Ryman Times NZ AUTUMN 2021

RYMAN TIMES RY M A N H E A LT H CA R E N EW Z E A L A N D

Starring role for super cyclists Melanoma van launches in Mission Bay Frances Hodgkins village turns 25 Lauren Scullin wins Cashin scholarship

AU T U M N 2 02 1

A NOTE FROM GORDY Kia ora everyone and welcome to an inspiring Ryman Times.

But before I get to the inspiring bit, I wanted to say my sleeve is rolled up and I am awaiting my COVID-19 vaccine - and I hope you all are too.

We strongly advise everyone in the Ryman community gets a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available. I will be doing my bit as well!

If you are looking for a bit of inspiration, look no further than this edition.

A good start is with the incredible Del and Cindy Henley, who feature on our cover. I don’t know about you but biking from Cairns to Perth sounds hot and dangerous. They’re unstoppable and proof that life is not a dress rehearsal, you’ve got to make the most of it.

And then there is Sir Keith Park. Sir Keith’s family has kindly lent us his name for our new Hobsonville village. Sir Keith’s story is astonishing. He fought at Gallipoli and the Somme, and then became a flying ace in World War 1. In the 20s and 30s he kept busy by helping organise the air defence of Britain, just in time for World War 2. And then he became most famous for his organisation of the defence of London and South-east England in the Battle of Britain. We are incredibly honoured to be able to name our new community after Sir Keith.

Also not short on inspiration is the work of our very own Dr David Kerr. David, who has chaired Ryman Healthcare since its early days, was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year’s Honours list. I have it on good authority – he told me – that he hated the fuss, but like all good sorts, he deserves it. His contribution to this company has been enormous, and only matched by his contribution to his many patients and the wider healthcare community, as well as the good causes he has worked for over the years.

There are not many company chairmen who moonlight as the company’s flu vaccinator in chief, and until we grew too large a couple of years ago David was still showing up with his needles to jab us all. He will be queuing up with me for the COVID-19 vaccine.

To be honest you will find inspiration on all these pages – so please enjoy.

Stay safe. Nga mihi

Gordon MacLeod Chief Executive

IN THIS ISSUE

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Starring role for super cyclists

5

Hobsonville village named in honour of Sir Keith Park

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Melanoma van launches in Mission Bay

8 9

Dr Kerr made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit Saliva testing under way to protect residents and staff

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Back on the tools at our developing villages

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One safety card to rule them all

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13 18

Talented young artists enchant at Rita Angus concert

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Frances Hodgkins village turns 25

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A community of care at Aberfeldie

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Lauren Scullin wins Cashin scholarship

Ryman Healthcare Ltd

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Daily Triple A in pjs makes Paul pain-free

0800 588 222 rymanhealthcare.co.nz

Front cover: Ryman Pioneers Del and Cindy on their photoshoot.

Airport Business Park 92 Russley Road, Christchurch PO Box 771, Christchurch 8042

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STARRING ROLE FOR SUPER CYCLISTS The unstoppable Del and Cindy Henley, stars of Ryman’s newest Pioneers campaign, have pulled out their pushbikes to complete yet another incredible cycling trip.

The Possum Bourne residents had their plans to cycle in Europe and Australia scuppered by COVID-19 so instead scheduled a tour around New Zealand’s beautiful South Island.

“We allowed two months to circle the South Island – from Picton to Bluff, up the West Coast and across to Blenheim, which is an estimated distance of 2,200km.” says Cindy.

“The highlights so far have been the spectacular Kaikoura coast and cycling the new 23km cycleway from Kaiapoi to Christchurch, which was flat, smooth and safe!”

The plucky pair know all about challenges on the road after embarking on an awe-inspiring trek across Australia two and a half years ago, travelling 7,000km from Cairns to Perth.

While they survived the threat of bush flies, bikie gangs and the inevitable sore butts, the trip was dramatically cut short just 490km out of Perth when Cindy hit a pothole and went over the handlebars, fracturing her shoulder and receiving a number of nasty grazes.

