A Valedictory address presented at the Rotary Club of Kāpiti, described the background for the presentation of two high honours awarded to Sir Noel Robinson.
Approximately 100 years ago, Sir Noel’s grandparents owned the general store in the area over the railway line in Paraparaumu, and his mother was born here during that time. As a consequence of that association with Kāpiti, he has held strong ties and affection with Kāpiti for a very long time, and this formed part of the driving force that tempted him to purchase Paraparaumu Airport in 2006.
Sir Noel has demonstrated a passionate desire to develop youth activities, foster the arts, and to our ultimate local benefit has promoted Kāpiti both here and overseas. He has gone a long way to accomplishing that through his drive and initiative, and seeded a number of projects that have been most successful. At the top of the list, is his success in bringing Air New Zealand to Kāpiti. The cost and anguish of heading this project has been enormous. The immediate benefits to this community are apparent for all to take advantage of. No doubt the range of services that the world’s finest airline currently offers, will be enhanced. The impact of these services is very beneficial to the public at large, and to businesses in the area. This can only enhance the prosperity of the Kāpiti region, said the valedictory message.
Mr Graeme Waters, President of the Rotary Club, announced to the meeting that it had been decided to make Sir Noel Robinson an Honorary member of the Rotary Club of Kāpiti.
Following this, the Past District Governor of Rotary District 9940, Mr Allan Birrell, also made a presentation with the comments “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding among peoples of the world, and on behalf of Rotary International, you have been named with the high honour, as a Paul Harris Fellow”.
In thanking the Club for his awards, Sir Noel said, ” many visits to the Kāpiti area over a number of years have given me much pleasure, and I have many friends here. It has always been my dream to see Kāpiti prosper, and it is obvious for a variety of reasons that this special area is about to witness substantial growth, for the benefit of all who reside and work here” he said.
Kāpiti Mayor, Jenny Rowan also congratulated Sir Noel on his awards, and thanked him for the huge contribution that he has made to the district.
