Speakers

The ROTA Pacific program for District 9920 involves bringing young people to New Zealand who are sponsored by our Island Clubs. They come for two weeks and during the first week they are billeted with  Rotarians and the second week attending RYLA. They come this evening to share their NZ experience.

Local businessman Phil Matheson shares his very personal story of losing his wife to breast cancer and how 'Out of the Dark Mushrooms' has gone from a one man band with family members putting in the added graft, to producing about a tonne of mushrooms per week. The business supplies about 60% of that to top restaurants such a Cocoro, Sid@the French Cafe and Amano as well as  supplying My Food Bag and supermarkets.

 

 

Gemologist Paul Bunker has a wealth of knowledge spanning over 30 years in the diamond and jewellery industry as a wholesaler to the diamond trade in New Zealand. He obtained the Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) after completing the Diamond Course in Residence in 1983 – the first New Zealander to do so. 

Paul will speak to us about rare coloured diamonds; only 1 in every 10,000 mined diamonds will possess some type of natural colour, highlighting their rarity. They generally command higher prices than white diamonds and  are now a popular investment vehicle.

 

 

Tijn will give his presentation about the Netherlands, his family and a little about himself as he embarks on his year in New Zealand. Come along and meet our newest exchange student.