LORNA Hill was born in Auckland, New Zealand, with deep family roots in Northland. Her mother was from Dargaville, and her father from Pawarenga. "We always used to say they lived in the sticks," Lorna laughs. Proud of her Māori heritage, Lorna identifies with the Hokianga region. Interestingly, her maiden name was Rudolph, a nod to her German ancestry, a reflection of New Zealand's rich cultural integration dating back to the 1800s.
Lorna's childhood was challenging. The youngest of three, she experienced the separation of her parents early on. Over time, the family grew with additional half-siblings. Despite this, Lorna always valued education. Living with asthma made school even harder, especially during the 1970s in New Zealand, but she persevered.
Lorna’s first job was at age fourteen in Auckland, working Friday nights at a department store called McKenzies. She’d catch the bus into the city after school, an experience that gave her independence early on.
After her parents separated, her father moved to Australia. Lorna earned her school certificate at fifteen, but before she could consider university, her mother decided they would move to Australia, changing everything.
"That’s when resilience kicked in," Lorna explains. "When you have limited control over what's happening around you, you feel sadness and disappointment—but resilience helps you survive. I learned that from a young age."
At sixteen, Lorna arrived in Brisbane with her mum as her dad was already there. When her mum returned to New Zealand, Lorna stayed behind with him. The move was a culture shock—Sydney’s bustling population alone felt bigger than all of New Zealand. Determined to finish school, she completed a year in NSW, then Grade 12 at Yeronga State High in Queensland. Earning her Tertiary Entrance Score was a proud moment that paved the way for her future as a special needs teacher.
Today, Lorna is an energetic sixty-year-old. This May, she’ll return to Avondale College in Auckland for its 80th Jubilee. School was a haven for her, even through family hardships.
Lorna is married to Bob, a former banana grower and a ten-pound Pom, who is nearly ninety. The couple met running and have been happily married for about thirty-seven years. "He used to be a better runner than I," she laughs. Together, they raised their daughter Julia, born when Lorna was thirty-five.
“Julie is now twenty-four and is, among other things, a violinist, having been taught at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. Currently, she is in Tokyo and works at a high level in academia. We love her to bits and are very supportive of her.”
Lorna’s teaching career spans nearly four decades, teaching kids with special needs. "Each child is different. You support them to be as independent as they can be."
After a job transfer to Hervey Bay in 2003, Lorna embraced an active lifestyle—joining the Outriggers Club, learning belly dancing, and even dragon boating. In fact, she’ll be part of Hervey Bay’s first celebration of World Belly Dance Day on May 10th, as part of a global shimmy mob.
About twelve months ago, she taught belly dance, leading a group called Arabian Nights Bollywood Dreams. The music and movement offered a joyful fusion of cultures. While she no longer teaches dance, she still loves to take part.
Despite all her accomplishments, Lorna says the most important thing in her life is family. Her mother, still in New Zealand, now has dementia, and Lorna visits whenever she can. "Always be present with your partner and family," she advises. "Help where you can."
If you see Lorna jogging around town or at Parkrun, say hi. She’s aiming for her 300th Parkrun at the end of the year. For Lorna, nothing beats a bit of exercise and enjoying the beauty of the Fraser Coast.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast Magazine