting. Each Grand Lodge has one vote on all matters. Finally, no Grand Lodge will attempt to use the conference as a platform to seek special favours or financial assistance from any participating Grand Lodge. The XIV World Conference had a long list of keynote speakers, but also the trappings of a junket. The list of events at the side was formidable. The delegates faced four evenings of banquets, a gala dinner and a family brunch with spouses, city tours, a night cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden and a performance of Mozart’s “Fidelio” at the San Francisco Opera. Thanks to Peter Hoffer, Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in Austria Editor’s note: Freemasons New Zealand was not officially represented at this Conference and the majority of Grand Lodges represented would likely have been from each of the States of America.

Most Worshipful Brother John W Litton, Grand Master

Cordially invites you to

†

THE GRAND INSTALLATION of Right Worshipful Brother Mark R Winger, Deputy Grand Master as GRAND MASTER Back

PROGRAMME

outside flap Wellington – Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November 2016

297mm

YOUR

INVITATION

Friday 18 November 8.30am–5.30pm Secretariat akefield Suite, Mezzanine Floor, W Amora Hotel

9am–1pm

Registration

9am–1pm

Displays

9.30am–noon

Rehearsal

TSB Arena, Queens Wharf

1.30–4.30pm

Ladies’ Function

Lambton Room, InterContiental Hotel

1.30–4.30pm

Business Session

Rooms 1 & 2, Shed 6, Queens Wharf

6–8pm

Welcome Cocktails & Canapés

Te Aro and Waterfront rooms, Mac’s Bar Taranaki Wharf, near Te Papa

Saturday 19 November

9am–1pm

The Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of New Zealand

RSVP

8.30am–5.30pm Secretariat 9am–1pm

flap inside

akefield Suite, Mezzanine Floor, W Registration Amora Hotel 227mm Displays

9.30am–noon

Rehearsal

3–5.30pm

Grand Installation

5.30–6.30pm

Delegation photos T SB Arcade, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf

7–11.30pm

Grand Banquet Rooms 1, 2,3 & 4, Shed 6, Queens Wharf

To accept this invitation please register your attendance at: www.freemasonsnz.org 70mm

TSB Arena, Queens Wharf

Please send apologies to: grandinstallation@freemasons.co.nz

Left: MW Bro John Litton Right: RW Bro Mark Winger

In science education we trust As well as the major and generally better known Masonic Trusts such as The Freemasons Charity, The Freemasons Foundation (formerly The Roskill Foundation) and the Potter Masonic Trust there are numerous specific and local trusts, some of whose administration is serviced by The Freemasons Charity. One of these is the Hugh McDougall Rankin Educational Trust.

ugh McDougall Rankin was born, the last of five children, in Glasgow in 1916. The family emigrated to Australia in 1920 where Hugh grew up through the Depression and experienced the death of his father at the age of twelve. Thus, he had to leave school at 14 to help support his family. However, he was able to continue his studies at night school and gained qualifications in Food Technology. In 1952 Hugh and his wife, Shirley, moved to New Zealand where he became a brewer. They raised five children, four of whom studied sciences at a tertiary level. In his nineties Hugh expressed a wish to support students of the sciences as a contribution to the technological wealth of New Zealand. He achieved this by establishing a trust to support talented science students by easing the financial burden of tertiary study. Hugh passed away in September 2009, aged 93. With the assistance of the then Superintendent of The Freemasons Charity, RWBro Mark Winger, Hugh and his legal advisers established his Trust by appointing, as trustees, those of The Grand Lodge of New Zealand. The deed established two funds, the first to award year 13 science students in prescribed state secondary schools in Christchurch and the second to award high performance undergraduate tertiary students studying at Canterbury or Lincoln Universities or at Ara (formerly Christchurch Polytechnic). To be eligible for the Year 13 Award the applicants must be aged 20 or under,

be resident in Christchurch and to have attended one of the nominated secondary schools for not less than four school years. Fortunately, given the changes since the earthquakes the deed made provision to include any new State Secondary school after the date of the deed. Students of independent or integrated schools are not eligible to apply. The award is currently $2,300 adjusted annually according to the Consumer Price Index. In the secondary school programme the Trustees accept the HODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nomination of the Best Science Student in the School and cheques are sent with a certificate to be included in the school prize giving. The undergraduate award is available to support one or more students studying a defined science discipline at one of the three nominated tertiary institutions and under the age of 25. Recipients of year 13 awards may apply for a scholarship, which provides for 100% of the course fees with a maximum of $5,400 per year, also adjusted annually according to the CPI. Continuation of the award is dependent on the student receiving a B+ grade average for the preceding academic year. Applicants must establish financial need and must not be in receipt of any other award that includes the payment of tuition fees. The three Universities are familiar with the criteria for and send completed applications to Charity Administrator, Sheila Hicking. These are circulated to the Grand Lodge Trustees, as Rankin Trustees and, with their approval payment is made on invoice from the universities.

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Feedback from 2015 Awardees I am writing to extend my warmest thanks to your organisation for supporting my studies through the Hugh McDougall Rankin Education Scholarship, as well as accommodating me at the Masonic Lodge in Shirley for the presentation. It was lovely to meet you all and learn more about Freemasonry. The scholarship was a great help to me in my final year of study especially as it supported me through one of the steepest learning curves of my tertiary career, a study abroad experience in Denmark. I am so thankful for you help in completing my studies in natural science engineering. Jane Alexander I would like to express my utmost gratitude for awarding me the Hugh McDougall Rankin Education Scholarship. Not having to worry about course fees this year has lifted a great weight off my shoulders allowing me to focus more intently on my studies. No longer feeling the pressure to immediately enter the workforce following my degree I have decided to spend an extra year studying computer science, which I have recently found a passion for. I will now leave university equipped with three disciplines, including physics and maths, and countless more exciting career opportunities. William Jelley

Introducing our Grand Master to be

Man for the moment? Freemasons Lodges throughout the country have just given him an overwhelming vote of support and confidence and in consequence officially pronounced him Grand Master Elect. In just a few weeks his three year journey as the sixty sixth Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Antient Free & Accepted Masons of New Zealand will begin. RW Bro Mark Winger, Deputy Grand Master, is eager and ready to take the helm!

t this point in our 125 year (and more) long, proud and noble existence it might be said we are stretched. Some might say cracks are appearing. There are certainly strains. When hasn’t there been? Right now it would be a fair assumption that a refreshment and resurgence of Freemasonry would not go astray! We need a boost. The story of Freemasonry in New Zealand

has had its ups and downs through economics and wars but the present prolonged decline in numbers around demographics and societal changes refuses to level out. So what’s the good news? According to RW Bro Winger it’s not a question of if we begin the climb back – just when. He is absolutely sure that the change we are all anxiously awaiting will come,

but with one over-riding proviso – it is in our own hands. It won’t come easy and it will require hard work and perseverance. And, he adds, it might not be quite the change we expect. He strongly believes the turning point, whatever its form, can be reached by the end of his term in the top job and he has every reason to be confident he can bring about that change in our fortunes. continues on next page

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Early days Bro Mark spent his younger childhood ‘up North’ in Kaikohe being brought up by his parents who owned a sawmill. So despite what you see today – the successful lawyer in the big city – those early years spent in a country community have been indelibly imprinted on his character. You see it in the way he deals with all people – everybody treated equally and respected no matter their address or the name on their jeans. Everybody capable of making a contribution. Of course there’s an old saying about that sort of upbringing that rings true here; ‘You can take the boy out of the country but you cant ……..’!

The Charity The best example of his getting the best out of the people with whom he works was demonstrated with his appointment as President of the Board of Benevolence – now The Freemasons Charity - in 2005. With the desire to speed up the process of help and to make better decisions about who and what benevolent support was provided to the Brethren and their families, he went about turning the Board’s long –standing system on it’s head. Instead of complicated tedious applications all needing approval by the central Board he streamlined and uncomplicated the system and let the local people make local decisions. Devolving this responsibility to the Districts made for much greater efficiency in the

Let the local people make local decisions. whole process. Not only did it carve off a large chunk of bureaucracy but it brought the members closer to the work being done and encouraged Lodges to participate. It also led to a renewed profile for the Freemasons Charity with a distinct identification and better communication of how and what the Charity was achieving, within the Craft and in the community. The effect has seen contributions to the Charity Fund from members reach their highest levels ever! Quite an achievement considering the decline in our numbers over recent years.

The Law On the death of his father in 1963, our soon-to-be Grand Master moved to Auckland where he was supported by his aunt and Freemason uncle and had a very good secondary schooling attending Kings College as a boarder. The sawmill was doing well! He had a focus on science subjects such as chemistry and began his studies at Auckland University with that sort of future in mind. But in a twist of fate he added a law paper to his subjects, and the rest…. a law Degree, is history. Out of University he spent a few years in the civil service before finding a

position with his present firm Holmden Horrocks, Barristers & Solicitors, a year after being admitted to the Bar. One of Auckland’s oldest established general practice law firms, Holmden Horrocks is located in the commercial heart of down-town Auckland. Now a senior partner Mark has remained there to this day working in the areas of commercial law, corporate law and trusts. He has acted for the New Zealand Automobile Association, of which he is a Board Member, for approaching thirty years and is highly experienced in the legal matters of charities and not-for-profit organisations. Not least because of the huge level of legal advice and direction he has given Freemasonry.

The plan So what then are his plans for his term in Office? What is going to change? Anything? What can the Brethren in their Lodges expect? On knowing even a little of Mark Winger you know

History shows he is not one to be satisfied with the status quo. these questions are redundant. History shows he is not one to be satisfied with the status quo. Changes are likely. But not without very careful thought and consideration of consequences. The Grand Master elect is not saying a lot. But he will say he has a plan and is preparing to implement it once in office.

The record His record of improvement with the changes he makes is unquestionable. As Grand Registrar he re-wrote the Constitution (1990 – 95) – simpler, more clarity, more effective. As President of the Board of Benevolence he rewrote the operational guidelines of our Charity. Again, for a more user-friendly system and easier for the Lodges to operate. He called it a ‘back to basics’ strategy because it used fundamental, traditional Masonic 24

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reasoning and structures . He has also been a key influence in the recent re-organisation of our Grand Lodge structure and financial affairs. We wont have to wait long now to see what he has up his sleeve but you can be sure it will be full of common sense and Masonic values! Perhaps it might resemble those earlier changes, perhaps something entirely new. It’s sure to have down-to-earth usefulness to the membership in mind. What he does say is that ‘success’ is not where he sits. Success can only come from the Lodges, in the Districts. That is where the strength of our organisation lies. That is where he will be putting the emphasis and to that end he is determined to see Lodges supported with the ‘right’ resources. It will be in their hands as to whether they want to use them. He wont sit in his office in Shortland Street or Willis Street. He will be out and about talking, watching, encouraging. He is excited about his plan but he admits it wont be easy and we will all have to roll up our sleeves. All our energies will need to be harnessed and co-ordinated to get the wind in our sails again! At the same time he reassures us that he will not be diminishing the traditional functions of Grand Master. He will travel where the occasion requires, around the country and out of the country, for appropriate Masonic or civic purpose as every Grand Master has done before him.

