1329 days ago

High flying West Auckland mum

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A mother of four has realised a 30-year dream to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

April Sherman has graduated from a gruelling 14 weeks of training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

In 2021, the Hobsonville resident takes on safety and surface trade training- learning to keep aircraft equipment in peak condition.

The 46-year-old spent the past eight years in Australia, some of the time mining in Western Australia.

Family brought her back to New Zealand in 2019, and the chance sighting of an Air Force P-3K2 Orion re-ignited her life-long career dream.

“I lost my dad suddenly at the beginning of last year to cancer, so my priority was to find a job back in New Zealand and take care of my mum,” Sherman said.

“I was too shy as a school leaver back in 1992 to join.

"But I saw an Orion flying above Hobsonville one day after work last year and that rekindled the desire to look at the Air Force."

Sherman said being mentally and physically prepared has led to her success.

“If you’re willing to embrace lessons, make sacrifices, swallow your pride, be patient when others struggle and continue to give everything, you will eventually overcome each obstacle."

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.

Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?

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Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?
  • 69.1% Yes, always ask
    69.1% Complete
  • 30% No
    30% Complete
  • 0.9% Other - I'll share below!
    0.9% Complete
1768 votes
3 days ago

Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.

A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.

Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.

↓ Share your questions now ↓

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1 hour ago

We Read Auckland | Ka Pānui Tātou i Tāmaki Makaurau is back for 2024!

The Team from Auckland Council

Join us for free author talks, writing workshops for rangatahi, and a fresh selection of local bestsellers added to the Bestie Collection this August.
For more details click "read more".