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Warkworth Lions are preparing to host the annual convention for the district that covers the upper North Island and Pacific islands, fresh off a successful fundraising campaign for a paediatric intensive care unit at Starship Hospital.
More than 120 members from 57 clubs across the district known as 202K are expected to take part in the events at the Bridgehouse in Warkworth this weekend (October 28 and 29), with a programme including a flag ceremony, a business session, social function and a re-dedication service.
Warkworth local Peter Henderson, who is serving as district governor for 2023-24, says it will be the third time Warkworth has hosted the district convention – this time will be in conjunction with the Kowhai Coast and Wellsford Lions clubs.
The 202K district is one of seven in New Zealand, where 312 clubs form part of the 106-year-old global service organisation, Lions International.
It stretches from Te Kauwhata in Waikato to the top of the North Island, and includes Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa.
“The convention could have been held anywhere in the district, but we decided to hold it here, to let people know that Warkworth is still here, despite the motorway bypassing it.”
Peter, a customs broker by profession, has been Warkworth club president three times. His wife, Carol, is also a past president of the club.
“We’ve always given back to the community – it’s a way to give back and also to meet people,” he says. “Fellowship’s a big part of being a Lion.”
A major recent project was coordinating a national campaign raising funds for a fully-fitted paediatric ICU at Starship, costing $406,700.
Launched in mid-2021, the campaign ranged from street appeals to the auctioning of a donated sports car. Despite covid-related delays, the target was achieved – and exceeded. In August, Peter announced that $431,700 had been handed over to the Starship Foundation.
“It was a highlight that our club could do it, and our community was amazing getting behind it,” he says. “It’s a legacy for the children and the families of New Zealand.”
Peter, who visited Samoa last month to induct 15 new Leos (young Lions), says there’s a push to get more younger people involved.
“One of the perceptions of the Lions is that it’s for old people, but it’s not. In the old days it used to be that you had to go to meetings. It’s changed now – you do what you can when you can, because we know people are busy. Instead of being stuck in the past we now are very future-focused.”
Peter joined Warkworth Lions in 2013 after he and Carol moved up from Auckland.
“We escaped from Auckland, but while we were building, Auckland went past us,” he laughs. “We love it here – it’s a wonderful community, a real community.”
