For those with free time and a desire to learn. U3A provides an ideal environment in which to pursue new or existing interests.
Visit our monthly meeting to see if you would like to join this friendly group. A full list of interest groups is available on this site under Groups
U3A Auckland Network Keynote speaker August 30th 2019 Mike King - 2019 - New Zealander of the Year Mental Health Advocate |
October Meeting Wednesday October 2nd 9:45 am
Citizens' Centre
Corner College Road and Ernie Mays Street
Northcote
Guest Speaker: Larry Robbins OBE Topic: Mercy Ships, an update
Mercy Ships is an international charity operating the world’s largest charity hospital ship AFRICA MERCY which
is based in West Africa bringing life-changing surgeries to thousands of people each year. The crew of over 400 are almost all volunteers who fund their own travel and their living costs onboard. Born in UK, Larry Robbins joined the British Merchant Navy straight from school, gained his Second Mates Certificate and emigrated to NZ and was commissioned into the Hydrographic Surveying Service of the Royal New Zealand Navy. He enjoyed a career of 26 years, rising to the rank of commander and the position of Hydrographer RNZN. On retiring from the navy Larry was appointed as CEO of the NZ Maritime Museum until retiring again in 2007. In 2012 he revalidated his Second Mates ticket in order to be able to volunteer for AFRICA MERCY and joined the ship in mid 2013. He served a total of 13 months in the ship on 5 tours of duty, serving variously as Third and Second Officers and as Acting Master during a shipyard period in 2014. He served on the Board of Mercy Ships New Zealand for 10 years, retiring as the Chairman in May this year. Larry is a JP, serves on various non-profit boards, including those involved with seafarers’ welfare, and works with a number of small non-profit groups. He is married to Jane and lives on Auckland’s North Shore. His talk today tells of, and updates, the work of Mercy Ships.
October Mini Talk
Karel Lorier
Bishop Pompallier Hikoi