Earlier Talks
2024
Miscellany (Term 1)
Course organiser: Howard Harvey
Presenter: Various
4 Apr: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
A Fire Safety Presentation Team will present information about home fire safety, Community Team roles, smoke alarms, escape plans, kitchen safety, electrical issues -especially heaters, winter and summer fire safety. If time permits, operational systems at call outs and systems of training.
11 Apr: Dr. Brad Hurren. Future Learning and Development Team, UC on 'University in the Digital Age.'
Dr. Hurren will focus on the changes and challenges in learning processes and assessments. He will look into the profound impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on the tertiary sector-speaking to the many ways in which this cutting-edge technology is reshaping approaches to education, with both positive and negative perceptions. He will also explore the exciting possibilities and overall implications of this technology with interactive examples.
18 Apr: Dr. Colin Meurk Research Associate involved with Landscape Policy and Governance, on 'Our Wetlands.'
Colin will talk about The National Picture. with examples of the role of wetlands in the preservation of our flora and fauna, followed by the reasons behind their overall decline in the area.
Then he'll focus on the Local Scene, Including the conflict over whether local wetlands should be drained for farming or used for housing such as a Travis Country Estate.
He'll also discuss which groups have been involved in preserving and restoring bio-diversity and enhancing water and land such as the Travis Wetlands Nature Heritage Trust. We'll learn about the plans the Trust has for the future and be given guidance for our visit to the Travis Wetlands, including maps of the circuit and what we should see.
2 May: Judith Coullie on 'The Ethics of Memory - When is remembering or forgetting right or wrong?'
Memory is fundamental to the identity of both the collective and the individual. In this lecture, I consider socially sanctioned and individual memory practices and how we decide what should be remembered and what should be forgotten. To illustrate, I focus on specific memory practices which I have researched (and published on):the use of “memory work” for orphaned children in South Africa; and the confrontation of painful memories in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the endeavour to heal and build a nation in the aftermath of apartheid.
9 May: Ross Gumbley on 'The Court Theatre Development.'
Ross has had a long association with the Court Theatre. He will return to give us an update on the new theatre and precinct.
Out of Africa and DNA: Human migration and global connections
Course organiser: Barrie and Caroline Greenwood
Presenter: Frieda Looser
We are living in exciting times when new discoveries through science are expanding our knowledge from the vast expanses of the universe to the minutest cells that are the building blocks of all life. Theories are proposed to answer fundamental questions of human existence,
and knowledge is a ‘work in progress’. Paleoanthropology is the scientific study of human evolution. In recent decades, huge strides have been made in knowledge of our early human ancestors and how they came to populate planet Earth. In the 21 st century, the theory of the emergence of homo sapiens ‘Out of Africa’ is widely accepted, and supported by the global study of genetics and DNA. This lecture series will borrow from scientific knowledge to offer an historical perspective of our global relationships. Frieda Looser has an MA (Hons) in History and is the author of Fendall’s Legacy, a history of Fendalton and Northwest Christchurch. She was a Senior Tutor in the History Department at the University of Canterbury, tutoring and lecturing in a number of courses, and currently teaches in the UC Academic Skills Centre. Frieda was a contributor to the University’s Community Education programme from 1998 to 2012, offering a wide range of courses exploring European, as well as New Zealand and local Canterbury history. When the University disestablished Continuing Education, Frieda founded her own business in 2013
and teaches history courses, leads overseas study tours, and offers talks to U3A, Probus and other community groups.
29 Feb: In the beginning… the world, creation myths, and Africa
7 Mar: Homo sapiens, early migration, and DNA
14 Mar: Australia, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific
21 Mar: Indo-European studies
28 Mar: Implications and beyond the horizon
International Conflict
Course organiser:Chris Botur
Presenter:Marianne Hanson
International conflict seems to be everywhere, bringing with it news of death and despair. Yet while the tragedies in Ukraine and Gaza, and tensions between the US and China, dominate our news today, most of us are in fact living in the most peaceful era in human history. This is not to dismiss or make light of the very real destruction and trauma we are seeing in these parts of the world. But the way that humans and states manage their
conflicts with each other has changed substantially since 1945.
The course examines the nature of conflict, the recent history of international conflict (by looking at the World Wars and the Cold War), and the ways in which we have put in place mechanisms and practices to minimise war and conflict between and within states. The role of the United Nations, the growth of international law, a greater emphasis on human rights, and efforts to control or outlaw weapons, have all been very important. But these measures
do not always work, as we see in Ukraine and the Middle East today. Power politics and vested interests as practised by some of the most powerful states can derail our efforts to build a peaceful world. Nonetheless, the advances the human race has made in managing international conflict and bringing a level of peace and prosperity to many parts of the world should not be under-estimated.