His Lodges We asked Mark why he joined Freemasonry (he was initiated by Lodge Westmere No 333 – now Manukau Westmere No 24 - in 1975 at age 22). Well, remember that Freemason Uncle? He was a good man and he had a lot of friends who were good men too. And his nephew respected him - and them. That sounds like an excellent reason! What he found though, as life became more hectic with being a lawyer, bringing up children and all that life throws at you , was that Lodge became a place of peace and distraction, a haven from

With enthusiasm, good management and hard work anything is possible. the daily toils. A place where good men were comfortable and did good deeds - a type of self reward. He continues to participate actively in his Lodges and enjoy the company of the many good men he encounters. RW Bro Winger today remains a member of Manukau Westmere Lodge No 24, (Master 1983-84) United Masters Lodge No 167 (joined 1984) and The Lodge of the Liberal Arts No 500 (founding member and Master 1997-98).

Family Mark has three talented and successful children –a daughter presently working in Fiji, and two sons, one living and working in Melbourne, the other with his wife and Marks grandson Paddy in Auckland. We didn’t ask but could that name be a link to the historic family ties that call Mark to Ireland occasionally? A farm holding there needed a lawyer to untangle years of neglect. But thats another story. www.freemasonsnz.org

The future As for the future and that slippage in membership and the accompanying creaks and groans in our fine old fraternity what does our future leader predict? He feels there is the very good and the not-so-good in our present structure. That the enthusiasts and carers will win the day and carry us through. As for membership he says it’s really simple. We know from every day evidence that young men join ususwanting wanting ritual, wanting the the ceremonial, the traditions, wanting the fellowship. They want what we have. It’s a matter of wrapping it in a manner they will enjoy. With enthusiasm, good management and hard work anything is possible.

Then is Right Worshipful Brother Mark Winger the man we need at this moment? He’s smart. He’s a proven achiever. And he has us all at heart - giving it his best shot. We should join him.

Deputy Grand Master Elect RWBro Graham Wrigley G

raham Wrigley is a third generation Freemason, but admits being a late starter after turning down an opportunity to join at the age of 21. Surrounded by Freemasons from both his mother and fathers families, he felt that the time was not right, but at the age of 46 after successful career in the New Zealand Fire Service, Graham felt that everything was aligned and it was time to follow in his father and grandfathers footsteps. Born in Hawera, Graham left school at 15 and started a career as a Horologist (Watchmaker) with a local jeweller, but following a childhood dream, joined the local fire brigade as a volunteer firefighter. He admits that it was in these early years that the lights came on and that his true calling was as a full time firefighter, so at the age of 20 having completed his apprenticeship, he moved to Wellington as a fulltime paid firefighter. Graham reflects that he never really enjoyed school and only saw it as a place to play sports and eat lunch, so with a personal challenge to upskill he set about seeking professional qualifications in fire engineering. This paid off as these qualification set a course with early promotion into the officer ranks and then into the Executive ranks. Being appointed as the Chief Fire Commander for Otago in 1990 was a highlight, but a year of

tragedy with the Aramoana massacre calling on his skills for something that was not in the manual! After 12 months in command of Otago, Graham returned to Wellington as the Chief Fire Commander until he retired in 1997. It was during this time, that the opportunity again surfaced to become a Freemason, where he was initiated into Lodge Zetland No 312. It remains his mother lodge. After a bit of travel and some work offshore, Graham moved to Christchurch as the Regional Director for the Canterbury West Coast Region of New Zealand Red Cross. Still working with New Zealand Red Cross, Graham is now the National Education and Training Manager, where he leads one of New Zealand leading first aid training establishments. “Looking back at my career”, says Graham, “I would not change anything. My Fire Service Career took me right to the top worldwide as a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers and International President in 1993. Travelling to England four times a year for seven years was a challenge, but the thrust and demand of role and was a fuel for success”. Freemasonry has brought similar challenges and a commitment to succeed. Graham likes the Lodge room environment, enjoys quality ceremonial and enjoys the company of likeminded Brethren. Joining The Avon Shirley Lodge No 185 (formerly The Avon Lodge No 185) was like coming home for him. The Lodge Master at that time was the late WBro Ralph Smith who had been initiated into Lodge Cairo during the Second World War where Grahams father, Bro James Wrigley, was the Junior Steward for the night. His uncle, the late WBro John Burton, was a

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past Master of that Lodge, so as Graham says “I have come home”. “My three roles as an officer of Grand Lodge have been extremely rewarding”, says Graham. “Two years as the District Grand Director of Ceremonies followed by two years as the District Grand Master were the pinnacle of my Masonic journey”. Being appointed as a member of the Board of General Purposes was a new challenge as was his appointment as President in 2014. During this period, the Board was restructured along governance lines and to achieve efficiencies improve communication with a focus on finance and membership. Another highlight was the development of the Seven Pillars Strategic Plan. Stepping into the role of Deputy Grand Master will open a new chapter with new challenges with a commitment for success at all levels. Through his Fire Service career, Graham has a good understanding of the role of a Deputy and how that enhances the relationship with the Grand Master. “My role is to support the Grand Master and to deputise for him when properly called upon”. Like all Masonic appointments, the commitment to do the very best will be front of mind. Graham clearly sees a bright future for Freemasonry at a time when younger men are calling out for what we can offer. Our challenge is to give them exactly what we say we do. Anything less is a failure!

A daily advancement in Masonic knowledge

The new education website B

rethren All, we have been working on a Website for Masonic Education for over a year and I am pleased to announce that it is now up and running. This article explains how to get to it and the articles currently on it, for you to read and make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge if you so desire. Start your internet and go to www.freemasonsnz.org (notice the nz after freemasons and notice the org after the dot – otherwise your computer may take you to the old Grand Lodge website). Those of you with a wide screen will see 12 ‘tabs’ across the top of the picture shown on the screen, the 10th is ‘Education’. For those with a narrow screen (such as a small device or phone) there will appear instead a small symbol of three horizontal lines, clicking on this will give the same topics in a drop-down list. Click on ‘Education’ and see the four options, then click on ‘Freemasons Education Website’ and this will open the new education website for you. Have a read of the main page which tells you what it is all about, what is new this month, this month’s quiz (there will be a new quiz each month which you are welcome to take to your Lodge and have some fun with your Brethren while making a daily advancement in masonic knowledge), new articles and notices. The quiz and articles will not be deleted but will be moved to an archive page so as to keep the main page free for other new things. To get to this and other pages look at the top of the page and you will see an oblong, grey box which when clicked will reveal seven further pages.

Each of these contains more material for you to use, either for yourself or as a Lodge resource. The ‘Articles to Read’ page contains longer pieces of masonic interest and importance to masonic knowledge – well worth a look. Do you know who Boaz was and why he is important to Freemasonry? On the ‘Articles to Read’ page you will find out. There are three pages on masonic degree work, one on each degree; these are password protected so you will need to read carefully the instructions at the top of each page (these computer passwords are in lowercase throughout without gaps). Another page that may interest you contains links to follow if you want to know what other Freemasons are doing in New Zealand and in overseas constitutions. This website needs good articles and ideas from you and your Lodge so please send me your ideas to drgeorgeallan@gmail.com and I will edit and publish with your name and Lodge ascribed as appropriate. Now to other Masonic Education matters; one issue that comes up often is retention of members. The big question here is why do Master Masons leave their Lodge after 2 or 3 years and one fundamental answer is that they are no longer interested in what is happening in that Lodge. The solution lies with us, the committed, regular attenders. The answer is often staring us in the face but we cannot see it, or refuse to acknowledge that this could possibly be true in OUR LODGE. Master Masons who have left tell us that once they have seen a degree ceremony half a dozen times in their own Lodge it is boring to see it done to death in simulations. They want more interesting thing to do with Freemasonry; a prominent and frequently voiced topic is some form of explanation of a degree

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rather than having to sit quietly and watch others simulating it from beginning to end. An idea that is working well in several Lodges up and down the country right now is to take a small part of a degree (such as one perambulation – and that perambulation only) and watch what actually happens. Then do back to the beginning and watch the first part only and discuss exactly what is happening. Let Lodge members ask questions and let Lodge members attempt an answer before a Past Master jumps straight in to demonstrate his knowledge. Learning happens better when it is allowed time to discover. An immediate answer to a question shuts the mind down and virtually no learning takes place. In a seminar for University professors and doctors I wrote on the board, “If you tell students facts during your lectures you remove the need for them to think”. This caused uproar amongst the audience who disagreed with it immediately. So we discussed their objections and after half an hour it transpired that most of them thought that they would not be doing their duty if they did not ‘lecture’. When asked about their duty to help students learn – there ensued a long pause of embarrassed silence – followed by a completely different discussion for the rest of the morning. The conclusion was that most professors and doctors changed their way of thinking about their duties to their student and the way to deliver learning material. There were a few who would not change their way of doing things even in the face of the evidence that telling someone an answer does not promote learning. May our Masonic learning continue until the day we are called to the Grand Lodge above. VWBro George Allan Chair of Masonic Education Pillar

THE MASONIC VILLAGES When the end comes

The reality of rest home hospital care is that nearly all patients are on a journey that ends with their death. Making this process as pleasant, comfortable and meaningful as possible largely falls to nurses and caregivers. The end normally approaches with a fading of vital signs, which gives time for families and friends to come and say goodbye. “For some of our caregivers, end-of-life care is their passion. Something they find really rewarding. They are protective of their residents and take great pride in their care. “On the extremely rare occasions a resident needs to move to a hospice or general hospital for specialist palliative treatment, caregivers can feel really disappointed not to be involved in the final stage of life. They have normally established a good rapport with the family which makes support far more personal,” says Barbara Mouat, manager, Masonic Court, Palmerston North. Twenty years ago, hospices specialised in end-of-life care of patients with cancer. They determined which drugs would provide the most effective treatment of symptoms, stabilised the condition if possible and provided a bed until the patient passed away. Their scope has now increased to provide palliative care and symptom control for all chronic illnesses. Once a patient’s medication has been sorted and their condition has been stabilised by the hospice, they usually return home or – if they have care needs that can’t be met at home – they move into a rest home hospital. There they are supported by the rest home’s nurses with back-up from nurse consultants from the hospice if required. “The hospice nurses are excellent,” says Christine Townsend, manager of Woburn Masonic Care. “They provide specialist advice if we need it and are great for staff education and training.” Attitudes to death are another major area of change, says Townsend, who is qualified in advance care planning. “Doctors and nurses are much more open in their conversations with their patients about their long-term prognosis than they used to be. We used to get patients transferred here from the public hospital who hadn’t been told they couldn’t be cured,” she says. “We can do better, but we try to have conversations with our residents and their families about their wishes for end-of-life care … the point at which nature should be allowed to take its course.” At Woburn, when that point is reached, residents are given the opportunity to move to the Oasis Room, where family and friends can walk beside them on the final journey. It’s a fully self-contained suite where they can gather with the resident, stay overnight, make tea and coffee and have a shower. “Most families are hugely appreciative of this. The suite has a separate Right; The changed roles of hospices and rest home hospitals in end-of-life care is reflected in this email from the Debbie Vinten, daughter of sculptor Frank Wardle (pictured in 2015 with some of his creations)

