A right regal occasion

Sir Anand about to present the Rotary pin to Ram

It was a pleasure to be invited to attend today's lunch time meeting at the Rotary Club of  Hutt City.  The special guests were our very own Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Susan.  The informality of the event I am sure was welcomed by His Excellency as I am sure he has many occasions where pomp and circumstance are very much part of his many public appointments.

President Carol led a fine meeting which began with the induction of a new Club member, Ram Mediratta - a former resident of New Delhi.  

The Governor General spoke to a very attentive audience as he described the changes he has experienced in his time as the Queen's representative here in New Zealand.  As a Rotarian of the Wellington Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, Sir Anand was able to speak of the rewards of serving the community.  He reminded us of the history of Rotary's beginnings and the importance of friendship to heal divisions at the local, the national and at the international level.

Greeting Lady Susan

Sir Anand spoke of his role as the Governor General - 4 years, 3 months through his 5 year term.  He has been privileged to have been  overseas representing the New Zealand Government, as well as the many occasion he has been involved in the important national events in our own country, including ANZAC and Waitangi celebrations.

The refurbishment of Government House is about to conclude, restoring it to its 1910 grandeur.  With some light humour he explained the early opening which was somewhat tainted by illness following the reception.  This year there was a reception to celebrate the centenary of the opening which included many of the former Governors, of which there have been 20.  The first Governor was Lord Islington.  

Welcoming the Governor General with Jenny and
President Carol

After sharing his thoughts on the positive aspects of New Zealanders he quoted Kevin Roberts who once said this about our great country: "We were the last place to be discovered, and the first to see the light. This makes us one of the great experimental cultures. We try things first. Whether it’s votes for women, the welfare state or the market economy, powered-flight, nuclear physics, anti-nuclearism, biculturalism. First-isms. The New in New Zealand is our reason to exist. As citizens of the last frontier we still want to be pioneers. Believe it. Embrace it."

This was a great meeting of Rotarians and we all left feeling the better having listened to Sir Anand and appreciated his openness and humour.  And the meeting also happened to be only 55 seconds from his home at Vogel House.  It was an honour to have been present - thanks Hutt City.