Course D

Issues of Interest

Course organiser:Tim de Castro

Presenter:Various

6 Apr:
Prof. Martin Holland, Director of the National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury, on 'BREXIT'.He will talk to us about the challenges facing the UK, likely responses from the EU and the general situation in Europe. If time permits he will also talk about the ramifications of BREXIT for New Zealand.

13 Apr:
Vi and Richard Cottrell on 'Trade Aid'.In 1969 the Cottrells went on an adventure to India and in the north took pity on the plight of Tibetan refugees. Two years later they returned to Christchurch and took a chance on importing $1,000 of rugs from these people. Later at the CSA Gallery they sold the lot in 15 mins. The rest is history.

20 Apr:
Laurie Prouting on 'Mesopotamia and the Proutings'.Laurie will talk to us about this famous high country station, so named by Samuel Butler. Laurie’s father, Malcolm, took on this huge and very rundown property, infested with rabbits, just after World War II. The story is a fascinating one and worthy of this marvellous high country station

27 Apr:
Geoff Spearpoint on 'Outback Huts'.Geoff is a volunteer restorer of back country huts in some of the more remote areas of the South Island. He is a contributor to Wilderness magazine and co-author of 2 recently published books – ‘A bunk for the night’ and ‘Shelter from the storm’. In 2016 he won the NZ Alpine Club’s award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. He will relate some of his stories.

4 May:
Deborah McCormick on 'SCAPE'.Deborah is the director of SCAPE Public Art. SCAPE brings free-to-view contemporary art to Christchurch. Deborah has a dedicated team of specialist staff and consultants and has brought more than 167 artworks to our city’s spaces. This includes Neil Dawson’s Fanfare at Chaney’s corner - NZ’s largest public sculpture. Her team is involved with public art management, fund raising, policy and procedure as well as design development.