NZ Freemason magazine Issue 4 December 2021

Freemason NEW ZEALAND

Issue 4 (Vol. 49), December 2021

EDWARD JENNER Father of Immunology, and a Freemason

2020/21 Freemasons New Zealan ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report 2020–21

www.freemasonsnz.org

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In this issue

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sandym10?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sandy Millar</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

FREEMASONS IN ACTION

From the Editor 2

Merry Christmas

Hot Off the Press 3 Grand Master’s Visits 3 From the Grand Master 4 The year that was, and the year to come News clips 6 From the Executive Director 8

The Speculative Guild of Ladies 16 Hawkes Bay Young Musician of the Year 16 Freemasons in Wellington support Big Buddy and Vincent’s Art Workshop 33 Fond farewell at Te Aroha Lodge 33

A year that won’t be missed

Lodge Gisborne No 233 celebrates its centennial in April 2022 34

OPINION Forward to a broad horizon 10 Letters to the Editor 11

Augmented Reality Masonic Organists? 35 NZ’s aging population

125 Years and Installation for OurThe Delta Avonresponse Shirley Lodge No. 185 11 As you’d expect, all the 17 retirement villages and five aged care facilities operated by the Masonic Village Trust have worked up robust response plans in case we have a Delta outbreak in one of our facilities.

all the time ensuring anyone in place for all village and care COVID-19 Protectionwhile Framework 12 infected receives appropriate care staff, as well as suppliers and

and support (including how to contractors, and we have an over manage and look after any pets that 95% vaccination rate for residents person might have), and how to in our care facilities. We maintain a manage all our shared spaces so as regime of screening all visitors into to limit spread as much as possible. the care homes and now expect all visitors to have the Vaccine Pass The unfortunate fact is Covid is a as well. We are well stocked with reality with which we will have to PPE gear and can now access rapid live for some time and it will antigen tests as well as an added spread throughout the country in line of defence. the new year.

Other processes include strict Making sure we are prepared is a guidelines around on-site isolation key focus for The Trust. management if we do get a case,

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

We have involved all site managers in our planning, have considered and discussed a range of possible scenarios and have worked through how to respond in each case.

5 top tips to avoid driver fatigue this summer 14 How to set yourself up for a great 2022! 15

We are fully compliant with the mandatory vaccination order now

Talking about Delta…

Diana Riley moved in just before lockdown; she says “In the first lockdown, the lack of human contact made me quite tearful, I Over in the Wainuiomata suburb of really missed the grandchildren.

Lower Hutt, twenty-nine foundation I kept safe, but it was at a high residents sat out 2021’s lockdown price. I already had my name down in the new Wainuiomata Masonic for the village, but that experience Village currently under development. confirmed it.”

While new to retirement village living, Fae Christie remembers how they were all long-term Wainuiomata pleased she was when the Freemasons New Zealand residents with strong community construction team returned to Annual 2020–21 connections, and some knew each Report work: “I quite like watching the other well before moving in to the construction going on – it was good new village. at level 3 when the building crew

Joke noticed one key difference: “In the village during lockdown it was great being able to get crucial maintenance done, for security and safety.”

Dot Forde agrees: “I’m never stuck for something to do, and the phone keeps you in touch. In the village I felt safe – you could see people waving as they went past.”

The number of New Zealanders aged over 65 will be 77 per cent greater by 2036 than it was in 2016. Added to this is the growing problem of the wider housing issues New Zealand faces and the fact many people won’t have access to their own affordable accommodation as they age.

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY

And last, but by no means least, is the fact that, while there is a proliferation of retirement and aged care providers, all seeking to capitalise on this growing market, it’s also a fact that not all older New Zealanders will be able to afford those facilities.

As part of this, The Trust is very keen to enhance our long-standing connection with Freemasonry because we share so many of the same values.

These factors all combine to place a greater emphasis on the role of The Masonic Villages Trust and our mission to provide choices for safe communities, age-appropriate housing and supportive aged care.

in New Zealand and we believe it’s important for

Masonic Villages Trust is probably the most A moreThe normal life for Jax 37 high profile, public-facing aspect of Freemasonry our organisations to make the most of this Tin andboth Toy Run 37 works we both do connection and the charitable

The village allows small pets, and already there are a number of resident cats and dogs, which added to the sense of community during lockdown.

Ian Swift’s cat Muffin is one of these, and kept him company through lockdown. Ian, another long-term Wainuiomata resident, was part of the group lobbying for the establishment of a local retirement village. He moved in during January 2021 as one of the first residents, and values the sense of community within the village, which mirrors the wider Wainuiomata community spirit.

within our communities.

Growth strategy generates positive results The financial results The Trust produced this year

From left - Joke (Johanna) Van Duin, Hazel Collow, Diana Riley, Fae Christie, Dot (Dorothy) Forde.

Janet Brown is standing.

Currently less mobile following a broken hip, Ian particularly appreciates his neighbour Hazel bringing him his morning paper each day.

Freemasons New Zealand Annual Report 2020/21 17

came back, watching the work was a real distraction.”

Resident of Wanuiomata Masonic Village

Mission and Vision 36

This includes providing rental accommodation for those older New Zealanders without the nest egg required to buy retirement living options.

This story is kindly re-published with the permission of the Retirement Villages Association.

Hazel Collow explains, “Because we’re all from Wainuiomata, we knew each other, even if only by sight, so settling in and getting through lockdown wasn’t hard.”Joke (Johanna) Van Duin remembers, “I did find the first lockdown hard at times. I like my own company but in my old house I did feel isolated. Here, if I want company, I just walk out the door.”

Grand Master visits creates growing demand Johnsonville 35 for retirement living

Village Manager Esther King worked mainly from home during level 4, but maintained close contact with residents by phone, text and email, as well as a weekly newsletter and checking safely from the boundary.

Because the lockdown took effect only hours after the announcement, she texted residents immediately to reassure them and let them know what would happen.

Esther says the regular check-in phone calls really helped to keep her connected and aware of anything residents needed. At level 3 she was consistently on site, and provided a QR code sign for each villa, which has proved useful for contractors as well as visitors.

Freemasons Foundation 38 were built on the benefits our growth strategy has generated over previous years. Across all

its activities, The Trust achieved income 40 in the Masonic Villages Trust

year to 30 June 2021 of over $24.52 million, and

after costs our operations delivered a record Royal Arch 44 operating surplus of over $3 million.

This year saw the valuation attributed to our investment properties benefit from two factors. Firstly, the conservative position taken after the outbreak of Covid in 2020 was reviewed against an evidently positive property market, and secondly, the realisation of investments made to build our operations.

Woburn Masonic Care under construction

At the same time, the environment within which our charitable companies operate is undergoing constant change. This is especially evident in the area of increasing scrutiny and expansion of regulation.

Welcome to our newest Freemasons 47

These combined to deliver [non-cash] lift of 47 Despite this ever-changing landscape, the need for Freemasonry ina positive a paragraph over $32.3m, leaving The Trust reporting a surplus for the year of over $36.5m. Our balance sheet has grown to record gross assets of over $252 million, and this has also supported an ability to generate higher levels of cash flows.

The Last Word! 48

Service Awards 49on the need to The Trust maintains a clear focus

continue to build new capacity and refresh older facilities to cope with the ongoing growth in our demographic of older people.

our services has never been greater, with extensive “wait lists” for entry into our Villages and a frailer client entering our Care facilities. We are supporting the physical growth of our Villages and Care facilities by investing in technology designed to make the work of our staff easier and to make it quicker and easier to capture data to provide information on which to base decisions.

The Masonic Villages Trust l Head office: Level 6, 15 Daly Street l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz

COVER Edward Jenner, the ‘Father of Immunology’ and a Freemason.

www.freemasonsnz.org

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From the Editor

FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

National Office Unit 2, 22 Tacy Street Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022 PO Box 6439, Marion Square Wellington 6141 New Zealand Ph: +64 4 385 6622 Fax +64 4 385 5749 Email: membership@freemasonsnz.org communications@freemasonsnz.org www.freemasonsnz.org

Vaccinations – the masonic connection and the masonic way Edward Jenner – Freemason and Scientific Trailblazer

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Within the last year, we have witnessed the worlds scientific community and best minds band together to help protect humanity from Covid-19 through vaccination. But did you realise the world’s first vaccine was created by a Freemason?

As this year draws to a close, it seems poignant to reflect on the 225th anniversary of the smallpox vaccination by the ‘Father of Immunology’ and Freemason, Edward Jenner. Jenner’s work has been said to have saved more lives than that of any other man.

Smallpox is a virus that ran rampant through the centuries, killing as many as 20–60% of all who contracted smallpox – and leaving half of its survivors with facial scarring and over a third blind. Most of its victims would be found in children.

As a child growing up in the west country of Britain, Jenner noticed that the milk maids who contracted cowpox (a very mild form of the pox), would not later in life contract the deadly Smallpox. After dedicating his life as a young teen to the art of surgery through an apprenticeship and studying anatomy and surgery under the celebrated John Hunter of London, he set his mind to curing the greatest pestilence of his generation.

He began trials, initially by administering a few small scratches on the boy James Phipps arm and adding cowpox to the marks. Subsequently the boy never received the deadly smallpox – and within two months of the original trial, Jenner had developed the world’s first vaccine on July 1st, 1796.

Jenner was an active Freemason, serving in 1812 as Master of the Royal Lodge of Faith and Friendship No 270, United Grand Lodge of England based in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, UK. His dedication to the order and the masonic way can be witnessed through the countless lives he saved. Jenner was dedicated to protecting as many people as possible in his lifetime even up to his death. Jenner passed away at 73, administering his last shot 3 days before passing, a true testament to his caring and pioneering nature.

Though smallpox is entirely eradicated, the smallpox vaccination is still administered to us to this day, and it is only one of several vaccinations we have throughout our lifetime to protect us from once deadly diseases and ailments.

As an organisation, the Freemasons have always fully supported and been at the forefront of scientific discovery and remain so to this day with the Covid-19 vaccinations. So, as we mark this anniversary let us give thanks to Jenner. Through his bravery and innovation, he changed our understanding of the human immune system and gave us the tools we needed to redesign and fortify our own biological make up to help protect ourselves, and the ones we love.

VWBro Duane Williams MBE, JP, KCLJ, GSec

Hot Off the Press New Board member

New Grand Superintendent of Works

VWBro Bruce Pagan is the new Southern Division Appointee on the Board of General Purposes since June 2021. He is a member of The Fortitude Lodge No 64 in Bluff and Lodge Awatere No 292 in Blenheim, so has the Southern Division well covered. Bruce was a District Grand Master from 2013–16. He brings a wealth of the required experience to assist the Board in its deliberations.

VWBro Darren Shadbolt from Whanganui is the new Grand Superintendent of Works from 14 November 2021. He will be invested by the Grand Master in Whanganui on 20th December 2021. He is a member The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No 47 in Palmerston North.

Darren is an architect with Team Architects and takes over the role from VWBro Graham Strez, who served for six years, and Freemasons New Zealand thanks Graham for his service.

GRAND MASTER’S VISITS A number of Grand Master visits have been or may be postponed or cancelled due to COVID-19.

8–9 Dec Freemasons Child Health Fellowships, Otago University, Dunedin and Installation of Lodge St John No 84, Mosgiel

10 Dec The Phoenix Lodge No 43, Presentation, Akaroa 12 Dec Doric Brighton Lodge No 236, Thanksgiving Service, Canterbury Freemasons Centre

www.freemasonsnz.org

20 Dec The United Lodge of Wanganui, 50 Year Service Badge and Investiture of new Grand Superintendent of Works.

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FROM THE GRAND MASTER

The year that was, and the year to come A

s we turn our backs on the 2021 year, we can now reflect on the impact that Covid-19 brought to our shores and thereby into our personal lives, our employment, social engagement and, of course, Freemasonry. It has been a year of disruptions and resets, postponement, and cancellations. None of these were of our own making, but nevertheless, we all felt the impact.

Whilst I have endured the brunt of cancellations, I do share this with every Brother in the Craft. I feel for the Masters of Lodges that have been in the ‘stop start’ zone on more than one occasion, and for the District Grand Masters who have likewise been unable to fulfil their dream of a fruitful and enjoyable year.

But let’s not forget the new Candidates that had just started their journey into Freemasonry, as the disruption to them will have impacted on their ability to fully engage with their respective Lodges.

Although we are not out of the wood yet, there is a light starting to shine for us which gives me hope that 2022 will be a year that will see us back in the Lodge room with some level of normality. A few days ago, I made a new video covering the impact of the latest Covid Protection System (Traffic Light), and what this means for Freemasonry. We can now meet in Lodge at any level (Red, Orange, or Green) and each Lodge needs to make some decision about this and how they will work at each level. If you have not already done so, please visit our Grand

Lodge website and watch the video.

This will give you a good understanding on how we can manage the health and welfare of all members.

In essence, we are no different to any other organisation or business that needs to operate under a range of controlled settings. I do know that there are a wide range of personal views on this, but my view has been to always follow the government requirements. Together, we can beat this virus, but I suspect that it will be with us for a few years to come.

There is no reason why Lodges cannot meet in comfort and in harmony. We have not found it necessary to make any changes to our customs and practices, but we must look closely at how we interact with each other to protect the with three very senior members of the health and welfare of us all.

