World Experiences 6-week workshop series

Julie has a passion for the world of the ancient Romans and Greeks, having been a Classical Studies teacher for over forty years. Topics covered in this subject are history, literature, art, architecture, religion, socio-political life, mythology. Julie’s expertise has seen her participate in education initiatives over many years and co-author study guides for students.

In 2009 Julie became Deputy Principal at Iona College in Havelock North, also taking on the role of Acting Principal for short periods. There she continued to take senior students to Europe for a three week experience of history, language and culture. Julie has taken over a dozen school trips to Europe, mostly Italy, but also Greece, France and Egypt. Julie is on the committee for the Amici d’Italia (Friends of Italy) society, continuing her love for all things Italian into the modern day. Julie participates in a weekly Italian class and can converse successfully when in Italy.

SESSION Abstract: Factual information about places visited in Europe will be combined with the experience and interesting anecdotes of escorting senior secondary students to Italy, Greece, Egypt and France, along with accounts of personal visits to these places.

My name is Myah and I am a young professional in Hawke's Bay, originally from Tairawhiti (Gisborne). I am deeply passionate about working with and uplifting our young people and children. I run a Girls skateboarding school called ' Surely Skate' with my best friend and bring a strong background in teaching/coaching, entrepreneurship and digital marketing/development. I am all about sharing any knowledge I have with others, especially when it comes to my cultural background, so I am so honored to be able to share my experiences with you.

SESSION Abstract: Navigating a Connected World: Culture, Raising, and Digital Spaces How does a multicultural upbringing shape the way we navigate modern life?

Raised in a deeply traditional Japanese household while attending schools in both New Zealand and Japan, Myah Houthuijzen shares a unique perspective on blending diverse cultural worldviews. In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding different cultural lenses is more valuable than ever. In this session, Myah bridges her rich background with her extensive experience in digital marketing and development. Join us for a fascinating conversation that explores global insights, cultural identity, and practical lessons on communication and connection in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Belinda Innes has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years. She began her career as a reporter for 3 News, before working around the world for broadcasters including Reuters, Associated Press, BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera. Most recently she worked as the producer of and reporter for 60 Minutes and headed up new video initiatives for NZME.

Belinda has also run global PR campaigns and conducted media training sessions with a wide variety of individuals including politicians, sportspeople, charities and CEOs. Belinda is an experienced storyteller able to work with clients on best ways to identify and share the story of their business and their people.

SESSION Abstract: Local Lens, Global Story: Building a Media Career from Hawke's Bay to the World

In this session, Belinda Innes draws on a 30-year career in broadcast journalism - spanning the TV3 newsroom, Reuters, BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera - to reflect on the extraordinary transformation of the media industry over the past three decades. From heading up 60 Minutes to pioneering video news at the New Zealand Herald, and now running The Story Co., producing content for organisations including Xero, Sony, and Foodstuffs, Belinda has witnessed every twist in journalism's digital transformation. A proud Hawke's Bay local for 16 years, she will offer her thoughts on what this means for the future of media in New Zealand and open up about some of her most memorable interviews along the way.

Warwick Thomson is a recently retired international development professional who spent most of his career working in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Originally trained as a forest manager and later educated at Oxford, he has taken on roles spanning policy development, programme management, finance, and advisory work, primarily in agriculture, food systems, and finance.

Warwick and his Danish-New Zealand wife Helle lived and raised their family in Nepal, Eritrea, and Uganda, working with a number of international development agencies and governments.

A committed internationalist, Warwick remains engaged in matters of social equity, sustainability, climate resilience, and community development. He brings a practical, systems-focused perspective informed by his own lived experience and the work of others.

SESSION Abstract: The Accidental Nomad: Shifting Paradigms from Antarctica to Uganda

Warwick expected to spend his working life at home in New Zealand, managing the nation’s forest estate. But restless after returning from a summer season in Antarctica, he set off—without much of a plan—on a very different path, one that would see him live and work in some 25 countries, many described as “least developed” or ”fragile states”. Over three decades, Warwick and his wife Helle raised a family while living and working in Scandinavia, Nepal, Eritrea, and Uganda, before settling back in Hawke’s Bay in 2012.

In this talk, he shares personal reflections on those years -stories of hope and challenge, resilience, human spirit, achievement, and hard knocks. He will focus on his time in Uganda, where innovation, opportunity, and insight combined to spark a paradigm shift in how communities emerging from protracted conflict can rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Ormond is passionate about bridging the gap between sports science research and real-world performance. As a lecturer and researcher, he focuses on biomechanics, strength & conditioning, and exercise programming to enhance athletic performance.

Research includes Force-Velocity Profiling in Rugby and MMA performance analysis, building on my master's research in FVP and rugby performance. He is also an aspiring PhD student exploring combat sports science.

SESSION Abstract: Lost in Translation: A Kiwi's Journey Through Life in China

What happens when a Kiwi swaps flat whites, rugby, and familiar routines for a country of 1.4 billion people, different social norms, and a language he can barely speak? Drawing on my experiences living and working in China, this presentation explores the surprises, challenges, culture shocks, and memorable moments that come with navigating life as a foreigner. From daily life and workplace culture to food, travel, and unexpected lessons learned, I will share stories that reveal both the differences and similarities between China and New Zealand. More than a travel story, this is a reflection on how living abroad can completely change the way you see the world—and your place within it.

In her fifties, Annemarie and her husband, Steve, exchanged corporate city life for an adventure in Southwest France, where they became estate managers for private families. Surrounded by vineyards, ancient villages and the rhythms of rural life, their experiences inspired her first two books, My French Platter and My French Platter Replenished.

A passionate traveller, storyteller and lover of bringing people together around a table, Annemarie believes food, friendship and shared experiences create lasting connections. She is endlessly fascinated by the stories behind the people and places she encounters.

At sixty, she and Steve embarked on another adventure, relocating to London and using it as a base to explore Britain and Europe. Those travels inspired her Late Life Adventures series, which blends history, humour, curiosity and practical travel insights with the memorable moments that make every journey unique

SESSION Abstract: Leaps of Faith and French Mistakes: Rewriting the Script in Your 50s and 60s

In your mid-50s, and when the children have left home and you start to travel more, you fall in love with France and have grandiose ideas of living there.

That was me! With a husband (Steve) who was practically fluent in French, I answered an on-line advertisement for private estate managers in the South of France who would cook, manage the house and gardens and care for any guests who came to the property. We were the successful applicants.

The cars were sold; all our worldly possessions were packed and sent into storage and the house was rented out. A new life awaited us in France.

What could possibly go wrong? Let me tell you …

Then, back in New Zealand, your husband is made redundant at 61. Knowing how ageist New Zealand was, I knew it would be difficult for him to attain a similar role in Auckland. What could we do?

More cajoling...Why not move to London? Steve had a British passport, and I could fly on his coat tails as his wife. So we did it all again, sold the cars, put all our worldly possessions into storage, rented a friend’s flat, sight unseen, in London – all with no job prospects.

And how did that go, Annemarie?