27 Jun: Dr. Marianne Hanson on 'Are humans naturally inclined to conflict?'
The concept of conflict: is conflict among humans natural?
What divides us?
Human beings and conflict: a brief early history
We are living in the most peaceful era in human history: the big change since 1945
4 Jul: Dr. Marianne Hanson on 'How does the nature of our international system affect conflict?'
The nature of the international system
World War One to World War Two: lessons learned?
The post-1945 ‘rules based international order’
An ‘anarchical system’ becomes an ‘anarchical society’
11 Jul: Dr. Marianne Hanson on 'How did the Cold War conflict play out?'
Why did the Cold War occur?
What were its hallmarks?
What lessons did we learn?
What mistakes were made?
18 Jul: Dr. Marianne Hanson on 'How have we tried to address conflict in modern history (especially after 1945)?'
Practices of diplomacy
The growth of international law
The growth of human rights
Controlling deadly weapons, especially chemical, biological and nuclear weapons
25 Jul: Dr. Marianne Hanson on 'What is the origin and possible future of current conflicts?'
The tragedy of Ukraine
Israel and Gaza
The legacies of an unfinished Cold War?
Geostrategic shifts: great powers fall and new ones rise: how can we sustain peace?
Matters Medical
Course organiser: Pat Braithwaite
Presenter:Various
The genesis of this course started last August with the 50th Jubilee of the Otago Medical School, Christchurch Campus. Like all research, it has evolved, been discarded, and begun again. I hope you enjoy the developments to date.
23 May: Phil Marshall Lee, The Brain Tree Wellness Centre on 'The Brain Tree Wellness Centre.'
Phil wanted to join the Canterbury Brain Collective because he has experienced living with close family members with Parkinsons and Dementia. He wants to help other people living with neurological conditions to live a better life. Phil also sees Brain Tree as a great opportunity to put his broad commercial and management experience to good use, to develop a first of its kind wellness centre for brain health in New Zealand.
He will give an overview of the work of the Brain Tree Centre and the many and varied services it provides in the community.
30 May: Lee-Ann Morris, NZ Brain Research Institute on 'Motivation.'
Lee-Ann is a brain researcher from South Africa. She recently submitted her PhD dissertation at the University of Otago, Christchurch. This centred on understanding motivational disturbances in people with Huntingdon’s and Parkinson's.
This talk will explore motivation from a neuroscience perspective, highlighting the research. Lee-Ann will talk about gaining a better understanding of the cognition conditions that may occur in different conditions, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
6 Jun: Hans Wouter, New Zealand Spinal Trust on 'Coping with Spinal Impairment.'
Originally brought on as a marketing contractor 13 years ago, Hans was soon asked to become general manager and then CEO. With a background in team leadership and organisational culture, he leads a highly performing team delivering a nationwide service.
What does happen to someone in NZ should they break their neck and what is life like following one of the traumatic events one could endure? Hans and one of his team will answer these and many more questions, sharing how they support positive futures for the individuals and their whanau living with the effects of spinal cord impairment.
13 Jun: Dr. Kyla-Louise Horne, NZ Brain Research Institute on 'The Amazing Brain.'
Dr. Kyla-Louise Horne is a neuroscientist based at the NZ Brain Research Institute and the University of Otago, Christchurch. Her extensive research focuses on better understanding cognition and symptoms that may occur in different conditions, including Parkinson’s, Huntingdon’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Kyla-Louise will discuss:
Parkinson’s disease and our research at the NZBRI
The brain - how it works and healthy ageing
20 Jun: Will Malana, New Zealand Blood Service on 'The New Zealand Blood Service.'
Wilson ‘Will’ Malana holds a BSc in business administration specialising in Management.
Recently Will has taken on a new challenge with the New Zealand Blood Service, aiming to increase donor participation to help patients in need. Despite not having a background in the medical field, his dedication and passion for assisting others has motivated him in this new endeavour.
He will speak about the many facets of the life-saving work of the NZ Blood Service.
Visual Arts
Course organiser: Hilary Talbot
Presenter: Various
19 Sep: Chloe Cull, Curator at Christchurch At Gallery on 'Contemporary Art'.
Chloe Cull, a member of the curatorial team at the Christchurch Art Gallery, will speak on the current exhibition, 'A Handful of Soil.' Her talk will focus on the works of modern and contemporary Māori artists featured in the exhibition.
