The 2025/26 U3A Howick Committee
The following committee officers were elected at the AGM in May 2025: John Savory (President), Linda Stubbs (Vice President), Robert Rigby (Treasurer), Judith Nel (Director of Studies, absent) and Jenny Penman (Secretary, absent); and committee members: Jan Naish-Wallis, Lynette Upshire (absent), Dorothy Viljoen, Sonja Karon and June Poole (Immediate Past President – ex officio).
RECENT U3A HOWICK EVENTS
The Walking Group recently walked over the Tāmaki River to various historic places in Panmure, including the Stone Cottage, which has opened to the public now that it has been beautifully restored.
The Mobile Photography Group also visited Panmure and the Stone Cottage, but then did some street photography in Queen Street in Panmure.
SOME OF THE INTEREST GROUPS
Mobile Photography Group
The Mobile Photography Group works on the principle that the best camera is the one you have on you at the time – usually a mobile phone. The group meets monthly to watch video lessons on settings, composition, lighting and photography scenarios. They practice the techniques during the month and put their photos onto a private Facebook group, for discussion at the meeting. They also do field trips to various venues around Auckland to practice street photography, reflections, shadows and other aspects of photography. Members have a range of mobile phones, but the basic principles apply to all. The group has just started to learn more about landscape photography, so feel free to join us.
World of Art Group 1
U3A Howick has two World of Art groups.
World of Art 1 group’s activities have included gallery, art exhibitions and sculpture garden visits, bring and tells, member presentations and videos by art experts. Local, Australian, American and European artists, both modern and historic, have all been of part of the group’s interests. The World of Art 1 group has explored sculpture, painting and even beach art. The regular meetings are at Bruce McLaren on the third Mondays of the month at 10am.
The World of group members present art or artists that interest them. The group members then discuss what they have noticed or the similarities/differences to other artists. The group meets every third Tuesday at 1.30pm. You are welcome to ask to join either group by using the Contact Us button.
Book Discussion Group
The Book Discussion Group generally discusses the various books members have read during the past month, resulting in wide ranging input and views. Linley Jones, local author from Half Moon Bay met with the group to discuss the books she has written for adults and teens. The group has also viewed private book collections and had an informative session at a bookstore. The group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. Contact us for further details.
Walks and Talks Groups
The Walks and Talks group meets monthly on a Friday morning to explore and learn about the area in which we live, by going on a shared walk together. The group also discusses the history of the place visited. Any members who enjoy walking can join the group and it caters to most levels of capability. Some of the group walk slowly and others walk faster, with a few way out front! There is generally a shorter loop for anyone who does not want to walk the whole distance. Walks last about an hour, with plenty of stops to enjoy and talk about the views and the history. Some of the walks the group has done, include: The Panmure and Mangere Bridges, the Panmure Basin, the Cascade Waterfall, Totara Park and Highbrook Park. Every month a new place is explored. Contact Us if you are interested in joining this group.
Movie Group
The Movie Group meets monthly shortly after the general meeting on the second Monday afternoon of the month. Members bring along their own lunch and after lunch, watch a movie on a particular theme. The group also attends movies at the Monterey Theatre from time to time. Movie Group Meetings are followed by discussion and tea.
Current Affairs Group
The Current Affairs Group meets monthly on the second Wednesday afternoon of the month. Generally members choose a topic at the previous meeting to discuss at the following meeting. Members do some research in the topic prior to the meeting. Some issues covered have been Artificial Intelligence, the Israel-Gaza situation, the Chinese economy and its likely impact on NZ, the concept of co-governance, health in NZ and India as a trading partner. Meetings are generally facilitated with members having diverse views, resulting in robust discussion.
Military History Group
The Military History Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 2pm. They discuss various historical events relating to war. On occasion they visit the cinema to watch movies such as “Lancaster” and go on visits to places like Avspecs at Ardmore Airport, where they were able to hear about progress in the restoration of WWII Mosquito bomber NZ2308. The plane is built of a balsa composite 3 ply birch wood and was a very fast plane for its job during WWII, being powered by two Rolls Royce Merlin v-12 engines.
Gardenz
The Gardenz Group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. They visit various gardens such as the Auckland Botanic Gardens, the Hamilton Gardens and the Parnell Rose Gardens. At other times they meet to discuss topics like Planning a Garden or The Maori Planting Calendar.
World Of Art 2
The World of Art 2 Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm at the Bruce McLaren Theatre. They discuss various artists and their works. Some members like to do an individual presentation on a particular artist and to show pieces of their work. The group meeting concludes with a cup of tea or coffee.
NZ History 1
This group explores the History of NZ through the ages. Meetings are held in members’ homes, where each member selects a topic for discussion. The topics can be as broad as: settlers, education, transport, significant events, suffragettes, towns, famous people or flora and fauna. This group has space for a few new members, who are willing to host the group in their homes.
NZ History 2
NZ History 2 meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 2pm. Topics have included the NZ Wars, past Prime Ministers of NZ, Christmas traditions, early manufacturing and the history of the Great South Road. The group also undertakes field trips to historical sites. New members are most welcome.
Philosophy
The Philosophy Interest Group meets monthly and members take turns to consider a topic. During 2024 they have considered various emotions such as Faith and Hope, Despair and Fear.
Architecture
The Architecture interest group meets monthly to discuss both local and international architectural design. They also undertake various field trips which, amongst many others, have included the Britomart precinct and the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.
Anthropology
This group investigates the intricacies of human societies, exploring Anthropology as the study of humanity’s cultural, social and biological development across time. Recent sessions have ranged from examining the rise and fall of pre- European indigenous empires in Central and South America to tracing the evolution of clothing and food – how they were acquired, prepared and exchanged. We incorporate a range of audio-visual information and selected readings to enrich discussion and deepen understanding, making every meeting an interesting journey through the human story.
Writing
The Writing Group members choose a topic every month and write a two page piece on this topic. They bring copies of this writing to the group and read it to other members for comment. Writing genres could be fictional, factual , biographical or even science fiction! It is up to the individual group members.
Travel Destinations
This group focuses on various destinations to which group members would like to travel or have travelled, exploring the geography, history, culture, places to see, hidden gems, food, means of travel to and around the destination. The destination might be a city like Seoul, a country like India or a place of interest like the Serengeti. The group is collaborative, with all members contributing to the input.
Textiles
The Textile Group researches the long history of textiles, tracing the development, availability and use of clothing and textiles over human history. It includes materials made from thin threads or filaments, which can be natural, synthetic or both. The social history around the fabrics is always included, as well as the tools and machinery involved either textiles.
Anthropology
This group investigates the intricacies of human societies, exploring Anthropology as the study of humanity’s cultural, social, and biological development across time. Recent sessions include examining pre-European indigenous empires in Central and South America to tracing the evolution of clothing and food – how they were acquired, prepared and exchanged. We incorporate videos, podcasts, documentaries and reading materials to enrich discussion and make each meeting an interesting journey through the human history.
U3A Howick NZ 