Nor'West News: May 13, 2021

12 Thursday May 13 2021
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
NOR’WEST NEWS
Polytech graduation with a twist
ISABELLA Buckingham is able
to pursue her passion while still
being able to give back to the
community.
Graduating with a bachelor of
applied science in psychology,
the Papanui resident spoke of
her journey to helping others
live healthier lifestyles at the
Open Polytechnic graduation
ceremony.
More than 150 graduates from
across the South Island took to
the stage last week to receive
their well-earned qualifications
at the Air Force Museum – with
a Covid-19 twist.
Things were a little different
when both the 2020 and 2021
graduates were in attendance
due to the cancellation of last
year’s awards because of the
pandemic.
“I have always wanted
meaningful work, and to
me, that looks like actively
participating
in my community in ways that
will help others,” Buckingham
said.
After finding herself at a
crossroads in life, then deciding
to take the leap to study in
2017, Buckingham gained not
only a deeper appreciation of the
complexity of her chosen
field, but the tools to help others.
“I am proud to say that I now
work for a sports organisation
as a healthy lifestyle adviser, a
job that I absolutely love. And
one where I get to help motivate
people to make lifestyle changes
that benefit them, every single
day,” she said.
She also acknowledged
the challenges of her fellow
graduates in balancing distance
study for many “while trying
GIVING BACK: Open Polytechnic graduate Isabella Buckingham
presented a parting speech at the ceremony to the class of 2020 and
2021.
to juggle jobs, children, global
pandemics and lockdowns.”
Said Buckingham: “Despite
the challenges our learning
has faced, we have also become
better people. Our learning has
given us a new picture for what
our future will look like.”
Open Polytechnic chief
executive Dr Caroline Seelig said
the flexibility of distance study
meant the organisation’s mainly
adult graduates were able to
complete their studies while
continuing to move forward in
their careers.
Family treats for $10,000 Countdown voucher winner
MICHELLE WRIGHT’S
family can indulge in the odd
extra treat now that they have a
$10,000 Countdown voucher.
The Shirley mother was lost for
words when she won the vouchers
as part of The Palms Shopping
Centre and Countdown
Spend and Win campaign.
It felt like winning the lottery,
she said. It will take some
pressure off the weekly grocery
spend, enabling the family to
save a bit of money ahead of the
winter months.
“I had never really won
anything apart from some
skincare, and certainly not
$10,000. When I rang my
husband, he didn’t believe me at
first, and then it was excitement,”
Wright said.
“It took a few days to think
about the money, but I have
shouted morning tea at work and
donated a few items to charity.
As for the family, we have been
able to purchase a nice bit of
steak and some salmon for a
change and the odd extra special
treat.
“It is important for a local
shopping centre to have incentives,
especially with businesses
being hit by Covid-19. Promotions
like this bring people in to
spend in their local community,
and everyone ends up benefitting.”
The Palms Shopping Centre
manager Keryn Ward said the
mall always looks for ways to
give back to the community.
“We have seen in the past
couple of years quite a lot of food
banks being established in the
Christchurch community and
felt this was an opportunity to
work with Countdown, highlight
those needs and establish an
initiative which further helped
the wider community,” Ward
said.
TREAT: Michelle Wright
(left), of Shirley, who has just
won $10,000 of Countdown
vouchers, with The Palms
Shopping Centre marketing
manager Mia Brown. ​
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