District 202J
Central South Island East Coast
Lions District 202J welcomes you to our district webpage
District 202J covers much of the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island from Rakaia to Milton, and inland from Middlemarch up through Otematata and Tekapo to Geraldine. The district covers the flat plains of Mid-Canterbury and South Canterbury, the rolling hills of North Otago, and tussock and native bush covered hills behind Dunedin and beyond. Rivers like the Taieri, Waitaki, Rangitata and the Rakaia, and our many lakes make our district great for freshwater anglers. Saltwater fishing is also rewarding with many varieties caught including blue cod and groper.
Ashburton is a busy farming supply town surrounded by lush plains that support many different types of farming. Extensive irrigation schemes allow full utilisation of the land. Sheep, cattle, and deer are farmed in conjunction with numerous varieties of crops, both vegetable, seeds and grain.
Timaru is built around a thriving port that services the South Canterbury farmlands. With the rerouting of S.H. 1, Timaru is again a quiet peaceful town.
Oamaru is famous for its Victorian look and feel. Walking down Harbour Street is like stepping back into the 19th century. Be careful not to get run over by a penny-farthing cycle!
Dunedin is the main city in our district. The “Edinburgh of the South” lives up to its name with a statue of Robbie Burns in the Octagon at its centre. Dunedin is a university city with over 18000 students. Even though Dunedin has a population of approximately 125,000, it is New Zealand’s largest city by area, stretching from Middlemarch on the Strath Taieri plain in the west to Waikouaiti on the east coast and Mosgiel south-west of Dunedin, and including Otago Peninsula. Other attractions in Dunedin are the historic Edwardian-era railway station, the albatross colony on the northern tip of the peninsula at Taiaroa Head, Larnach Castle, Olverston, the University of Otago buildings, Speight’s Brewery, and the new roofed Forsyth Barr Stadium.
District Governor - Derek Wardell
THEME: "Proud Lions Proudly Shouting We Serve."
When I joined Lions it was to be that person sitting in the cold selling raffles, door knocking with a collection bucket. A foot soldier. I saw taking a role within my club simply as, keeping the place together. Leadership as a concept was not on the horizon; that meant “hierarchy”.
Have things changed? Not really! Except; “hierarchy” is out and leadership is in. The methods may have changed but the roles and their purpose have not. Before a new Lion hears the words “you are now a member of…” is a leader. No! I believe by choosing to be a Lion makes them a leader.
The new role for this foot soldier is to give these Lions the opportunities to grow.
I believe leadership involves teams. Teams of Lions that inspire. Teams that encourage growth, a sense of belonging and wanting to belong. I see my district numbers growing, I see clubs telling their stories, I believe clubs will target retaining their members, I know communities will continue supporting our efforts and reaping the benefits. I also know my clubs will increase their communications with younger demographics and more varied cultures.
I see my clubs increasing their involvement in community activities, not exclusively fund raising. I believe my teams will, as teams, and individuals, grow and develop because of their commitment and pride of being a Lion.
I joined Lions as a charter member of Lower Waitaki in the mid 70’s, transferred to Dunedin North 1979, took a break about 1995 and rejoined Dunedin North 2000, transferred to Cromwell 2005 then Oamaru 2021.
I have the support of my wife Christine our blended family of 4 boys, 11 grandies and 2 great grandies.
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