U3A Browns Bay Inc formed in June 2000

Guest Speakers

Our focus is on Exceptional New Zealanders doing exceptional things

Commander Larry Robbins

March Speaker:  Larry Robbins

Commander Larry Robbins OBE FNI JP RNZN (Retired) 


The year is 1994 and Larry Robbins Commander of the HMNZS Monowai, a ship whose primary role is Hydrogeography, becomes a participant in searching for and the ultimate rescue of 21 persons from 7 yachts caught in extremely heavy seas.

Born in Southern England, Larry Robbins joined the Merchant Navy straight from school. He gained his Second Mates Certificate and later Emigrated to New Zealand and was commissioned into the Hydrographic Surveying Service of the Royal New Zealand Navy. In a career spanning 26 years, he rose to the rank of Commander and the position of Hydrographer in the RNZN.

His presentation includes the account of the largest search and rescue operation ever mounted out of New Zealand and with him receiving the OBE.

List of Special Interest Groups

Previous Guest Speakers

 2024 > 2023 > 2022 >  2021 >  2020 >  2019 >  2018 >   2017 >   2016 >  2015 >  2014 > 2013 > 2012 >   2011 >   2010 >   2009 > 2008 >
2000 - 2007 >

Overview of our Monthly Meetings
The two hour meeting is held on the first Tuesday morning of each month. An invited speaker, expert in the field, informs, educates and entertains us. Our focus is Exceptional New Zealanders doing Exceptional Things in New Zealand. A wide range of current topics is covered and we are sometimes privy to information not yet released by the researchers to the public.

The second part of the meeting is provided by our U3A Special Interest Groups whose presentations have been identified as being of interest for the whole membership. A tea break provides the opportunity for members to mix and chat. Attendance at the main monthly meetings is optional. Members are required to attend one or more Special Interest Groups as this is where the active learning focus of the U3A philosophy occurs and long last friendships are made.

Sometimes the sessions are reversed to suit the Guest Speaker.