TRUST

The Masonic Villages Trust is a charity set up in 1960 by Freemasons in the southern North Island to provide care and services for older people. Since then, the Trust and its two charitable operating companies, Masonic Care Ltd and Masonic Villages Ltd, have earned an enviable reputation for great care and great communities.

entrance, so they can stay together as family and do what they want to do.” Townsend says some residents prefer to pass away in their normal room – an environment they are familiar with – rather than the Oasis Room. The choice is theirs. Then, when the journey ends, there are more changes. Not so long ago, the undertaker removed the deceased by a back door when no-one was around. “Now when someone dies, the staff – and those residents who were close to the deceased – form a guard of honour and the deceased leaves by the front door in the full view of everyone. Some staff put flowers on the casket. “It’s a little bit ceremonial and has surprised some funeral directors. It’s the staff’s way of saying goodbye to a resident and their family.” Barbara Mouat says conversations about end of life care are a “big thing” for staff. But once they start talking it helps take away some of the fear. At Masonic Court they put a photo of the resident and a lighted a candle in the foyer, so residents, staff and visitors are aware of their passing. “We encourage them to say goodbye and many do. It’s also my preference to not cover the face of the deceased when they are being moved from the facility. Steps like this, and the guard of honour that Woburn provides, are helping to break down the mysteries of death and create healthier attitudes to what was once a taboo subject.”

Earlier this year Woburn Care resident Jean Lawson passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Woburn Care’s Oasis (palliative care) Room. After the family had all left, staff found this heart-warming message on the white board outside Jean’s room

Independent directors join Trust companies

The Masonic Villages Trust has appointed two independent directors to the boards of its charitable operating companies.

Iris Reuvecamp and Sean Hannan have joined the boards of Masonic Villages Limited and Masonic Care Limited. The existing directors of the companies are all Freemasons with professional expertise. Trust chair Bill Arcus says “As operators of complex charitable businesses we owe it to our stakeholders to make the best possible board decisions. Having directors and trustees who offer a diversity of expertise, experience and outlook will help us do that.” The process of adding diversity to the Trust’s governance structures began four years ago with the appointment of Marie Gillies as a trustee, the first non-Freemason and first woman to fill this role. Reuvecamp is a specialist in health and disability law, and has worked in this area of the law in the UK and New Zealand. She has worked for district health boards and other health and disability service providers both in-house and as an external advisor in private practice. “I have been involved in advising boards of health and disability service providers on governance related legal issues for a number of years. In my role as independent director I look forward to applying this experience, coupled with my knowledge of and commitment to the provision of high quality consumer focused services.” Hannan is the owner of Manor Park Hospital in Lower Hutt,

a private hospital specialising in the care of high dependency dementia patients. A professional director with a background in telcos, he is currently the chair of the Infinity Foundation, an independent director of Greyhound NZ and a trustee of Greyhound Adoption Trust. “Because Manor Park specialises in mental health, it complements rather than competes with Masonic Care. I hope that my diverse business experience and the fact that I own a private hospital business in the same region will be of value to the Trust’s operating companies.” Another governance change has been the appointment of Barrie Buck as a trustee on The Masonic Villages Trust, following the retirement of Tony Ancell. Buck has stepped into Ancell’s shoes, liaising between the Levin Freemasons and the Horowhenua Masonic Village. The unexpected death of Heaton Haglund, who had served the Trust for 20 years, leaves a vacancy on the Trust that will be filled in due course. Arcus thanks Ancell and pays tribute to Haglund, both of whom made valuable contributions during their time on the Trust.

The Masonic Villages Trust Head office: 63 Wai-iti Crescent l Woburn l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz

Our new District Grand Masters One of the most important Leadership positions in Freemasons New Zealand, for our Lodges, is our District Grand Masters; who are tasked with supporting the Lodges in their District to prosper and succeed. They will be attending a District Grand Masters Seminar in September to take them through their role and they will be invested at The Grand Installation in November 2016 in Wellington. Here is a short profile of the District Grand Masters that the Lodges chose during the recent election.

Northern Division District 1 – Northland WBro Kevin Burch Kevin was the youngest Master in the 120 year history of Lodge Whangarei and a Rotary Leadership Awardee. Lists one of his hobbies as Conchology (Shell Collecting) and is Rear Commodore at the Onerahi Yacht Club. He is a member of Lodge Whangarei and Lodge Parahaki, a Past District Grand Director of Ceremonies and wants to build solidarity in Northland. District 2 – Auckland VWBro Dennis Waller Dennis is heavily involved in Rotary organising Corporate Fishing for 15 years and is a Paul Harris Fellow. He is a trustee of the Freemasons Foundation and a member of The Freemasons Charity National Committee. He is a

member of three Auckland Lodges and a Past Grand Lecturer. He wants to see the three amalgamated Auckland Districts work seamlessly as one. District 5 – Counties Hauraki WBro John Lukaszewicz John spends most of his time as a director with work or masonic trusts. He has been awarded 5 patents with 12 more awaiting approval. Originally from the UK he came to New Zealand in 1988. He is a member of Lodge Otahuhu and a P Dist GDC. He sees his District as close knit, supportive and innovative and believes Freemasonry should be more business-like. District 6 – Waikato WBro Donald Seath Don is involved in a wide range of community activities from Scouting to Farm Cadets to Rowing and Rural

Support. He is retired but previously involved in the Dairy Industry. Don has 9 grandchildren! Don is a member of Lodge Te Marama and Lodge Copernicus and he is a P Dist GDC. He wants to use the 7 Pillars Strategic Plan to its fullest extent in his District using all Freemasons. District 7 – Bay of Plenty WBro Paul Henricksen Paul is big on fishing including serving on the Akitio and Whakatane Fishing Clubs and has served for 18 years on School Committees and Boards of Trustees. He started life in the Northern Wairarapa hence his membership of Puketoi Lodge along with Lodge Apunui in Whakatane and The Waikato Lodge of Research. Paul is currently a Grand Steward. Lodge’s needs are important to him along with working collectively to improve the District.

Central Division District 14 – Taranaki WBro Roland Blake Roly is a member of Lodge United Taranaki and currently the Grand Steward for the District. His interests include snooker, chess and all sports. Roly is now retired but has had a varied business background including Printer, Antiques, Shoes, Real Estate and Stationery. He has a firm conviction that a difference can be achieved with the support and input from all in the Taranaki District.

District 15 – Ruapehu WBro Gordon Walker Gordon’s community involvement includes being a men’s’ health facilitator and driver for the Cancer Society. He was Master of a UK Lodge having joined Freemasonry in 1994 and came to New Zealand in 2005, where he joined Lodge Pa-Ka-Ma. Gordon has been a Grand Steward and is currently District GDC. He wants to see the growth that is occurring in his District continued by building on the momentum.

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District 17 – Eastland/ Ruahine VWBro Ian Hunt Ian is currently Grand Director of Ceremonies for the Central Division and a member of Scinde Lodge, Hawke’s Bay Research Lodge and The Baden Powell Lodge. His interests include Jazz, Concert Band and Scouting and he works with Goodman Fielder New Zealand Ltd. Ian believes the viability, longevity and success of Freemasonry, in his newly combined District and the Lodges in particular, will depend on how we promote the craft and seek new members to join us.

District 19 – Kapiti/ Wellington WBro Mervyn Johnston Merv’s interests include Fly Fishing and Budgerigars breeding and his community involvement includes driving the Horowhenua Masonic Village bus and a number of community fund raising projects. He is currently a Grand Steward and is a member of United Horowhenua Lodge and Lodge Tawera-O-Kapiti. He

wants those in in his District to have fun with their Freemasonry, appreciate the traditions of the Craft but enjoy their Freemasonry. District 21 – Hutt/ Wairarapa WBro Richard Masterton Rick is a Past Grand Steward and a member of Trentham Lodge and Lodge Mangaroa. He came from Scotland in 1983 and has been

with Acme Engineering since that time. Rick enjoys home projects, golf, snooker and supporting his wife with the Kindergarten and Barnardo’s Early Childhood. He wants to render as much support and work with all and serve to the best of his ability for the District.

Southern Division District 23 – Nelson/ Marlborough WBro Ian McLean Ian is a Director of the Nelson Masonic Hall Company and Board Member of Kirkpatrick Masonic Trust. He is keen on tramping, Football, Probus and Sudoku which he enjoys in retirement. Ian came to New Zealand in 1987 and was previously involved in Freemasonry in Scotland. He believes the key for success for Lodges and his District is increased fellowship, family participation and enjoyment by members. He is a member of Lodge Nelson and Top of South Research Lodge. District 24 – Westland WBro Norman Young Norman’s keen interest in music is played out with his involvement in Operatic/Repertory Theatre and Organ Societies along with involvement in Toastmasters. He has climbed Mt Taranaki (Egmont) twice and done the Kepler Track thrice. Norman is a member of The Advance Mawhera Lodge and Top of the South Research Lodge. His vision is to see the membership on the Coast grow with the challenge of retaining members and having an environment that meets their expectations. District 25 – Pegasus WBro Ashleigh Gerken Otherwise known as Marty, he likes brewing and spirit distillation, music and cricket and has been involved in Brass Bands for 26 years.

His Freemasonry has been for the same period and he is a member of Lodge Takahe. He is a Past Grand Steward and Past District GDC and he wants to provide leadership and support to the membership and lodges of his District. District 26 – Canterbury WBro David McCliskie David is a Corporate Taxi Driver and has 8 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren. He is keen on sport and is a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. David belongs to Unity Lodge. He wants for his District pride and participation, increased attendance, lodge plans to achieve that, awakening Christchurch to Freemasonry and more socialising along with interesting meetings and refectories. David’s motto is ‘If it’s to be – it’s up to me’. District 28 – Midland WBro Peter Smith Peter is a member of The Mackenzie Lodge and Lodge Kurow and was previously a Grand Steward and Past Grand Standard Bearer. He is Treasurer for the local IHC Branch and Trustee and Supervisor of the Sophia Street Car Park Trust. Peter believes his District will prosper with the members of the Midland District working together with his support and assistance. District 30 – Otago Lakes WBro Patrick Cooney Pat is into lots of sports including golf, curling, rowing and walking. He is involved as a Secretary www.freemasonsnz.org

and/or Treasurer in Curling and Rowing. He is a Practice Manager for a firm of Accountants. Pat is a member of Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning and currently a Grand Steward. He wants to see that all the National, Divisional and District resources are directed to his Lodges to achieve positive development in his District. District 31 – Wickliffe VWBro Graeme Munro Graeme is a Presbyterian Minister Emeritus and Past Grand Chaplain and a member of three Lodges – The Research Lodge of Otago, The United Lodge of Otago and Lodge Oamaru Kilwinning. His interests include theatre, reading and learning to garden. He sees Freemasonry as a collegial activity with regards to his District and wants to encourage enjoyment, active participation, fellowship and visible pride in Freemasonry within the community. District 33 – Southland WBro Kenneth Broad Ken is keen on golf, Ten Pin bowling and travel and was heavily involved with his Southland Golf Club, Thornbury Young Farmers Club and the Southland Power Boat Club. He has worked in Southland all his life in the Dairy and Meat industries. Ken is a member of The Fortitude Lodge and currently a District GDC. He believes that his masonic experience will help members and lodges in his District.

