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...
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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0% Yes
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0% No
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0% Other - I'll share below
Blessing scam
Three suspected scammers have been arrested trying to leave New Zealand with a large quantity of cash from their alleged victims.
A 50-year-old man and two women, 59 and 53, were arrested at Auckland International Airport yesterday by detectives from the Auckland City Financial Crime Unit. The trio, all Chinese nationals, were arrested just before they checked in for their flights to China.
They arrived in New Zealand on 10 October. Police alleged that two days later, they began operating a blessing scam – a form of fraud targeting immigrant or elderly communities who are deceived into believing they or their loved ones are cursed or in spiritual danger.
Police have jointly charged the three suspects with two counts of obtaining by deception. The charges relate to two victims – one who lost $14,500 and jewellery and another who lost $15,000.
The accused were remanded in custody following their arrest and are due to appear in the Auckland District Court today. Police are continuing to tally the money that has been recovered, but it is a substantial amount.
Perpetrators of blessing scams pose as healers or spiritual practitioners, offering to remove the curse or bring good fortune in exchange for money or valuable items. Victims are pressured to hand over cash or jewellery, typically instructed not to open the packages they receive, only to later discover that the contents are worthless.
While the Financial Crime Unit has identified two victims so far, it’s highly likely more people were targeted.
We urge anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam to contact us and encourage members of New Zealand’s Chinese community to talk with elderly relatives and make a report if they have been scammed.
If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz... or call 105.
In New Zealand, blessing scams have predominantly targeted Chinese communities, exploiting cultural beliefs in spiritual healing and curses. This type of fraud has been active in New Zealand for more than 15 years, with a notable rise in cases in Auckland in recent years.
Police have continued to raise awareness within at-risk communities, yet these fraudulent activities persist, often carried out by well-coordinated groups.
Police remain committed to protecting all members of the public from fraud and financial harm, and ensuring that everyone feels safe from deceptive practices.
We encourage the community to stay vigilant against scams and to remain cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited services.
If you suspect that you may have fallen victim to a scam, please contact Police via 105 immediately.
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