Finding Positivity and Purpose Workshop

Geoffrey Mather is Head of the School of Computing at EIT Hawke's Bay, bringing a career shaped by curiosity, connection, and a deep love of learning. After completing his Masters of Management Studies at the University of Waikato, Geoffrey spent over twelve years teaching English then business subjects, then managed some foreign higher education programmes in Shanghai, China, before returning to New Zealand to join EIT. A passionate educator who believes in the power of whakawhānaugatanga — forming genuine connections between people — Geoffrey's story took a profound turn when he survived Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. That near-death experience became the catalyst for a remarkable journey of resilience, positivity, and renewal

SESSION Abstract: Surviving the Smash-Up: Finding Positivity and Purpose After the Storm

At 5:30 am on a February morning, Geoffrey Mather woke to find two feet of water in his bedroom. Unable to break the windows of his Waiohiki home, he climbed out through a high kitchen window and jumped into raging floodwater — escaping Cyclone Gabrielle with only his pyjamas and his mobile phone.

In this deeply moving session, Geoffrey shares his extraordinary story of survival and the profound psychological shift that followed. Coming face-to-face with mortality forced him to reimagine his life, release the "small stuff," and embrace a radically positive mindset. Drawing on his recovery journey — including counselling and the creation of his Cyclone Gabrielle Smash-up podcast — Geoffrey explores the human mind's remarkable capacity for resilience and renewal.

Whether you lived through the cyclone or are navigating your own challenges, this session will inspire you to find purpose in the aftermath of adversity.

At 5:30 am on a February morning, Geoffrey Mather woke to find two feet of water in his bedroom. Unable to break the windows of his Waiohiki home, he climbed out through a high kitchen window and jumped into raging floodwater — escaping Cyclone Gabrielle with only his pyjamas and his mobile phone.

In this deeply moving session, Geoffrey shares his extraordinary story of survival and the profound psychological shift that followed. Coming face-to-face with mortality forced him to reimagine his life, release the "small stuff," and embrace a radically positive mindset. Drawing on his recovery journey — including counselling and the creation of his Cyclone Gabrielle Smash-up podcast — Geoffrey explores the human mind's remarkable capacity for resilience and renewal.

Whether you lived through the cyclone or are navigating your own challenges, this session will inspire you to find purpose in the aftermath of adversity.

Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.

Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.

Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.

Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.