The Freemasons Charity turns 10… As an institution, Freemasons New Zealand has subsisted for just over 125 years and, like all organisations, it needs to adapt to changes within our society in order to remain relevant and effective. Change within Freemasonry usually comes in a slow and thoughtful fashion, where an idea is conceived, tested, developed, tested again, further developed, with input sought from many quarters, more deliberation and, finally, the concept becomes reality and we have progress. Back in 2006, the environment in New Zealand was changing with a new Charities Act, heightened regulatory action, more controls and supervision from government coupled with a requirement for a clear division between our charitable (non-taxable) activities and our mainstream (taxable) operations. Our Grand Lodge Fund of Benevolence, as it was then known, found itself in changed circumstances, which required it to rethink its procedures and processes in order to retain its position in society. Thus, in 2006, the Board of Benevolence set about changing the internal processes. We simplified our forms; we delegated decision-making powers to the Divisions to make our procedures faster allowing assistance to reach those in need quicker than before. 24 hours was the aim, which we achieved. We put our internal protocols onto a fully professional footing with investment advisers managing our financial portfolio. Internally, we became a lean, mean machine, assisting our almoners and benevolence officers to get help to those in need. Externally, we decided to smarten our appearance. We had a change of name and “The Freemasons Charity” was born. We added a new brand and imagery, with modern colours and design all aimed at demonstrating that our operations were fresh, new and effective.

We recognised the importance of communicating clear and informed messages to our brethren. Our website was spruced up, our input into the New Zealand Freemason magazine was focussed and we introduced The Charity Herald. As part of the marketing strategy, we distributed pens, pads, and promotional; collateral to maintain our profile amongst you, our brethren and to launch the new name, brand and image. We stopped chasing lodges and brethren for more and more donations. We adopted an approach, which said that if were seen by the brethren performing the sorts of things that they wanted us to do, then they would be delighted to support us with contributions and, most important, their participation. We set out to do the right thing, for example, to be seen to support our widows by an annual gift, that random act of kindness which says to our ladies “we were thinking of you”. Our almoners deliver these gifts each year on behalf of freemasons to some 3,500 widows throughout the country. Our support for lodge, multi lodge and district projects has also continued, helping brethren raise the profile of freemasonry in their communities. With decision-making delegated to the divisions, and skilled charity officers assisting lodges in developing local projects, we are again winning the hearts and minds of brethren. Over the years, there is scarcely any corner of our land which has not seen the support of Freemasons in some shape or form, from new born babies through to the aged members of society. From Plunket through to Ronald McDonald

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House; from support of hospices through to the Blind Foundation, Freemasonry has made an impact at almost every level of our community. Donations to The Freemasons Charity have increased over the past 10 years – to now be at a higher level than ever before – all this, when people talk of a falling membership, tougher economic times and the like. As we look back at our last 10 years as ‘The Freemasons Charity’ several thoughts spring to mind: Freemasons have been active in their support of benevolence for over 125 years. There is nothing new in this motivation but the way we deliver our charity in today’s modern world is smart, efficient and effective. The fundamental driving force behind all that we do centres around our tagline “a tradition of caring.” Freemasons are first and foremost a caring organisation keen to assist those in need but, at the same time, they are also mindful of supporting enlightenment and education, thus ensuring that our leaders of tomorrow will guide our world to a place where tolerance and understanding are fundamental concepts of society. The Freemasons Charity is well poised to continue to assist our lodges and districts in discharging their chosen charitable projects. With your assistance we will make a difference. RWBro Mark Winger, DeputyGM

In memoriam

VWBro Gordon Riach, Past Grand Almoner

ordon Riach, who served the role of Central Division Grand Almoner with dedication and passion twice over the past 10 years, has passed to the Grand Lodge above. His life was celebrated in a packed church in Taihape on Monday 25th July. Gordon built a reputation as an icon of the New Zealand Wool industry. Among his various successes was the conception and developing of The Wool Company,

Gordon’s legacy – The prominent Wool Company building on SH1, south of Taihape.

specialising in the manufacture and distribution of top quality wool products throughout the world. It has become a multi-million dollar kiwi success story. One of those who worked closely with Gordon over the past decade was Charity Administrator, Sheila Hicking, who writes. “I was very blessed to have the opportunity to work with Gordon very closely when he was Divisional Benevolence Officer and eventually Divisional Grand Almoner in Central Division. He was an absolute pillar of strength for The Freemasons Charity as it was launched in 2006. His dedication to his duties was unwavering and as I came to know him better I realised that was how he approached everything when he committed to it. Gordon was a mine of information, invaluable to someone like me who did

not come from a Masonic background, and there was never a question or a request that went unanswered. He was generous to a fault, loved his family, was always ready to get out and help someone else and most certainly devoted to the Craft, he loved Freemasonry. Brotherly love, relief and truth, no better epitaph for a friend whom I will sorely miss.” To mark Gordon’s huge contribution to the Central Division he was presented with a Gold Charity jewel at the 2014 Division Conference in Napier. The legacy he leaves is of a caring and compassionate man who would always walk the extra mile to do the right thing. His huge contribution to Freemasonry will be long remembered.

DAISY Player 101 The June issue of New Zealand Freemason contained the story of Mark Luxon who, though legally blind, is rising through the ranks of Freemasonry. Mark, an early recipient of the Daisy Player, is an avid user but not the oldest by far.

At the remarkable age of 101 Betty Young, mother-in-law of District 28 Charity Officer, Graeme Wakelin recently received a Daisy player from the Blind Foundation. She could probably claim to be the oldest DAISY player user. Graeme writes. “Up until 18 months ago, Betty had her eyesight and as an avid reader passed most of the day reading. Unfortunately Macular Degeneration coupled with Glaucoma has set in to the point now where she has almost no vision. This presented an opportunity for me, particularly as a Charity Officer, to see how the Blind Foundation works and what they have to offer, given that the Freemasons have contributed substantially to providing DAISY players and to increasing the books in the Library. The first step was to join the Blind Foundation and provide professional certification that Betty was legally blind. Following this, a Blind Foundation

Needs Assessor, met and discussed how they could help Betty. They have offered a range of magnifiers, coloured lenses for glasses, social activities and the DAISY player. The magnifiers have been of no use in Betty’s case but the Daisy player is an absolute winner! A number of CDs were sent Betty Young with her Daisy Player. and just by sheer luck I chose a CD which contained a book by a Scottish author that Betty loves and the Recently I was at the Canterburynarrator has a wonderful Scottish burr. Kilwinning 23 Installation and acknowlAs Betty was born in Scotland, she found edged the contributions to the charity. this is an absolute pleasure to listen to – I used Betty’s experience as an example multiple times. She also found the DAISY and noticed Bro Mark Luxon, sitting player very easy to operate and stated nearby. I told the assembled brethren that it will add to the quality of her life. that Bro Luxon is an inspiration! From this experience I can say that the We should all be proud that the concontributions to the Blind Foundation nection with the Blind Foundation is have been fantastic and have changed making differences and worthy of our the lives of blind and visually impaired support.” people. www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

New ground-breaking Autism Resource Centre a first for Australasia A

utism New Zealand is to open an Autism Resource Centre in the Lower Hutt suburb of Petone. It will be Australasia’s first such centre, and a place for all people on the autism spectrum to access clinical diagnostic services and associated therapies, such as speech and language therapy. Autism is a life-long developmental disorder affecting social communication skills. It has no known cause, and no known cure, but research has shown that genetic factors are important. It is the world’s fastest growing developmental disorder, impacting more than 70,000 New Zealanders. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘hidden’ disorder that impacts many aspects of a person’s day-to-day life. In 2014 the Ministry of Health recognised autism as a stand-alone diagnosis, and it envisaged that there will be a greater demand for services as a result. The Autism Resource Centre intends to meet that demand. It will house education and training programmes for parents and professionals as well as support

groups for those with ASD and their families. Autism New Zealand board chair Doug Lloyd says the centre will be a model for others. “It will be a first – it’s the very first in Australasia. It will become the main centre to provide services for those looking for diagnosis or detection. The intention is that it is to become a model for other centres – including one in Auckland.” It is estimated that an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is approximately four times as common as cerebral palsy and 17 times as common as Downs Syndrome. Onset is from birth with signs starting to show at 12 months of age, and is diagnosed four times more in boys than girls. Autism New Zealand has 17 branches throughout New Zealand, which offer training and support groups, assistance in navigating the health and education systems, and school holiday programmes. It was established as a subcommittee of the IHC in 1969, and incorporated as a society in 1995. It currently has more than 8000 members.

It assists those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and families and professionals who support them, to lead satisfying and fulfilling lives, and to make sense of the world around them. But its real aim is to empower people living with autism by providing advocacy, services and support, education, resources and information, and advice on autism. This allows those on the autism spectrum to make informed choices, to maximise their potential in life – and empower families, caregivers and professionals who work with those with autism. “We believe this vision embodies what we strive to achieve, and the pledge in our logo, Every Step Together, explains how we work together with people on the spectrum, families, whanau and professionals,” Autism New Zealand chief executive Dane Dougan says. “Our goal is clear: to be the sector leading provider of training and support for those on the autism spectrum and those who support them.” ASD is often described as a ‘spectrum’. It comes in many flavours, which is why there is a spectrum to rank severity, instead of one single set of guidelines like other disorders. It is called a spectrum as it presents differently from person to person. Some are mildly affected and have above level intelligence, some have outstanding abilities in things such as music, memory, and mathematics – others have learning disabilities. Still others have what is called high functioning autism – these people have above level intelligence but have difficulty in communicating how they feel, and understanding what others think and how they feel. All have a need for a strict routine and like to be communicated with in short, clear, and concise sentences. Dougan says that one in three Kiwi classrooms contains a child with autism – and that figure is growing. “ASD is the fastest growing developmental Autism New Zealand staff manning stall at their national conference.

