Waiouru Lion retires from Army work

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 384, 30 April 1991, Page 6

Waiouru Lion retires from Army work

Nissanka Ediriwcera, more commonly known as 'Nissi', retires today after 15 years' work at the Waiouru Army Training Group. He ends his second career as a civilian working for the army, having served two years as property officer. Nissi's first career was in his native Sri Lanka were he spent 22 years managing tea plantations, some with as many as 3300 workers. This work made use of . his degree in agriculture.

"I still love drinking tea and you know, New Zealand tea is not too bad," Nissi told the Bulletin. He came to New

Zealand in 1975 and started work as a storeman at Waiouru, for 4 Supply Coy. He was appointed stationery clerk in 1979, assistant property officer in '81 and property officer in 1987. He says New Zealand has great opportunities for everyone, citing his own life in Waiouru. Nissi and wife Shanti have three children who have all made the most of their adopted country, one is a chef, one a special needs tutor at CCS in Dunedin, and their

only son is studying for a degree in accountancy and business administration. Lionism features high on Nissi's list of interests, and he is proud of the awards he has received over the years to do with the Waiouru Lions Club. He speaks with pride about the International President's Certificate of approval from the International Association of Lions Clubs he received along with fellow Lion Lloyd Fox. The pair received the

awards, two of ten presented world-wide each year, for their efforts in saving the Waiouru Lions Club from going under. They worked hard on a membership drive to prevent the then ailing club from becoming the first New Zealand club to be lost to Lionism. He is also proud of the

special award he received from the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind who were grateful for his fundraising efforts over many years. He is a keen gardener, having won the Carriappa Shield for the best ATG section in 1990. Nissi and Shanti are to retire to New Plymouth

but they plan to visit their many friends in the area regularly and "to have a good look at the mountain." Nissi says Ruapehu has a hypnotic effect on people. "If you can see the mountain and it's clear and bright everyone in town is smiling and happy," he said.