1932 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
2 days ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 41.2% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    41.2% Complete
  • 57.2% No, I enjoy it
    57.2% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - I'll share below
    1.6% Complete
1468 votes
2 days ago

Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?

The Doctors

Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.

For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.

Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
Find out more

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How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
  • 40.7% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    40.7% Complete
  • 23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    23.4% Complete
  • 32.3% I prefer calling the clinic
    32.3% Complete
  • 3.6% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.6% Complete
555 votes
3 days ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

The Neighboury Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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