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impairment in New Zealand, but it is also the most underfunded. It affects 77,500 New Zealanders – one in 58 people – equivalent to the entire Otago region.” Core services offered by Autism New Zealand can be broken down into three areas: education, programmes, and support. The Autism Resource Centre will serve the needs of adults with autism to realize potential, achieve independence and maximize contribution to society through program delivery, education and community building. Through meaningful involvement, those with an ASD can have fulfilling lives. Through evidencebased programme delivery, education and community building, all housed in the resource centre, those with an ASD can realise potential, achieve independence and maximise their contribution to society. “We are dedicated to fulfilled lives and enhanced communities through the meaningful involvement of individuals with ASD through the resource centre,” Dougan says. “Special education programmes and structured support can really make a difference to a child’s life, helping to maximise skills and achieve full potential in adulthood. An early diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder is essential in order to ensure appropriate support is given.” FANZ (or Framework for Autism in New Zealand) is a two-day introductory programme that enables participants to

Autism New Zealand CEO Dane Dougan.

create a framework for understanding and supporting a person on the autism spectrum. It is for those who want practical strategies to enhance the lives and maximise the learning opportunities of those individuals. It is specifically designed for family/whānau/caregivers, educators, health professionals, and anyone involved with a child or adult on the autism spectrum, who wants a further understanding about autism and practical strategies, to enhance the lives and maximise the learning opportunities of those with autism. While FANZ is currently run in various venues nationwide, this will also be run from the resource centre. Such groups enable parents to understand their child’s perspective, they learn communication strategies and have discussions with others living with autism – even prior to getting a confirmed or interim diagnosis. Currently an assessment before any diagnosis may take up to two years, and involve many visits to a range of different services, which is why the FANZ groups are valuable. There is a service provision delay through the public system, and with sponsorship and partnership, these and other services will be provided by Autism New Zealand through contracted service provision through the resource centre. It is a particularly stressful time for families who are awaiting a diagnosis for an ASD. Research shows that early intervention gives the best opportunity for children with autism to flourish. Without diagnosis, once problems behaviours have become established, they are not likely to decrease without intervention. They are more likely to worsen than improve – and effective treatment options may be missed. “Such children require structure, routine, certainty and familiarity and the resource centre will provide a variety of services in one friendly environment,” Dougan says. “This will promote better outcomes for people with autism, and their families.”

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Joanne Dacombe, with her artwork.

People with an autism spectrum disorder also have difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication, for example not fully understanding the meaning of gestures, facial expressions or tones of voice. They also tend to develop narrow interests, display an inability to adapt to change and are characterised by repetitive behaviours. They also find it hard to appreciate the social cues. They do not understand language is a tool for conveying information to others. When they do use language it is generally used very literally with an idiosyncratic choice of words and phrases and limited speech. Autism New Zealand also provides online and telephone support, makes submissions to government departments on behalf of the autism community, and continues to source current information and research on ASD. This also includes preparing those on the spectrum for adulthood and a less-than-known future. It also provides info on management strategies and therapies. Dougan says many of those with ASD are remarkably creative and perceptive. All require therapy and support, but as every individual is unique there is no therapy or treatment that works for everyone. “But all aspire to the same things as everyone else: education, jobs, family and happiness.” Dave Crampton

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Welcome to Freemason House in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand

For property management information and leasing availability, contact: Gary Naylor Managing Director, Capital Property Managers 04 9139404 or 027 458 9079 PO Box 10308, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 www.capitalpropertymanagers.co.nz

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Promotions & Appointments 2016–19 Active rank

Division/District

Member

Active rank

Division/District

Member

Grand Master

National

RWBro MR Winger DepGM

Grand Director of Ceremonies

Canterbury

WBro GF Robertson PDistGDC

Deputy Grand Master

National

RWBro GJ Wrigley PresBdGP

District Grand Director of Ceremonies

Midland

WBro DI Gordon PGS

President Board of General Purposes

National

VWBro PD Benstead PGDC

Otago Lakes

WBro W Spry GS

Divisional Grand Master Northern Division

National

VWBro GW Salmon DistGM

Wickliffe

WBro B Brenssell GS

Southland

WBro PC Crepin PGSwdB

Divisional Grand Master Central Division

National

VWBro JL Watt PDistGM

Northland

WBro TA Hawtin PM

Divisional Grand Master Southern Division

National

RWBro RM Angelo DivGM

Senior Grand Warden

National

VWBro KJ Nelson GSuptC

WBro CF Bayne PM

Junior Grand Warden

National

VWBro PR Muir PDistGM

WBro DC Piper PM

Grand Chaplain

National

WBro GJ Webb PM

WBro GP Deevy PM

Grand Registrar

National

RWBro JS Pritchard PDepGM

Grand Treasurer

National

VWBro RG Burgess GT

Grand Almoner

National

VWBro RG Monson DivGAlm

Grand Superintendent of Works

National

VWBro GF Strez GSuptWks

Grand Superintendent of Ceremonies

National

VWBro MW Fraser PGDC

District Grand Master

Northland

WBro KW Burch PDistGDC

Auckland

VWBro DM Waller PGL

Counties-Hauraki

WBro JW Lukaszewicz PDistGDC

Taranaki

WBro DM Stockwell PM

Waikato

WBro DM Seath PDistGDC

Ruapehu

WBro J Pennell PM

BoP

WBro PG Henricksen GS

Taranaki

WBro RC Blake GS

Ruapehu

WBro GMc Walker DistGDC

Eastland-Ruahine

VWBro IM Hunt GDC

Kapiti-Welington

WBro MJ Johnston GS

Hutt-Wairarapa

WBro RC Masterton GS

Nelson-Marlborough

WBro I McLean PM

Westland

WBro NJ Young DistGDC

Pegasus

WBro AM Gerken PDistGDC

Canterbury

WBro DN McCliskie PM

Westland

WBro R Tyler PM

Midland

WBro PW Smith PGStdB

Pegasus

WBro D Lyons PM

Otago Lakes

WBro PT Cooney PGS

Wickliffe

VWBro GD Munroe PGC

Southland

WBro KE Broad PDistGDC

Northern Division

WBro MF Hall PM

Central Division

WBro RW Johnson PM

Southern Division

WBro GS Martin PM

Northern Division

WBro IR Barron DistGDC

Central Division

WBro DD Blacklaws DistGDC

Southern Division

WBro GF Robertson PDistGDC

Northern Division

WBro BT Crone GO

Central Division

VWBro MDG Kendrick DivGAlm

Southern Division

VWBro LW Brenssell DivGAlm

Senior Grand Deacon

Northern Division

WBro PE Larsen GS

Junior Grand Deacon

Central Division

WBro SM Towersey PM

Grand Bible Bearer

Central Division

WBro KJ Rose PGS

Grand Sword Bearer

Northern Division

WBro BF Scott PGS

Grand Standard Bearer

Southern Division

WBro CG Hobbs PGS

Grand Organist

Central Division

WBro DJ Trott PGO

Grand Inner Guard

Southern Division

WBro GL Byars PM

Grand Tyler

Northern Division

WBro KT L Saunders PM

District Grand Director of Ceremonies

Northland

WBro TA Hall PDistGDC

Grand Director of Ceremonies

Auckland

WBro IR Barron DistGDC

District Grand Director of Ceremonies

Auckland

WBro WH Palmer GS

Counties-Hauraki

WBro GR Evans PGS

Waikato

WBro LA Jeffrey PGSwdB

Bay of Plenty

WBro GA Harris PGS

Taranaki

WBro R Gregory PGS

Ruapehu

WBro AF Williamson GS

Eastland-Ruahine

WBro NR Friggens GS

Grand Director of Ceremonies

Kapiti-Wellington

WBro DD Blacklaws DistGDC

District Grand Director of Ceremonies

Hutt-Wairarapa

WBro RT Keenan GS

Nelson-Marlborough

WBro GD Steer PGS

Westland

WBro LW Cooper GS

Pegasus

WBro KJ Down PGS

Grand Lecturer

Grand Director of Ceremonies

Divisional Grand Almoner

Grand Stewards

WBro HC Chamberlain PM Auckland

WBro AL Wait PM

WBro AR Berry PM Counties-Hauraki

WBro JC Bennett PM WBro AL Kelway PM

Waikato

WBro MJ Loft PM WBro DM Shearer PM

Bay of Plenty

WBro DC Johnstone PM WBro IM Perry PM

WBro DA Johnson PM Eastland-Ruahine

WBro DH Driver PM WBro RC Rawcliffe PM

Kapiti-Wellington

WBro MP Turner PM WBro CR Nunnerley PM

Hutt-Wairarapa

WBro TR McKenzie PM WBro T Greaves PM

Nelson-Marlborough

WBro WC Robertson PM WBro AM K Mir PM

WBro PF Albury PM Canterbury

WBro P Meldrum PM WBro BJ O’Neill PM

Midland

WBro AR Fraser PM WBro LC Hansen PM

Otago Lakes

WBro JB Daniell PM WBro CC Sanders PM

Wickliffe

WBro RS Robson PM WBro WA Low PM

Southland

WBro IC Winwood PM WBro RL Fortune PM

Honorary rank Past Grand Warden

Northland

VWBro GB Morris PDistGM

Midland

VWBro PRA Johnston PDistGM

Kapiti-Wellington

VWBro WM Scott PDistGM

Hutt-Wairarapa

WBro WP McLaughlan PGBB

Wickliffe

WBro AH Church PDistGDC

Past Grand Directors of Ceremonies

Auckland

WBro MF Cadman PDistGDC

Past Grand Bible Bearer

Auckland

WBro JM Clark PGS

Waikato

WBro BT Jeffs PGS

Eastland-Ruahine

WBro BR Kells PGS

Pegasus

WBro CF Chandler PGIG

Bay of Plenty

WBro C Wilde PGS

Ruapehu

WBro OS Hill PGS

Canterbury

WBro GW Wakelin PM

Counties-Hauraki

WBro TE Gilbert PM

Kapiti-Wellington

WBro AM Robertson QSM

Otago Lakes

WBro GJ Ballantyne PM

Past Grand Organist

Midland

WBro RJ Campbell QSM, PGS

Past Grand Inner Guard

Waikato

WBro DM Watson PM

Nelson-Marlborough

WBro RR Shand PM

Southland

WBro BL Kirker GS

Past Grand Lecturer

Past Grand Sword Bearer

Past Grand Standard Bearer

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REPORT

INSPIRE

a programme developing young musical talent

Nearly four years ago Freemasons Foundation entered an agreement to support the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in its then new programme to develop young musical talent amongst secondary school and University students. As that agreement reaches the end of its term the Orchestra has written a report defining the progress being made in this endeavor.

The INSPIRE programme is a partnership with the University of Auckland School of Music and the Auckland Youth Orchestra aimed at nurturing young musicians aged 16–25 years to reach their potential.

Over the last four years it has been an impactful and invaluable programme for young aspiring musicians with a wealth of opportunities to supplement and enrich their studies either at University or, for younger musicians, to pursue music at tertiary education level. A continuing climb in participation and audience numbers over just a few years reveals a strong demand. Since 2013 the number of

Changes for Irish & Scots on Board

activities has increased 127% and participation 170%. The range of free, accessible and enriching activities available in the programme include masterclasses, opportunities to meet visiting artists, play-ins with the full APO, individual mentoring, internships, performance opportunities, and much more.

