Speaker Date Topic
Barbara Walker Mar 19, 2024
Working with International Aid Agencies for 20 Years

Barb Walker was born in Riverton, with parents who were school teachers. She and her siblings lived in rural communities all over NZ, as their father was the headmaster of  a number of rural schools. Barb was called by God at the age of 12 to become a missionary nurse and midwife. After her training, Barb left New Zealand and  spent nearly 20 years working in Africa and Asia, in War Zones, famine camps , refugees camps,  rescuing boat people  from the South China Sea and in mission hospitals. A death threat while working in Mozambique, ended Barb overseas work and she was evacuated out of Mozambique and came back to New Zealand 1996. Barb then got involved in local health trusts, working as a manager in the Hokianga and Milton. In 2000 she was  awarded a Queen Service Order . Barb was  ordained as an Anglican Priest in 2004, in Dunedin, then managed a retirement village and then worked as the lead Hospital Chaplain at Hastings Hospital. In 2020 Barb published her book Purple Hands, which tells her story so far.  She retired in 2021 and called by God , she came home to Southland  to come a Volunteer  Rural Chaplain in Southland region. 

Holly Goble Apr 16, 2024
My Experience at the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum
My Experience at the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum

My name is Holly Goble and I am currently a Year 13 student at Southland Girls’ High School. At school I am one of a group of 11 amazing prefects and this role is one that I have taken on wholeheartedly.

My academics are an area in which I pride myself, which is why I am coming to share my experiences at the latest Rotary National Science and Technology Forum.

Outside of school I am a member of the Waihopai Rowing Club. This sport has been a part of my life for the last 4 years, and even with the 8 trainings a week, it remains as my passion