Local speaker Kimberly Harpur is preparing to represent New Zealand on the international stage after advancing to the Toastmasters International Speech Contest Semifinals in Vancouver.
From the Hibiscus Coast to the world stage
Kimberly progressed through the New Zealand and international rounds of the Toastmasters International Speech Contest and has now secured a place in the World Semifinals.
She will travel to Vancouver in August to compete alongside outstanding speakers from around the world. The semifinal is the final stage before the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Kimberly has progressed through a field of approximately 40,000 contestants to reach this point—an achievement she describes as both a surprise and a delight.
Helping Kimberly reach Vancouver
Toastmasters is covering Kimberly’s airfare, but her accommodation and other travel expenses are self-funded. With Vancouver accommodation proving particularly expensive, she is fundraising to help meet the cost of representing New Zealand.
As a hardworking solo mother for ten years, an unexpected international competition was understandably not part of the family budget. Kimberly is therefore inviting members of the club and wider community to support her journey by purchasing a raffle ticket.
Fundraising raffle
Win a prize package valued at more than $1,000
Raffle tickets are $10 each, and the prize will be drawn on 4 August 2026.
The prize package includes:
- A $250 Westfield gift card
- Two hours of professional speech coaching with Peter Chatteris
- Four digital books by Peter Chatteris
- One month’s free subscription to all three speech-training apps
- Five chiropractic sessions with Dr Kimberly Harpur at her Takapuna office, valued at $350
To purchase a ticket, follow the payment instructions on Kimberly’s raffle flyer and use your name as the payment reference.
A special offer for Orewa Bridge Club
Kimberly has offered to give Orewa Bridge Club members a sneak preview of the speech she has prepared for Vancouver, followed by a question-and-answer session about Toastmasters and the experience of competing at an international level.
Alternatively, she has generously offered her services as an MC or host for a future club event. Details of any preview or club appearance will be announced once arrangements have been confirmed.
Cheering from New Zealand
Kimberly will be travelling between 17 and 23 August. The semifinals and final will be livestreamed, allowing supporters in New Zealand to follow her progress and cheer her on from home.
Every raffle ticket purchased will help Kimberly move one step closer to the world stage. We congratulate her on this remarkable achievement and wish her every success in Vancouver.
