New Zealand
May 12, 2026

Leading ROMAC supporters awarded lifetime recognition

Two leading New Zealand ROMAC supporters have received lifetime recognition awards.

Honours were bestowed on New Zealand Treasurer Geoff Pownall, a Rotarian since 1996 and 16-year supporter of ROMAC; and former New Zealand Region Chair, New Zealand Medical Advisor and Australasian Medical Director Dr Eric Horne.

Geoff Pownall and past ROMAC Chair Glenys Parton
Dr Eric Horne and Glenys Parton

Sharon and Wayne Brewer were also awarded certificates of appreciation as they recently stepped down from their roles on the New Zealand Committee.

Sharon and Wayne Brewer with Acting ROMAC Chair Peter Garnett.

ROMAC recognition awards are made annually by the Board for the previous Rotary year. The Board confirmed recipients for the 2024-25 awards in November last year.

Members of the New Zealand ROMAC alumni and guests gathered recently to mark the occasion and renew friendships.

Addressing the gathering, immediate past ROMAC Chair Glenys Parton quoted Mahatma Gandhi:

‘The supreme test of our worth and value as human beings is how we treat the most disadvantaged and vulnerable of our neighbours — those who are underprivileged or disfigured. How we treat them may be the best deed we ever perform.’

“Sharon, Wayne, Eric and Geoff exemplify this truth — as do all of you here today who have supported, and continue to support, ROMAC.”

Pictured at top, award recipients and function attendees (left to right) Geoff Pownall, former ROMAC Chair Geoff Dainty, Dr Eric Horne, Bill Horne, and Moira McGiven.

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