Class of '97 District Governor's School (Philadelphia)

Getting Connected with Lions from New Zealand - 1999

During my visit to Christchurch, I met with IPDG Diane Barrett, a member of the Garden City Lions Club. We did not require an introduction, as we had previously attended the District Governor class in Philadelphia in 1997. We reconnected and began discussing our experiences in governorship. I suggested that we could arrange to meet again, possibly the following year in Hawaii.

The next morning, Lucy and I set off for Fox Glacier. I noticed that the rural roads were mostly devoid of traffic. We had journeyed overland to the West Coast, traversing the Canterbury Plains. Surrounding us were majestic, snow-capped mountains. The landscape was truly awe-inspiring. This province was wonderfully diverse, featuring a range of landforms including plains, forested foothills, prominent mountains, lakes, deep river gorges, and unique, wide braided rivers.

I was unable to locate Terrence Fuller, who was a teacher and the President of the South Westland Lions Club. In dire need of a drink, I entered a motor inn. Upon inquiring about him, the staff exchanged glances, indicating they recognized the name. Fortunately, the young woman serving food at the Hari Hari Motor Inn helped me contact Terrence. "Please wait, he's coming to see you," she said. She was so friendly, and soon we chatted. Not long after, Terrence appeared. We had a conversation and exchanged bannerettes. I  realized that the residents of Hari Hari were so amiable.

The following morning, Lucy and I left for Fox Glacier. I found the country roads with few cars. We had traveled overland to the West Coast across the Canterbury Plains. All around us we saw snow-capped mountains. The scenery was breathtaking. It was a wonderfully varied province incorporating every landform from plains, forested foothills, significant mountains, lakes, and deep river gorges to unusual, wide braided rivers.

I enjoyed the scenic beauty of autumn in New Zealand's South Island, as well as the hospitality of the Lion members. Lucy and I loved driving a Toyota Camry around the South Island, exploring many little townships. The next Lion I visited was President Keith Box. We had tea, and he shared with me the activities of his Lions club. Their projects were mostly hands-on type, and their members were active.  After ten days of traveling throughout the southern island, we returned to Christchurch and took a flight to Wellington in Northern New Zealand. We rented another Toyota Camry and drove northward to Auckland. It was an enjoyable trip, which allowed me to connect with several Lion members along the way. 

Lions Club of Dunedin Host

When I arrived in Porirua, I called on PDG William (Bill) Mckeich, a member of the Plimmerton Lions Club. It was a joyful reunion, and despite the short time we had together, our conversation was warm, meaningful, and memorable.  We shared our experiences as Lions, exchanging ideas about the many ways our clubs served humanity and reached out to those who were less fortunate. Although we came from different countries, we discovered that our commitment to service, compassion, and fellowship spoke the same language.

Whilst driving to visit IPDG Vic Pitman, I arrived in the town of Rotorua. Almost immediately, I noticed the distinctive scent of sulphur drifting through the air from its famous geothermal hot spots. I had not been told what to expect, so I was fascinated to see jets of steaming water erupting from the ground and pools of boiling mud bubbling away. It soon became clear that Rotorua lay in a remarkable volcanic region beside a beautiful lake, where nature displays its power most extraordinarily.

I was to meet Vic Pitman at the Hyatt Hotel, but somehow I ended up at the Lake Plaza Hotel instead. After a quick phone call and a little laughter over my mistake, we finally met. It was a wonderful reunion, and although our time together was brief, it was warm, meaningful, and filled with memories of our days in Lionism. We reflected on old times, shared our experiences in serving those less fortunate, and renewed a friendship that distance had never diminished.

Looking back, I treasured those meetings with the New Zealand Lions. It reminded me that the spirit of Lionism knows no borders and that true friendship is built through a shared commitment to serving humanity, one act of kindness at a time.

My journey then took me to Queenstown, one of the most beautiful towns in New Zealand. Nestled beside a crystal-clear lake and surrounded by majestic mountains, it is renowned for its alpine ski resorts and breathtaking scenery. One of the highlights was a ride on the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak. From the summit, I enjoyed a magnificent panoramic view of Queenstown, its sparkling bay, and the snow-capped mountains beyond. It was a sight that will remain in my memory forever.

As I continued my travels, I realised that visiting New Zealand was like seeing many parts of the world in one country. Everywhere I went, there were lush forests, rolling hills, towering mountains, snow-covered peaks, pristine lakes, and landscapes that seemed to change with every season. It is truly a land of extraordinary natural beauty, and I feel privileged to have experienced it.

The Lions I visited in New Zealand:

President Keith Box
Lions Club of Christchurch Avon
33, Belfast Road, Belfast, New Zealand

IPDG Diane Barrett
Lions Club of Christchurch Gardencity
13, Kaplan Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand

President Julia Margaret Carson
46, Greendale Ave, Avonhead, New Zealand

IPDG Vic Pitman
29, Hillcrest Avenue
Rotorua, New Zealand

IPDG William Wrnest McKeich
Lions Club of Plimmerton
5, Pope Street, Plimmerton
Porirua, New Zealand

President Lynda Read
Lions Club of Queenstown Wakatipu
P.O.Box 1022
Queenstown, New Zealand

President Gerald Birley
Lions Club of Wanaka & Districts
3, Parry Crescent
Lake Hawea, New Zealand

President Terrence Fuller
Lions Club of South Westland
Wangangi Flat Road
Hari Hari, New Zealand