e-Bulletin - 30 Jun 2021 (42) (Jun 30, 2021)

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LAST MEETING: Talitha & Martin Lowis

Sometimes we take for granted the benefits we enjoy, and this evening we were reminded how fortunate we are in New Zealand.

Martin and Talitha Lowis spoke to us about their life journey from South Africa to Kapiti. Although they enjoyed a good life in material things in South Africa, they were becoming worried about the really important things. The country is rich in natural resources and life had looked promising with the end of Apartheid and the Presidency of Nelson Mandela. Unfortunately, the wheels began to come off. There was corruption in government (ex-President Zuma has just been sentenced to 18 months in prison for corruption) and increasing violence in society. Although they had a good living as Martin had a number of pharmacies, were relatively safe in a gated community and had an expensive security system, the streets were not safe. When the toddler of some close friends was brazenly kidnapped in a shopping centre, they decided enough was enough. They looked at other English-speaking countries and decided on N.Z.

Coming about 7 seven years ago they first lived in Central Otago. Initially they found it hard to get to know people but once the locals had sussed them out and found them satisfactory (after 12 months!), they were fully accepted and found the locals both friendly and excellent neighbours. In 2018 they moved to Kapiti. Martin had trouble getting his professional qualifications accepted by NZ officialdom, but is working on that. They met up with Jan and Doug and became firm friends. (Actually, they were euphoric about how helpful and welcoming Jan and Doug had been). Now they enjoy their Kapiti home, love their community and new country, and are grateful for their move.

Mike Fackney - Paul Harris Fellow

As is often traditional, one or more Members are recognised for their Club & Rotary service and at the President's Changeover evening and this year it was Mike Fackney. He became our Club's newest Paul Harris Fellow.

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