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 District 5950-5960 is currently exchanging with two, and sometimes, three districts in New Zealand-with two students coming from the North Island (Auckland area) and one from the South Island. In 2002-03, two Minnesota students were in the North Island; in late July, 2003, two students from here will begin their trek. We have three students in the district for calendar year 2003-Ollie Bowker at Buffalo, Tasha Smith at Le Sueur and Natalie Cantell at Rochester. Students to New Zealand typically develop a great fondness for the country, its scenery, the people, the Maori culture-and then return with both an accent and a willingness to spread the gospel of why New Zealand is a perfect choice for a prospective Rotary exchange student’s country list.
Country Officer(s)
Patrick Joyce
651-994-0234
patrick.m.joyce@medtronic.com
- From glaciers to geysers, New Zealand’s natural beauty abounds.
- Maori culture-the people who migrated to NZ from Polynesia 900 years ago.
- South Island offers a multitude of adventures-including skiing, the fjord country of the southwest coast, kayaking, white-water rafting, trekking (some of the world’s best!).
- This is the land where Lord of the Rings was filmed and where the American Cup competition was staged.
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- In the North Island: Rotoura, the Yellowstone of New Zealand; Waitomo Caves, home of the glowworms and adventure spelunkers; Wellington, a veritable San Francisco in the South Pacific.
- In the South Island: Queenstown, for its awesome scenery and adventure sports; the Milford Sound, a majestic deep-water fjord; Nelson, for winelands, arts and crafts; and the seaside Abel Tasman National park. But I’ve known travelers to New Zealand who haven’t visited any of these and still had a perfectly fine time.
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| To all prospective Rotary students: As both a Rotarian and District 5950-5960 country officer, I can talk at length about why a year in New Zealand can be so enriching. I can also connect you with other students who have gone there and can share the experience Rotary y.e. offers young people. - Don Smith |
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