The former Irish Honorary Consul General to New Zealand shares a special memento that commemorates the annual “Global Greening” phenomena every St Patrick’s Day, which he inspired …
What is precious to you for one reason or another? AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, showcases the stories of celebrated people and their favourite mementoes. From Colin Farrell, Ardal O’Hanlon and Sebastian Barry to Mairead McGuinness, Rachael Blackmore and Alisha Weir, plus many more, THE GLOSS is proud to partner with AsIAm to share a story a month. Here, Rodney HC Walshe shares his colourful career and most treasured possession.
President Micheal D Higgins receives Mr. Rodney Walshe, former Honorary Consul to New Zealand, 2023.
After graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1959, Rodney left Ireland at 24 years of age, travelling by ship to New Zealand. He became established in the travel industry and formed his own company. While he was Chairman of Tourism Auckland, and President of the New Zealand Travel Association, he was also Honorary Consul General for Ireland, a position he held for almost 40 years.
Rodney was awarded the Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004, one of the country’s highest honours, in recognition of his significant contributions to public service and community development. In 2013, he was one of the first recipients of Ireland’s Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, recognising his dedicated service to Ireland and to the Irish community in New Zealand.
Rodney has been married for over 60 years, with two children, and five granddaughters.
Rodney is credited with initiating the idea for the international phenomena popularly known as ‘Global Greening’ for St Patrick’s Day. He arranged for the Sky Tower in Auckland to first turn green in 2009, an idea that followed with Sydney Opera House in 2010 and thereafter, with the support of Tourism Ireland. It has since become a worldwide campaign with many important international buildings and locations globally turning green for the day that’s in it.
This phenomena is celebrated in Seth Linder’s book, Ireland’s Greening of the World, of which Rodney is very proud. His inspiration was to help shine a light on the Irish diaspora, and the positive presence of Ireland outside the small nation. This is just one of the many trailblazing initiatives Rodney spearheaded, which also included gaining permission to fly the Irish flag on the Auckland Harbour Bridge each year and bungee jumping off the Sky Tower! With his sense of adventure, charm and, of course, his love for Ireland, Rodney made the impossible happen.
AsIAm, founded by Adam Harris in 2014, has a vision for Ireland as a place where every Autistic person is accepted “as they are” – equal, valued and respected. AsIAm provides community support through advice, advocacy, support and special interest groups for children and adults with autism.
AsIAm provides training programmes in autism awareness and inclusion, and supports businesses to successfully recruit and employ autistic candidates. The charity operates an information line (0818 234 234) and provides support via instant messaging and email (support@asIam.ie).
To find out more: www.asiam.ie
To donate: www.asiam.ie/support-our-work/donate/