Having previously ridden all around Australia in a number of smaller trips, a couple of thousand kilometres around New Zealand’s South Island seems trifling in comparison.

However Cindy says the planning has been just as meticulous and the daily Ryman Times • 4

dangers are ever-present, even in safe old New Zealand.

The cycling bug bit when Del turned 70 and he decided to challenge himself by taking up cycling – from Cape Reinga to Bluff no less.

“Del is the quintessential pioneer,” says Cindy. “He loves challenges.

And I was sick of being at home worrying to death about what was happening to this man so the next time he suggested it I said ‘Well, I’m coming too!”

It’s no surprise that this trailblazing pair earned themselves a starring slot in Ryman’s latest Pioneers campaign.

Pictured: Del and Cindy at Possum Bourne before their epic traverse of Australia in 2018.

HOBSONVILLE VILLAGE NAMED IN HONOUR OF SIR KEITH PARK Ryman’s Hobsonville retirement village was named in honour of one of New Zealand’s finest military leaders and strategists, Sir Keith Park (GCB, KBE, MC & Bar, DFC, Croix de Guerre, MA (hon.)).

Sir Keith Park (1892-1975) was best known for his leadership during the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) air defence of London and South-east England during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Sir Keith’s service during the battle was just one part of a long and distinguished military career that began in World War 1. He also fought at Gallipoli and on the Somme during World War 1.

In the inter-war years, he rose through the ranks in the RAF and was part of the team that developed the radar defence system. His war service included

taking responsibility for the air defence over Dunkirk in 1940, and later the air defence of Malta and Burma.

Brian Park, Sir Keith’s great nephew, described ‘a great and good man’ of whom the family were incredibly proud.

After a long and distinguished career in the RAF he returned to New Zealand and later served as an Auckland City Councillor. He was the driving force on several strategic Auckland projects, including the construction of the airport at Mangere.

He said: “This naming opportunity with Ryman offers the chance to raise the prominence of his legacy.”

Sir Keith and his wife Dorothy, known as ‘Dol’ were tireless fundraisers for charity, supporting many good causes.

Massey University historian Dr Adam Claasen said: “He was undoubtedly New Zealand’s greatest wartime commander and an ANZAC whose influence on twentieth century history is challenged by few contemporaries.

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Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod said it was an honour to name the village after Sir Keith.

“It is an honour for us to name our Hobsonville village after someone with such an incredible legacy and something we do not take for granted.”

Pictured from left: Gordon MacLeod, great-nephew of Sir Keith Park, Brian Park, George Taua, Kathleen Davidson and Sally Manuireva.

MELANOMA VAN LAUNCHES IN MISSION BAY Melanoma New Zealand launched its new dedicated mobile spot check van, enabling New Zealanders around the country to have free skin cancer spot checks.

The van has met with immediate success, with its first visit to Edmund Hillary Retirement Village uncovering 23 suspicious lesions and four suspected melanomas among residents.

Melanoma New Zealand Chief Executive Andrea Newland said the van was hoped to be a game changer in the drive to prevent New Zealanders suffering and dying from this terrible disease.

“We have the worst rate of melanoma in the world – more

than 4000 New Zealanders are diagnosed each year with melanoma and over 300 will die from it. More people are dying from skin cancer in New Zealand than on our roads.’’

“The purpose-fitted van, which has been generously donated by Ryman Healthcare, will travel to communities around New Zealand to provide free spot checks and raise awareness,” says Ms Newland.

“Ryman Healthcare is proud to support Melanoma New Zealand as its annual charity partner for 2020-2021 and this van will be a real asset to Melanoma New Zealand’s important work in

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communities right across the country,” says Ryman Healthcare Corporate Affairs Manager David King.

“In addition to the van being available to the general public, we are delighted many of our residents and staff will also be able to get spot checked,” he said.

