Life Members

John Barsby

Professor John Barsby, who is a graduate of Cambridge University, retired from the Chair of Classics at the University of Otago in 2002. He has written articles on Catullus and Propertius and was instrumental in establishing the NZACT.

Julie Shears

Julie combined her teaching career in Latin and Classical Studies, mainly at St Cuthbert’s College, with involvement over many years in NZACT and NZQA, along with facilitating courses for teachers.

Gina Fernandez

Currently HOD of Classics at Burnside High school, she was a founding member of NZACT, with involvement in NZQA and the MOE. She has also facilitated courses for teachers and became a Fellow of the Royal Society, working in the Logie collection.

Marion Findlay

Margaret Atkinson

Margaret completed a Masters degree in Latin from Otago University, before attending Christchurch Teachers’ College. She has since taught a variety of languages including Latin and Greek in Christchurch, Dunedin and New Plymouth where she now lives.

Janice Cheeseman

Janice received her Master of Arts from the University of Auckland before a distinguished career teaching Latin in a range of secondary schools. She has also made a valuable contribution to the subject on a wider national level throughout her career.

Adrienne Burney

Adrienne was a stalwart of Classics education in New Zealand. After completing a MA, Adrienne started her teaching career in Gisborne followed by Diocesan in Auckland and Westlake Boys for 31 years. She was a wonderfully supportive and fun colleague.

Bill Barnes

Bill has served for over three decades as a lecturer at the University of Auckland, teaching many students who have then become teachers. He provided considerable support to the secondary sector, generously sharing his prodigious knowledge in schools.

Chris Williams

Chris gained a Masters degree in English and Latin from Canterbury University and another Masters degree in Old English from University College London. He taught Latin and Classics as well as German and English at Christ's College for 31 years.