Celebrating Rotarians & Success

Sir Robert Martin KNZM

Sir Robert Martin has been involved with the self-advocacy movement for people with learning (intellectual) disabilities and has represented their rights and interests at a national and international level for more than 30 years. Sir Robert is currently serving a four year term as an independent expert on the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In 2018 he was the first person with a learning disability to chair a meeting within a UN session, having been the first person with a learning disability to be elected onto a UN Human Rights Treaty Body the year prior. He is a Life Member of People First New Zealand, which he helped found in the 1980s, and has held a number of leadership roles within the organisation. He has been a member of the National Assembly of People with Disabilities, and Chair of the Frozen Funds Committee. He has been the People First representative for the Ministry of Health Consumer Consortium. He is often a keynote speaker at annual Leadership Forums run by People First New Zealand around the country. He was a member of the Whanganui Regional Disability Strategy Reference Group from 2010 to 2011. Sir Robert held roles within Inclusion International and was National Self Advocacy Advisor and Trainer for IHC New Zealand between 1991 and 2010.

Rotary Recognition by RSE BOC

Congratulations to the Rotary Clubs in District 9940 that have supported RYDA in so many ways. It is wonderful to have RSE (Road Safety Education Ltd) BOC recognition for the invaluable contribution to the community from Rotarians who value the wellbeing and safety of our young people on the roads. Each of the participating clubs will be receiving an award from RSE BOC. I am not sure when they are being couriered out but please let me know if you club's award does not arrive by the end of November. Again Congratulations for a superb job.