Lodge who were into their 90s. What a delight that was, and I was impressed with the alertness as well as their Out and about Masonic knowledge and stories about Recently I seem to have cancelled more their journey through Freemasonry.

I was also able to attend the Otago engagements than I have attended. This was not something that I had envisaged District meeting in Ranfurly where two years ago when I was installed as each Lodge gave an update on their Grand Master, as my planning meant respective Lodges. One Master told us that I would be away from home most that his Lodge had been thinking about weeks attending various celebrations and surrendering their Charter, but now have functions. In reality, I have been at home four Candidates waiting to come into the Craft. I have heard similar messages more than I have been away!

Recently, I attended the 125-year when I have met with the Masters from celebrations for Lodge Manuherikia other Lodges.

I had also attended The Woburn Kilwinning No 109 in Alexandra where, in addition to a very enjoyable meeting Lodge No 25 in Waipukurau and spoke in the Lodge room, I was able to meet with the local press followed by an

50-year Service Badge to MWBro John Litton, Past Grand Master.

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www.freemasonsnz.org

Visiting new Masonic Village homes in Waipawa, with recently promoted RWBro Colin Heyward Past Grand Warden.

interview on the local radio station. It was a delightful day as I was also shown the brand-new Masonic Village that is about to be opened. Well done, Brethren.

The night before, I was in Palmerston North with The Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No 47 for their final meeting in the Church Street Lodge Rooms. Plans are well advanced for new Lodge rooms, and I look forward to the Dedication of these in the year ahead.

I also attended the 125-year celebrations for my own Christchurch Lodge, The Avon Shirley Lodge No 185.

My biggest disappointment has been my inability to attend the Grand Installations in Western Australia (Perth) and New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (Sydney), both of which I watched via a live stream.

It is certainly not the same as attendance in person, but I have my fingers crossed for the Queensland Grand Installation mid-next year.

At home, we were saddened that the Freemasons Special Summer Olympics was postponed due to the impact of Covid. Whilst we all understood the reasons for this, it was heart wrenching to see all of the hard work placing this event on hold for 12-months. At least it will go ahead, but I do want to acknowledge the exceptional work that Lodges have achieved so far. Keep going Brethren, as

to the new platform. This will be rolled out to all national meetings that we have through all of our various arms, so I am hopeful that once we have this in place, meetings and decision will Grand Master’s only overseas visit, to the Grand Installation in Adelaide. be much smoother and robust with accurate records.

I am hopeful that we can make the 2022 During the year we will be starting the event bigger and better for the athletes 2022 officer appointment process for the 2022-2025 years. All of this will kick off in February, so start looking around for 2022 – the year ahead suitable Brethren for the roles that will At our Roadshows earlier this year, we become available. talked about change and about working smarter. Whilst it may appear that not a lot is happening, there has been an Christmas Season remarkable amount of work going on We are almost on the doorstep of behind the scenes. The Freemasons Christmas. This will be a time when Charity has moved to a more dynamic we can all take a break and relax, with grant approval platform where the (hopefully) good weather, family, and work of the Charity talks directly to our friends. Overseas travel may have an financial database in a seamless manner. impact on some families, but I trust that This gives us more accuracy along with any delays or limitations that may appear empowerment to various levels and to faulter our enjoyment will only be for more transparency in our processes. the short term.

Work is underway with preparation I want to acknowledge the hard work for our membership database and the that you have all done over the last twelve Grand Lodge website. All of this takes months. I therefore extend my best time, but as we have been under invested wishes to you all and to your families. for so long, it’s going to take us a while to May you enjoy the break and return to get there. work with me over the next 12 months The Board has moved to a new for the betterment of Freemasonry at all platform called BoardPro to better levels. manage meetings and to ensure that MW Bro Graham Wrigley we have a single source of truth with Grand Master decision and discussion papers all linked

www.freemasonsnz.org

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News clips Launch of SmartyGrants online system for The Freemasons Charity The Freemason Charity Online granting system was launched in October. The system supports all the grants offered by the charity. Grants for lodge and district projects and other assistance grants opened with online access available across all three divisions. The following grants are available to all lodges:

“The system is fully customisable and has been set up to suit our needs” – District Charity Officer “I found the new charity subsidy application program easy to use. Being able to work on a project a bit at a time without losing previous work is particularly useful” – Lodge Secretary

Assistance grant.

Lodge/District projects.

Fast Track Grants – have been replaced with Critical Needs grants.

Some initial feedback from the users: “It will be great to manage our charitable process from application to payment using the same system” – District Charity Officer

Consolidation of Masonic accommodation in Palmerston North Our Grand Master Graham Wrigley visited Palmerston North recently for the last meeting of the Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge No 47 at its old lodge rooms. It was preceded by a Dinner for freemasons, partners and friends and followed by a formal reception of the Grand Master.

Lodge Manawatu Kilwinning are combining with a number of other Lodges in a new Freemasons Centre in Palmerston North, after the sale of this building.

Please contact your District Charity Officer or charityadmin@freemasonsnz. org for information about what is available and how to apply.

The Heartland Bank Freemasons Scholarships are now open for applications. The scholarships are to assist children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren or any other family member of Freemasons who are able students and are active in their communities.

Three scholarships of $6,000 each are available, one per Division of Freemasons New Zealand.

Applications are now open at: freemasonsnz.smartygrants.com.au/ Heartlandbank22 Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sandym10?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Sandy Millar</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

Merry Christmas

Grand old premises and group photo which includes the Grand Master inside the lodge rooms.

Christmas Card The Freemasons Charity has given all Lodges a supply of Christmas Cards with envelopes for use with Lodge Widows and others free of charge. A small token from us to you for them.

Further supplies can be ordered through charityadmin@freemasonsnz.org

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Before and after photos.

A coat of paint does wonders The Palmerston Lodge No 26 has given their Freemasons Centre a facelift. The lodge was established in Palmerston in Otago 1877 originally as an English constitution lodge which then joined The Grand Lodge of New Zealand when that was established in 1890. The lodge rooms themselves are over 100 years old.

Special Olympics: Same place, same dates, different year

In 2020 the members decided to give it a badly needed facelift.

A new roof was installed, and the refectory was painted along with the Covid-19 has postponed the Freemasons outside of the building. More modern New Zealand Special Olympics until furniture was obtained for the refectory. 8–12th December 2022 in Hamilton.

It makes a much more attractive proposition to the public and potential members so well done Palmerston.

Invitation to help It goes without saying that women are more attuned to what is happening around them and in identifying those who may be in need.

The Freemasons Charity is interested in hearing from any ladies who have an interest in charitable work and in

working with our Lodge Almoners and our District Charity Officers in their local communities.

For more information, please register your interest with Debbie charityadmin@ freemasonsnz.org

Crossword solution

Hamilton 2022

www.freemasonsnz.org

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A year that won’t be missed I

think we’ll be glad to wave goodbye to 2021, especially those of you living in Auckland.

It’s been a tough assignment for those of you in our biggest city, but equally, the Delta variant has put pressure on almost all aspects of daily life, no matter where we live.

So, we fervently hope the great diaspora of Aucklanders over the Christmas/New Year break doesn’t result in the traffic lights turning red all over the country, and we look forward to getting back to business as usual (as much as possible) in 2022.

And for Freemasons NZ that means making every effort to continue to build on the momentum the Roadshows gave us and to rekindle our focus on working together as One Team with One Vision and One Goal,.

Delta has definitely made it harder to do this year, but we have made some good progress in National Office. Picture the proverbial duck swimming serenely across the water and you’ll know there’s a lot of frenzied paddling going on beneath the surface. Well, that’s been the National Office picture in 2021.

And all of our work continues to centre on the need to introduce positive change to our organisation. To bed in new, more progressive, efficient systems, to welcome new people who bolster our team and give us the much-needed resources we need to make things happen, and to challenge some of ‘the old ways’ and to look for new ways that generate enhanced outcomes.

As Executive Director, I know the pace of these changes can seem frustratingly slow when you look at us from the perspective of your Lodges, but I can assure you everyone here is working very

hard to deliver on the promises we made at our Roadshows.

But if we are to achieve the outcomes we want for the organisation, we all need to do our bit and change is needed in the Lodges and among Brethren as much as it’s needed in National Office.

I asked our Divisional Grand Masters for their view on the need for change and here are their comments.

Divisional Grand Master Norther Northern Mike Hattie: It’s time for a change, Brethren I am now two years into my term as Divisional GM Northern and it has become apparent during my term that there is a consensus amongst the younger Brethren of a need for change in Freemasonry.

Smartphone use is the modern means of communication and we need to ramp up our IT systems to cater for Brethren across the divide. Social media is just one platform to achieve this, providing it is short, sharp and to the point. The world is changing and we as a valued fraternity need to adapt with these changes.

Gone are the days for long winded scripts or speeches that drag on forever with little substance, especially with family or friends present.

Brethren won’t even open emails unless the subject line is relevant or of interest to them.

They are computer literate and can produce comprehensive reports and read balance sheets, financial statements etc. They deserve our respect.

keeps

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www.freemasonsnz.org

The new and younger members are of different ages and ethnicities, and there is a need to cater for and utilise the various skillsets available within the Craft to attract and retain new members. There are some very smart, talented and qualified younger Brethren within Freemasonry with useful skills that will benefit Freemasonry and provide a vision for the future.

We have a history of ceremony and ritual within the Craft but that is just a fraction of what we as Freemasons actually do. We as a group need to communicate that Masonic history and how we assist the community using the concerted efforts of the Freemasons Charity.

Effectively we all need to work together as Freemasons to build the reputation of the Craft in New Zealand at a local and national level. The recent Roadshows have assisted in providing a direction to lodge members. The actions from the Roadshows need to be implemented by members in conjunction with the District champions and Lodge champions during 2022 and onwards to compliment the Freemasons NZ Strategic Direction 2019–23.

Time for a change, Brethren, and a time for us to listen and connect with our younger members.

Bring them on board with urgency as they are the future of Freemasonry in New Zealand.

VISION GOAL TEAM BUILDING OUR FUTURE

Divisional Grand Master Central Russell Pratt: Working together is core to our DNA More than ever before, the future of our organisation hinges on our ability to work together.

Every aspect of Freemasonry is predicated on “small steps”. Our initiation into Freemasonry is the first small step to becoming a Fellowcraft; which in turn is the next small step to becoming a Master Mason.

Our appointment as Junior Steward is our first small step to becoming the Lodge Master. Our appointment as a Grand Steward is our first step to becoming the Grand Master.

This journey of small steps is intrinsic to our system of both self-development and self-improvement. We learn these lessons from watching those who go before us. No part of our structure

can function without its adjacent function.

So, working together is core to our DNA. This means working together at the Lodge level for the benefit of our Brethren; as much as it means working together at a national level for the benefit of our fraternity. We are stronger together - our strength comes from our unity. The better we work together the brighter our future will be. It is fundamental to our values.

Divisional Grand Master Southern Pat Cooney: It’s up to us to work together All too often, in a hierarchal organisation, those at the bottom expect “the top brass” to have all the answers – after all, “they are getting paid the big bucks, so we expect more from them”.

This sentiment may apply in a corporate/business structure but we must never forget that we are all volunteers, from the Entered Apprentice through the Lodge Master through the District Grand Master through the Divisional

Grand Master to the Grand Master.

We expect guidance and support from the respective “Grand Masters” but in reality, if the Fraternity which we are all members of is to grow and retain its rightful, meaningful place within our local, regional, and national communities, it is up to the individual Freemason and the individual Lodge (and our related Masonic entities), as well as our Grand Lodge leaders, to collectively work together.

That way, we can help each other address the many and varied matters which we face at all levels of our Fraternity. No one has the complete answer to these matters – we cannot leave everything to the Grand Master, nor to National Office but instead, we need to take ownership of Freemasons’ future by starting at the base (taking an holistic view as well as a localised view) in order to ensure that the structure is sound now and into the future.

Mark Cassidy Executive Director

National Office Staff — Mark, Bianca, Debbie, Monique, Debs, Roz and Duane — wish all Freemasons and their families all the best for the festive season, a happy New Year and, a safe and enjoyable summer holidays.

National Office will be closed from midday Friday 24th December 2021 and will reopen Monday 10th January 2022. We will also be closed on Wellington Anniversary Day Monday 24th January 2022.

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OPINION

Forward to a broad horizon In his opinion piece, published in the September issue of New Zealand Freemason, RW Bro Bill Hibbard PGW bemoans the decline of membership. He expresses the opinion that “Freemasonry was not intended to be a charity or a philanthropic organisation, dispensing such things as help to worthy causes and scholarships to deserving students etc.”

He goes on to say that “these activities are add-ons, which can be engaged in when the craft is in a healthy and prosperous state and can afford to look at extending its activities”.

I beg to differ from these views. At his initiation, the entered apprentice is introduced to charity, particularly in the form of the Charge in the North East. That, and several other references, cement charity as a cornerstone of Freemasonry.

The peak in membership which followed WW2 could be largely attributed to returning servicemen who were more comfortable with the company of fellow men than the families they had rejoined. Couple this with absence of weekend shopping, six o’clock closing, no licenced restaurants, no TV etc. and evenings out at a Lodge were an attractive proposition, no matter what happened within the walls.

