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Review of UFOCUS NZ's Just over two hundred delegates from around New Zealand, as well as Australia and the US, attended UFOCUS NZ’s highly successful first conference that was held at the Rotorua Convention Centre, Rotorua, on September 29 & 30. Delegates and interested members of the public came from all walks of life, but the conference and the topics involved also attracted geneticists, scientists, doctors, researchers, physicists, inventors, hypnotherapists, and pilots – to name a few. This was great to experience, as it illustrates how much more understanding the public has of the complex and fascinating areas of ufology. The delegates mixed well together, and were a great audience. We were also fortunate to have the company of veteran NZ UFO and abduction researchers Murray Bott (MUFON) and Daisy Kirkby (Cosmic Connection). Both have done a great deal over the years to further NZ UFO and contact research and public awareness. On Friday night after dinner, speakers and UFOCUS NZ folk were able to watch TV1’s ‘Close Up’ interview featuring Dr Roger Leir. We thought it was well-done and we appreciated the exposure. Throughout the conference the delegates were able to browse through display tables exhibiting ‘Nexus’ and ‘Uncensored’ magazines, and books, DVDs and other material brought by speakers. Several delegates also displayed books, models and artwork of their own. Saturday began with a welcome speech from UFOCUS NZ founder, Suzanne Hansen, and the conference was facilitated by UFOCUS NZ member Graeme Opie, Senior Air Traffic Controller at Hamilton International Airport. Saturday’s speakers included: On Saturday evening the speakers, UFOCUS NZ crew, and members of the public enjoyed a smorgasbord meal and get-together. This is really the time that everybody is able to relax a bit and get to know each other. A great time was had by all, and new friendships and understandings forged. Many of those delegates who missed out on bookings for the smorgasbord got together at a local restaurant, illustrating the true spirit of friendliness and sharing that was so evident at this conference. Sunday’s programme included: During Sunday lunchtime, we featured a short screening of ‘Transmuteo’ - the amazing spiritual artwork film of Jean-Luc Bozzoli of Hawaii. Visit : www.eyewithin.com The feed-back from delegates on the conference was excellent, and we hope that everyone returned home better informed, and with new ideas and perspectives. Sunday evening was a chance for UFOCUS NZ and speakers to unwind at (yet another!) smorgasbord, followed by a day of sight-seeing around Rotorua. Dr Leir, Dr Begich and Mary Rodwell were able to stay on for a few days, and we gained much from their knowledge and expertise. Our heartfelt thanks to our wonderful, easy-going bunch of speakers for their knowledge, cutting-edge presentations, and wonderful company! UFOCUS NZ would like to sincerely thank our major sponsor, Bryan Dickeson. Bryan is a veteran NZ UFO researcher himself, as were his parents, Phyllis and the late Fred Dickeson, who ran two of New Zealand’s earliest UFO magazines, Satcu and Xenolog. We would also like to thank: Diane and Robert Frola (Aust) of Ufologist & Hard Evidence magazine Jonathan Eisen of Uncensored magazine for their support and advertising. Thanks also to UFO Research New South Wales, our ‘sister’ research group in Sydney Australia, for their support and attendance. And lastly, our thanks to all those who attended the conference and helped to create such a great atmosphere, as well as those who were not able to attend, but who took the time to send us emails of support and encouragement. It has been our privilege to make contact with you all. Suzy, Graeme, Wally, Brendon, Thomas & Tony |
