Speakers in 2024-25
Colleen Brown
Author
Colleen Brown has written and published numerous books, including The Bulford Kiwi, which is about Sling Camp on the Salisbury Plains where Nz troops were stationed at the end of WWII.
Dr Lindsay Diggelmann
History
Dr Diggelmann is Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Arts Administration at the University of Auckland. His focus in History is on the crusades and the cultural history of medieval and early modern Europe and its implications for current times.
Dr Colleen Rigby
Psychology
Dr Colleen Rigby holds a PhD in Psychology and has both been an academic and run a psychology practice. She spoke about Psychological First Aid, an approach to helping friends or family when they are experiencing depression or anxiety.
Dr Ian Ferguson MNZM
Scientist and Bibliophile
Dr Ian Ferguson previously worked as Chief Scientist of Plant and Food Research and uses his impulse for research and discovering connectivity by collecting rare and early books in NZ. He discussed the first books in this country.
Conrad La Pointe
Habitat for Humanity
Conrad is CEO of the Northern Region of Habitat for Humanity and holds an MSC in Architecture. His focus is on building sturdy homes for those in need and he discussed the various approaches to social housing.
Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer CNZM
Neuro-Opthlamologist
Professor Danesh- Meyer is an internationally regarded opthalmologist and academic at the University of Auckland, being the first female professor of Opthalmology in NZ. She spoke about glaucoma and other eye issues.
U3A Howick NZ 