Since 2013 the number of activities has increased 127% and participation 170% Auckland Youth Orchestra’s key connection to INSPIRE is through involvement in the ‘Big Play-In’. This is a major INSPIRE event, remaining consistently popular each year with around 50 participants. The APO have also provided mentoring for the AYO administration particularly in the area of marketing and fundraising/sponsorship. Having access to a professional orchestra in a variety of ways, across a range of venues and activities is something every aspiring young musician could only dream of. The APO and the INSPIRE team hope we share their vision for the programme and will join them for the next chapter. For more information: apo.co.nz/inspire

Changes in representatives on the Board of the Foundation for the Irish and Scottish Constitutions have been made recently.

The Irish Constitution representative is RW

Bro Andrew McGregor, newly appointed Provincial Grand Master for New Zealand under the Grand Lodge of Ireland. Andrew is already participating in our deliberations having reached his present senior position last year but we officially welcome him and look forward to his further work with us on behalf of his Constitution. His long experience on the Irish Charitable Trust Boards will be valuable. In doing so we sincerely thank RW Bro Roly Whyte for his fifteen RW Bro Andrew McGregor

years with us and his commendable contributions to the Foundation’s work over that long time. This year, in similar style, a new representative for the Scottish Constitution has taken up the role with the Foundation having been appointed in February to the office of District Grand Master, North Island New Zealand, Grand Lodge of Scotland. We welcome Brother John Aldcroft to the Board and are sure his tenure will be a useful and rewarding one for all concerned. He succeeds RW Brother Campbell McFarlane.

Charity Registration No CC27639

The Foundation can be contacted at PO Box 113144, Newmarket, Auckland 1149. Telephone: (09) 520 6414 or email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Looked at our new website? www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Comments to judith@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz

Writers Festival success puts us in the news too An outstanding feature of our involvement in the recent ongoing and growing success of the Auckland Writers Festival is the extensive public exposure it is giving Freemasonry.

The

branding our support has received in the public eye through advertising and media coverage of the event is outstanding. It is not our motive for participation. Encouraging children to read and write is fundamental to education. That is motive enough. But our name and symbol are part of the Festival’s reward package for supporters - and we are not complaining Audience growth for the annual event has rocketed in recent years. At 65000+ the 2016 numbers are significantly more than double than those of 2012. And the ‘quality’ of the audience is impressive. 39% have a degree and, 50% are high earners while their enthusiasm is massive. 98% are ‘satisfied’ and 99% would recommend the event to others! 45% of the 144 individual ‘events’ were sold out. But our particular support goes into the children’s portion of the festival where here too audiences are booming. The children’s section was expanded to three days this year including the free Sunday Family day. Our help also subsidises the transport cost for schools (5000 plus students); and we backed a pilot scheme for free transport for low decile schools. All students also received a free book. Our logo is used on all the main event and Children’s Programme materials, all advertising and all media releases. 55,000 programmes, 210,000 print media inserts, posters and postcards in bookshops, libraries, cafes, cinemas and galleries. Plus street banners and stickers, lightboxes and more. Plus on-line advertising and promotions. Not to mention the news stories that all media gobbled up! The Festival will be back again next year on 18th to 21st May 2017 – make a note and book ahead!

A Night at the Opera? Coming very soon and playing in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch is NZ Opera’s final main-stage production of 2016, ‘Sweeney Todd’. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (and sung in English!) Sweeney Todd sees the return to our shores of one of New Zealand’s favourite opera sons, Teddy Tahu Rhodes. Music is provided by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Orchestra Wellington and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Of particular note – and pride - is our participation in the production as principal supporters of The Freemasons New Zealand Opera Chorus. Consistently praised by the critics, we are delighted to have their name on our Arts & Culture recipients list.

The Opera starts in Auckland on Saturday 17th Sept and concludes its tour in Christchurch on Saturday 15th October. Be sure to book. 39

A RISING STAR

The determination of Kayla Collingwood Currently a member of the Freemasons Opera Chorus, performing with New Zealand Opera, Mezzo-soprano Kayla Collingwood has aspirations for an international career. Following her Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Graduate Certificate in Theatre Studies, this enabled her to complete her Honours year. Kayla was a recipient of a 2015 Freemasons University Scholarship. Since graduating she has completed further studies and performed in a number of diverse operatic roles.

he eldest child of parents who are pastors in the Elim Church, Kayla grew up in Napier as part of a very community focused family. Volunteering, through the church ministries, came naturally to her. Her father has headed up a number of international projects, including building wells in African countries. Her parents sponsored a young Kenyan boy, who has now grown up, and Kayla sponsors his daughter also named Kayla after her. As a child, Kayla claims that she was shy, but very entrepreneurial, selling sherbet and fruit from the front yard, delivering advertising catalogues and, later, working at New World until she left home for university. She was homeschooled alongside her brother and sister until 2008 when she enrolled at Napier Girls’ High School for Years 11-13. She found it very easy to transition, having spent plenty of time with her peers through church and extra-curricular activities. In 2015 Kayla completed her Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours in Classical Performance at the University

of Auckland. This year she has been completing a Master of Music in Classical Performance. In reviewing her singing career Kayla notes. “I loved to sing as a child, and it was clear that I had a voice. Apparently, I used to sing myself to sleep until I was three years old; I got in trouble for keeping my brother awake and I stopped singing totally until I was about ten. However, I did study piano for a few years. At the age of 10, I discovered the PlayStation game SingStar, which helped me to start singing again and it developed my confidence. At 13, I joined the Stars of Tomorrow Stage School for a year of singing and stagecraft. I began playing piano and singing at church. At 15, I went to see my first opera with my school music class – Janáček’s Jenufa, presented by NZ Opera. I absolutely loved it. I set two goals at that point, to perform with NZ Opera on the Aotea Centre stage, to have a successful career as an international operatic singer.” With these clear ambitions Kayla began piano lessons again, viola lessons, singing lessons, music theory lessons, and joined choirs, barbershop choruses and quartets, chamber music groups, and orchestras. The next step was University. “My voice was not strong and was uncontrolled when I began auditioning for universities. I was accepted at the University of Waikato for a preparation year on the academic stream of the Bachelor of Music. I auditioned for the Performance programme the year after, and was accepted. After a very challenging few years of emotional and mental growth, as well as huge vocal development, I completed my studies

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Kayla in ‘Nixon in China’.

in Hamilton. I then decided to move to Auckland as I had been travelling back-and-forth between Hamilton and Auckland a lot to work with NZ Opera, having been accepted into the chorus for the 2014 season.” Kayla then auditioned for the Honours programme and was accepted. “Under the guidance of Dr Morag Atchison, I had a fantastic 2015 including being selected as a finalist in the NZ Aria competition. In January this year, I attended the New Zealand Opera School for the second time. This school is always hugely beneficial; working with international operatic professionals always boosts the skills of the attendees and we learn many things about non-singing skills such as

Winning the Waikato Aria competition; and Kayla, left, with Barbara Graham and Katherine McIndoe as the three Genii in The Magic Flute.

networking, the business of music, and diplomacy.” Also this year, Kayla has been completing her Masters, juggling a very busy performance schedule including NZ Opera performances and charitable events. Productions she has performed in have included the Auckland Arts Festival New Zealand premiere production of John Adams’ opera Nixon in China and singing her first principal role with New

Zealand Opera; one of the Three Genii in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Kayla has booked to go to Europe, based in Paris, from January through to June next year. Her intention while there is to create a plan for her future as she embarks on the international phase of her career. To support herself she plans to work as an au pair and to travel when she has the time so she can work with various teachers and professionals in France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She

The Acacia Society

will also be auditioning for some institutes and young artist programmes. The final message, to Freemasons New Zealand, from a very ambitious and determined Kayla. “As you can see, I have been busy and continue to be. Thank you so much for the financial support; it makes a huge difference, and I could not do as much as I have been able to without the help of the Freemasons University Scholarship.” Morris Robertson

Making a bequest to The Freemasons Charity plays an important role in helping to maintain the tradition of caring for our communities and will ensure Freemasonry remains a force for good in New Zealand.

If you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation or would like to discuss making a bequest, please contact Sheila Hicking in confidence: 04 385 5748 or sheilah@freemasons.co.nz Registered Charitable Entity CC46016

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Hands-on leadership training T

welve Companions from throughout New Zealand have participated in two days of intensive hands-on training designed to give them the skills and confidence to “make a difference” in Royal Arch Masonry. The course was designed for Companions with a strong commitment

to the Order to develop their skills in preparation for leadership roles, not only in the Royal Arch but in any area of their professional or personal activities. It also developed a range of specific, immediate objectives in the Order and equipped them to bring those goals to fruition.

At the final session the Companions delivered a presentation of their views on the present state and the desired future state of the Order in New Zealand to the First Grand Principal and Grand Scribe Ezra. The weekend course at the end of July was held at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington and was conducted by Kathy Tracey of Tocker Associates Ltd.

BACK, FROM LEFT Joel Potgieter, HenriNoel Venturini, Sam Rowntree, Mac McKenzie, Neil McKee, Gary Severinsen, Frank Bottrill. FRONT Phil Ivamy, Graeme Martin, Fergus McNaughton, Kathy Tracey (course facilitator), Geoff Davies (First Grand Principal), Kevin Carroll, Sid Hill

A secret well kept W

ith a little subterfuge and a great desire to see merit rewarded, VEComp “Mac” McKenzie, First Principal of Aurora Royal Arch Chapter No 109, together with his Companions, has gained well-deserved recognition for one of his members. At the conclusion of a recent Chapter Meeting, First Grand Principal Geoff Davies presented VEComp Herb Carberry with the certificate and lapel pin of a First Grand Principal’s Award. MEComp Davies said that he was very pleased to see this award sought from

the Chapter members themselves and in his congratulatory comments said that too few Royal Arch Companions were thanked for their efforts. He pointed out that the Awards are available to anyone of any rank at any time and that the simple message of “thanks” to Companions was always appropriate. REComp Ken McQueen, Grand Superintendent of the Wellington District, thanked VEComp Carberry for his efforts as District Secretary and for the huge amount of work he had carried out for the Order. VEComp Carberry

is not only the long-serving Scribe of Aurora Chapter, but a Companion who at any time “is willing and able at any time to expend effort for the Order”. The presentation was highlighted by the surprise presence of Mrs Colleen Carberry who had also kept all arrangements from her husband as well as giving up time from other interests to attend and share in the convivial refectory proceedings. Royal Arch Masonry congratulates VEComp Herb Carberry on a well-deserved recognition.

FROM LEFT First Grand Principal Geoff Davies making the presentation to Herb Carberry; Wellington Grand Superintendent Ken McQueen offers his congratulations; and Herb and Colleen enjoy the moment.

