Caregiver by day and stock car racer on weekends
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...
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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54.3% Human-centred experience and communication
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13.8% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.6% Other - I will share below!
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