Former actor praises the influence of religious sisters

A recognised expert in personal presentation skills and leadership motivation, Maggie Eyre has been providing guidance for the not-for profit and business sectors for many years. Asked by Woman’s Day about her role models, Ms Eyre replied “the nuns at Marist College in Mount Albert”.

“They were feminists, highly educated, strong women who were radical for their time,” Ms Eyre said.

“They were my angels and beacons of hope really after a traumatic childhood,” she said. Ms Eyre was sexually assaulted by a friend’s older brother when she was 12.

“I had three nuns who made a difference in my life: Sr Campion, Sr Roger and Sr Basil. These women believed in me, gave me counsel and stood by me whenever I felt depressed.

“People often talk about nuns being cruel. Well, my Catholic education was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

The former actor, who starred in Marlin Bay and Shortland Street, overcame her fear of public speaking and wrote three books on it. Through her company, Ms Eyre has provided training and individual coaching sessions to senior executives and officials at KPMG, PWC, Fletcher Building, ANZ, Vodafone, Westpac, Air New Zealand, Deloitte and others.

She also spent years on the boards of Star Jam and TYLA Youth Development Trust, helping disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities.

Ms Eyre worked with Labour leader Helen Clark from 1992-1999 as a presentation skills trainer and media advisor, having been bought in to soften the politician’s public image.

Ms Eyre was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours for services to business and the community.

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Maggie Eyre media coach confidence (By Fleur Guthrie/Woman’s Day)

The King’s Birthday and Coronation Honours List 2023 – Citations for Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DPMC)