Course Organiser: Yvonne Evans, Paul Harding, Anne Harding
Presenter: Various
14 Aug: Peri Drysdale, MBE, Founder/Chief Executive, Untouched World on ‘Untouched World and Foundation’
Peri Drysdale is a renowned New Zealand entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of the fashion companies Snowy Peak and Untouched World. These brands are recognised for their pioneering work in producing ecologically sustainable clothing. She also established the Untouched World Foundation, which promotes sustainable leadership through various educational programmes.
In this lecture, Peri will share the story behind the creation of Untouched World, the challenges and achievements along the way, and the Foundation’s ongoing work in fostering environmental and social responsibility.
21 Aug: Richard Naylor, (U3A Member) on ‘The Birth of an Ethnic Subculture in India’
Born in Calcutta, India, Richard Naylor pursued a career in specialised welding after studying at RMIT in Melbourne. Alongside his technical background, Richard has a deep interest in photography, music, travel, and geopolitical history. Since relocating permanently to Christchurch in 2023 with his wife Elaine, he has remained actively involved in U3A groups both locally and online, as well as with Probus.
In this lecture, Richard will explore the history of the British Raj in India, focusing on the emergence of Anglo-Indian culture and the political motivations behind it. He will also discuss the events surrounding India’s independence in 1948 and examine the lasting impact on both the Anglo-Indian and broader Indian populations.
28 Aug: Tania Sharr, Canterbury Coordinator for the Foundation on ‘Fountain of Peace Children’s Foundation NZ: Making a Difference Now and in the Future’
Tania has a professional background as a paediatric nurse, specialising in the care of children with cancer. Her passion for the wellbeing of children led her to join a 2018 tour to Uganda with Fountain of Peace New Zealand, an experience that deeply inspired her to contribute further to improving the lives of vulnerable children.
In this lecture, Tania will share the mission and impact of the Fountain of Peace Children’s Foundation, a charitable trust established in 2012. The foundation focuses on building family-based homes within village communities for orphaned and abandoned children in rural Uganda. Tania will discuss how this work is transforming a region marked by extreme poverty into one filled with hope and opportunity for a brighter future.
4 Sep: Fiona Brooker, Professional Genealogist and Family Historian. Owner of ‘Memories in Time Ltd’ on ‘Unlocking the Legacy: Researching Family Heirlooms’
Join Fiona as she explores the fascinating world of family heirloom research. In this engaging presentation, she will guide us through the process of uncovering the hidden stories behind cherished artefacts, from documenting provenance and interpreting historical context to preserving these legacies for future generations.
Whether it's revealing forgotten treasures or understanding their place in the broader fabric of history, Fiona offers valuable insights into why these objects matter and how they connect us to the past.
11 Sep: Professor Lucy Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, UC on ‘University of Canterbury Research: Shaping Today and the Future’
Professor Lucy Johnston was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in 2025. She is a distinguished academic, researcher, and university leader, with prior leadership roles in tertiary institutions across New Zealand and Australia. Her governance experience includes serving on the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) and the University of Oxford Alumni Board.
In this presentation, Professor Johnston will explore the vital role of university-led research in addressing both local and global issues. She will highlight recent impactful research projects at the University of Canterbury and introduce UC’s new research plan, outlining the university’s direction and priorities for the future.