Is it that long? Andrew Seeley, has come back into the Pakuranga Rotary fold after a seven year absence in Australia. The break was clearly beneficial for the whole family from both business and academic achievement perspectives but the thrust of Andrew’s address focussed on two aspects of the time away.The first narrative related the story of the by-sea delivery of a new launch, purchased in Sydney but needing to be in Melbourne. Andrew and Denise undertook the adventure over a period of five days, facing the vagaries of weather, the need for updated navigational and safety devices and having sufficient fuel to reach the objective. They made it but not without some anxious moments.
The second related to their homecoming. After a serious encounter with prostate cancer and the chemo and radiotherapy treatments needed to tame it, coupled with the lure of grandchildren and property in New Zealand, the decision was made to return to New Zealand. Missing the short-lived bubble allowing trouble-free entry, they managed to be two of over 30 thousand people tendering for a place in MIQ with only about 4000 getting the nod. All packed up, accommodation surrendered, boat and cars despatched, and written documentation in hand they were turned back at the airport! No warning! A quick reversal of actions gave them breathing space for a while but it became clear that NZ citizen ship would smooth the way – back into the lottery! A stint as a handyman and especially paddock mower on Andrew’s sister’s farm in northern NSW filled the time as rules changed. With a flight approved from Brisbane, Queensland closed the border! More waiting. Then massive flooding in the area, the worst of which they managed to escape by about one day before finally being allowed through the state boundary and gratefully being admitted on to the flight to NZ. Whew!
Listeners to this story could not help but be amazed at the resilience and perseverance of the couple who now have the right to remain as permanent residents – dual citizenship is clearly the key! Andrew’s address was certainly an eye-opener, giving a personal perspective to things we read about in the papers at the time. Thanks to Andrew on behalf of the club was given by Graham Kearns.