Rotorua RSA president William McDonald hopes to stem the tide on the dire state of the Rotorua RSA's finances. PHOTO/ FILE
Rotorua RSA president William McDonald hopes to stem the tide on the dire state of the Rotorua RSA's finances. PHOTO/ FILE
This week's Newsmaker is William McDonald, president of the Rotorua RSA and war veteran, who is trying to keep the Rotorua RSA afloat.
Tell us about yourself? I was born in Waikari which is in Canterbury, and was educated at St Andrew's College. I spent eight years as a boarder andleft school on December 13, 1958. I joined the army after the school holidays on February 6, 1959. I retired on March 13, 1980. In my career I was warrant officer. I am married to Elizabeth, and we have eight children between us. Three of my children will be over 50 in July. Elizabeth is also from the South Island and we have lived in Rotorua for a long time.
What are some of the highlights of your military career? I started off as a private machine gunner on a Vickers. Then I became an instructor in Waiouru, and a non-commissioned officer in Kaitaia. I served in Malaysia 1963 to 1965 during the Konfrantasi, and then I served in Vietnam.
What motivated you to join the army? I love the army. I really enjoyed being a soldier, and had no other intentions from when I joined the cadets in 1954 at St Andrew's.
What does the future hold for the Rotorua RSA? We are currently bleeding, but we are stopping the hemorrhage.
What do you love about Rotorua? My parents also lived in Rotorua, I love it because of the family heritage.
Tell us three things about yourself nobody knows? My wife and I are ballroom dancers. I used to do Tai Chi years ago. I won the Wanty Cup at St Andrew's in 1951 for being the fastest runner.
