Learn about New Zealand at the Valparaiso International Center on February 27, 2015

Valparaiso-International-CenterThe Valparaiso International Center (The VIC) will host a free presentation about New Zealand on Friday, February 27, 2015, at 7 pm, at the organization’s headquarters, 309 East Lincolnway, Valparaiso. The event is part of The VIC’s Fourth Friday series.

New Zealand is a small island nation in the southwest Pacific that is about the size of Colorado and has a population only two-thirds that of Indiana. A member of the British Commonwealth, New Zealand is famous, among other things, for its stunning mountain scenery, its indigenous Maori culture, and its prominence in the world of international rugby.

Rob Lynch will speak about his native country, giving a general rundown of the current business, economic, and political scene. He returned home six months ago and will discuss how the country has changed in the twenty-five years since he left for America.

Lynch first came to the United States in 1990 on a ski trip. A former ski instructor and businessman, he now works as a senior web developer for the online membership buying service, Direct Buy. He and his wife operated a downtown Valparaiso retail store, Lake and Land Outfitters, for about ten years.

Fourth Friday at The VIC is a periodic series of presentations and discussions about various aspects of international cultures. The speakers are natives of the subject country or have some special expertise. Recent presentations have featured Myanmar, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Ethiopia, Syria, and Turkey.

Visitors to The VIC on Fourth Friday will have the opportunity to purchase a variety of fair trade items from around the world. Jewelry, handicrafts, and decorative articles will be available. Fair trade products are socially and economically sustainable and provide underprivileged artisans and farmers with a fair income.

The VIC is an independent nonprofit organization that serves all of Northwest Indiana from its headquarters in downtown Valparaiso. It provides a forum to learn about different cultures through interactive events, festivals, classes, and discussion groups. The VIC also helps international residents and visitors adjust to their new surroundings through an online guidebook, “Open Doors to All.” The organization will sponsor its seventh annual World Cultural Festival at Central Park Plaza in Valparaiso on September 19, 2015. For more information on the Valparaiso International Center, visit its website at www.valpovic.org.