On Monday 24th February we welcomed a Rotary Friendship Exchange Team from District 1913 Croatia at Christchurch Airport to begin an eight day exchange in our district.

The team comprised seven Rotarians and five partners. Following their arrival they went to Ashburton for lunch at “Conniston” a home built in 1918 now owned by Rotarian Don and Carol Wilkinson were they met their hosts and had lunch and then viewed the lovely 6 acres of woodland and formal gardens. During their two night stay in Ashburton they attended a combined meeting of the Ashburton & Ashburton Plains Rotary Club and gave a presentation of their District. They also visited a 4500 hectare hill country sheep and beef property at Mt Somers, visited a working honey factory and then to another farm where they saw working sheep dogs, shearing and enjoyed a typical Kiwi BBQ.

Day 2. They travelled to Rolleston and boarded the Tranz Alpine to Greymouth. On arrival they went to Shantytown for lunch, and then followed a short tour of Greymouth. In the evening they attended the Greymouth Rotary Club where they met their hosts and gave their presentation.

Day3. Saw them heading to Hokitika for a walking tour of the town and then to the Hokitika Gorge and the Tee Top Walk for lunch. Then back to Greymouth for a mayoral reception, followed by a visit to Monetises Brewery for refreshments and dinner.

Day 4. They travelled to Punakaiki for a walk around the Pancake Rocks then to Charleston and the Nile River train trip into the bush. Then off to the Seal Colony at Cape Foulwind and into Westport for lunch. After lunch onto Reefton for Devonshire teas and then over the Lewis Pass to Hanmer where were met by Christchurch & Ashburton Rotarians who have holiday home in Hanmer who kindly hosted them. An evening BBQ was enjoyed by all.

Day 5. A highlight of their trip. A Jetboat ride on the Waiau River was followed by a wine tasting and a platter lunch at Torlesse Wines at Waipara, then into Christchurch to meet their Christchurch hosts.

Day 6. This was a casual day spent with their hosts. A number visited the Riccarton Market, the Transitional Cathedral, and Riverside Markets, a drive through the Red Zone, the Antarctica Centre, Museum, and other attractions.

Day 7. A visit to Te Waka Unua School Woolston where they were welcomed with a Powhiri followed by speeches and entertained by the children with a Kapa Haka singing followed and morning tea. In the afternoon they had a two & half hour walking tour of Christchurch. In the evening the attended the Rotary Club of Lincoln and were the guest speakers. They gave an interesting power point presentation of Croatia.

Day 8. March 3rd. They departed for Auckland for two days before returning to Croatia,

Did you know the following were invented (created) in Croatia?

1. The Necktie (Cravat)

2. Parachute (Faust Vrancic)

3. Intelligiant (Water Canon) John Miskovic

4. Torpedo (Ivan Lupus)

5. Electric Light Bulb

6. Mechanical Pencil (Slavolijab)

7. Dactyloscopy (Fingerprint Identification)Ivan Vucetic

It was a pleasure to be able to show them some of the wonderful attractions in our district as we travelled by mini coach.