26 Sep: Ken Hall, Curator at Christchurch Art Gallery on 'Historical Art'.
Ken Hall, curator at the Christchurch Art Gallery, will focus on historical art that highlights aspects of our cultural heritage. His lecture will also feature historical paintings and photographs of the Southern Alps from his latest exhibition, 'To a Lofty Mountain.'
3 Oct: Dr. Warren Feeney of Art Beat on 'Public Art'.
Dr Feeney, an arts writer, historian, arts project manager, and publisher, will speak on the topic of 'Public Art,' focusing on how it has proliferated in Christchurch since the earthquake.
10 Oct: Dr. Warren Feeney of Art Beat on 'Visiting Smaller Galleries and What They Have to Offer'.
Dr Feeney will enlighten us about the lesser-known smaller galleries in Christchurch that are 'must-sees.' He will expound on the unique qualities and value these galleries offer, providing insights into their significance and the diverse artistic experiences they present.
17 Oct: Paul Deans, son of Austen Deans on 'Life as an Artist'.
Paul Deans, son of Austen Deans, will give a lecture on 'Life as an Artist,' where he shares personal insights, influences, and experiences from his journey in the art world, reflecting on both challenges and inspirations
Miscellany (Term 3)
Course organiser: Howard Harvey and Yvonne Evans
Presenter: Various
15 Aug: Mike Yardley, Current Affairs Columnist and Commentator on 'The State of the news media and the battle for survival'.
First-hand impressions from 30 years of frontline work in the news media industry.
Changes to The Press and the future. TV shake-ups and cuts to current affairs content.
The rise and rise of digital advertising. The leanings of our media outlets and global trends.
Why it’s best to consume a wide variety of media sources. Organiser: Howard Harvey
22 Aug: Joanne Farmer on 'A Seafaring Life that leads to Pilotage'.
Joanne grew up in Lyttelton, following her family's and community's tradition of a career at sea. This talk explores her life at sea and her journey to becoming New Zealand's first female Harbour Pilot. Organiser: Yvonne Evans
29 Aug: Antony Bush, Canterbury Sport and Spinal Physiotherapy on 'Movement is Medicine'.
The importance of movement and exercise on pain, health and exercise.
Common back pain myths and misconceptions.
Is back pain the world’s greatest disability?
How movement and strength affect our mortality. Organiser: Howard Harvey
5 Sep: Frank Tay on 'Square Pegs in Round Holes'.
An insider’s view of British Colonial Administration in Singapore in the 1950’s. Organiser: Howard Harvey
12 Sep: Kate Russell, CEO Hagar Foundation on 'Slavery! Surely not in this day and age?'.
The current state of human trafficking, slavery and gender-based violence in South East Asia and the Pacific. What are we doing about it? Is it getting worse? A snapshot of the work being done to combat human trafficking, exploitation and slavery, and what is happening right here in New Zealand. Organiser: Yvonne Evans
November Series
Course organiser: Howard Harvey, Yvonne Evans and Hilary Talbot
Presenter: Various
31 Oct: Prof. Peter Field, Head of the School of Humanities, UC on 'The Making of a Democratic Republic.'
Prof. Peter will give a brief history of the USA, emphasizing major events such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and current politics that shape the republic.
7 Nov: Mike Yardley, Current Affairs Columnist and Travel Commentator on 'USA and its Diversity.'
From a recent visit to the USA, Mike will deliver a talk blending his insights and experiences about the USA and its diversity, with some takeaways from the USA election results.
14 Nov: Tony Bywater, Emeritus Prof. of Agriculture Systems, Lincoln University on 'Feeding Over 9B people: Global Food and Resource Issues and Challenges.'
The world's population could increase from 7.4B to around 9.6B by 2050.
Global GDP is expected to double over the same time.
Food demand is projected to rise between 60% - 110%
We are running short of fresh water and land availability per capita is shrinking.
Climate change is expected to reduce food production.
Are we up to the challenge? Possibly or possibly not!
21 Nov: Prof. Peter Field, Head of the School of Humanities, UC on 'USA Elections and its Implications for the Country and the World.'
Prof. Peter will speak about the recent elections in the USA and the implications the results hold for the country and the rest of the world.
28 Nov: Dr. Reuben Woods, Art Historian, Writer and Curator on 'An Exploration of Christchurch Central and New Brighton Post-Earthquake.'
Dr. Woods's PhD focused on exploring graffiti and street art in post-earthquake Christchurch. His presentation will prepare us for our break-time exploration of Christchurch Central and New Brighton, where we'll examine murals, street art, and graffiti created after the earthquakes.