Bill Hibbard comments on the contents of New Zealand Freemason as favouring charity and philanthropy. As a former Editor and subsequently features writer for NZ Freemason and Editor of The Charity Herald I took the view that the primary role of these publications was to promote Freemasonry, especially its charitable activities, to the wider public.

I was not alone in this view, as I often referred to magazines from other jurisdictions in order to gauge the direction of their contents. The Autumn 2021 issue of FMT, formerly known as Freemasonry Today, which is the flagship publication of The United Grand Lodge of England, significantly devotes its contents to charity. To cover the field, I recommend two of its articles, one from Charles Hopkinson-Woolley, Grand Director of Ceremonies [page 21] and the other by Sir Paul Williams, Chair of the 10

Masonic Charitable Foundation [page 30]. Also, in a move to enhance its public presence the UGLE has recently opened a public licenced bar and restaurant in the lobby of Freemasons House.

For Freemasonry to survive and thrive into the future, the organisation needs to move on from the one size fits all philosophy. While the two main strands are ceremonial and charity, it is the former which rules the line of progression. At its most basic, progression through the ranks is reliant on the ability to learn by rote, a form of education long bypassed.

While this was appropriate for the illiterate apprentices of the Middle Ages, it has become a stumbling point for the often highly educated and experienced candidates of today.

For the medieval operative mason, his continuing interest and loyalty to the craft lay directly in his career prospects.

Not necessarily so for the speculative mason whose interest may be held more by devoting time to charitable activities or research into the history of Freemasonry. From a personal point of view, my research interests do not lie in tales from time immemorial, but in two more recent avenues of Masonic history.

In the September issue of New Zealand Freemason, my final as Editor, I published two stories reflecting these interests.

One, page 10, headed Architecture and Freemasonry with the sub title Parallel streams – similar issues, I traversed the relative histories of architecture, my profession, and operative masonry. The article examined the external influences on the evolution of each and described the similarities.

The second article, page 28, entitled In Search of the Four Lost Taverns described the foundations of the Grand Lodge of England, which to my mind signalled the beginnings of Freemasonry as we practice it today. The article covered my successful search in London for the historic sites of the four taverns, none of which now exist.

Before leaving this issue of the magazine I would like to draw attention to the cover which showed Chris Leigh, the driver of the first Auckland electric commuter train, and Miles King, www.freemasonsnz.org

Morris Robertson I have been a Freemason since 1998 and Master of Westminster Lodge No.308 in 2013. My principal interests in Freemasonry have been in the area of communications, which have included Lodge newsletters, Editor of New Zealand Freemason and The Charity Herald plus miscellaneous publications.

Of Canterbury origin, I graduated as an Architect in 1962. My career has included Ministry of Works, Chief Architect Lion Breweries and Architectural Advisor to MFAT, the latter managing embassy projects across Asia and the Pacific. I retired in 2007 but continue to volunteer my time to manage community projects. As a Rotarian for 43 years I have served in many roles including District Governor for the lower half of the North Island.

Margaret and I have two children and four grandchildren, split between Wellington and London.

Wairarapa cheese maker. The common factor was that they were both Masters of their respective Lodges. The articles within describe Chris’ prior experience as a London Tube driver and Line Manager and a visit by the Topp Twins to Miles’ farm. The objective was to demonstrate the Freemasons are real people with real jobs.

To conclude my opinion, while it may be a laudable objective to return Freemasonry back to basics, its limited appeal in the 21st Century would likely lead it through a path of irrelevance to an inevitable demise. While I hesitate to use the slogan Make Freemasonry Great Again, I see the only secure way to the future is to maintain its broad appeal.

WBro Morris Robertson QSM PG SwdB

Letters to the Editor Freemasons Essentials Care Pack for patients

A comment on previous opinion piece

Dear Editor

Greetings from South Australia.

Last week I was admitted to Waikato Hospital by ambulance, very early in the morning.

I had absolutely nothing with me and Hamilton was in Level 3, so no visiting.

A nurse overheard me tell my husband on the emergency ward phone how awkward it was with no watch, phone, toilet gear, just nothing. A little while later she came over with the care pack of essentials put together by the Freemasons Waikato.

I just want to say a huge thank you to the Freemasons for this. It was so very much appreciated. I am now home and much improved.

Kind regards Diana Dunn

I received my copy of the New Zealand Freemason as I normally do being the Representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in or near the Grand Lodge of South Australia and Northern Territory for many years.

I always enjoy reading the information about the activities of the Lodges and the Grand Master even though it is some years since I visited New Zealand.

This edition was particularly interesting noting the article by RWBro Bill Hibbard on the Opinion page. I

Dear Editor

recently presented a similar paper on the definition of Freemasonry to my own lodge. I also examined the key words in the ceremonial definition and came up with a similar description in an endeavour to make it more meaningful to contemporary society. The younger members of the lodge were encouraged to find words similar in meaning to those in the ceremonial - it was a very successful educational evening.

Keep up the good work.

Kind fraternal regards, Geoff Tucker, Past Grand Master GL SA & NT

125 Years and Installation for The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185 Our Grand Master Graham Wrigley recently visited his Mother Lodge in Christchurch on the occasion of their Covid-19 delayed 125th Anniversary Celebrations and Installation.

Members of the Lodge and Freemasons with the Grand Master.

Stan Whitfield getting his 50-Year Service Badge from the Grand Master.

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Peter Bradley (newest member) and Tony Waters (longest member) cutting the 5th Anniversary cake.

11

COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights)

The new framework provides a guide to protecting one another, keeping our health syste Factors for considering a shift between levels • • • •

Localised p where neces

vaccination coverage; capacity of the health and disability system; testing, contact tracing and case management capacity; and the transmission of COVID-19 within the community, including its impact on key populations.

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Decisions will also include other factors, including economic and social impacts and operational considerations.

You cannot b stations, pub

General settings COVID-19 across New Zealand, including sporadic imported cases.

Limited community transmission.

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COVID-19 hospitalisations are at a manageable level.

Whole of health system is ready to respond – primary care, public health, and hospitals.

• Record keeping/scanning required • Face coverings mandatory on flights

• Public facilit • Retail (inclu

No limits if My Vaccine Pass is used for: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) • Gatherings at your home • Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, social sports)

• • • •

If My Vaccine Pass is not used, the following restrictions apply: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing, seated and separated

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• Gatherings at your home – up to 100 people • Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, social sports) – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing

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General settings Community transmission with pressure on health system.

ORANGE

Whole of health system is focusing resources but can manage – primary care, public health, and hospitals.

Increasing risk to at-risk populations.

• Record keeping/scanning required • Face coverings mandatory in some places (e.g. on flights, public transport, taxis, retail, public facilities) and encouraged elsewhere

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No limits if My Vaccine Pass is used for: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) • Gatherings at your home

• Other gathe social sport • Events (indo

If My Vaccine Pass is not used, the following restrictions apply: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – contactless only • Gatherings at your home – up to 50 people

• Close-proxim (indoor/outd

• Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, social sports) – up to 50 people, based on 1m distancing General settings • Record keeping/scanning required • Face coverings mandatory in some places (e.g. on flights, public transport, taxis, retail, education (Year 4 and up, including tertiary), public facilities) and encouraged elsewhere

RED

Action needed to protect health system – system facing unsustainable number of hospitalisations.

Action needed to protect at-risk populations.

With My Vaccine Pass, the following restrictions apply: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing, seated and separated • Gatherings at your home – up to 100 people • Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, social sports) – up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing If My Vaccine Pass is not used, the following restrictions apply: • Hospitality (e.g. cafes, restaurants, bars) – contactless only

12

• Public faciliti capacity limi • Retail (includ 1m distancin

• Gatherings at your home – up to 25 people • Other gatherings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, social sports) – up to 25 people, based on 1m distancing

• Gyms – up t • Events (indo on 1m distan • Close-proxi health requi

• Close-proxi (indoor/out operate

• Tertiary edu

em running well and businesses open.

protections and lockdowns: can be used as part of the public health response, in addition to other measures, ssary to protect affected communities.

e Pass: the official record of your COVID-19 vaccination status for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.

egally required to provide your Vaccine Pass to enter places that have vaccination requirements in place in order under the current traffic light setting. This may include hospitality venues, events, gatherings, and gyms.

be asked to provide your Vaccine Pass to access basic needs services, including supermarkets, dairies, petrol blic transport, pharmacies and essential health care. This also applies to specific education and housing services.

ties (e.g. libraries, museums, public pools) – open uding farmers markets) – open

• Workplaces – open • Education (schools, ECE, tertiary) – open

oor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) imity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons) mmunity gatherings (e.g. a community fair)

oor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) – up to 100 people based ncing, seated and separated for service of food and drink

• Outdoor community gatherings (with uncontrolled access, e.g. a public parade) - up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing

imity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons) – face or staff, 1m distancing between customers

• Gyms - up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing

ties (e.g. libraries, museums, public pools) – open with mits based on 1m distancing uding farmers markets) – open with capacity limits based on ng

• Workplaces – open • Education (schools, ECE, tertiary) – open with public health measures in place

erings (e.g. weddings, tangihanga, places of worship, marae, ts) oor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas)

• Close-proximity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons) • Outdoor community gatherings (e.g. a community fair) • Gyms

mity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons), events door, e.g. concerts, cinemas) and gyms are not able to operate

• Outdoor community gatherings (with uncontrolled access, e.g. a public parade) - up to 50 people, based on 1m distancing

• Education (schools & ECE) – open with public health measures in place • Workplaces – working from home may be appropriate for some staff

to 100 people, based on 1m distancing oor/outdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) – up to 100 people based ncing, seated and separated for service of food and drink imity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons) – public irements in place

• Outdoor community gatherings (e.g. a community fair) - up to 100 people, based on 1m distancing • Tertiary education – open onsite with capacity limits based on 1m distancing

imity businesses (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons), events tdoor, e.g. concerts, cinemas) and gyms are not able to

• Outdoor community gatherings (with uncontrolled access, e.g. a public parade) - up to 25 people, based on 1m distancing

ucation – distance learning only

30/11 v1.1

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Health and wellbeing 5 top tips to avoid driver fatigue this summer Prepared by health and safety company Working Wise These summer holidays will be the first time many of us have driven any distance since lockdown in August. We’re all keen to do a bit of travel to visit relatives in other towns or take the family to the bach. In our excitement to experience a change of scenery, we still must manage our driving hours. Scarily, driving tired can be as dangerous as driving when you are drunk.

In 2020, fatigue was a factor in 25 fatal crashes and 113 serious injury crashes, according to the Waka Kotahi, New Zealand Transport Agency.

Fatigue can lead to poor judgement, slower reaction time and impaired decision making. Fatigue is classified as mental and physical exhaustion.

To avoid the dangers of driving fatigued, here are our five tips to help you avoid driver fatigue this summer.

4. Grab a power nap

If you are feeling tired, pull over and have a power nap.

Research suggests that the optimum 1. When planning a trip, length of a power nap is only 15–20 add an hour mins. Any longer and you will come out New Zealand terrain is diverse. Our of it feeling groggy. roads are narrow, hilly, and windy. On Google Maps, it may look like a three- 5. STOP if you experience any signs hour trip, but the bends and dips will add of fatigue an extra hour.

Here are some signs that it’s time to stop driving and rest.

2. Plan in your Yawning breaks – enjoy the Sore or heavy eyes country Plan to stop every Delayed reactions two hours for a break, Daydreaming and not being conscious of your driving especially if you are not used to driving The speed you drive at creeps up or long distances. Why down not enjoy your drive Becoming impatient or irritable by stopping for a Impaired driving performance such coffee and to enjoy as poor gear changes the scenery?

Stiffness and cramps 3. Don’t drive Loss of motivation when you would The best cure for driver fatigue is a good be asleep night’s sleep.

Don’t drive when Working Wise wishes you a happy your body is used to New Year and safe travels. being asleep.

Break up your Driving for work? journey and start Is driving an essential component of the next day rested. your business? Do you have a vehicle Our circadian use or safe driving policy? If not, there’s rhythms programme a helpful sample available from ACC: our body to sleep bit.ly/acc-policy

Timothy Chan / Unsplash

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between 3am and 5 am. Waka Kotahi noted peaks in fatigue related crashes occur between 3am and 5am.

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How to set yourself up for a great 2022!

By Val Leveson, the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (nzac.org.nz) There’s no doubt about it – 2021 has been a tough year for most people.

With Auckland being in lockdown since mid-August and the other regions being on alert for the Delta virus and further lockdowns, life has been stressful. And now we head for the Christmas period, with Aucklanders being able to travel and families reuniting.

Although for many this is a good thing, it’s natural for some to be holding some trepidation. Will Aucklanders be bringing Delta with them? Will those in other regions treat them like lepers even though they’ve done all they could to avoid contracting Covid 19? What sort of holiday season will it be? Will it be about happy reunions or suspicion and fear?

Well, it will have the normal pressures of holiday seasons – family gatherings can bring up old hurts and dysfunctions.

But it seems families this year may be even more divided – the vaxxed and the unvaxxed, those who believe that sticking to the rules is important, and those who believe it’s all about control.

Fraught times indeed. So, how to deal with it all?

Firstly, be self-compassionate and do what you need to do to come out of the season feeling rested. After all, you don’t want to go into 2022 feeling last-year tired.

