The Te Puni Kōkiri Tāmaki Makaurau office hosted Miguel Juanez who visited New Zealand on the Rotary Exchange programme.

Miguel is from Texas, US and is President of Student Chapter Coordination with the non-profit organisation, A Future Without Poverty Inc. Miguel’s mahi has resulted in initiatives such as aquaculture-style fish and chicken farming, providing access to potable water, and introducing solar power technology in remote rural communities.

He also volunteers for an anti-gang programme and is a summer leadership camp counselor. He also serves on the board of Texas Re-Entry Services, which provides support services to ex-offenders.

Regional Director Pauline Kingi says her team hosted Miguel taking him to Mataatua Marae, Crosspower Ministries Trust, and Committee for Auckland as demonstrable examples of economic development, sustainable communities, and youth development in the Auckland community.

In an email Miguel thanked Pauline and the Tāmaki Makaurau team saying: “I learned a lot, got motivated, and thoroughly enjoyed my day - I’d have to say this is my best vocational day thus far! It was an opportunity to see how aspects of my life’s work, connected with the mission you adamantly work towards".