Elissa - Part 1
“I'm pretty sure I've got an ADHD brain.
I've had my first three assessments, because I want to learn more about myself.
My whole life I've kind of been a generalist. I'm interested in everything. And marketing, it's a generalist kind of discipline. I probably would have gone into something more artistic if I hadn't been steered towards things. My goal out of uni was always to find a company or organization whose values I aligned with and I was interested in. It's probably an ADHD thing, I struggle with work that I'm not invested in.
As a kid, I'd get told off for walking barefoot outside in the grass, because it was like, ‘oh, no, you're going to make the inside of the house dirty.’ I don't know if people who knew me when I was in school would actually recognize me now, because my interests are so different. As a kid, I did a lot of reading, drawing, did a lot of crafts, and had those things reinforced. ‘oh, Elissa doesn't like going outside, and she doesn't like sports’, that kind of thing. I think a lot of stuff has been masked or gone undetected because we were pushed as kids and given way more structure.
I've always lived in Christchurch, my parents are first gen immigrants from Malaysia, they moved here in 1988. I didn't really relate to people who were Chinese Malaysian, because they were growing up in a different culture to me. Going back to Malaysia as a kid for family things, we weren't really allowed out to explore by ourselves because we were told it wasn't safe.
I feel like I grew up in a very typical Asian household. You do good at school, you go to uni, you get a degree, get a good job, I was never given the space to be like, ‘What do I want to do?’
Aikido was the first thing that made me go, I actually enjoy movement. I was terrible at team sports. I started when I was 10 and I did Aikido for about 13 years. I was a third degree Black Belt and I was teaching some classes.
When I was like 21, 22 - It was a first relationship - I had a big breakup. I lost my sense of me, and maybe this is how I started to learn about myself more. I had to discover what I enjoyed doing, and had to think for myself again.
I did parkour for a bit. That didn't stick, I was pretty useless. I tried pole fitness. It was really fun, but too expensive. I started to discover that I like individual sports that you can do on your own and also with other people. That was when skating started to take over.”
- Elissa
Part 1 of 2
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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