This may mean going for walks, enjoying the beach, reading a good book or binge watching Netflix … whatever you need to do in order to take things in your stride. If you’re worried about contracting Covid 19, take precautions and don’t allow yourself to be pushed by others who don’t think it’s a “thing”. That would be adding to your feelings of stress and insecurity. If you’re compassionate to yourself, it’s more likely too that you’ll be able to be compassionate to others and be able to stay peaceful.

So tell yourself it’s ok to feel stressed and concerned – feel what you need

to feel, but also remind yourself that anxiety is overestimating the problem, and underestimating your ability to deal with it. You’ve got this.

Many business people will be relieved to see Aucklanders return and Aucklanders will be pleased to be out of the city, spending money at holiday places. The key is of course respect and understanding.

To keep your stress at bay, consider what you’re telling yourself about this holiday season. Are you telling yourself that you’ll be going through a terrible time, that it will be an ordeal, or are you able to take it in your stride?

Also consider your breathing. It’s always good to remember that your breath is the remote control of your brain.

If you notice you’re breathing shallowly and fast – slow it down, breathe into your abdomen. A good rule is to double the out breath to the in breath. For some people breathing in by three and out of six works well, while for others it’s four by eight or six by 12. Find what works for you, it can be really calming.

All end-of-year holidays are a good time to consider the year that was and make plans for the next year.

Considering the lockdown and internal borders, it may feel that 2021 was a year to be forgotten – but stop and process it.

There will be a lot of grief involved – the missing of seeing grandchildren born, the inability to connect with elderly parents and friends and more. It’s good to acknowledge these things, grief has a way of demanding to be felt – but also to acknowledge what went well. Maybe you managed to keep your business afloat with creative ideas, perhaps you found a new connection with your partner and family, perhaps it all just helped you see what really matters to you.

Positive Psychology has the following exercise that may be helpful. In a column, write nine things that you did well this past year (even getting through it can

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be listed) and then in the next column write down three things you’d like to improve on. These aren’t strictly New Year’s resolutions, which get forgotten almost as soon as they’re made, they’re about setting intentions (such as, I’d like to focus on fitness next year, or being more creative …)

Once you have worked out what the three things are, consider creating new habits. How will you include those things in your life in a practical way? For example, if it’s that you want to become more fit – how will you achieve that?

Perhaps start a morning routine where you exercise before breakfast?

Maybe you want to read and learn more? Start a morning routine where you put aside 20 or so minutes for reading something interesting each morning. If mornings don’t work for you, perhaps form an evening routine. If you want to be more creative, make the time to do that – that could be about enrolling in an art course or learning an instrument.

The more you get into these habits, the more likely you’ll keep on going without needing to discipline yourself – it becomes more natural. That doesn’t mean you’re going to always feel like going out for that run, but it does mean you’re more likely to do it anyway.

Allowing yourself to relax and enjoy the season will set you up well for the coming year and the challenges it will bring.

Val Leveson is an Auckland-based counsellor

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Freemasons in action

A few of the ladies within the Ruapehu group www.facebook.com/groups/ meetings that masonic wives and partners District have created a social group for Speculativeguildofladies to advertise can go to. The group is private for now, but we do have a ‘Join Button’ and activities outside Freemasonry. a web site will be constructed next The group is called ‘The Speculative Guild of Ladies’ year. So far, we have twenty-seven members, which is fantastic support catchy name, isn’t it? We for the craft and us. have been going for a while Hopefully we can start to run and our numbers are steadily social outings to various interesting building. This year we want to build on our social club and places around the division. The Guild is open to all wives and partners of want to support our menfolk Freemasons in the Ruapehu District in Freemasonry with charitable causes and other activities, with aspirations of widening this to in other words we want to be the Central Division during next year. involved! We use our Facebook Social at Caper’s Café in Palmerston North.

Hawkes Bay Young Musician of the Year The Grand Master visited Havelock North second year in a row. She received the prize and the Walter and Beryl Gollner and Hastings. The Eastland-Ruahine Freemasons District $750 silver ribbon Memorial Cup. Our Grand Master also District have sponsored the attend a breakfast in Hastings for Hawke’s Bay Young Musician the Special Olympics where Lodges in the District supported them with of the Year for three years and this year’s winner was Quinn a number of donations and events Le Livre with a Freemasons which raised over $10,000 with the help of The Freemasons Charity and District gold ribbon prize of $1500 and the Peter and Valerie presented the funds to Mr Jack Lowe, Special Olympics Hawkes Bay. Williams Cup with the Grand It is good to see Districts and Master was at the final concert in Havelock North. Violinist Lodges getting involved in their local Ivy Wu from Napier was the communities. second place-getter for the 16

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Freemasons New Zealand Annual Report 2020–21

2 www.freemasonsnz.org

CONTENTS The year that was… 3 Message from Grand Master 4 Report from President of the Board 6 Report from The Freemasons Charity 8 Lodge/District projects 10 Board profiles 11 Freemasons New Zealand Financial Statements 12 The Freemasons Charity Financial Statements 14

he vaccine keep s uThe s tyear ogthat ethwas… er

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Covid19.govt.n z

Auckland we a re thinking of you Community tra nsm and again Auck ission and community cluste rs can happen anywhere eliminating the land you are doing the hard yard current one – so as to protect th s in containing and e res t of New Zeala We are thankfu nd. l and thinking of you during th ese trying COVID -19 times.

Thank you Auc

kland

3

4 www.freemasonsnz.org

Message from Grand Master

Graham Wrigley Grand Master

Our Annual Report reflects on the last 12 months of Freemasonry in New Zealand and the unprecedented impact of the Covid pandemic.

T

he ongoing impact of COVID-19 throughout New Zealand continued to have a major impact on Freemasonry over the last 12-months. Whilst the start of the year saw some relief for our Lodges to restart meetings after 12 weeks of lockdowns and Lodge closures, the year continued to have period of disruption that made planning at a national and local level extremely difficult.

I want to thank everyone for their individual and collective commitment during these tough times, and for stepping up to the new challenges that we had to adapt to. Many Lodge Masters took on an additional term in the Chair, whilst others had to delay their Installations, and some underwent shorter terms. There were many of our newer Brethren who endured delayed initiations and progressive ceremonies, so I thank you all for your commitment and understanding.

On the international front, I have been unable to support the Australian Jurisdictions as I would have wished. When the Trans-Tasman bubble was opened in August, I was fortunate to be able to travel to Adelaide for the Grand Installation for South Australia and the Northern Territory, but regrettably, I was not able to take a delegation of New Zealand Brethren with me. Other visits into New South Wales and Queensland were postponed due to COVID, so hopefully the future will allow us the opportunity to catch up with our Australian Brethren.

We have accepted a new reality whereby our Lodges had to work hard to catch up with much of their ceremonial work and Installations, whilst communicating through online Masonic Gatherings and developing telephone trees for staying in touch with our Brethren, partners, and widows. It was pleasing to see Lodges starting to embrace the digital platforms, and for our Grand Lecturers providing good masonic education to fill the void.

I took part in a ‘video chat’ with the Grand Master of Western Australia that became a podcast for their Brethren, but also gave us the opportunity to hear about their approach to Freemasonry in these difficult times. This also led to an opportunity to join a Zoom meeting with Brethren from the Hiram Lodge No 12, and English-speaking Lodge with the Grand Lodge of Czech Republic, and a few weeks later, a Masonic Gathering with Brethren from the Grand Lodge of British Colombia and the Yukon hosted by Euclid Lodge No 158. On this occasion I was joined by MW Bro Stan Barker, PGM and VW Bro Duane Williams G Sec. After a period of relative calm, life seemed to return to normal, but we always knew that we were not out of danger, so with this in mind, we made every effort to ensure the continuing journey to operationalise the Strategic Direction.

After an exceptional District Grand Masters Workshop, we developed our approach to have One Vision, One Goal and One Team. With the 10 Roadshows that followed in February and March, our Brethren quickly came onboard to strive towards future proofing the Craft with thriving Lodges, engaged Brethren and with a growing membership. The positivity that that ensured was encouraging, and whilst we suffered a slight lost of momentum with an additional period of COVID lockdown, the trust continues as we start to implement some of the essential tools to secure our future.

2021 Freemasons University Scholarships at Parliament, with guest speaker Dr Lance O’Sullivan.

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Two 60-year Bars for two brothers, Bruce and Ian Stokes.

7-Sharp interview.

It has become clear that over many years we have not invested well in our future. Clear priorities have been to develop a national office that is supportive of the Lodges with the right tools to achieve added value to everything that we do. This will be a continuing journey over the next five years and beyond. The Board have started to prioritise this work and some of the developments will be come clearer as the new year proceeds.

Important issues have risen over the last 12 months that we will need to address. Property will be a major concern for us all as we seek to ensure the ongoing viability of some Masonic buildings that are struggling to meet the modern needs of Freemasonry. Appropriate insurance cover is important, but it is also a challenge as funding models change and premium increase. We have a lot of work to do in this area, and although we are mindful of increasing costs, we can not fall short on our obligation to preserve our valuable assets, and to protect our Lodges Trustees with adequate cover.

Such is the changing world that we live in today.

The work of The Freemasons Charity continues, and it was pleasing to see the change to our Fellowship Programme with the Otago University from ‘Paediatric Fellowships’ to the new name of Child Health Fellowships’ and the inaugural launch of the new ‘John Dennison Memorial Fellowship’.

The work that these recipients undertake is groundbreaking research that is world leading. Likewise, the funding that we have been providing to the Malaghan Institute for there research to Car T-cell research will be bringing this cancer treatment to everyday kiwis after clinical trials have been completed. The Board has agreed that we will continue to support the Malaghan Institute beyond the initial 2 years on an ongoing basis.

There will be further comments on many other of our charitable activities in the section covering The Freemasons Charity, but I do want to mention our relationship with Special Olympics New Zealand.

This relationship will be Freemasons support the next Special Olympic Games that will be held in Hamilton.

This has given us an opportunity to step up and show up within our respective communities by providing funding support and local ‘hands on’ engagement with the local Special Olympic committees. Already this has drawn positive feedback both internally and externally, and we are all looking forward to the Games taking place.

In concluding, I would like to thank the Board of General Purposes for their commitment and direction over the last 12 months. They have certainly recognised the challenges ahead, and I know that they are in a good position to address these in a positive manner. Our national office is undergoing change as well, and led by Mark Cassidy, his team is also well positioned to implement the essential changes that the Brethren has asked for. The years ahead are looking good, but there remains a lot of work to be done.

Our Divisional Grand Masters and their respective District Grand Masters have been exceptionally busy over this year, and like us all, have suffered the frustrations of a ‘stop / start’ year. Our Lodges are all in good hands with the committed leadership team.

I know that the next year will also be a challenging year, but we are all well up for the challenge, and with some light now showing us a pathway out of these lockdowns, and to a much stronger and committed future where our Lodges and Brethren will thrive with an engaged and growing membership.

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Report from President of the Board I

n my report last year, I made a comment that we were hopefully through the worst of COVID. As we all know the pandemic took on a new life and impacted New Zealand in several ways and in particular the Auckland region.

CHALLENGING YEAR – OPERATING IN A COVID-19 ENVIRONMENT

Notwithstanding, the Board’s focus has been one of “Time of change and action”. Our environment has been dominated by COVID and this has created stress and tested our ability to operate during lockdowns.

This has brought disruption to some and challenges to others but were all dependent on the imposed lockdown levels. To assist, the Board has worked with the Grand Master in providing a framework to lodges and apart from the Auckland region, that has allowed lodges to function giving our brethren the opportunity to meet and enjoy lodge relationships.

The lessons learned here will certainly help as we face the next iteration of Government requirements as we enter a post vaccination world with COVID in the community.

PROGRESS ON DELIVERING STRATEGIC DIRECTION

But what of the initiatives we had started? Progress delivering the Strategic Direction continued in early 2021 with the Roadshows supporting One Vision, One Goal, One Team through-out New Zealand.

This encouraged working together with a clear focus to build Thriving Lodges, Engaged Members and Growing Membership. These being the keys to our

Rob Angelo President of the Board of General Purposes

path forward and growth. The Grand Master’s catch phrase of, “Speak Up Step Up, Show Up” was not lost and can be illustrated in the work Freemasons New Zealand is doing in supporting Special Olympics New Zealand, the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, and the lodges in the Divisions as they work with their communities. These all build enduring relationships important both for those that receive and those that give.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE AND FUTURE PROOFING THE ORGANISATION At National Office and for the benefit of our members, the Board is investing in and future proofing the organisation making it fit for purpose as a professional organisation, through: Developing for our people a ‘can do’ team, embracing new technology to deliver our strategy that will meet the needs of the organisation.

Making our processes as efficient and effective as possible.

Ensuring our systems are developed with the smart use of available technology and adapting them for our needs, rather than reinventing the wheel. Examples being: Financial — Xero; Charity – Smarty Grants; Governance – Board Pro; Management – Office 365.

VISION GOAL TEAM BUILDING OUR FUTURE

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THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

So, what of coming challenges? Property across the divisions to meet our future needs is a challenge.

