International focus at South Wairarapa Rotary meetings

Ambassador Brown recently visited South Wairarapa Rotary as our guest speaker.  He gave a very lively and engaging speech, introducing himself in Maori.  Mr Brown said that when he was offered an ambassadorial post he chose New Zealand because of the All Blacks, the movie Lord of the Rings and the independent attitude of New Zealanders. He commented that number plates in his home State of New Hampshire carry the motto “Live free or die” – a similar sentiment, he felt, could be found here.

The Ambassador said that he sees his job as enhancing the relationship between New Zealand and the U.S. as well as helping U.S. citizens in difficulties, dealing with business issues and fostering exchange programs.

Mr Brown spoke about the things that New Zealand and the U.S. have in common such as the five eyes alliance, space related activities such as the SOFIA flying observatory and New Zealand interns at NASA, student exchange programs and mutual trade opportunities.

Finally he spoke about some of the achievements of the current U.S. administration and said that, love him or hate him, Donald Trump has done the things he said he would do. He then took questions from the floor which covered subjects like environment, human rights, and the power of the U.S. military lobby.

The Ambassador was then asked to present grants to some of this month’s recipients. 

South Wairarapa Rotary’s ongoing financial support throughout the district.

 The past two months have seen the award of over $20,000 to various Wairarapa projects including: Arbor House for their van, Wairarapa Youth Charitable Trust to set up critical equipment, Hope Walk Wairarapa, Lions International, Martinborough Waihinga Center playground, plants for the Kahutara School’s Mangatete Wetland project, Jazz in Martinborough, Greytown Heritage Trust, and various educational bursaries and grants.

To enquire about funding, joining Rotary or helping in local Rotary projects – please email info@swrotary.org.nz or visit our website swrotary.org.nz