626 days ago

Shamla

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“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

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...

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More messages from your neighbours
36 minutes ago

🌿 Ōtukaikino Memorial Service Changes 🌿

Manager from Lamb & Hayward

This year marks a change, whereby Lamb and Hayward will no longer hold the usual Memorial Service in February at Ōtukaikino “The Living Memorial”. Instead, Lamb and Hayward will now host a Memorial Weekend in the spring.

This new format will include a tree dedication, followed by optional planting activities and guided tours of the site.

Created in 1992 with the Department of Conservation, The Living Memorial is a 13-hectare native wetland where a tree is planted for every funeral service conducted by Lamb & Hayward. It remains a peaceful space of remembrance for families, with the Angel Rock continuing as the resting place for Angels from our Christmas to Remember services.

7 days ago

Tech Support and Computer Repairs

Andrew King from The Computer Trainers - Tech Support

Looking for user-friendly computer repairs and tech support? I can help with technical support, troubleshooting, virus removal, data recovery and generally just making technology work.

Andrew King
021 116-7074

4 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.9% Complete
  • 14.6% ... It is complicated
    14.6% Complete
941 votes