Memorable Marton

The team has spent the last two days in Martin, and we've done so much, I can't believe we only arrived yesterday!  On Monday, we spent a lot of time travelling between Taupo, Marton, and Palmerston North.  We went to a lunchtime Rotary meeting in Palmerston North and gave a presentation, and then we went to a dinner meeting in Marton and gave another presentation.  The presentations seem to be going well, and both groups had very interesting questions to ask us.

Today, Nathalie and Laura got up very early for a 7 a.m. vocational breakfast, and then we all met up to go to the armed forces base.  We were toured around by a pilot trainee, Ed, and got to sit in several helicopters, both new and old.  The new ones are currently going through trial and development and are worth about $90 million each.  We were also lucky enough to get a tour by Brendan Deere of his private hanger on the base where he keeps his WWII spitfire and another plane from that era called the Avenger.  The Avenger was the first plane to be flown after the bombing of Pearl Harbour, which is where the name comes from.  Brendan used to be a teacher, and then started his own business.  He now buys,  restores, and maintains these old air crafts as a "hobby".

The Spitfire

Captain Nathalie

Checking out the helicopters

After the base, the whole gang went back to my host family's house for lunch (thanks, Bob and Judy).

A warm welcome at lunch

Next we head out to the Hunterville Waste Water Treatment ponds.  The constructed wetland oxidation ponds are the innovative way Hunterville (pop. 500) is treating their waste water. The soils in the ponds and the roots of the plants are actually able to remove most of the nutrients and heavy metals in the water.  A UV filter finishes the process before the water is released into the nearby creek, cleaner then the water in the creek! 

Oxidation Ponds

Sewage water after flowing through the ponds

Next, it was over to Nathalie's host family's house to learn how David and Maureen are raising sheep for genetics, helping with research related to livestock diseases and parasites, and earning carbon credits for the trees on their land.  We were also treated with a tour of their amazingly scenic farm with gorgeous views.

Then about 30 Rotarians descended on the house for another amazing pot luck   The Marton group has been amazingly warm and welcoming, and we are sad to go after only two short days.  But, it's up again soon for an early 7 a.m. start tomorrow as we are off to our next location.  The adventure
continues...

Fun Pot luck Dinner at the Smith's