Meeting Tuesday 20^th October 2026

One Tree Hill College Music Room 7.30am

Our memorable political speaker series, concluded with a joint presentation by Labour list MPs – Camilla Belich contesting Epsom and Priyanca Radhakrishnan Maungakiekie, with co-president David noting the date coincidence of the start of the FTA with India!

Camilla opened by recognising the tremendous good Rotary does in the community, where she has strong family links through her grandfather – and described how she began her career with 13 years as an employment lawyer in NZ and the UK, before deciding she could pursue the same goals through parliamentary service. She noted that while Opposition MPs had no control over the policy agenda, there were still opportunities to make change, as when she collaborated with National MP Greg Fleming in the Modern Slavery legislation, where there was clear alignment across parties and with NGOs.

She has enjoyed democracy-strengthening work as Justice spokesperson, where select committees allow for productive input, not just attack and continues a strong promotion of transparency in decision-making.

Camilla believes in upholding proper parliamentary process, which should not be truncated by excessive use of urgency – and is concerned about maximising voter participation in this year’s close election, with its Cost of Living priority, with an enrolment cut-off date now set at two weeks before the vote.

Priyanca similarly cited a Rotarian grandfather – a cardiologist who did significant work in measles eradication in Madras, then became an active spokesperson in Singapore, publicising inadequate accommodation for Bangladeshi workers. Priyanca noted how experience shapes our principles – as when choosing to come to NZ in her 20s for a change of scene and attracted by our suffrage history, she ended up finding a similar cause with the Shakti organisation, concerned with the exploitation of migrant workers. Promoting social-democratic values and lobbying for access to lives of dignity, led her into politics in 2014, with Pete Hodgson as her mentor. She has particular interests in Disability and Primary Prevention – how to change the landscape?

In discussing Three Waters, Priyanca noted how an initiative for affordable infrastructure through economies of scale had been perceived as promoting a different agenda – and the importance of listening after losing an election. Responding to a question about youth participation, Camilla commended teenage activism and believes 16 is an appropriate age for voting in local body elections. Both speakers noted the intergenerational loss in small towns in regional NZ, arising from lack of effective industrial policy and power price settings.

Concluding with the India Free Trade Agreement, Priyanca reminded us that this was a bipartisan initiative, accelerated post-Trump – and that NZ First rhetoric on the fine print was not true. The wide potential for mutual benefit includes NZ technology from the Apple and Pear board offering real value to India at no cost to NZ.

Our meeting melodiously concluded with exam-rehearsal performances from OTHC music students – pianist Chloe and singer Shimati – links to videos below

James Russell

Some of the REP team at Aorere College last Monday. James Russell, one of our tutors, and an established children’s author, presents a copy of his latest young adult fantasy fiction Marlon Foundling and the Circus of Lost Children to the College Library.   James is well known for his “Dragon Defender” series, and other novels. Marlon is the first of a trilogy: two more books in this series on their way.”