3rd August 2026
Dear Members,
I hope you have been enjoying these crisp, clear winter days as we welcome the final month of winter.
I just wanted to make sure you have Tuesday 11 August marked in your diaries for our next meeting, rather than this Tuesday. Our speaker will be Dr Chelsie Osterman PhD from the Centre for Brain Research, who will speak on the important research made possible through the generosity of Dame Rosie Horton’s legacy. Her presentation, “Head Knocks in Sport and the Long-Term Effects on Our Brain,” promises to be both fascinating and thought-provoking.
It will be three weeks since our last meeting, when Tom Maasland introduced us to the world of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence. I wonder how many of you have been adventurous enough to give ChatGPT a try since then! Tom said he would love to see a show of hands at our next meeting.
Then, one week later, on Tuesday 18 August, we look forward to welcoming Dame Wendy Pye, who will speak on “Teaching the World to Read.” This will be a wonderful opportunity to hear the story behind her remarkable publishing company, which has sold more than 300 million books worldwide and, throughout its extraordinary success, has remained true to its core purpose of improving children’s literacy and learning.
There is then one change to our programme. The Remuera Club is planning refurbishment work from 3–16 September, which means the Ascot Room will not be available for our meeting on 8 September. We are most grateful that our speaker, Latoa Halatau-Talagi MNZM, is able to bring his presentation forward by one week to Tuesday 1 September. Please update your diaries, as this change was not included in the printed programme.
Three weeks later, on Tuesday 22 September, we will celebrate Trixie Vernon Day, with our guest speaker Diana Weir, Chief Executive of the Auckland Philharmonia. This is also a reminder that members are warmly invited to bring a guest, free of the usual $25 visitor’s fee. This long-standing Aorangi tradition dates back to our early years and provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce prospective new members to our club.
We are sorry that this year’s calendar has not been as straightforward as usual, and we greatly appreciate your understanding. We have been delighted with the excellent attendance at each meeting this year and sincerely thank you for your enthusiasm and continued support.
Looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting.
Warm regards,
Catherine Young
Website: www.aorangiclub.co.nz
Aorangi Club 