Our Speakers

We are proud of the excellence of the diverse and interesting guest speakers who address our monthly meetings.   Not only do they provide opportunity for learning and discussion on a wide range of topics, but they keep us up to date with what is happening in our ever-changing city and world.

April

Monday 13th April

Sir Gil Simpson

“Programming for Life”

Sir Gil Simpson is the founder of Jade Software Corporation.  Widely recognised around the world for his achievements in business and information technology, he is perhaps best known for his development of the computer programming language LINC.

May

Monday 11th May

Rhys Boswell

General Manager of Operations, Chch Int Airport

Rhys joined Christchurch Airport in 2000 and became part of the executive leadership team in 2009. He has held key roles, including GM Planning and Environment, GM Strategy and Sustainability, Project Director for the Central Otago Airport project.

With over 26 years at the airport, Rhys has led complex planning processes and spearheaded sustainability
initiatives, helping the airport become the first globally recognised for best-practice carbon reduction.

March

Monday 9th March

Cor Vink

“Insights into the Life of Spiders”

 

Associate Professor Cor Vink, Lincoln University, will share from his extensive knowledge of the diversity and biology of spiders.

February

u3a Speaker series

Monday 9th February

Justin Roake

“A Glimpse of Something Deeply Hidden: Cruising the Aleutian Islands”

Those who enjoyed hearing our fellow member Professor Justin Roake speak to us last year about his extensive and world-leading career as a vascular surgeon will be surprised by the title above, which has little to do with the treatment of aortic ruptures.  However, it is far less well known that Justin finds time to write travel books, which he illustrates with his own photography.

December

Monday 9th December

Update

“A Glimpse of Something Deeply Hidden: Cruising the Aleutian Islands”

Those who enjoyed hearing our fellow member Professor Justin Roake speak to us last year about his extensive and world-leading career as a vascular surgeon will be surprised by the title above, which has little to do with the treatment of aortic ruptures.  However, it is far less well known that Justin finds time to write travel books, which he illustrates with his own photography.