VIRGINIA (Ginny) GREEN QHS 1983 - 2001
Virginia left Queen’s in 1987 and worked at Reid Farmers before enrolling in the nursing programme at Otago Polytechnic. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1991, and worked in aged care, Operating Theatre and Recovery before moving into leadership roles with NZ Blood and Dunedin Hospital. After seven years managing the cancer service, she secured the role of Otago Community Hospice Chief Executive in 2007.
In this role she takes overall responsibility for the delivery of specialist palliative care to the people of Otago and building capacity, capability and confidence in professionals caring for people who are dying. Ginny is passionate about her role leading a diverse and committed team of health professionals and support staff. While in this role she has completed some study in management, and in governance and is a member of the Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors. She is also on the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee (Health). Ginny plays a role regionally and nationally advocating for palliative care services. She believes Hospice holds a privileged and unique position in the community and is very proud to play her part.
Outside of work Ginny is partner to Richard, mother to 23-year-old Kate, a crazy dog parent, a keen gardener and after a short-lived singing and dancing career at school and being an active contributor to musical theatre in Dunedin, now sings when no one is listening and supports the arts from the side line. She is an active and proud Rotarian (a path that started with Queen’s Interact Club).
Fond memories of Queen’s:
- Pat Harrison’s kindness when Mum died
- Mr Richardson’s golden retriever – and Mr Richardson
- Confusing organism and orgasm in Mrs Bannister’s biology class, Term 1 Form 3
- Terry McTavish for English and Drama
- Wagging the cross country and getting caught by Mrs Laws
- Musicals with Kings High School
- Choir with Mrs Ferris
Megan Gibbons (nee Merrilees) QHS 1987 - 1991
Kia ora ngā mihi mahana kia koutou,
It is well known that once a “Queen's Girls Always a Queen's Girl” so it was an honour to be asked to share what I have done over the past 34 years since I left Queen's High School. Below is a short summary of the intervening years.
Last year I was appointed to the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences at the University of Otago in April 2024. The Division of Health Sciences incorporates the Faculty of Dentistry, Otago Medical School (including the Dunedin School of Medicine, the Christchurch and Wellington campuses), School of Pharmacy, School of Physiotherapy, and School of Biomedical Sciences.
With a background in health and dietetics, followed by a long time in education and educational leadership, this role brings together both areas of expertise. I have a strong focus of ensuring all areas are future-focussed, Te Tiriti-led, and doing their part to improve the health workforce, the research needed and education to support.
One of my most exciting and interesting opportunities was to attend a 2-week course at Harvard in Educational Leadership, the ability to study with likeminded people from all around the world with a shared passion for education was amazing.
Over the years I have established networks with local and central government, businesses and many community groups. I have been in Dunedin for a number of years now, and in roles which has allowed me to interact with the city and their direction.
Prior to this role, I was the Deputy Chief Executive at Te Pūkenga (the national institute for vocational education), responsible for the academic programmes, systems, research and quality. That was preceded by being the Chief Executive of Otago Polytechnic.
I obtained a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Auckland in 2013, a Master of Science from Massey University in 2003, a Post Grad Diploma in Dietetics (1996) and Bachelor of Consumer and Applied Science in 1994 from the University of Otago, I was awarded an Ako Aotearoa Tertiary Teaching award for sustained excellence in teaching in 2016.
Outside of work I have been involved in Athletics for many years, first as an athlete and now as a coach. Including being a team coach for many youth NZ teams over the years, I am currently a selector for NZ teams.
I am married to Paul, and we have 2 children Cole (21) and Jorja (19). Cole is studying Land Planning and Development, and Jorja is studying Primary Teaching, both are at the University of Otago. Jorja finished her years as a Queen's Girl in 2024.
Thank you for reading some of my story.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou ka toa