Speakers

Hi, my name is Nell and I’m a student at Southland Girls' High School. I was lucky enough to be sponsored by the Invercargill Rotary club to attend the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum 2025.In January, we spent two action packed weeks in Auckland, learning, meeting new people and having a lot of fun!

Hi, I’m Kimberly, a student at Menzies College who was lucky enough to be sponsored by the Invercargill Rotary Club to attend the Rotary National Science and Technology Forum 2025. Earlier this year, we spent two full-on fun and educational weeks in Auckland. Learning lots about science and technology courses on offer in Auckland, meeting heaps of new people and trying fun new things! 

Haylee-Chanel Simeon (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa) is the owner of Hayz at the Anchorage in Bluff, where she showcases the rich flavours of Murihiku Southland. Her work has earned national and international acclaim, including being named among Cuisine magazine’s 2024 Top 50 Women in Food & Drink and winning the RWNZ1 Bountiful Table Award 2023/24. Hayz at the Anchorage was also recognised in the prestigious Cuisine Good Food Guide 2024/25. Haylee’s story and kai have been featured globally in Elle Gourmet (Canada), The Financial Review (Australia), and Croatia’s Iće&piće. She has proudly cooked for international guests such as Shaun Wallace (The Chase UK) and comedian Iliza Shlesinger, continuing to put Bluff and Southland on the world stage.