Profiling Assistant District Governors

 
Rick Hughes:  Wellington 2
Stephen Fitzjohn:  Hutt
 
 Rick is a born and bred Wellingtonian, raised and schooled here, spending most of his working life in this great city.  Rick joined Rotary around 10 years ago and is a member of the Port Nicholson club in Wellington where he was initially Service Director and later President in 2012/13 and is still actively involved with many club activities.
A recently retired banker Rick now keeps busy regularly playing some average golf, tramping and walking and generally other outdoor activities. Rick and  his wife Bridget live near the city with a great view over the harbour and enjoy socialising with friends and family as well as lots  of travel including spending much time with their son and daughter and their families in Christchurch and Waiheke Island. 
In addition to club activities, including looking after Port Nicholson's renowned waterfront pianos, Rick who is a second term AG is involved with fund raising of capital equipment for Wellington Free Ambulance via the  Rotary Clubs of Greater Wellington Free Ambulance Charitable Trust
 
 
 
 
 Stephen first made contact with the Rotary Club of Petone, following an article in the local newsletter and indicated an interest in giving back to the local community. This interest was not followed up on and it took another couple of years before Roy Hewson, from the club, called into his office and asked if he would like to find out more about Rotary. This was back in 1999 and membership was bestowed on Stephen. (All very formal in those days).
 
A young family held Stephen back from being President until 2004 and, due to there being a need for continuity through a period of change for the club, he served two consecutive years, although he was to be a board member soon after joining and has continued to do so for each of the subsequent years.
 
Stephen is passionate about the local community and has been involved with steering many projects for both the deprived and those more fortunate. One of the most memorable projects involved the installation of a playground in a deprived part of Petone and at the opening ceremony he was sitting on some steps and talking to a young child, whilst both tucked into an ice cream. Stephen asked the young child what he thought of the playground and was met with "ït's much better than just sitting and watching tv!". Maybe that has changed the life of one person.
 
Stephen is also involved as chair of the board of trustees of the charitable trust that runs Britannia House, a rest home for local residents, which has been long supported by efforts from the Rotary Club of Petone who were part of the founding group that set it up some 30 plus years ago. This comes after being an adviser the the board for many years, particularly on financial matters, which continue to be a challenge for a small homely rest home.