In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand In Gear - Issue 3 | Page 34
Southern New Zealand is
about as far as you can get –
quite literally – from Sweden.
But distance is no barrier
when it comes to the
shared values and ideals of
Rotary’s global family, as our
latest friendship exchange
showcased.
District 9980 was delighted
to host six Swedish couples
from District 2400 earlier
this year – and, guess what?
They’ve extended a special
return invitation for 9980ers
to visit them in southern
Sweden later this year.
Exchange team leader Krister Lindkvist ...
rockin’ and a-rollin’ at Moeraki Boulders.
By Krister Lindkvist
Team leader, Swedish RFE D2400
The Swedish team of 12 left New Zealand on February
26 after two incredible weeks visiting Rotary District
9980.
Six couples from Rotary District 2400, of southern
Sweden, arrived on February 12 from Christchurch for a
two-week tour, including Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill,
Te Anau, Queenstown and Wanaka, where we were
taken care of by Rotary club members. We also made
excursions to Milford Sound and Mt Cook.
New Zealand is as far as possible as you can travel from
Sweden, but, we all agreed, that this was well worth the
long hours flying.
We were impressed by the
way you socialise in good
spirit, making the world a
little better.”
Krister Lindkvist,
Team leader, Swedish RFE D2400
Lance Wensley, of the Rotary Club of Timaru, co-
ordinated the programme in a wonderful way and
everything worked out very well. We were happy about
the fantastic friendship and experience, but were sorry
that we had to leave our new friends so soon.
All the Rotary clubs we visited looked after us
fabulously, offered great meals, with buffets and
barbeques, and showed us interesting and beautiful
places, but, above all, showed great friendship. The
Rotary meetings we took part in were very interesting
and showed commitment to the Rotary ideas. We
were impressed by the way you socialise in good spirit,
making the world a little better. I feel that we got ideas
to take back home and adopt in our Rotary clubs’
activities.
We found that we have a great deal of values in
common between our countries and societies, and it
was easy to find topics of joint interest. When you come
to Sweden and do not know what to speak about, try
weather! I feel this is valid, also, in New Zealand, and we
were lucky also in this aspect. Just before we arrived,
your summer was blooming and kept being great for
the two weeks, until we were back in Christchurch.
The landscape was as beautiful and impressive as the
guidebooks describe. It is difficult to choose among
the highlights we got the opportunity to visit. For
example, the boat ride to Milford Sound on the fiords
was impressive. Mt Cook showed its glamour in bright
sunshine, with great lasting views of its surrounds.
Those of us who went on a Land Rover safari got a
breathtaking view over Lake Wanaka and, as a bonus,
we got to visit a station and see sheep shearing.
Then, on departure day, the rain was pouring over
Christchurch, and it was a bit easier to leave.
We want to send our greatest thanks to all of the clubs
and individuals who contributed to make our visit so
memorable, like hosts offering nice lodging and food, as
well as interesting discussions, drivers, including the use
of private cars, and all who brought food to the different
meals and took part in the activities. You all made our
visit a great memory.
We also want to welcome you for a return visit to our
Rotary District 2400 in the second half of August.
Email: [email protected]
Page 34 | In Gear - Rotary in southern New Zealand - District 9980 | www.rotarydistrict9980.org