Enthusiastic people with a positive approach to life
Join us at our next Monthly Meeting
Wednesday 1 May 2024: 9.45am
Milford Bowling Club, 20 Commodore Parry Road, Milford.
u3a welcomes new members as you bring new thoughts and ideas to our group.
Our Monthly Meetings have a variety of ingredients certain to meet your taste! A warm welcome (and a few notices) from the President; a mini-talk by one of our members; a biscuit break for friendly chatter and meeting new friends; and a main speaker of note in the community.
A sure recipe for success and enjoyment - "Do try it!"
Our Guest Speaker
Peter Willyams
Auckland Harbour Pilot
Navigating the role of a Auckland Harbour Pilot
Peter Willyams, originally from the Cook Islands and raised in Auckland, developed a passion for sailing and seamanship early on, participating in yachting and serving as a Sea Scout. He embarked on his maritime career at the age of 18 in 1981, joining a Hong Kong shipping company as a Marine Deck Cadet. Over the years, he pursued various seagoing licenses and achieved his Master Foreign Going License in 1990.
Peter served as a Master with Gear Bulk and Saga Forest Carriers, achieving his first command at the age of 31. He sailed internationally until 2010, when he transitioned ashore and underwent training to become a Humber Pilot in the UK. In 2015, seizing an opportunity to return to Auckland, he trained as an Auckland Harbour Pilot.
His career has been both challenging and rewarding, characterized by the unpredictability and diversity of each day. In addition to his maritime expertise, Peter is also a fluent Swedish speaker.
Peters talk will cover the operational aspects of a port like Auckland and the daily challenges of an Auckland Harbour Pilot.
Our Study Groups
u3a Takapuna offers lifelong learning in an informal way. Our members are in the ‘third age’ of life – having finished working full-time or raising a family, we have time to pursue our interests, or try something new. We thrive on educational, recreational and social activities. Groups meet fortnightly or monthly. There are no qualification requirements – and no exams!
