About Us
Committee meeting 15 August 2025: Gavin, David, Jill, Charles, Wendy, Netta, Peter, Maureen and Jenny
About Us
ORIGINS OF U3A
U3A was started in France in 1973 by Toulouse University as the University of the Third Age, and has since spread to many countries around the world.
The name refers to the concept of the First Age, childhood and education, followed by the Second Age, career and family development and involvement, and the Third Age, when the demands of the Second no longer define one's life and the person is enabled to pursue freely chosen interests.
Although U3A's worldwide have all the same goal of offering lifelong learning each country has a different approach to achieving this goal. In Europe U3As are still closely aligned with their local universities. In the UK and most Commonwealth countries U3As, such as ours, are run by volunteers.
U3A IN NZ
The first U3A in NZ was formed in Remuera in 1989 and there are now 27 U3As in Auckland City, and 89 throughout New Zealand. U3A Hibiscus Coast was established in 1995.
We are unable to call ourselves The University of the Third Age as in New Zealand the use of the word "University" is legally restricted to those institutions designated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority so NZ U3As cannot use the word "University".
We do not offer examinations or tests. Our learning is for enjoyment and gaining greater knowledge of the past and the world around us.
Hibiscus Coast U3A
Hibiscus Coast has a management committee of nine people. We meet every two months after the general meeting. With some convenors covering two groups, we have 20 convenors for our 25 groups with more groups being added after suggestions from our members.
A subcommittee is planning our 30th Anniversary event for November 17th, 2025, at the Wainui Golf Club.
Our branch of U3A is growing with 240 members but there is plenty of room for more!
President: Peter Gillmore
After working in senior management positions in both the private sector and Government, in New Zealand, the UK and Australia, including time as Marketing Manager for Telecom NZ, Peter retired in Australia and joined U3A Gold Coast where he became President. After returning with his wife Libby to New Zealand for family reasons, Peter joined U3A Hibiscus Coast where he took over from Netta as Convenor of our History Group, and started our Music Appreciation Group, and with Maureen our Short Story Group.
Vice President: Charles Deane
Charles was an English as a Second Langauge teacher who ran his own school in the UK. He's a petanque player, taking part in international competitions and is a member of the History, Science, Travel and Poetry groups.
Immediate Past President & Network Coordinator: Gavin Whyte
Gavin is a former engineer and a keen traveller having explored many little known parts of the world. Gavin took the Travel Group before handing it over and started the Quizzers Group. Gavin is a JP and much involved in Rotary and other community organisations.
Secretary: Maureen Jansen
Maureen is a retired English teacher keen on reading, walking and current affairs. Having spent most of her working life in Rotorua, Maureen moved to the Hibiscus Coast in 2012. She is the convenor of the Poetry Group and co-convenor of the World Today and Short Stories Groups.
Treasurer: David Shaw
Membership Secretary: Wendy Hawkins
Speaker Coordinator: Jill Everest
Newsletter Editor: Jenny Casale
Welfare Officer: Jeannetta Dearsley
Constitution
Our constitution was amended in 2025.