UPCOMING SPEAKERS
JONO RIDLER
We're excited to welcome Jono Ridler, an inspiring endurance athlete, ocean advocate, and motivational speaker. Through his remarkable open-water swimming challenges, Jono shares powerful lessons on resilience, perseverance, and achieving what once seemed impossible.
Join us for an inspiring morning and hear the stories behind his extraordinary journey.
26 August 2026
aNNA CURNOW
JUDY BAILEY & KAY MCGRATH
28 OCTOBER 2026
Judy Bailey is one of New Zealand's most respected broadcasters, best known for presenting TVNZ's ONE News for more than 25 years. An accomplished author and advocate for early childhood development, Judy brings thoughtful insights on leadership, communication, wellbeing and ageing with warmth, wisdom and humour.
Kay McGrath OAM is an award-winning Australian journalist and community advocate. She is best known for presenting prime-time television news bulletins for the Seven Network in Queensland for over 32 years. After stepping down from full-time news reading in 2020, she has continued her extensive public speaking and advocacy work
DONNA HEMMINGWAY
25 NOVEMBER 2026
Donna is a a professional, efficient and dynamic woman. I have gained immeasurable experience in my years as a police officer, prosecutor and law student. Life's changes has brought me to a place where I have been blessed to be able to learn to Distil and have created Lady H Gin... A wonderfully smooth, elegant sipping Gin, based here in Auckland New Zealand.
CHRISTMAS FUNCTION TIMING DIFFERENT FROM USUAL MEETINGS.
Anna Curnow is a governance and community engagement specialist who helps organisations make better decisions through collaborative, evidence-based processes. She recently facilitated Auckland Council’s deliberative forum on the future of Takapuna Golf Course, bringing together a representative community panel to consider this complex and high-profile issue. Anna will share insights into deliberative democracy, public participation, and how informed community engagement can lead to stronger decisions and more trusted outcomes.
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
Past Speakers
wendy Hampton
Wendy is a lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in property law, wills, estates, trusts, and estate administration. She understands the challenges families face when important information is difficult to find after a loved one’s death. In her presentation, Wendy explains the value of keeping a comprehensive record of personal and financial details to make estate administration easier. She also introduces The Estate Planner Book, a practical guide she created to help keep essential information organised in one place.
Amy Jordon
Amy Jordan is a senior manager with New Zealand’s Public Defence Service, leading a team of 40 lawyers in the busy Counties Manukau region. With a background in law from the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury and experience as a Crown Prosecutor, she brings extensive frontline expertise. Amy will discuss the Public Defence Service’s vital role in ensuring access to justice, supporting vulnerable people, and strengthening New Zealand’s justice system through culturally informed, trauma-aware practice.
Manukau Public Defender 
sir Ashley Bloomfield
Sir Ashley Bloomfield is a New Zealand public health physician and former Director-General of Health. Widely recognised for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has dedicated his career to improving public health and reducing health inequalities. With extensive experience in health policy, leadership, and clinical practice, Dr Bloomfield continues to contribute to discussions on wellbeing, resilience, and the future of healthcare. His insights combine practical experience with a strong commitment to healthier communities across New Zealand.
Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, learning and strategic thinking. A symbol of knowledge and strength, she has inspired generations through her association with intelligence, leadership and lifelong learning.