When my Mother drove me to my very first elocution lesson in 1954, neither of us could have imagined how that single moment would set the course for the rest of my life. I sat Grade Three at the end of that year and failed. I often think of J.K. Rowling’s inspiring words during her address to graduating students of Harvard University "The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination." She said "having the courage to fail is as vital to a good life as any conventional measure of success; imagining ourselves into the place of another… is a uniquely human quality to be nurtured at all costs." I am not sure that it was courage I experienced at my first failure but certainly I imagined myself into becoming an examiner for the New Zealand Speech Board by 1976. That appointment shaped a vibrant and rewarding career I have cherished ever since.

Three years earlier, I had one of the most defining moments of my teaching career, the visit of Christabel Burniston, the late Director of the English Speaking Board with which our Association of Teachers of Speech and Drama (ATSD) became affiliated. I had the privilege of holding a masterclass conducted by her in my own studio in Auckland. I treasure her book ‘Speech for Life’ signed by her along with John Thomson, one of the founders of ATSD and Wallace Allen who examined me for my FTCL.

My career has brought with it endless enriching challenges across New Zealand. Two in particular stand out: being welcomed onto a Marae in the far north accompanied by Hazel Menehira prior to examining her students, an awesome ceremony in the days long before Kiwis understood the tradition; and examining auctioneers standing in the Cambridge stables where Claire Marsh taught, with racehorses as the visual aids.

The 48 years of collegiality has been a treasured feature. Inevitably I was in awe of the founding examiners such as Rhona Davis, Berwyn Gibbons and Melda Townsley in the days when the Examiners’ Decision was final, but meeting and befriending examiners at the annual Accreditation Seminars melded us together as our whānau. It was the highlight of our year to be able to work and play together for three days each year having our spirits refreshed and our community strengthened. That also gave us the opportunity to meet and listen to the driving force of our entity, our Administrators. Some of you reading this will remember Ted White, our long-serving Administrator who termed himself “the Servant of the Board” but actually ruled with the authority of a Navy commander.

Although I am retiring from the field, I remain a life-time member of Speech New Zealand and am pleased to welcome our up-coming examiners proud to assist New Zealanders to develop versatility in the use of language, oral presentation and performance skills.