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28 days ago

Shamla

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

“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
www.humansofchch.org...

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4 days ago

Poll: Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Times have changed and perhaps so has our societal rules around taking off hats when indoors. What are your thoughts?

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Is it still rude to wear a hat inside?
  • 75.3% Yes, take them off indoors
    75.3% Complete
  • 23.7% No, it's not anymore
    23.7% Complete
  • 1% Other - I'll share below
    1% Complete
3627 votes
14 hours ago

Time for a clear-out?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Delve back into that garage or wardrobe! It's time to sell your gently-loved goods at The Neighbourly Winter (online!) Garage Sale

On Saturday 6th July, members will be online checking out the goods on offer so it's a great time to get rid of your winter clutter.

Maybe it's time to realise that you're never going to use that snowboard or ski jacket, and that you really do have one too many heaters. Whatever it is, take a picture and put it on Neighbourly for locals to see.
List an item now

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1 day ago

We’ve adopted our Long-Term Plan!

The Team from Environment Canterbury

🙌 Your feedback helped land some of our key decisions in our 10-year work plan and budget, known as the Long-Term Plan.

📊 1,300 individuals and organisations, some of whom represented large sections of the community made written submissions, and 153 spoke to us during hearings.

Councillors had to weigh up the need for action to protect the environment, with the cost pressures we’re all facing.

Read the full news story here 👉 bit.ly... and hear Acting Chair Craig Pauling’s thoughts on how it played out youtu.be...

#Kaitiakitanga #Māiatanga  #Whanaungatanga