Mary B. Hill, born Buist, graduated Master of Arts in 1968 from Canterbury University majoring in English Literature. Her Bachelor of Arts Degree included French and Medieval French Studies as supporting subjects to Stage 2 level. She attended Auckland Teachers' College in 1969 and the following year taught at Sacred Heart College, Hamilton and then Upper Hutt College, Wellington.
For the last twenty two years she has been involved in teaching English as a Second Language as Co- Director of Richmond Hills English Language School, specialising in in providing preparation for the International English Language Testing System.
Mary was born in Blenheim into a family with Irish, Scottish and English roots. Her early childhood brought her into contact with Catholic priests belonging to the French Marist community and an interest in France through her father's time spent in New Caledonia during World War 2. This led to a life long interest in French, researching her genealogy and consequently New Zealand history. Mary has foundational links to Nelson as her great-great grandparents were first settlers in Wakefield arriving in Nelson from Wiltshire, England, on the Bolton in 1842 .
Membership of the Nelson Branch of the Alliance Francaise provides an added stimulus to her love of French and French culture and history and she has been involved in presentations outlining New Zealand's contribution to France's defence in two World Wars.
For the last twenty two years she has been involved in teaching English as a Second Language as Co- Director of Richmond Hills English Language School, specialising in in providing preparation for the International English Language Testing System.
Mary was born in Blenheim into a family with Irish, Scottish and English roots. Her early childhood brought her into contact with Catholic priests belonging to the French Marist community and an interest in France through her father's time spent in New Caledonia during World War 2. This led to a life long interest in French, researching her genealogy and consequently New Zealand history. Mary has foundational links to Nelson as her great-great grandparents were first settlers in Wakefield arriving in Nelson from Wiltshire, England, on the Bolton in 1842 .
Membership of the Nelson Branch of the Alliance Francaise provides an added stimulus to her love of French and French culture and history and she has been involved in presentations outlining New Zealand's contribution to France's defence in two World Wars.