Alliance Francaise Committee Members 2011

John Martins - President

I have an Engineering Degree from the Imperial College, London University, and a Masters Degree from London Business School. I worked in London with Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation before relocating to Auckland in 1974. I spent over 30 years with Sheffield Consulting Group (now Sheffield Limited) and played a key role in building the company from a small business to a world class human resources services firm employing 90 people in the three main centres. I have broad experience in human resources and change management and a passion for French language and culture. I have served on the Committee of the Alliance Française d’Auckland since 2008 including a year as a President.

Dr. Lilian Mary McKendrick -Vice President

I am a retired practitioner. During my career I had particular interest in continuing Medical Education. I was President of Otago branch of New Zealand Medical Association, and Otago representative on General Practice College National Committee. I developed love of French language at school, many years ago. After retirement, I returned to University in Dunedin completed a B.A (majoring in French), and a graduate Diploma. Subsequently moved to Auckland and added an M.A. in French literature. At the same time I taught English at a school of languagesfor three years. Now, as volunteer, I teach English as a second languages to new immigrants. I became a member of the Alliance Française d’Auckland in 2005. I joined the Committee in 2007. Thereafter, in sequence I have been, Treasurer and Vice-President. My interests are, musics, books (historical or with historical background) and languages. I am currently studying Chinese and trying to improve my French conversational skills.

Marceline Jordan – Vice President

I am a French National, who has lived in Auckland since 1994. I grew up in Paris and went to University there, gaining a science degree. I spent 5 years in London before moving to New Zealand, where I worked in the pharmaceutical industry in Sales and Marketing roles, having completed a post-graduate diploma in marketing management. For the past 8 years, I have run my own business developing, manufacturing and exporting dietary supplements. I am a keen lover of French literature, film and art. I enjoy celebrating my culture and “all things French” with the Auckland Community. My leisure activities include reading, travel, boating and golf.

Dr Rosemary Arnoux – Committee Member

I was a senior Lecturer and Head of Department in the French Department, University of Auckland, with the specialist area of French theatre. Member of the Alliance Française d’Auckland since 2005, I was President of the Alliance in 2007 and 2009. After a lifetime of teaching, and 10 years living in France, I am eager to promote ways facilitating the understanding of the language and of making learning enjoyable.

David Elliott – Committee Member

I have an applied science degree from Massey University. I have worked mostly in scientific institutions, latterly with Biosecurity New Zealand in the area of plant diseases. From a peripatetic life as a child, I developed a love of travel, France becoming perhaps my favourite destination. Combining an interest in the country with that of the language, in 2006 I started taking French lessons  at the Alliance Française d’Auckland. In 2007, I took a five-week course at the Alliance Française de Rouen. I have been on the Alliance committee since 2009, during which time have also edited the newsletter. My interest include French (especially 1960′s) cinema, travel and trying to master the French language.

Michele Buckland – Committee Member

I have been a member of the Alliance Française for many years and currently contribute time to the library and any administrative tasks needed. I have lived in Auckland for 40 years. I am both French and New Zealand citizen. Family and a love of French culture, history and geography regularly took me back to beautiful France, where I travelled widely. It is a pleasure to serve our great association.

Glenda Haines – Committee Member

I began my career as a primary school teacher and taught for 14 years in several Auckland schools. I returned to study in 1994 completing a Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Auckland before starting work there in the Faculty of Arts. I have been with the university for 11 years and currently I am a manager in Academic Services overseeing regulatory and timetabling services. Following a holiday in Paris I decided to improve my long-neglected 4^th form French and so I joined the Alliance in 2008. I am also studying French language at the University of Auckland and am keen to encourage links between students in both organisations.