'Lions in the sanctuary' goes to Honolulu

"So good can't express in words"; "Fantastic"; "Wonderful exhibit"; "Very nice people"; "Cool! "; "Great project - love the display"; "Can't wait to see your country"; "Friendly bunch"; "Love the Kiwis"; "Very, very exciting"; "Beautiful country, Great display, Hope to visit some day!"

Erecting the Display

These were typical of the comments from the hundreds of entries in the Visitor's Book at the New Zealand Lions Display, International Display of Projects, 83rd Lions Clubs International Convention 2000, Honolulu. The display was a hit at the huge Exhibition Centre, a focal point for the more than twenty thousand Lions and partners attending the Convention.

Visitors would spot from afar the New Zealand flag raised high above the stall, and a cluster of people in the aisle. There they would discover a kaleidoscope of images of New Zealand and its unique flora and fauna, mounted on attractive display units; a 4-minute continuously repeating video telling the story with superb illustrations; a bush scene with cleverly crafted bird cut-outs sitting in the branches; tape recorded native bird calls in the background, including the penetrating and haunting call of the kiwi; an interactive computer display featuring the Karori Lions, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and Department of Conservation websites; "soft toys'' of kiwi, takahe etc; a display of NZ Club banners; a Project Book describing the project and various other attractions.

The display's theme was Lions involvement in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique conservation project to restore a beautiful valley to its native state, free of introduced pests and intrusive plant species, where kiwi will roam free within primary forest. The Lions Club of Karori, whose core team of 8 members was swelled to 13 by partners and some Lions from nearby Clubs, presented the display on behalf of Multiple District 202. For these 13 there was a lot of hard work, camaraderie, indelible memories and ultimately a great sense of achievement - a huge highlight against the backdrop of the overall tremendous Convention experience.

Wearing distinctive red Karori Lions T-shirts and jerkins with an attractive New Zealand motif, the Team was often found together at or away from the display. Preparation in New Zealand started months beforehand, but was intensive in the couple of weeks before departure. Kiwi ingenuity enabled an extensive aluminium framework to be able to be broken down into quickly assembled units which travelled with the team in a ski bag (to the puzzlement of the customs office - "you're going skiing in Hawaii?").

The video, titled "Lions in the Sanctuary", produced by Lynne and Gerald Griggs, attracted high praise from all, including visitors from Honolulu's Channel 9 TV. The video's narrative was reflected on the four main display panels, each telling a part of the story:

A View of the Display

Beautiful New Zealand, separated from the main landmasses for 60 million years, developed a unique flora and fauna, much of which is now extinct or threatened. The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, a mere stone's throw from the centre of our capital city, offers a unique opportunity to restore long vanished habitat and protect threatened species. A look at some of the threatened species, including our national icon, the kiwi, which will find refuge and freedom to breed in the Sanctuary. A review of Lions' involvement in the Sanctuary; initially through Karori Lions, but now involving Lions more widely, including a visit by Past International President Jim Ervin.

Erected over one and a half days on the weekend before Convention, the display took one and a half hours for the team to break down and pack away after Convention closed at midday, Friday 23 june. Thereafter followed the "pau hana", the trek back to the Outrigger East Hotel in Waikiki, another party, and for most of the team, straight onto the airport and back to Godzone. "Pau hana" means "break-up party". Project leader Trevor Anders says "We had wanted to put on some sort of hospitality function, but because of formidable obstacles and unknowns regarding costs, venue, liquor, timing etc we decided to leave the decision until we arrived at Convention. It soon became apparent that the ideal time was after break-up, and the ideal venue was found in a delightful open courtyard on the third level of the enormous convention centre. Costs were prohibitive, until we persuaded the manager to "adjust" the rules, and we were allowed to bring our own liquor. We had had the foresight to ask NZ delegates to each bring a bottle of wine from New Zealand with them, and that would be their entry ticket. In this way we were able to invite all New Zealanders and their guests to the pau hana and stay within a modest budget - and what a great party we all had!" Council Chairman David Dawick and eight of the new DCs were present. CC David afterwards congratulated the team on "an absolutely superb effort" and expressed the hope that this initiative might be a catalyst for a wider New Zealand Lions exposure at future Conventions.

Signing the Visitors Book

Continue to a transcript of 'Lions in the Sanctuary'

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