Sryana Sukdar

This week’s Rotary meeting featured three varied and thought-provoking presentations, ranging from advances in medical research to public service and civic engagement.

Sryana Sudkar opened the meeting with an update on her recent research undertaken during a four-month stay in London. Her work focuses on whether inhaled nitrite can help protect the brain during a stroke. She explained that stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted and reminded members of the well-known phrase “time is brain”. Her research explores how nitrite may be converted into nitric oxide in low-oxygen conditions, helping blood vessels relax and supporting brain-cell communication for longer. Early findings suggest nitrite may significantly reduce damaged brain tissue and could one day help buy patients precious time before full treatment can be restored.

Olivia Gold

Olivia Gold then spoke about her postdoctoral research into opioid-induced respiratory depression. Supported by her award, she travelled to Sydney to collaborate on specialist testing not available in New Zealand. Olivia is investigating whether an existing approved drug can be repurposed to stimulate breathing through the carotid body, without removing the pain-relieving effects of opioids. Her early animal studies are promising, showing rapid recovery of breathing and oxygen levels after fentanyl exposure while maintaining analgesia. This could provide an important alternative to current treatments such as naloxone.

Juan Alvarez De Lugo

Our guest speaker Juan Alvarez de Lugo shared the story of his journey to New Zealand and his decision to become involved in public life. 

Juan Alvarez De Lugo is a chartered civil engineer with around 13 years’ experience specialising in flood risk, stormwater, and climate resilience projects across New Zealand. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from the University of Auckland

Arriving in 2008 as a 17-year-old fresh from high school, he said he was struck by New Zealand’s friendliness, natural beauty, safety, and sense of opportunity. He went on to study engineering at the University of Auckland, completing his degree in his second language, before building a career in water engineering.

His professional work focuses on flood modelling and assessing flood risks for developments and infrastructure. He explained that this practical engineering background has shaped his approach to problem-solving and reinforced his interest in policies that support resilient communities, effective infrastructure, and long-term prosperity.

He also spoke about becoming increasingly interested in politics and finding alignment with ACT’s emphasis on personal responsibility, smaller government, free markets, law and order, and equal rights. His involvement grew through party events, meeting MPs, campaigning, door knocking, and conversations with New Zealanders from many backgrounds.

Now standing as ACT’s candidate for Maungakiekie, he outlined what she sees as ACT’s achievements in government, including budget savings, charter schools, improved access to medicines through Pharmac, and reforms to the Resource Management Act. 

He said infrastructure and planning reform were especially important to encourage development, economic growth, skills, and future prosperity.

He concluded by saying New Zealand had given his many opportunities and that standing for public office was his way of contributing back to the country and community.