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Victoria Chapter strikes a note for Victoria University music student

t a dinner event for Companions, wives and partners at Victoria Chapter No 4, Miss Ellen Murfitt was presented with her Royal Arch Jubilee Memorial Scholarship. At the gathering of some 30 people, Ellen received the certificate and cheque

from REComp Richard Bray, Grand Superintendent of the Hawke’s Bay District. Ellen, who expressed grateful thanks for the Award, is a violinist and in her first year studying Music at Victoria University of Wellington.

Hawke’s Bay Grand Superintendent Richard Bray makes the Scholarship presentation to Ellen Murfitt.

New GSE appointed

he Management Council of Grand Chapter held its mid-year meeting in Waikanae on the first weekend of July. The full Council met on Saturday and the Sunday session was devoted to interviews for the position of Grand Scribe Ezra. The incumbent, REComp Robert Jaray, concludes his five-year term at Convocation in March 2017. The successful applicant is REComp Alan Hart PGLec, of Wellington (pictured). Alan has considerable experience in similar roles for a variety of organisations, including Grand Lodge, and will take up the role after retiring as Registrar of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices’ Associations next year. VEComp Duane Williams PZ, also of Wellington, has been appointed to the role of Grand Scribe Nehemiah, effective immediately. Key decisions made at the Council meeting included the following. A Strategic Plan was adopted – a “living document” to be reviewed and reconfirmed annually.

A recommendation to introduce the Order of the Silver Trowel into Cryptic Masonry was accepted. The Order is well-known in many overseas jurisdictions and some New Zealanders have received it in Victoria, Australia. It comprises a single degree, also known as the Thrice Illustrious Master Degree. A warrant to confer it has been issued by the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of North Carolina and the move is designed to add interest to Cryptic Masonry throughout New Zealand. Chronologically, the Silver Trowel precedes the Royal and Select degrees. It covers the final, and dying, days of King David and his desire that his son, Solomon, should be anointed King after him. It is hoped to perform the degree for the first time in New Zealand at the Annual Convocation in Christchurch next year. For some considerable time Manage ment Council has been concerned at membership loss in Freemasonry – particularly through resignations. In an attempt to address one aspect

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of the problem Management Council will establish a new Chapter, to be called the Chapter of Transition No 7. Membership of this Chapter (governed by the Grand Principals) will be restricted but it is to provide for Companions whose Lodge has closed and who face exclusion under Rule 15.1b of the Constitution, or for Companions who, for a reason deemed legitimate, may wish to defer full Chapter membership for a period, but remain on the roll of Grand Chapter. Such members will pay only the annual Administration Fee. It is anticipated that this new Chapter will be constituted by November 2016. The list of Grand Chapter officers to be elected at Grand Convocation 2017 was approved and will be announced, as per the Constitution, during September. The Financial Accounts of Grand Chapter show a June 2016 operating surplus of $7295. The Trustees have engaged the firm of JB Were to advise and handle investment of some of the funds in the Centennial Award Scheme and the Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers

masonic Society which exists to perpetuate a memorial of the prac ti ces of Operative Free Masons exis ting prior to modern speculative Freemasonry. Membership of the Society is restricted to those who are Master Masons, Mark Master Masons and Royal Arch Companions in good standing. The regalia is minimal, consisting of a blue cord or blue collarette, from which is suspended the badge of the member’s grade. Badges are simply exchanged as progression is made. All members wear the distinctive Society tie. The grades of the Society are:I° degree – Indentured Apprentice II° degree – Fellow of the Craft III° degree – Super Fellow, Fitter and Marker IV° degree – Super Fellow, Setter Erector V° degree – Menatzchim or Overseer or Warden VI° degree – Passed Master VII° degree – Master Mason (of which three are the Grand Master Masons)

Each ‘unit’ is called an Assemblage, as it consists of an Assemblage of Lodges IV° to the I°. The Assemblages are grouped in Regions, for example the Region of New Zealand; there are Assemblages in Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, and Christchurch. The first Assemblage in New Zealand was consecrated in Wellington in 1991. The region is headed by a Deputy Grand Master Mason, or Senior Passed Master and he is assisted by a Regional Clerk or Secretary, Regional Treasurer, and certain other Regional Officers. The Assemblage is headed by a Deputy Master Mason, who is assisted by a Senior and Junior Warden, a Director of Ceremonies (who is titled Super Intendent of Work), 3 Deacons, an Inner and Outer Guard. Guild masonry existed from about the early 16th century, and lasted for about 400 years. It was designed to regulate entry, protect the working conditions and wages of the masons, and maintain an agreed level of workmanship which could be relied upon by employers. It was a seven grade system, alluded to previously, administered by local trade and followed by virtually all recognised stone masons, who were required to prove their practical ability in each Grade before being admitted to the next. Apprentices were usually admitted at around the age of fourteen, and

worked for a minimum of seven years before they could attain the next grade. They met in Lodges, at which three Master Masons presided. Lodges were orientated with the Master Mason in the West, not the East as is customary in speculative freemasonry (although, these days, for practical purposes the Lodge’s orientation is changed, so that the East of the Lodge becomes the West and vice versa). An altar is situated in the centre of the Lodge. Each of the seven Lodges met in a separate Lodge room and there were separate signs and passwords for movement between them. As each Apprentice progressed, his ability was improved, from simply rough-hewing a stone, to making his mason’s mark, erecting a stone in its proper place, and eventually – in the seventh grade – he learned how to set out the ground for a complete building, properly aligned astronomically, in accordance with ancient custom. It was a system said to have existed for centuries, and was claimed as being universal. However, by the late nineteenth century, Guild masonry in England had all but ended, having been superseded by new materials, modern technology, and the rise of the Trade Unions. The current Order came into being with the creation of the Channel Row Assemblage on 21 May 1913, when several operative masons decided to keep the traditions alive. The Assemblage operated on its own for 30 years, until in 1943, a second Assemblage was consecrated. From there the Order grew, until there are now more than 100 Assemblages in 13 countries throughout the world. Jim Heron (with assistance from Phil Brooke)

From a panel on the wall of Charing Cross Station, London. Jim Forest / Flickr

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couple of Lodge members’ Craft and outside, including immediate family, who work for the his very own successful DHB, had indicated that staff were fund singing son and his Group, For work that in the Wellington region ‘The Auzzie Boys.’ A plethora raising for equipment wasgreater in short supply for their Patients. The nurses of of • acts was assembled, from Exterior Painting upport Health juggling, Mapu Unit the s Community dancing (ballroom, ud to Proand • Interior Painting land!and rock-n-roll, acakes e Z traditional Services a had started selling w e N s n • Commercial o Freem s other fundraising efforts to Polish), musical acts and undertaking • Residential even the piping in work of a Haggis with purchase a bladder scanner. • Educational sector The team at QPG Ltd are experienced, efficient, traditional address. Audience The members then brought the Units’ the• Paper hanging and always professional. You can be sure you plight to the Lodges and a number of participation was encouraged and, • Spray-painting will receive a high quality of service, with great intermission, food and drink was Brethren also and indicated that they had during attention to detail clear, accurate quotes. • Annual property care programmes been hospitalised recently and had to available for purchase. Along with some very sought after wait for the only scanner to become available for their treatment. prizes for raffles, the support for the PhoneLodge 04 577 Te 2127Puni decided to hold a show was outstanding. The money raised or 027 282 7557 on the night was, with the help of The Variety Show to raise funds to complete Email steve@qpgltd.co.nz the purchase of at least one bladder Freemasons Charity, able to purchase www.qpgltd.co.nz scanner. WBro Ray Keenan approached two bladder scanners valued at over many talented artists both within the $13,000.00 each.

The Hokianga Lodge No 69 1891–2016 125 Year Celebration Saturday 29 October 2016 Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga 332 SH 12 Omapere

As always it with was Social a tight knit team,am Commencing hour at 11.30 encompassing members of the Lodges (cash bar) from theCelebration Hutt Valley,Dinner wivesat and partners, 12.30pm Formal and the nursesDress fromSemi the DHB that made $65 per person this occasion the success it was. Thanks Admission by Registration only (one per person) are due for the support of local businesses, limited to 100 individuals and the performers along with TheRSVP Freemasons Charity2016 for to help by 20 September in providing such necessary equipment GARTH COULTER for the Treasurer, health andThe wellbeing of the wider Hokianga Lodge 69 community. karlandgwen@vodafone.co.nz Mac McKenzie PhoneWBro 094057801

Seize good photo opportunities, concentrate on ‘action’ not ‘satisfaction’, get names for captions, make notes. If media comes ensure that they are looked after and opportunities set up.

Act quickly to spread the word, send press release and captioned high resolution photo, focussing on a newsworthy aspect to local media, district and divisional newsletter and NZ Freemason.

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Lewis denotes the son of a Freemason O

n Wednesday 27th July, 2016 one of the largest gatherings of Freemasons in the North for a long time, assembled in Kaikohe for an event that has not been conducted up here for more than 50 years – the initiation of a Lewis. What made this evening even more special was that the Candidate, Yuwei Goodhue, was not only initiated by his father, WBro Robert Goodhue, the Master of Lodge Kaikohe Ohaeawai No 101, but it was also his 18th birthday. Every Lodge in the District was represented. All ranks were seated in the Lodgeroom with Entered Apprentices, Fellowcrafts, Master Masons, and Past Masters with Grand Lodge Officers, past and present aplenty to join in welcoming this young man into our midst. When the District Grand Master was received and offered the gavel his declined with thanks and the ceremony of Initiation then got underway in due form. When asked if he was of the full

ABOVE After Initiation. VWBro Bob Vartan, District Grand Master Northland District, Bro Yuwei Goodhue, and WBro Robert Goodhue, Master of Lodge Kaikohe Ohaeawai No 101. BELOW Bro Yuwei Cutting the Cake watched by his father, WBro Robert Goodhue.

age of 21 years, WBro Athol Hyland of Lodge Kaikohe Ohaeawai No 101 stood and recited a portion of the 1st Degree Tracing Board detailing the function and privileges of a Lewis. The Master then rephrased the question and asked the candidate if he was of the full age of 18 years to which he replied “I am”. When the Charge after Initiation had been delivered, WBro Peter Cains of Lodge Parahaki No 269 delivered a charge which is rarely heard and is supposed to date back more than 50 years to the old Hamilton Province. It is an explanation of the Degree which has just been received by the candidate – not to be confused with the Reasons for Preparation – and is very meaningful. After the Lodge closed, the Brethren repaired to the Refectory for an ample supper. Following the usual toasts, Bro Yewei was invited to blow out a candle while the Brethren sang “Happy Birthday” and he then cut his Birthday cake and distributed it. A wonderful evening that will remain in many minds for years to come. We wish Bro Yewei many happy and meaningful years as a Freemason. Bro Yuwei arrived in New Zealand from China as an 8 year old and was adopted by W.Bro Robert and his wife Lijie. He attended primary school in Kawakawa, Kamo Intermediate, and Whangarei Boys High. His great love is ruby and his family are really proud of his skills in that sport. Into his second year of an electrical apprenticeship, Yuwei is based in Auckland and has had the opportunity to work in a variety of areas including domestic, marine, and industrial. Like many 18 year olds he has dreams of going to University, owning his own business, and travelling the

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Lewis Lewis denotes Strength, and is here depicted by certain pieces of metal dovetailed into a stone, forming a cramp, which when in combination with some of the mechanical powers, such as a system of pulleys, enables the operative Mason to raise great weights, and fix them on their proper bases. Lewis likewise denotes the son of a Mason, whose duty to his parents is to bear the heat of the day, from which they, by reason of their age, ought to be exempt; to assist them in time of need, and thereby render the close of their days happy and comfortable. His privilege for so doing is that of being made a Freemason before any other person, however dignified.

world. He certainly is well equipped with the necessary tools to allow him to fulfil his dreams.