Buildings are proving asset rich but cash poor and this will severely impact on a lodge’s ability to maintain and manage their infrastructure. Ensuring insurance costs are affordable to members as well as being effective for purpose is a “must do”. Developing an exciting and interesting and integrated National Website incorporating Divisional and District components that support robust lodge management/reporting tools. It also has to be a good communicating medium and fortunately this is well into the planning phase. However, the biggest challenge will be that of a changing society. This will encroach on how we do things and possibly impact on our traditions and customs.

Consequently, managing this change is important so that we

can support each other during the uncertain times but at the same time, ensuring the maintenance of the values and tenets we are founded upon. I am confident that like our former brethren, we will face these challenges, find a solution, and move on well knowing the foundations we have laid will serve the Craft with dignity and security as well as ensuring a sound future for our members.

Finally, special thanks to the staff at national office for their hard work, dedication and support of our members and lodges in Freemasons New Zealand especially Mark Cassidy – Executive Director, Bianca Twort - Membership, Debbie Veerbeek – Finance Officer, Debbie ‘Debs’ Mellett – Charity Officer, Monique Webster – Projects and Duane Williams – Communications/Grand Secretary.

Also, our grateful thanks to Barbara Pickering and Shelley Newson who finished with us after many years of service.

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Report from The Freemasons Charity T

he last year has been a year of heightened activity for the Charity some of which was planned and other matters that were brought on by government legislation and of course the implications of Covid.

Changes to the Trustees Act and new reporting requirements by the Charities Commission saw a review of the policies and procedures of the charity and of our strategic direction and approach to funding. A team consisting of the members of The Freemasons Charity Management Committee, Divisional Grand Almoners and a small group of District Charities Officers spent a weekend conducting a total review of the Charities systems and procedures, it’s Mission Statement and our overall funding strategy. Regrettably the reemergence of Covid has delayed a few the changes that resulted from that and subsequent meetings, but planning is well in place for a number

New Technology gives Jax a more normal life with diabetes.

Jim Watt Deputy Grand Master/Chair of The Freemasons Charity Management Committee of initiatives to be implemented in the 2021/2022 financial year. These include: A revised and more relevant Mission and Vision Statement.

A new Strategic Plan.

New charity software and a new online application process.

A change to an ‘outcome’ focused approval process for grants.

Better reporting A greater emphasis on projects that include an active involvement in our communities by brethren.

We also took the opportunity to review all our long-term partnerships and ongoing funding commitments.

Our 30-year relationship with Otago University and the Freemasons Paediatric Fellowships was reviewed and renewed with the Otago University Medical School. We also took the opportunity to rename these the ‘Child Health Fellowships’ to better reflect the important research work we were funding.

At the same time, we established a new fellowship in memory of the late RW Bro. John Dennison JGW named the ‘John Dennison Child Health Memorial Fellowship’ which is to be awarded to the recipient of a second-year fellowship whose research is seen ‘to provide a long-term benefit and outcome for Child Health in New Zealand’. It was from John’s efforts that the first Fellowships was established, and this recognizes all his work over the last 30 years.

A break in Covid lockdowns allowed us to hold our 43rd Freemasons University Scholarship awards, once again in Parliament, Wellington with the guest speaker and presenter being Dr. Lance O’Sullivan.

We have also recommitted to a further three years funding for the Malaghan Institute’s Freemasons CAR T-cell research trial programme. Other long-term projects that we recommitted to were the Royal Society’s annual student science camp Powering Potential, and both Camps Purple and Quality.

2020 saw Freemasons New Zealand and The Freemasons Charity enter into an agreement to support and fund the 2021 Special Olympics National Games, a national project that has been whole heartly accepted and embraced by our members

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with Lodges and Districts becoming actively involved in raising monies. Whilst the initial focus of the relationship is their National Summer Games it is hoped that Lodges will form long term relationship with Special Olympic Clubs in their area and provide ongoing support, both financial and in manpower.

Over the last financial year, we have seen a dramatic increase in approaches for funding from community organisations, all of whom have been impacted in some way by Covid more especially those who have previously relied on the pub charities etc. Regrettably most of this has been for the funding of administration expenses which is one of the few things we cannot support. Over the same period, we have seen District and Lodge project applications reduce, something that we have put down to Lodges and members not being able to meet.

We had anticipated a greater call on the charity for assistance grants during and following the Covid lockdown which thankfully did not eventuate, but we continue to encourage our District Charity Officers and Divisional Grand Almoners to monitor their respective areas and to provide help where a need is identified.

This year saw a major staff change in National Office with Shelley Newson ending her time with Freemasons New Zealand and her role as Charity Administrator. Shelley has over the years provided

Malaghan Institute – Freemasons CAR-T cell Research Programme.

a valuable and stellar service to the Charity and she will be missed. There have also been changes within the Divisional Grand Almoners ranks with VW Bro. Mike Kendrick having completed his term. Mike had done tremendous work as Divisional Almoner and in the raising of the profile of the charity in the Central Division, and this was recognized by the Grand Master with the presentation of a Gold Charity Jewel.

I wish to acknowledge the work of all the staff at National Office for their efforts over what have been very trying and disruptive times and our Grand Almoner, Divisional Grand Almoners, and our District Charity Officers without whom the charity would not be able to continue to do its excellent work in our communities.

And finally, I would like to thank all the members of The Freemasons Charity Management Committee for all their work during this period and for their having the foresight and commitment in helping steer the charity into new and exciting times.

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Lodge/District projects July 2020– June 2021 Conductive Education Taranaki – play equipment for children with Motor-Neuron disease Akaroa Resource Collective Trust – young person in need to attend YMCA camp Alzheimers South Canterbury – vouchers for welfare packs Auckland Youth Orchestra – developing young musicians Bellyful – meals to struggling families with newborns BirthRight Kapiti Trust – funding for 58 families to attend camp Blue Mountain College – two scholarships to Year 13 students Bulls Volunteer Fire Brigade – 6 helmet torches and chainsaw Camp Quality 2021 – Auckland/Northland/Counties Manukau; Waikato/Bay of Plenty; Auckland/Northland/ Counties; Central; Waikato/ Bay of Plenty; Wellington/ Central Cancer Society – welfare packs Cancer Society CanterburyWest Coast – Widows Sons Trans Alpine scooter safari

Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust – water rescue harnesses and vests, fluid warmers, water rescue kits etc Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust - to assist with ability to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Casting for Recovery – February 2021 retreat Claud Switzer Memorial Trust Rest Home and Hospital – Spotify one year for rehabilitation Coastal Taranaki School – 3 concrete water troughs and a water tank

Crohn’s and Colitis – Camp Purple 2021

Malaghan Institute – liquid nitrogen vessel

Rosehill Special School – Riding for the Disabled

Barton Fields Residents – Defibrillator

Marlborough Youth Trust – lighting in student’s homework suite

Roseneath Life Care Rest Home – Bexley Bestmove transfer aid and sling

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust – book shelving; convertible walker and wheelchair “Rollz Motion” unit; Christmas dinner for at-risk locals

Salvation Army – food parcels; Widows Sons Wellington Chapter Tin and Toy Run

Masonic Villages Trust, Foxton – Defibrillator Te Aroha Police Station first responder vehicle – Defibrillator Les Munro Centre & Quota Club – Defibrillators

Downtown Community Ministry (DCM) –grocery items Firefighter Sky Tower Stair Challenge – in support of leukemia and blood cancer

Foxton Beach Medical Shuttle – petrol vouchers Freedom to Learn Charitable Trust – vision checks, Irlen screening and assessments, lenses and frames Freemasons Willson Lewis Scholarship – 2 building industry scholarships Friends of Rangikapiti Reserve – elimination of unwanted plants and pests and prepare site for new trees and shrubs Good Neighbour – petrol vouchers and boxes for repackaging of food Hawkes Bay Branch of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers – Hawkes Bay Young Musician of the Year I Got Your Back Pack – essential items for back packs James Cook School – grocery vouchers for school lunches Kids Heart Day Out – support of 18 children to attend 2021 Variety Show Wairarapa Kiwi Coast Trust – high-tech possum and rat trapping systems Kootuku-Ki-Tai Trust – Mangere Town Centre waka repair and Maori youth training

Merrilands School – concrete bike path Moana House and Village – oxygen concentrator; specialised hoist to assist the elderly; mobility scooter battery replacement Nelson Cadet Unit – BBQ trailer Nelson Coast Guard – two marine VHF radios for new vessel NZ Police Counties Manukau – learning aids to engage with local schools and community Onehunga Primary School – students to attend annual school camp Orautoha School – Term 4 bus costs for families with multiple children Otahuhu College – Reading Box Red kit to support students who struggle with reading Piping and Drumming Academy of Hawkes Bay Pipe Bands – equipment and generators for live streaming Powering Potential

Pukekohe High School – prizegiving award for student towards further learning or apprenticeship Residents Organisation of Welbourn Masonic Village – defibrillator Ronald McDonald House South Island – replace 40x duvet inners and grocery vouchers

Senior Citizens Waimate – painting historic building Shantytown Heritage Park – wheelchair for visitor use Southland Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s – food, fuel and firewood vouchers SPCA – supplies to care for disowned and abused animals Tauranga Special School – two heat pumps Te Awamutu Combined Church and Community Food Bank – food for food parcels Teddy’s for Loving Care – teddy bears to children in hospital

The Cancer Society (Wellington) - purchase of iPad and laptop The Eketahuna Club – wheelchair access The Order of St John – electronic monitoring system; lockers for volunteers University of Auckland – hearing research Vincent’s Art Workshop –materials Waiuku College – prizegiving award for student towards further learning or apprenticeship Wallingford Rest Home – outdoor furniture Wellington Free Ambulance Service – electric stretchers Wesley College - restricted driving licence programme

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Board profiles ROB ANGELO, PRESIDENT

Having served with the New Zealand Defence Force for thirty years, Rob has extensive experience and training in achieving strategic objectives through leadership, team building, governance, and operation with senior management. This has been augmented with terms on Community and Council managed Committees dealing with local issues and developments as well as trustee responsibilities on Charitable Trusts.

JIM WATT, DEPUTY GRAND MASTER Jim brings a broad range of skills gained from 40 plus years of managing his own event management and hospitality business. He also has a sound knowledge of our Ceremonial, Rules and the Book of Constitution.

MIKE CADMAN, GRAND TREASURER

Mike has extensive experience in senior management roles, as a Director, General Manager/Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. Responsibilities and achievements cover Management Accounting, Internal Control and Audit, Systems review and implementation, HR, Inventory Management, Health and Safety along with Strategic Planning and business planning.

JIM MCLAGGAN, BOARD APPOINTEE NORTHERN

Jim has been a Quarantine Officer with MPI for 30 years holding a number of roles in people and programme management, information systems and public relations. He has been a Freemason sine 1994 and has held grand rank in both Craft and Royal Arch masonry. He is also a member of far too many other masonic orders.

WARWICK BELL, BOARD APPOINTEE CENTRAL

Warwick is a Registered Architect and Company Director with extensive Board governance and strategic leadership experience, including with Industry Training, NZQA, NZ Industry Training Federation and Chair NZ Registered Architects Board. Also Chair of Trustees NZ Scout Youth Foundation. A Freemason since 1989, Warwick is a Past District GM plus held other appointments.

GRAHAM WRIGLEY, GRAND MASTER

Graham is now retired but had an extensive 32-year career in the New Zealand Fire Service at senior levels and received his executive management training at the Fire Service College in England. He was the first International President of the Institution of Fire Engineers. After retiring from the Fire Service, he then spent 22 years with New Zealand Red Cross and was responsible nationally for the commercial training and products business unit. He also worked extensively at an international level in Fiji and Vanuatu and has travelled extensively.

NOEL KING, GRAND REGISTRAR

Past Master Mangere Lodge 330 (2004) foundation member Lodge Kauri 474 and Lodge Matariki 476. Fourth generation NZ Freemason, worked within the security and investigations industry, formed and retain these companies and qualified BBS in accounting and LLB as a lawyer. Practice law as a barrister and remain company director of investigations and security companies and member NZ Security Association.

BRUCE PAGAN, BOARD APPOINTEE SOUTHERN

I aim to have and hold values; have the courage to take risks and make mistakes; support the uniqueness of each individual and to build a great team. I want to enjoy my life in partnership with my family. I want to be the best husband, dad, and friend that I can and Freemasonry fits snugly in that mix!.

MARK CASSIDY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mark has been in New Zealand for twenty-five years having come from the UK originally where he was a Lawyer. He has been involved in the Wellington Community Trust, Mary Potter Hospice and Port Nicholson Rotary Club serving in senior positions. In his personal and professional life, he has been interested in self-development, building relationships and helping others which made the perfect fit as the Executive Director of Freemasons New Zealand, a role he has held since December last year.

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Extracts from the Financial Statements CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE For the year ended 30 June 2021

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For the year ended 30 June 2021

Full financial statements and the independent auditor's report can be viewed or downloaded from the Freemasons New Zealand website www.freemasonsnz.org or can be obtained from Freemasons New Zealand National Office in Wellington.

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Extracts from the Financial Statements STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE For the year ended 30 June 2021

www.freemasonsnz.org

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For the year ended 30 June 2021

Full financial statements and the independent auditor's report can be viewed or downloaded from the Freemasons New Zealand website www.freemasonsnz.org or can be obtained from Freemasons New Zealand National Office in Wellington.

