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
View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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81.3% Yes
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16% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Raspberry plants (4 plants for $30)
This sale is for purchases of four raspberry plants (4x $10 plants for $30)
Pick up my free ‘How To Grow Raspberries’ guide with your purchase.
I also have some individual raspberries ($15 and $20 each) and some thornless blackberries ($15-$25 each)
Discounts for bulk purchases. All plants are in top-quality soil.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce fantastic raspberries. The thornless blackberries are Black Satin.
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80 purchase, I'm happy to deliver within 30 minutes of Rangiora for an extra $10.
We need to exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
If you are concerned about how to keep berries contained or want advice on growing them I’m happy to explain and give you a 2-page ‘How To’ guide.
**PS If you are keen to start a raspberry bed but can’t afford the price, talk to me**
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.