Our Newest Freemasons Lindsay Meuli Oliver Thompson Ross Collier James Mercardo Clifford Wilson Lucas Creary Anthony Flores Roldan Silva Robert Fekete Stewart Cochrane Peter McFaull Christopher Bestwick Darren Snow Stuart McConchie Nicanor Bueno Andrew Blue Aldwin Bulosan Herman JR Torayno Yuwei Hu-Goodhue William Willis Craig Hammond Taun Martin Tinus Barnard Graeme Anderson Geoffrey Morris John Dixon

Scinde Lodge No. 5 Southern Cross Lodge No. 6 The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 The Caledonian Lodge No. 16 The Saint Andrews Lodge No. 32 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Concord Lodge No. 39 The Victory-Wakatu Lodge No. 40 The Wairau Lodge No. 42 The Phoenix Lodge No. 43 The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45 Papakura Lodge No. 56 Lodge Otangaki No. 70 Lake Lodge of Ophir No. 85 The Mount Ida Lodge No. 97 St Augustine Lodge No. 99 St Augustine Lodge No. 99 The Kaikohe Ohaeawai Lodge No. 101 The Havelock Lodge No. 104 Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 Lodge Manuherikia Kilwinning No. 109 Lodge Waihi No. 112 Lodge Torea No. 121 Lodge Waitakerei No. 170 Lodge Waitakerei No. 170

Stuart Campbell Hili Morandarte Jr Carl Huyser Jonathan Brown Emmanuel Francisco Jr Arman De Leon Jeson Nullan Darryl Horne Peter Barker Stephen Johnson Colin Gane Matthew Johnson Pou Sefesi Luke Barnett Zdenek Matas Satish Sharma Eli Mitchell Leonardo Tancio Richard Potter Christopher Coker Michael Lunn Thomas Williams Andrew Clark Cyrus Parsa Jonathan Eames Michael Read Israel Whyte

Nau Mai Lodge No. 177 Lodge North Harbour No. 182 The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185 Lodge Parahaki No. 269 Unity Lodge No. 271 Unity Lodge No. 271 Unity Lodge No. 271 Unity Lodge No. 271 Lodge Awatere No. 292 Lodge Kororareka No. 304 Lodge Kororareka No. 304 Westminster Lodge No. 308 Lodge Zetland No. 312 Lodge Pa-Ka-Ma No. 319 The Lodge of Peace No. 322 The Mangere Lodge No. 330 Lodge Herne Bay United No. 340 Browns Bay Lodge No. 346 Lodge Waiheke No. 367 Lodge Orewa No. 370 Lodge Tironui No. 400 Lodge Kerikeri No. 402 Lodge Waikanae No. 433 Lodge Waikanae No. 433 Lodge Homewood No. 447 Lodge Idris No. 452 The Lodge of The Liberal Arts No. 500

May to July 2016

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The Back Page Seven Greatest Mistakes in Freemasonry Too many times, we are more concerned about performing the ceremonial perfectly without understanding what it means. Ceremonial for the sake of tradition is worthless. Ritual for the sake of enlightenment is valuable. An understanding of the ritual’s meaning is far more important than just memorizing it.

little self improvement is accomplished. Discussing Masonic lessons in terms of philosophy, ideas, and a man’s conduct is what truly transforms men into Freemasons. It is important to share & discuss topics that are foreign to a lodge’s membership and it is sometimes even necessary to challenge our preconceived ideologies through Masonic education.

2. Fellowship without Frivolity

5. Charity without Connection

1. Ceremonial without Meaning

Whenever Freemasons decide to hold a function for fellowship, a discussion typically ensues about how to make the function have the smallest impact on the lodge’s finances and the wallets of the members. This results in paper plates, meager meals, boring and less well attended events. To spend money wisely in order to make fellowship a grand time is wise for the lodge that wants to be successful. Also we do not have to be slaves to form, endlessly repeating the same toasts and replies – we should reward individuality and creativity in order to keep our meetings alive and fun! 3. Quantity without Quality

A lodge with seven great men that believe in the Masonic ideals and actively strive to improve themselves – and therefore the lodge – is far better off than a lodge with one hundred men that show up to lodge just to be seen. 4. Education without Philosophy

Many times, we think of Masonic education as being a lesson on the local Lodge’s history, a famous Freemason, the history of the world wide fraternity, or how to do the ritual properly. But if no philosophy is covered in Masonic education, then

Big charities often require that fundraisers be conducted and large cheques written to the people that actually perform the charity. This type of charity offers no self improvement because it has no real connection to us or our life. If we extend our hands to our needed Brethren and devote our own skills and time to their problems, then we are engaging in true, meaningful charity. 6. Frugality without Discretion

Frugality is not a tenet of Freemasonry, a cardinal virtue, or a Landmark. It is acceptable for the lodge to spend its funds on worthwhile activities that will enhance the Masonic experience of its Brethren. Not everything should be done in the cheapest way, a habit to which we have become accustomed. 7. Leadership without Competence

A man does not deserve to be Master of the Lodge, solely because he has spent a certain amount of years attending meetings or because he is next in line. We, on occasion, elect our leaders without any regard for the skills that they possess in order to function in that capacity. We should only elect competent and qualified men to preside over us. Anonymous

Once a jolly Freemason camped by a Lodge Room…

Join us in

†

WELLINGTON NOVEMBER 2016

The Grand Master of New Zealand Freemasons, Most Worshipful Brother John Litton cordially invites you to join him in Wellington later this year to attend the Installation of his successor Right Worshipful Brother Mark Winger, Deputy Grand Master. “Mark and I have enjoyed Grand Installations around Australia. We now join in extending a very warm welcome to the Freemasons of Australia to our triennial celebration Grand Installation meeting. We can assure you and your ladies of a convivial and entertaining stay in our exciting capital city amongst good friends.” Fraternally John Litton Wellington – Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November 2016 MW Bro John Litton

RW Bro Mark Winger

All details of the programme including registration form, accommodation Presented byare on our website: www.freemasonsnz.org packages and costs

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Constitutions from each state in Australia (as each state has its own Grand Lodge) are coming to join us in New Zealand for our Grand Installation in November and here is the Invitation that went out to them. It appeared in their State Freemasons Magazines and at the last Australian Grand Installation at the Banquet, held in Brisbane, which is before our own. They are coming in good numbers!

Not a Freemason? Interested? Freemasons are ordinary men in the community, 21 years and over, of all religions and backgrounds, who share a concern for human values, moral standards and the rights of individuals. Ask one to be one… or enquire at Freemasons New Zealand: www.freemasonsnz.org or secretary@freemasons.co.nz.

SERVICE AWARDS 70 YEAR BADGE

WBro Graham Frank Brabin PGBB Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225 WBro John Hayward Bunyan PG Std B Lodge Gisborne No. 233

60 YEAR BADGE

WBro Roger George Jackson PM Lodge Wairoa No. 55 WBro David Alexander Jackson PM The Advance Mawhera Lodge No. 61 Bro Ronald MacKenzie MM The Mangonui Kaitaia Lodge No. 78

Bro John Robert Turner MM The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98

WBro John Ronald Hutt PM St Augustine Lodge No. 99

VWBro Kenneth Notton PG Lec Lodge Whangarei No. 102

Bro Thomas William Edward Johnstone MM Lodge Winton No. 108

WBro Lindsay John Linney PGBB Hinemoa-Kairangi Lodge No. 122 RWBro Allan Angus Fisher P Prov GM The Wallace Lodge No. 129 WBro Kevin Walter Tanner PM Te Awahou Lodge No. 133 WBro John Woods PG Swd B The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185

WBro Bryan Robert Cooke PM RH Lodge Pa-Ka-Ma No. 319

WBro James Geoffrey Miller PM Lodge Arawa No. 406

Bro Peter Stuart MacKenzie MM United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464

50 YEAR BADGE

WBro Barry Keith Karsten PGP The Victory-Wakatu Lodge No. 40

WBro George Dickinson Douglas PM The Hiram Lodge No. 46

VWBro Thomas Stewart Dale P Dist GM The Hiram Lodge No. 46

WBro David Hardy PM The Hokianga Lodge No. 69 Bro Frederick George Hopkins MM Ikaroa Lodge No. 115

WBro Eric Leslie Johnston PM The Waipa Lodge No. 119

Bro Raymond Mark Shine MM Lodge Omarunui No. 216

Bro Kenneth Drury MM Lodge Omarunui No. 216

WBro Richard Francois Foster PM Hauraki Plains Lodge No. 249 WBro Ross Elliott Hardie PM Lodge Te Puni No. 315 Bro Arthur Andrew Murphy MM The Lodge of Remembrance No 318 Bro William David Anderson Glen MM Lodge Arawa No. 406

WBro Hewitt Benjamin Trumper PM Lodge Maungarei No. 427

WBro Robert Bryon Ellison MM Lodge Hatea No. 431

WBro John William Stephenson PM Lodge Whitianga No. 443

Bro Ian Charles Mark PM United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464 May to July 2016

www.freemasonsnz.org

Invest in the Freemasons Deposit Scheme* to invest in New Zealand Heartland Bank is proud to be the Freemasons Deposit Scheme partner. With roots stretching back to 1875, Heartland Bank has a proud history of providing families, small-to-medium sized businesses and farms with financial solutions to help them achieve prosperity. Through our partnership built on shared values, Heartland Bank is working with Freemasons New Zealand to support the Craft in local communities, while providing Freemasons and their families with competitive interest rates on their deposits. To find out more about Heartland Bank and the Freemasons Deposit Scheme, see the inside front cover of the New Zealand Freemason. Alternatively you can contact a dedicated Heartland Bank Freemasons Deposit Scheme representative on 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62) or 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. Copies of Heartland Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Disclosure Statement and Investment Statements are available from www.heartland.co.nz or by calling 0508 FREEMASONS (0508 37 33 62).

Call us 0508 FREEMASONS www.heartland.co.nz Email: freemasons@heartland.co.nz