Shamla
“I am a reader. I didn’t grow up with siblings, I had a lot of free time. From my childhood, I read lots of books. One of my favourite authors, she’s Enid Blyton. I grew up reading Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers – they constituted a big part of my world. The first thing I did when I came to New Zealand was to hunt down libraries nearby.
I usually visit Tūranga. Lot of events happen there. Being inside four walls doesn’t light up your mood, so I come out to Tūranga and spend my time there surrounded by people. It makes me calm. I borrow books and go for a walk around the city. That’s my way of getting to know Christchurch. I just close my Google Maps and explore. So far, I haven’t got lost! It’s very easy to find my way around. In Christchurch city, everything connects.
I earned my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science. I am also passionate about conservation, which made me join Conservation Volunteers. One of the first things that I did when I came to Christchurch was to call them and ask how I could participate.
Moving to a new city could be intimidating. But these volunteering events have helped me a lot to put myself out there and talk to people. People are usually nice and warm. When I say I’m new to Christchurch, they ask about, like, how are you doing? Settling down? How do you find Christchurch? I found a lot of people who are like-minded as well, a lot of people who do conservation work like working outdoors. I also get to go to new places, like Amelia Rogers Reserve and McCormack’s Bay.
And I’m enjoying it very much, that’s the most important thing. When you’re volunteering you should enjoy and really kind of get into what you’re doing. So, I’m happy. I’m learning a lot. I’m getting to know a lot of new people, new environments.
I’m grateful that we moved to Christchurch; it’s one of the best decisions that we have made. I feel welcome in New Zealand, in Christchurch, particularly.”
- Shamla
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What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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Serious assault - petrol station
Police investigating a serious assault at a service station on Racecourse Road on Sunday 10 November are seeking assistance from the public.
At about 1.45am a group of car enthusiasts were gathered at the petrol station along with two members of the public.
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan, Canterbury CIB, says the two members of the public were then seriously assaulted on the forecourt area and onto Racecourse Road.
“This was an unprovoked assault by multiple offenders, which left both victims with injuries.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to hold the people responsible to account.
“Police have no tolerance for this type of crime or intimidation in our communities.”
Detective Sergeant Vaughan says Police are continuing to make enquiries into the matter and would like to hear from anyone who has any information or footage in relation to this incident.
If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may assist, we urge them to contact Police via www.police.govt.nz... or by calling 105 and quote file number 241110/0807.
Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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