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FREEMASONS NEW ZEALAND

PO Box 6439, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand • +64 4 385 6622 secretary@freemasonsnz.org • www.freemasonsnz.org

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Freemasons in action Freemasons in Wellington support Big Buddy and Vincent’s Art Workshop The Annual Whiskey Tasting Night Lodge No 225 was a great success with to Big Buddy and half to Vincent’s Art held at The Wellesley Boutique Hotel $50,000 raised with the assistance of Workshop. (home of the Wellington Freemasons The Freemasons Charity with half going The funds were raised with an auction Centre) and hosted by Empire Fergusson and some fine whiskey

Fond farewell at Te Aroha Lodge John Dobson Roll of Honour emigrated to New Zealand in 1996 from England via South Africa. He has a family tradition of Freemasonry and joined the Park Hill lodge in South Africa in 1993.

He joined a Hamilton lodge on arriving and then settled in the Te Aroha lodge No 52, serving as master twice. John has always been a dedicated and active member of the lodge with a passion for Freemasonry and an abiding focus on establishing links by visiting other lodges. He has now decided to return to England to be with his children and grandchildren.

John is well known in the Waikato and is one of the most prolific visitors to other lodges. Every month John puts in to practice the masonic principle of

Fraternity and is welcomed as a regular visitor in many Lodges.

His wife Sheila was invited to the evening to share in the tribute to John and was presented with flowers by Mrs Melinda dresser, wife of the current master. Some 60 masons and guests attended from many Lodges including Grand Lodge and two District Grand Masters John Evered - Waikato, and Paul Chappel - Counties-Hauraki and a Past Master of Te Aroha No 52 along with Officers of Grand Lodge. In attendance were Divisional Grand Master Mike Hattie and Past Divisional Grand Master Gary Salmon all clear evidence of the esteem in which John Dobson is held in the district.

John made a speech reflecting on his time in Freemasonry and paid tribute

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to the support he had from Sheila through all this time, remarkably he has a collection of every installation he has attended in his years as a Freemason.

In recognition of his work for Freemasonry John was given the signal honour of being added to The Grand Lodge of New Zealand Roll of Honour, being member number 888 and presented with a certificate and jewel.

An additional surprise saw the current Master Marc Dresser invite John to close the Lodge for one last time.

On retiring to the refectory many speeches, much banter, good food and drink all served to create a memorable occasion that will be long remembered by all. Bon voyage John Dobson, the Tyler’s toast never seemed more poignant.

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Serving a local need Lodge Te Puni organises a variety show to fund bladder scanners

Freemasons in action

On Wednesday 5th March members of Lodge Te Puni presented two bladder scanners Gisborne NoValley 233 celebrates its Board. centennial in April 2022 toLodge the CEO of the Hutt District Health This was the result of a fundraising What by doesthe the combined Number 233 Lodges mean to of vice versa.

With the decline of Lodge the new Millennium, as well as the first effort the Hutt Valley.

us? Lodge Gisborne No. 233 on the roll of Grand Lodge, was consecrated on 24th February 1922 in the Abercorn Lodge Room above the old Abercorn Hall, the evening after Lodge Uawa (Tolaga Bay) No 232, was consecrated

by MW Bro Oliver Nicholson of the Auckland Province. Then in 1935 the Waikato District was created and on April 9th of that year we had our first Installation as a member of the new Waikato District, under the control of RW Bro MacDiarmid, Provincial Grand Master. We were like the flightless bird, Willie Weka, miles away from the parent bird and left to survive as best we could.

Like the Weka we suffered a rather big decline in numbers in the 1980’s and 1990’s as there were now five lodges in Gisborne competing for members from a population of about 40,000. Three of couple of Constitution Lodge Lodgesmembers’us, these were NZ immediate family, who work the Lodge Tuahine No. 408, andforLodge DHB, had indicated that staff were fund Abercorn (No 76), along with Lodge raising for equipment thatThe wasTuranganui in short Montrose (722 SC)) and supply for their Patients.

The nurses of Lodge (1480 EC). It was inevitable that Mapu Unitmust and the changes be Community made, and inHealth 198…

Services had started selling cakes and Lodge Tuahine combined with Lodge undertaking other fundraising efforts to Abercorn in 1986. At this time, we were purchase a bladder scanner. still part of the Waikato Province, but The members brought the with the new then restructuring of Units’ Lodges plight the Lodges a number into toDivisions andand Districts in of the Brethren also indicated that they had early 2000’s we became a member of been recently and to the hospitalised Eastland District under thehad Central wait for the only scanner to become Division. As a result, we became more available their alignedfor with ourtreatment. near neighbour Lodge Lodge Te Puni hold that a Waikaremoana Nodecided 158 to thetoextent Variety to raise funds to complete severalShow of their members have become theassociate purchase of at least onelodge bladder members of our and scanner. WBro Ray Keenan approached many talented artists both within the

A

members nationwide, it was inevitable, for the sake of efficiencies, that Districts 17(Eastland) and 18 (Ruahine) would result in their amalgamation into one district extending then from Woodville in the south to Gisborne in the north.

(Woodville no longer has an operating lodge) This added new challenges to those seeking to serve the District as Grand Lodge officers.

In all this numerical history one event stands out in particular, and that was the meeting of all Gisborne city lodges on 1st January 2000 in the Eastern Masonic Centre (46 Ormond Road).

The attendees first met on the afternoon of December 31st before the Lodge was called off and then reconvened just before midnight, thereby creating history by becoming the first Lodge meeting of

Craft and outside, including his very own successful singing son and his Group, ‘The Auzzie Boys.’ A plethora of acts was assembled, from juggling, dancing (ballroom, rock-n-roll, traditional Polish), musical acts and even the piping in of a Haggis with the traditional address. Audience participation was encouraged and, during intermission, food and drink was available for purchase.

Along with some very sought after prizes for raffles, the support for the show was outstanding. The money raised on the night was, with the help of The Freemasons Charity, able to purchase two bladder scanners valued at over $13,000.00 each.

lodge to see the sun of the new day. Now the 4 lodges continue to meet at different times of the year with Lodge Gisborne’s Centennial Installation on April 23rd, 2022, the Saturday after Easter. This function will be attended by RWBro Watt, W. Bro TRGrand McKenzie, Master ofRegistrations Lodge Deputy Master.

Te Puni, with W. Bro Ray Keenan for this event can be made with the presenting Graham Dyer, Hutt Valley Secretary brucejenny@xtra.co.nz. The DHB CEO with one of the two portable after-Installation dinneronwill bladder scanners, looking is be held in Chandler DHB COO. a Pete marquee at Hutt “TheValley Vines. ” on the main BELOW scanner.As Willie Weka road southA bladder of Gisborne. has made his comeback, so our Lodge numbers have continued to climb, with many of our newer members being of an age where the Lodge has a good future.

We have learned in the process that we must adapt to survive.

Bruce Kells, Secretary, Lodge Gisborne No. 233

As always it was a tight knit team, encompassing members of the Lodges from the Hutt Valley, wives and partners, and the nurses from the DHB that made this occasion the success it was. Thanks are due for the support of local businesses, individuals and the performers along with The Freemasons Charity for help in providing such necessary equipment for the health and wellbeing of the wider community.

WBro Mac McKenzie

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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.

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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.

AFTER

Ensure someone is responsible for publicity, arrange for a photographer, plan photographs, involve recipients and find a hook that would interest local media.

DURING

BEFORE

Publicity for your community events – 3 steps

Augmented Reality Masonic Organists?

It’s not that uncommon for a Brother from another country to visit us in lodge here in New Zealand. It’s also not that uncommon, though a treat, to have a guest Organist from another lodge join us in our work. Bringing the two together, having a Guest Organist visiting from another country, would be a very special event indeed, but what happened on November 4 in Whangarei at Lodge Parahaki No.269 was truly remarkable.

Not only did a foreign Brother join us in Lodge for the first degree of our newest E.A., Brother Paul Cohen, but that foreign Brother, an accomplished Organist, was not only from a foreign land, he joined us while still in that land! Not only did he play the organ for our working, he played our organ, the very organ that sits in the Masonic Centre in Whangarei. How this is even possible is a story worth a tale.

The visitor was Brother Murray Speirs, a Past Master of Lodge Buchan

St John, no. 636 on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Scotland and Honorary Grand Organist of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Linlithgowshire. Brother Lawrence Levine, from Lodge Parahaki no. 269, who also happens to serve on the Board of Directors of The MIDI Association and is CEO of both horn, a web conferencing platform, and MIDIable, a distance music platform, crafted the idea that not only could modern technology be put to the service of Freemasonry for the purpose of bringing Freemasons together at a distance, but that, with the right configuration of technology it would be possible for a distant Brother, playing an instrument in his proximity, to pass the instructions from that instrument on to one in a remote location.

Brother Levine, recognizing that Brother Spiers was not only one of the more accomplished and active Masonic Organists publicly offering to assist

lodges in having music tailored to their needs, reached out to see if Brother Speirs might be keen to try something a little bit different. Brother Spiers was indeed keen! The two Brothers, working under cover of both night and day at any given time (how very Masonic!) tested the theory and found that it worked quite well. After seeking the appropriate clearances in both Scotland and New Zealand, they set to work on a musical program for Brother Cohen’s initiation.

Practice ensued with great success as well. On the day, however, a lesson was learned. Daylight savings time pays favours to no man. Scotland had moved back an hour between the final practice and the day of the work. Despite there being an hour missing between from the planned schedule, Brother Murray joined shortly after Grand Lodge entered and played the prescribed odes, in due form. Before closing, Brother Levine brought Brother Speirs (or at least his likeness on a laptop) up to meet W.M. Peter Cains and V.W. Bro McCracken.

There was something very special about employing the Arts and Sciences in this manner, with a Brother on whom the sun was rising, while for us in Lodge in New Zealand it was just setting. It felt truly Masonic on many levels.

Lawrence T. Levine

Grand Master visits Johnsonville Our Grand Master Graham Wrigley attended the Fellowcraft Degree for Eric Dutch FC at New Zealand Pacific Lodge No 2 in Wellington and to invest Adrian Douglas as the new Divisional Grand Almoner - Central, a role he had been acting in for several months.

Again, the Grand Master witnessed a unique ceremony from New Zealand’s oldest Lodge.

Grand Master Graham Wrigley investing Adrian Douglas as Divisional Grand Almoner and Master of New Zealand Pacific No 2 James Sutherland with Eric Dutch one of newest Fellowcrafts.

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THE

FREEMASONS

CHARITY

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY MISSION STATEMENT To promote and coordinate Freemasons Charity in New Zealand

THE FREEMASONS CHARITY VISION STATEMENT The Freemasons Charity is an independent charitable trust which aligns itself fully with the strategic direction of Freemasons New Zealand for the purpose of providing support and improving the lives of New Zealanders.

We will use our charitable resources to: Win the hearts and minds of Freemasons within New Zealand so that they understand, support, and use their Charity.

Provide relief to those in need.

Actively engage with and build relationships within our communities.

Demonstrate our goodwill by the generous delivery of financial support where needed.

Encourage education and personal development which will provide a long-term betterment for the whole of society.

Support and fund medical research, especially that which is focused on the aged and children.

Support our Almoners and Charity Officers in the performing of their duties.

Put into practice the values and principles of Freemasonry and thereby demonstrate to society the value of our organisation.

We will do this by: Prudent management and investment of our available funds.

Supporting our Lodges, Districts and Divisions with their charitable projects and with their involvement in their communities.

Taking a long- term holistic approach to all our charitable projects and funding.

STRATEGY PROCESS FLOW DOCUMENT ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN AND BUDGET

Benevolence and Almoning both Internal and External

National and Local Projects that Enhance Our Communities

Education and Personal Development

Supporting Innovative and Quaility Medical Research

APPROVAL OUTCOME BASED CRITERIA Provides relief of need Improves the lives of individuals Provides benefit to the community Will build our community profile Involves active voluntary participation by Freemasons.

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www.freemasonsnz.org/charity

OUTCOME REPORTING Regulatory reporting Public relations reporting Internal masonic reporting.

A more normal life for Jax Tin and Toy Run

sons Deposit New Zealand

Widow’s Sons (Masonic Motorcycle Riders) Wellington Chapter – Tin and Toy Run Sunday was held on the 28th November 2021 for food bank and less fortunate children at Christmas.

ns Deposit Scheme partner.

s a proud history of providing s with financial solutions to help

and Bank is working with ommunities, while providing moretheir normal deposits. life for Jax thanks to the Freemasons. Lodge ratesAon

Aorangi Timaru No 196 with assistance from the Midland Masonic Charitable Trust and The Freemason Charity representative provided $5400 to fundon this new technology which gives Jax a more normal life despite his diabetes.

ed ons@heartland.co.nz.

2022 Heartland Freemasons Scholarships opened 1 October 2021

Apply at freemasonsnz.smartygrants.com.au/Heartlandbank22 gations of Heartland Bank Limited in relation to uct Fact Sheets and Account and Service General www.freemasonsnz.org/charity MASONS (0508 37 33 62).

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REPORT School Brain Bee Challenge searches for the brightest

As part of the Foundation’s continuing association with the Centre for Brain Research at the University of Auckland we have again assisted the University to conduct the North Island leg of this highly successful international competition for Year 11 high school students.

