Detective to lead New Zealand Lions

Detective Dennis O'Rourke of Palmerston North has been elected to a top job in New Zealand's largest service club.

Dennis was elected chairman of the Council of Governors of Lions New Zealand District 202 which contains 12,000 members across 10 districts in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Dennis' main role as council chairman will be working with the new district governors to build the role and profile of Lions in New Zealand, including driving new membership numbers and retaining existing members.

"The bottom line is, the more Lions we have in our clubs, the more good things we can do for our communities."

Lions New Zealand recently celebrated 50 years' service to the New Zealand community. The club is involved with a number of community initiatives such as youth, sight-related causes, natural disaster relief, and mobility.

In addition to his work with Lions, Dennis is chairman of the Palmerston North branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a warrant officer with the Army's military police.