For Immediate Release 10 June 2002

New leader for NZ Freemasons

Central Otago farmer Laurie Inder has been named as the new head of New Zealand Freemasons for the next two years.

Mr Inder will be installed as Grand Master at the annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand in Christchurch at the end of November. He replaces Ian Ross of Pukekohe who steps down after two years in office.

Mr Inder was born in Central Otago and educated in Ranfurly and Timaru, and has run the family's high country sheep and beef property, Launceston near Ranfurly, since 1959.

Community service has played a big part in his life. He has been involved with Young Farmers Clubs and Federated Farmers in the Maniototo and at a national level for many years, and has also served as a director of the Primary Producers Co-operative Society Ltd (PPCS). He has been actively involved in his local community through participation on local community boards and is an active member of the Anglican Church. He was awarded the Queen's Service Medal (QSM) in 1997 for his services to the community.

Mr Inder has been a Freemason for 41 years, joining The Mt Ida Lodge No 97 in Ranfurly in 1961. He has held many Masonic ranks including that of Provincial Grand Master for Otago, and is a former Deputy Grand Master for New Zealand.

As Grand Master he will lead 15,000 New Zealand Freemasons in 312 lodges throughout the country. New Zealand Freemasonry has charitable assets, including homes for the aged and disadvantaged, and medical trusts valued at more than $100 million.

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