St Cuthbert’s Team Event winners (centre l to r) Grace Merrilees, Cherry Chen & Grace Wu with University staff, Associate Professor Deborah Young (end l) and Senior Lecturer / quiz master Dr Jessie Jacobsen (end r)

The University uses the competition to encourage students to study neuroscience at higher levels while students are attracted by the possibility of international travel to finals and other local prizes.

The competition which began here in 2007 was cancelled last year due to Covid but in early July this year thirty schools and 150 students managed to dodge lockdowns to visit the University for the Round 1 team’s competition. They enjoyed interacting with each other and staff from the Brain Centre as well seeing displays and listening to a previous Brain Bee winner talk about his experiences and travels. A further valuable ‘Meet the scientists’ session was held for the students to engage with scientists and explore science careers.

The 2021 North Island individual winner was Yifei (Andy) Song from Auckland International College, with a remarkable score of 96%. Second place was awarded to Hridya Shyamsundar (94%)

from Wellington Girls’ College and third place to Avik Mehta (88%) from St Kentigern College.

First place in the team’s competition went to St Cuthbert’s College and a mixed team from St Peter’s College Palmerston North / Saint Kentigern College, Auckland and Samuel Marsden Collegiate School, Wellington for their respective group competitions.

The Round 2 regional State finals across NZ and Australia were moved to an online format enabling the competition to proceed regardless of lockdown restrictions.

Exciting as always, the day was full of student enthusiasm, knowledge and engagement with both schools and students very grateful for the assistance provided by Freemasons Foundation enabling those outside Auckland to attend and be encouraged to continue their scientific journey.

What’s special about it is that we get the opportunity to showcase the exciting, cutting edge research that New Zealand neuroscientists do on a daily basis, but we also provide a snapshot of different career opportunities in biomedical science. Our volunteers and researchers get a real buzz interacting with these young students.

We thank Associate Professor Deborah Young, National Coordinator for her report on the NZ Brain Bee Challenge

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Proud to support the Community ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH | COMMUNIT Y HEALTH | ARTS & CULTURE | HIGHER EDUCATION

In Memoriam

Dan Matheson 1935 - 2021 We pay tribute and record the deepest gratitude of the Board of Trustees of the Freemasons Foundation, to a man who gave almost two decades of his later life to the successful operation and well-being of what was known as the ‘Roskill Masonic Village’ – the icon of Freemasonry in the Auckland region for more than 50 years.

Dan had been a Trustee of the Northern Masonic Association Trust Board for some years when he was appointed Secretary in 1994 after his retirement from a senior role with Westpac Bank.

He remained Secretary through the transition to the Freemasons Foundation, to complete 14 years of service in 2008. On that occasion when receiving an Honorary Life Membership he said “Of all my years in the Craft those serving the Board have been the most enjoyable.”

His 58-year career in Freemasonry began with membership of Empire Fergusson Lodge No 225 in Wellington in1963 and on transfer to Auckland with the bank he joined Combined Forces Lodge No 284 where he was Master in 1976-77. Subsequent lodges were Onehunga Maungawhao No 168 and The Lodge of the Liberal Arts No 500.

We’re helping to fight bowel cancer and save lives.

Dan’s career was equally as distinguished in Grand Lodge, serving as Grand Steward, Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and Assistant Provincial Grand Master. He was honored by the Grand Master to Right Worshipful rank of Past Grand Warden in 2008.

As Secretary in Northern Board days, Dan dealt at every level with the people in and around the Village. From the Board, at one time with as many as 36 members, under three highly respected Chairmen, Jack Christie, Kerry Hoggard and David Mace, to the Lodges of the Northern region of all Constitutions, the staff and the residents themselves. He was well-known for speaking his mind but built a reputation for fairness and care delivered in his typical forthright and positive manner.

RW Bro Reid Polkinghorne, a fellow Honorary Life member recalls, “Dan played an important role as communicator and link between the Village and Auckland District Freemasonry in particular, in his role in the team arranging Services in the Edgar Faber Memorial Chapel. He was a contributor. You could depend on him to do his share – firm and with no nonsense.”

Past Foundation Chairman MW Bro David Mace said, “Speaking from personal experience, many would never forget the thoughtful and caring way that Dan dealt with people straight off the street. He worked hard and tirelessly for Freemasonry in everything he put his mind to. Thank you Dan for all you gave us.”

Dan is survived by his son Grant and his daughter Anne-Marie. The love of his life, his wife Caryl, passed away in September last year.

the BCNZ website ‘chatbot’ to answer questions about treatments and terminology.

With a new grant to Bowel Cancer New Zealand in 2021 the Foundation is helping support New Zealanders recovering from treatment and those living with bowel cancer.

The Foundation’s donation has enabled 50 patients nationwide to have physio and counselling sessions as well as enabling nursing support for more than 500 patients and families during their treatment.

As the second highest cause of cancer death in New Zealand and with bowel cancer being diagnosed in more than 3000 people of all ages every year, Bowel Cancer NZ is working hard to beat this disease through awareness, education, advocacy, research and support.

Bowel Cancer NZ receives no government funding. It relies solely on the generosity of donors to help them spread the word about bowel cancer, increase awareness of prevention and symptoms, promote regular bowel screening and research … and ultimately, save lives.

Our help is part of their new ‘well-being’ service dedicated to reducing the impact of the huge emotional and physical toll involved with this disease. The service offers free counselling and rehabilitative physiotherapy sessions for those impacted by this condition. A registered nurse manages the service providing support and information through the free 0800 helpline or via

Learn more about the charity at - bowelcancernz.org.nz

KIWIS HELPING OTHER KIWIS TO BEAT BOWEL CANCER

The Foundation can be contacted at: PO Box 28242, Remuera, Auckland 1541.

Telephone: (09) 520 6414 Email: info@freemasonsfoundation.org.nz www.freemasonsfoundation.org.nz Or by visiting 373 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland.

Charity Registration No CC27639 39

Our Delta response As you’d expect, all the 17 retirement villages and five aged care facilities operated by the Masonic Village Trust have worked up robust response plans in case we have a Delta outbreak in one of our facilities.

We have involved all site managers in our planning, have considered and discussed a range of possible scenarios and have worked through how to respond in each case.

We are fully compliant with the mandatory vaccination order now

while all the time ensuring anyone in place for all village and care infected receives appropriate care staff, as well as suppliers and and support (including how to contractors, and we have an over manage and look after any pets that 95% vaccination rate for residents person might have), and how to in our care facilities. We maintain a manage all our shared spaces so as regime of screening all visitors into to limit spread as much as possible. the care homes and now expect all visitors to have the Vaccine Pass The unfortunate fact is Covid is a as well. We are well stocked with reality with which we will have to PPE gear and can now access rapid live for some time and it will antigen tests as well as an added spread throughout the country in line of defence. the new year.

Other processes include strict Making sure we are prepared is a guidelines around on-site isolation key focus for The Trust. management if we do get a case,

Talking about Delta…

This story is kindly re-published with the permission of the Retirement Villages Association.

Diana Riley moved in just before lockdown; she says “In the first lockdown, the lack of human contact made me quite tearful, I Over in the Wainuiomata suburb of really missed the grandchildren.

Lower Hutt, twenty-nine foundation I kept safe, but it was at a high residents sat out 2021’s lockdown price. I already had my name down in the new Wainuiomata Masonic for the village, but that experience Village currently under development. confirmed it.”

While new to retirement village living, Fae Christie remembers how they were all long-term Wainuiomata pleased she was when the residents with strong community construction team returned to connections, and some knew each work: “I quite like watching the other well before moving in to the construction going on – it was good new village. at level 3 when the building crew Hazel Collow explains, “Because we’re all from Wainuiomata, we knew each other, even if only by sight, so settling in and getting through lockdown wasn’t hard.”Joke (Johanna) Van Duin remembers, “I did find the first lockdown hard at times. I like my own company but in my old house I did feel isolated. Here, if I want company, I just walk out the door.”

Joke noticed one key difference: “In the village during lockdown it was great being able to get crucial maintenance done, for security and safety.”

Dot Forde agrees: “I’m never stuck for something to do, and the phone keeps you in touch. In the village I felt safe – you could see people waving as they went past.”

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came back, watching the work was a real distraction.”

The village allows small pets, and already there are a number of resident cats and dogs, which added to the sense of community during lockdown.

Ian Swift’s cat Muffin is one of these, and kept him company through lockdown. Ian, another long-term Wainuiomata resident, was part of the group lobbying for the establishment of a local retirement village. He moved in during January 2021 as one of the first residents, and values the sense of community within the village, which mirrors the wider Wainuiomata community spirit.

From left - Joke (Johanna) Van Duin, Hazel Collow, Diana Riley, Fae Christie, Dot (Dorothy) Forde.

Janet Brown is standing.

Currently less mobile following a broken hip, Ian particularly appreciates his neighbour Hazel bringing him his morning paper each day.

Village Manager Esther King worked mainly from home during level 4, but maintained close contact with residents by phone, text and email, as well as a weekly newsletter and checking safely from the boundary.

Because the lockdown took effect only hours after the announcement, she texted residents immediately to reassure them and let them know what would happen.

Esther says the regular check-in phone calls really helped to keep her connected and aware of anything residents needed. At level 3 she was consistently on site, and provided a QR code sign for each villa, which has proved useful for contractors as well as visitors.

NZ’s aging population creates growing demand for retirement living The number of New Zealanders aged over 65 will be 77 per cent greater by 2036 than it was in 2016. Added to this is the growing problem of the wider housing issues New Zealand faces and the fact many people won’t have access to their own affordable accommodation as they age.

And last, but by no means least, is the fact that, while there is a proliferation of retirement and aged care providers, all seeking to capitalise on this growing market, it’s also a fact that not all older New Zealanders will be able to afford those facilities.

These factors all combine to place a greater emphasis on the role of The Masonic Villages Trust and our mission to provide choices for safe communities, age-appropriate housing and supportive aged care.

This includes providing rental accommodation for those older New Zealanders without the nest egg required to buy retirement living options.

Resident of Wanuiomata Masonic Village

As part of this, The Trust is very keen to enhance our long-standing connection with Freemasonry because we share so many of the same values.

The Masonic Villages Trust is probably the most high profile, public-facing aspect of Freemasonry in New Zealand and we believe it’s important for both our organisations to make the most of this connection and the charitable works we both do within our communities.

Growth strategy generates positive results The financial results The Trust produced this year were built on the benefits our growth strategy has generated over previous years. Across all its activities, The Trust achieved income in the year to 30 June 2021 of over $24.52 million, and after costs our operations delivered a record operating surplus of over $3 million.

This year saw the valuation attributed to our investment properties benefit from two factors. Firstly, the conservative position taken after the outbreak of Covid in 2020 was reviewed against an evidently positive property market, and secondly, the realisation of investments made to build our operations.

These combined to deliver a positive [non-cash] lift of over $32.3m, leaving The Trust reporting a surplus for the year of over $36.5m. Our balance sheet has grown to record gross assets of over $252 million, and this has also supported an ability to generate higher levels of cash flows.

The Trust maintains a clear focus on the need to continue to build new capacity and refresh older facilities to cope with the ongoing growth in our demographic of older people.

Woburn Masonic Care under construction

At the same time, the environment within which our charitable companies operate is undergoing constant change. This is especially evident in the area of increasing scrutiny and expansion of regulation.

Despite this ever-changing landscape, the need for our services has never been greater, with extensive “wait lists” for entry into our Villages and a frailer client entering our Care facilities. We are supporting the physical growth of our Villages and Care facilities by investing in technology designed to make the work of our staff easier and to make it quicker and easier to capture data to provide information on which to base decisions.

The Masonic Villages Trust l Head office: Level 6, 15 Daly Street l Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand l Tel +64 4 569 8512 l www.masonicvillages.co.nz warick.dunn@masonicvillages.co.nz

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43

From the First Grand Principal

G

reetings Companions; during his active term, the First Grand Principal is deemed to be a member of every Royal Arch Chapter and Cryptic Council and consequently receives copies of all Notice Papers and Minutes.

It is a privilege which has provided me a window through which to view and appreciate the dedication of Companions as we have devised and navigated a sensible and appropriate course through a Covid-disrupted quarter. A time where lockdown forced the cancellation of all Masonic meetings in the Auckland District, intermittently disadvantaged both Northland and Hauraki, and frustrated many ceremonial plans throughout New Zealand.

But Freemasonry, with its strong focus on the well-being of others, leaves us ideally placed to fully embrace the community compassion, kindness and consideration which are an essential part of our ethos. Yes, this has been a particularly challenging time but we have learned to

adapt and; rather than submit to pandemic fatigue; I am very encouraged and thank you companions for the positivity being exhibited through ring-rounds, zoom sessions, social contact where permitted and 2022 plans with real purpose being made. Grand Chapter shares this confidence and our plans for the Annual Convocation in Auckland 10-12 March 2022 are well advanced. Unfortunately, International Border restrictions will once again prevent the attendance of the Australian jurisdictions, so I do look forward to the same exceptional support you gave to our Installation Convocation in Masterton earlier this year.

