1837 days ago

High flying West Auckland mum

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A mother of four has realised a 30-year dream to join the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

April Sherman has graduated from a gruelling 14 weeks of training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

In 2021, the Hobsonville resident takes on safety and surface trade training- learning to keep aircraft equipment in peak condition.

The 46-year-old spent the past eight years in Australia, some of the time mining in Western Australia.

Family brought her back to New Zealand in 2019, and the chance sighting of an Air Force P-3K2 Orion re-ignited her life-long career dream.

“I lost my dad suddenly at the beginning of last year to cancer, so my priority was to find a job back in New Zealand and take care of my mum,” Sherman said.

“I was too shy as a school leaver back in 1992 to join.

"But I saw an Orion flying above Hobsonville one day after work last year and that rekindled the desire to look at the Air Force."

Sherman said being mentally and physically prepared has led to her success.

“If you’re willing to embrace lessons, make sacrifices, swallow your pride, be patient when others struggle and continue to give everything, you will eventually overcome each obstacle."

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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6 hours ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 76.5% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    76.5% Complete
  • 23.5% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    23.5% Complete
34 votes
28 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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