1941 days ago

Caregiver by day and stock car racer on weekends

Bupa Fergusson Retirement Village

The 18 year old became a caregiver at Bupa Gladys Mary Care Home in Napier just five months ago, after completing the Health and Wellbeing course at Eastern Institute of Technology.

“I just enjoy looking after and talking to older people. It’s a wonderful feeling to give back to those who have led amazing lives.”

The Hawke’s Bay born Swift began racing just two years ago after becoming interested in the sport when her older brother purchased a stock car himself.

“It’s a real thrill going super fast and I also like the track atmosphere on race night, nothing beats it. You also make a lot of awesome friends in the sport too.”

With the support of her family, Lauren has chalked up two wins in a stock car and five wins in the mini stock category. She’s also only ever had one major crash in a stock car back when she was starting out. Now with her own pink stock car, Lauren’s racing most weekends and says the sport and caregiving demand different skills from her.

“With caregiving I need to be really caring, understanding and patient. When I’m racing I’m aiming for consistency, fearlessness and to be my absolute best at all times.”

With her future career plans of nursing on the horizon and the determination to keep racing as her fast paced hobby, Lauren has a busy few years ahead of her in caring and racing.

Learn more about Bupa's continuum of care: www.bupa.co.nz...

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

We're taking the bus!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.

Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.

It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.

It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.

With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?

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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
  • 57.3% No, I enjoy it
    57.3% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
1533 votes
3 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?
  • 41.1% I prefer booking online whenever possible
    41.1% Complete
  • 23.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
    23.4% Complete
  • 32% I prefer calling the clinic
    32% Complete
  • 3.5% I didn’t know online booking was available
    3.5% Complete
572 votes