By the time you read this, the governmental Traffic Light system will be in force and guiding our freedoms under Covid-19. By contrast, the beauty of Freemasonry is that our Traffic Light will always shine vividly green in relation to our values, so during this coming season of goodwill, please do find time to pause and reflect upon how your friends and

neighbours may be doing and whether a little practical help or friendly word of comfort and companionship may lift their spirit. Your kind thought may well be worth its weight in gold to the recipient.

One man’s love for Freemasonry, and especially the charitable work of the Royal Arch, has resulted in him leaving a substantial bequest to the Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund. I do recommend you read the well-researched article from our Grand Scribe, RE Comp Alan Hart in this issue of Red Pages. It makes compelling reading.

Companions, may you enjoy the holiday season with those you love. Stay safe, take care and always remember it’s what we do next which counts.

ME Comp Ron Lane First Grand Principal Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of NZ

Master Masons completing the Masonic journey

C

lause 71 of our GLNZ Book of Constitution recognizes the three Craft degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason; plus the three Royal Arch degrees of Mark

Master, Excellent Master and Holy Royal Arch as being pure, antient Freemasonry.

While Covid-19 has cancelled or deferred many ceremonial meetings over the past three months, we do congratulate and welcome the following brethren

recently Advanced to the Degree of Mark Master Mason: 09.08.21 D avid Edward Watene, Wanganui Chapter No 23 05.10.21 Richard Morgan, Whangarei No 27

Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Zealand

130th Annual Convocation 10–12 March 2022

The Parnell Hotel and Conference Centre, Auckland Book online at www.trybooking.co.nz/ICD REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 11 FEBRUARY 2022 44

www.royalarch.org.nz

Fair Work and Square Work

M

E Comp Bruce Hebbard, Past First Grand Principal, values his square roots; a love which applies equally to his topiary. Adamant that this is a work in progress; requiring another year of well-directed energy and perseverance to knock off and shape the remaining excrescences; Bruce maintains that “Patience is the greatest working tool required when attempting topiary.” We agree, but suggest ‘Cutting Hedge’ technology may also play an important part.

Such skill deserves encouragement and perhaps Bruce’s next project could be a nice little number in red?

The symbol known to all Royal Arch Companions as the “Triple Tau” would be a worthy challenge.

REComp Rex Woodham-Hearst Grand Superintendent of the District with VWBro Nigel Friggens District Grand Master showing the connection of the Royal Arch and the Craft in the Hawke’s Bay.

The Jubilee Memorial Scholarship

U

nlike the Craft, Royal Arch masonry has tended to focus on Charitable activities on a local basis or as part of a members own Craft charitable commitments. However, a major change occurred in 1942 with a desire to commemorate the Jubilee of 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of NZ. It was hoped to permanently mark the successes of Grand Chapter over the previous 50 years to then – particularly poignant when you recall this was a period of uncertainty with the Second World War raging. The initial intent of the Fund was to support further education for a child who attended or had attended either Kirkpatrick Institute for Girls (in Nelson) or the Papakura Masonic Boys Home (both sadly no longer in existence).

The first grant was “to a boy from the Papakura

Masonic Home of £39 who wished to qualify as a chemist” ($3,550 in current values). The second award of £25 was made “to the daughter of a deceased Royal Arch Mason to assist her training to be a teacher” ($2,275 in current values) As it proved difficult in some years to find sufficient applicants, the scope was altered on several occasions over the past 80 years to extend coverage. The criteria were initially restricted to students with a Royal Arch connection, which was later extended to those with a more general masonic connection and then a complete separation from requiring a masonic connection in 1969 The Fund has helped 1,755 young people since the first awards were made in 1945 with grants in present day values equating to over $2,700,000.

Members will recall reading many items carried in these pages over the years with students reporting back on how the awards www.royalarch.org.nz

have assisted them in their studies (see for example at page 48, Vol 48, issue 4).

This year the following awards have been agreed to and will be made shortly – their respective courses are also shown: Miss C Paterson, BE (Hons) at Canterbury Ms TJ Remkes, BAgSc at Massey Miss MH Leigh, BMus at Auckland Miss SGEMP Seawright, Dip Performing and Screen Arts, at Unitec, Auckland Miss A R Verrall, PPL & Dip Aviation at International Aviation Academy of NZ The current scholarships are not dissimilar in monetary terms to the Craft and that is something that all Companions can be immensely proud of.

As well as regular contributions from Companions several significant bequests have been received over the years and several have been acknowledged by way of special awards which this year have been made to:

Continued overleaf…

45

…continued from page 43 Miss MH Leigh, GC Palliser Award Miss C Paterson, JW Jowers Award Ms TJ Remkes, EW Atkinson Award Miss SGEMP Seawright, Fletcher/Wilson Award Major bequest announced

As this article was being prepared Grand Chapter received advice of a substantial bequest made to the Jubilee Scholarship Fund from a deceased Companion, John Bidwell-Watson. The Grand Scribe E is preparing a fuller paper on Very Excellent Companion Bidwell-Watson for inclusion in the business papers for Convocation 2022 (10-12 March 2022 at the Parnell, Auckland) but the following is an interim summary of his life and masonic involvement.

John at his home on the presentation of his 50-year badge and Honorary Membership of Lodge Waikanae in 2018.

John’s father, John Frederick Bidwell Watson had an interesting but complex life being born in 1890 near Madras but then educated in England and serving as a soldier from the age of 17 until after World War I when he and others were compulsorily retired – in his case as a Captain in 1922 after further service in Ireland. He was transferred to the Regular Army Retired Officers list as an Observer.

Resident thereafter in Norfolk, England he was called up as part of the general mobilisation serving in France and then with the Home Guard and Royal Observer Corp during World War II finally retiring as a Major. It was perhaps the horrors of those two wars which led he and his third wife Ellen, to emigrate to New Zealand in 1947 with John aged 18 and to settle in Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast where they stayed until their deaths in 1967 and 1968.

John senior had been a member and Past Master of Sondes Lodge #996 in East Dereham, Norfolk, England and on the Constitution of Lodge Waikanae #433 in 46

1964 became a foundation member. His occupation was noted from 1947 on as retired as was John’s mother.

John worked initially as a farmhand at a friend’s farm in Featherston and later in Marton then due to poor health, as a gardener in the district around his family house and orchard.

Regrettably it was not until after his father’s death that John himself was initiated in Waikanae Lodge 1968 becoming Master in 1973 and then served as Lodge Secretary for over 20 years. An enthusiastic mason John was then Advanced as a Mark Master in Horowhenua Chapter #63 in 1970, being installed as First Principal in 1979 and again in 1983. He became a foundation member of Jubilee Chapter #108 in 1977

and served as their Scribe Ezra from then until 1993. He was also the Foundation Deputy Master (and later TIM) of Horowhenua Cryptic Council # 63 in 1984 and was equally a member of most of the other Masonic Orders in the area, often serving as Secretary. He was active with the voluntary committees for both the Woburn and Levin Masonic Villages and acted as the interviewer for potential residents.

Described by several who dealt with him especially in his later years as a very private person, John nether-the-less was a gregarious individual, gruff and in many ways a stereotypical lifetime bachelor and single child. His support for www.royalarch.org.nz

others extended not just to the Masonic world but also local charities including the Wellington Free Ambulance and hospital. He loved his dog, Castor, and was regularly seen walking him until health issues forced a restriction on both their activities. In his earlier days he loved riding horses in the area particularly around Reikorangi.

A neighbour who helped him in his last decades talked of how he loved to reminisce of both his life and his fathers’ experiences albeit that these were very often disturbing military ones (see for example the Battle of “the Bees” – or correctly Tanga in November 1914 in German East Africa). John helped her and her family in many ways not least as to financial affairs where his lifelong interest had lain including with his own extensive portfolio of stocks and other investments. In this he had developed an interest after his mother had died as her own bequest from her family farm in England which had initially been held in Trust.

At his own request John was cremated immediately after his death on the 27th May this year and his ashes will be spread later – he did not want a funeral service. His room at the Horowhenua Masonic Village where he had moved in early 2019 was cleared with all items distributed in accordance with his wishes.

His bequest to the Royal Arch Jubilee Memorial Scholarship Fund came in part from his connection with the late ME Comp TGN (Norm) Carter, PGZ who was on the funds committee for 40 years serving as Chairman 1992–2008.

Norm and several other well-known local masons were active in the various Other Orders which John joined and in particular, Guy Palliser who also left a large bequest to this fund.

John Bidwell-Watson was a man and a mason who lived respected and has now died regretted. May his soul rest in peace.

REComp Alan Hart GSE

Welcome to our newest Freemasons August–October 2021

Adriano Anablon The Beta-Waikato Lodge No. 12 Jonathan Hinds The Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge No. 23 Oliver Valdez The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45

Roldan San Pedro Lodge Waihopai No. 189

Philip Castillo Lodge Waihopai No. 189

Andre Luis Cavalcanti Lake Lodge of Ophir No. 85

Ervin Evangelista Lake Lodge of Ophir No. 85

Mark Naval Lodge St John No. 94

Peter Bradley The Avon Shirley Lodge No. 185

Felix Glass United Forces Lodge No. 245 Arron Luddon The Herbert Teagle-Taia Lodge No. 300

Stephen Prins The Herbert Teagle-Taia Lodge No. 300

Neil Gillespie The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98

David Wiltshire The Herbert Teagle-Taia Lodge No. 300

Gavin Spencer The Cromwell Kilwinning Lodge No. 98

Michael Spalding The Lodge of Remembrance No. 318

Damien Meredith Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426

Deon Van Riet Lodge Kaimanawa No. 426

Russell Ewart Lodge Waikanae No. 433

Nicholas Watkinson The Forest Lodge No. 116

Timothy Hodges The Forest Lodge No. 116

Atul Silimkar The Coronation Lodge No. 127

Daniel Kapoor The Coronation Lodge No. 127

Matthew Potts The United Lodge of Otago No. 448

Romel Galvez Te Awahou Lodge No. 133

Richard Michael The United Lodge of Otago No. 448

Reginald Ercilla Hutt Valley Lodge No. 176

Richard Christie United Horowhenua Lodge No. 464

Being open about Freemasonry is encouraging enquiry from men of calibre and nurturing these new members will bring about a lifelong involvement in Freemasonry.

Freemasonry in a paragraph For every man who aspires to be a better person, Freemasonry helps you develop the knowledge and skills to be the best you can be – through a unique mix of ceremony, fresh thinking and good works in an enjoyable and supportive environment, because only Freemasonry uses long-proven principles that empower you to unlock your full potential, for a better future. www.freemasonsnz.org

47

The Last Word!

Freemasons New Zealand Crossword

Solution page 7

ACROSS

DOWN

3 How many rain deer does Father Christmas have for his sleigh?

1 Merry Christmas in Maori? (two words)

6 How many ghosts appear in Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’?

2 German carol ‘Stille Nacht’ in English? (two words)

7 A popular time for a church service at Christmas?

5 The day after Christmas day? (two words)

8 We get an extra hour in the summer – thanks to what? (two words)

9 Days leading up to Christmas?

11 A kissing plant?

4 A saint associated with Christmas?

10 New Zealand Christmas Tree?

16 The wise men brought gold, frankincense and what?

12 Who had a shiney nose?

13 Which department store first featured Father Christmas in New Zealand in 1894? (Initials and Wellington)

18 How many Lords a Leaping?

14 The wise men came from which direction?

15 Who conducted the first Christmas Service in New Zealand? (two words) 17 Which country sends a Christmas tree to London each year?

18 How many days of Christmas?

19 Another name for Father Christmas?

The journey of a lifetime

48

www.freemasonsnz.org

SERVICE AWARDS August–October 2021

60 YEARS

VWBro John Bell Knowles PGDC

The Palmerston Lodge No. 26

WBro Clive William Weir PM

WBro John Gavin Gunn RH, PM

WBro Lloyd Francis Anderson PM

WBro Victor Ross Moore PM

Bro Allen Walter Berry Morgan MM

Lodge Parahaki No. 269

WBro Victor Clive Lewis PM

Lodge Waiheke No. 367

WBro John Leslie Mace PM

WBro Ivan Robert Anderson PM

The Phoenix Lodge No. 43 The MacKenzie Lodge No. 93 Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 Empire Fergusson Lodge No. 225

The Wayfarers Lodge No. 389 Meridian Lodge No. 449

50 YEARS

WBro Earle William Page PM

The Ara Lodge No. 1

WBro Robert Mainland Cresswell PG Std B

WBro Brian Martin PG Std B

WBro Derick Lewis Hamer PGD

VWBro Philip John Adrian PG Lec

WBro Graeme Joseph Whiteman PG Std B

WBro George Cyril Adams PGD

WBro Robert Ashley Reid PM

WBro Harvey George Eggleston PM

Lodge Tawera No. 188

WBro Alexander Stewart Reid PM

Lodge Te Puke No. 261

WBro John Flowers PM

Lodge Te Puni No. 315

WBro Rex Verald Morley PM

RWBro James Dickie McQuitty PGW

The Wairau Lodge No. 42 The Belmont Albion Lodge No. 45 The Hiram Lodge No. 46 The Ponsonby Lodge No. 54 Lodge Whangarei No. 102 Marlborough Lodge of Unanimity No. 106 The Waipa Lodge No. 119

The Baden Powell Lodge No. 381 Meridian Lodge No. 449

www.freemasonsnz.org

49

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