If I could

As one of the newest and youngest faces on Nelson City Council, Campbell Rollo is excited to have started his new role as a councillor last month, and says if he could have any job, he’d be doing exactly what he’s been elected for.

If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be...

Ask me again in a few years’ time, my answer might change! What I would say now though is to find your dream, set some goals and go chase the future. I am extremely lucky to find my dreams, chasing them is the fun part, I am pretty stoked to be where I am today because of it.

If I could have lunch with one person, it would be…

The guest list is overflowing with choices, I’d definitely say my good friend Nick Bastion-MacDonald, he recently moved back home to Nelson, but we haven’t had a proper catch-up yet.

If I could change one thing about Nelson, it would be…

To build a big sports stadium. I’m a huge Hurricanes and Wellington Phoenix supporter so Sky Stadium is a favourite place to visit. Having a big stadium or grandstand in Nelson would be fantastic for attracting more sporting events.

If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be…

Most definitely a chicken pie, it’s an all-time favourite of mine that will never do dull, hint hint to Dad – maybe he will make one after reading this!

If I could spend the day with anyone, it would be…

I would love to spend the day with Peter Beck from Rocket Lab. I once heard him as a keynote speaker at an event and I was so interested in his story. I don’t have a big interest in space, but I love what the Kiwi from Southland has done creating his company, the vision he had to make something from nothing, then to send rockets to space is just awesome.

If I could have any job, it would be…

I recently started my dream job serving as a city councillor. From a very young age I have had a strong interest in Nelson and local government. I spent some time on the Youth Council and learnt a lot about local government. I jumped at the chance to run for council and when I found out I was elected, I was buzzing, I am very excited to serve Nelson.

If I could only take one thing to a desert island, it would be…

Coffee. I love coffee. I’m a frequent visitor to local cafes and can’t go too long without one.

If I could donate $1m to any charity, it would be…

I would love to share it around. The first would be Changing Places NZ, I’d love to make our community more accessible for the disabled, the lack of fully accessible bathrooms in our region is unacceptable. Everyone has a right to live in the community, and to access public facilities. Big Brothers Big Sisters is also a charity close to my heart and giving them support allows us to unlock the potential in the lives of many.

If I could travel anywhere, it would be…

I have always wanted to visit Scotland, it’s where the Rollo family come from, and I am really interested in learning about my heritage and the place my great great grandparents grew up. I am also a sporting nut, so watching my favourite sports overseas would also be at the top of my list.

on the couch

with Shone & Shirley’s funeral director Alastair Hebbard Intrigued with the industry from a very young age, Alastair and Emma Hebbard are the seventh owners of Nelson’s longest-serving funeral home, Shone & Shirley. Alastair talks to Nelson Magazine about how their family cares for yours.

Shone & Shirley are celebrating 160 years soon, what do you think contributes to the success and longevity of the business?

Adaptability and commitment to care. We understand how important family is and the sensitivity around what can be a very difficult time, and we care for loved ones as we would our own. We have the experience and the resources to put your desires in place and create a special and memorable occasion.

How did you find yourself in this field of work?

I was intrigued with the industry from the age of five. My mum provided the flowers for a service, and I remember seeing the really smartly-dressed funeral director, who had a very caring nature and arrived in a shiny car, and I remember thinking ‘wow!’ I left school much later, gaining my diploma in embalming, then found my calling in funeral directing.

What may people be surprised to know about your role?

You have to wear many different hats! Aside from our role as funeral directors, we are adept at car washing, vacuuming, counsellor, tea-making and everything in between! It is a very multi-skilled role. You need to have an ability to read a situation very quickly and be adaptable.

Long-standing supporters of the community, why is it important for you as a business to keep connected with locals?

I like to see the funeral home as a community haven. One element is that we get to know the community and they can really get to know us, and people can feel safe and secure knowing who we are. My wife Emma coordinates SANDS for the region and offers care for families at no cost, as one of our ways to support the community. We strongly believe in the value of community and family, donating what we can back into the region.

What range of services can you offer?

We cover all types of services for funerals, cremations and memorials. We can cater to anything from large scale traditional services to small, intimate gatherings. We have a rage of affordable options and a clear outline of prices on our website. We are adaptable and can tailor-make a service to suit a family’s needs and can help with pre-planning and planning ahead. Making your wishes clear ahead of time can prove to be of great comfort to loved ones. For us it is really about that personal touch. We know that the smallest details are important and the extra service we give makes the difference.