About Us (the GSE group)

The group from Rotary District 9940 http://www.rotary9940.org.nz/index.php will consist of one group leader (Rotarian) and four group members (non-Rotarians):

Stephan Symonds
“Originally from England, I moved to New Zealand in 1995. I am 37 and live in Wanganui with my partner, Mary, and her 2 children, Nikita and Jacob. I have 2 children of my own, Hannah and Evelyn. I have been a police officer for 10 years and currently work in Marton. I am looking forward to observing policing in a different country and immersing myself in the French culture.”

Chris Kendall
“I am 29 and live in Wellington with my girlfriend. I have been a Sustainable Design Consultant in an architectural firm for the past 6 years. I enjoy the outdoors, in particular cycling and mountain biking. I look forward to experiencing the people, culture and sights of Brittany as part of this exchange.”

Mary Blackman
“Born and bred in Aotearoa (New Zealand), I am 34 and have been married for 12 years to Te Hau with whom I have an 11 year old boy named Atawhai! I have owned and operated Soul Food Café for 4 years. One of the 799 things on my to-do list before I die is dance like no one’s looking, sing like no one’s listening and laugh like there is no tomorrow around the Eiffel Tower!”

Ben Dunsheath
“I am a 28-year-old Business Development Manager in the geospatial industry living in Wellington. I enjoy a range water sports in particular sailing and swimming. I am looking forward to experiencing the French culture in Brittany.

Don Cameron—Group Leader
“My home town is Ohakune, a ski town in the Central North Island. It is famous for Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano, and for growing the best carrots in the world! I am 60 years old, married to Phyl, also a Rotarian. We have 2 married daughters and 3 young grandsons. My interests include theatre and music, road cycling and of course, skiing our wonderful volcano.”