Each year Ryman Healthcare’s 18,000 residents and staff choose a charity partner to raise funds for.

Ryman Healthcare matches any money raised and has given away more than $4 million for charity causes including breast cancer, stroke and Alzheimers.

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare’s Corporate Affairs Manager David King (right) with Melanoma NZ members.

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DR KERR MADE A COMPANION OF THE NEW ZEALAND ORDER OF MERIT Ryman Healthcare Chairman David Kerr has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List.

Dr Kerr received the award for services to health and business. As well as serving on Ryman’s board for more than 25 years, Dr Kerr has been an influential figure in the New Zealand health community.

Dr Kerr spent his career as a local GP in Christchurch, caring for thousands of residents in the east of the city for over 30 years.

He has also shared his time and expertise by serving extensively in governance roles for health organisations including Pharmac and the Canterbury District Health Board. He was President of the New Zealand Medical Association in 2008-2009 and served extensively on Medical Association committees.

His charitable governance work has been extensive, and includes the Life Education Trust, The Christchurch City Mission and the Champion Centre. Dr Kerr has also served iwi business through his governance work at Ngai Tahu Property.

His governance expertise has been recognised at a national level – he was named best chairperson in New Zealand in the 2013 Deloitte Top 200 awards.

Dr Kerr’s most extensive governance role has been with Ryman Healthcare where he has worked in governance for 25 years.

He was a director from 1995, became chairman for Ryman’s IPO in 1999 and has overseen Ryman’s growth in New Zealand and into Victoria.

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Gordon MacLeod said the New Year’s honour was a great recognition for David’s work.

“I am sure everyone in the Ryman family will join me in congratulating David.

He’s a great supporter and mentor. He’s been on speed dial during COVID-19 and his support and advice have been invaluable.

“For me personally he has been a great mentor and I’m really delighted for him, this recognises how much work he’s done for so many people in health and in business.’’

Pictured: Ryman Healthcare’s Chairman, Dr David Kerr, has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

SALIVA TESTING UNDER WAY TO PROTECT RESIDENTS AND STAFF Ryman Healthcare and Hill Laboratories have teamed up to introduce fast-track COVID-19 saliva tests at Ryman villages.

While no testing was performed at that time, the Ryman and the Hill team continued working together in the months since then.

Ryman has contracted the Hamilton lab company to carry out saliva tests to offer an extra reassurance following the recent emergence of community cases of COVID-19 in Auckland.

Hill Laboratories Chief Executive Dr Jonathan Hill said his team developed and validated a method for testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) in saliva samples in August last year.

Staff at a number of Auckland villages took part in the voluntary saliva tests during the Level 3 lockdown.

More recently, Hill Laboratories has implemented the ‘SalivaDirect’ test, which was developed and published by the Yale School of Public Health, with the US FDA granting this methodology Emergency Use Authorization on August 15, 2020.

Ryman Healthcare Chief Operations Officer Cheyne Chalmers said the Hill tests were an exciting new development in the campaign to keep Ryman’s villages free of COVID-19.

“Being able to test staff quickly, accurately and efficiently is an important extra safeguard for us. We want to do everything we can to keep the virus out.’’

Hill Laboratories developed the saliva test for use in aged care last year.

During the first lockdown in March/April 2020 aged care operators, including Ryman, approached the Hill team for assistance with testing because of difficulties in getting access to tests.

“While roughly equivalent in terms of accuracy and sensitivity to the current nasopharyngeal swab PCR methodology being widely employed in New Zealand, the primary advantage of the new SalivaDirect methodology is that it tests saliva, rather than nasopharyngeal swabs,’’ Dr Hill said.

The SalivaDirect test is also a simple test, so the cost is considerably lower, making it more feasible to be used.

Pictured: Hill Laboratories’ saliva tests will be carried out in Ryman villages and sites.

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Murray Halberg village

Linda Jones village

BACK ON THE TOOLS AT OUR DEVELOPING VILLAGES Our construction teams have picked up their tools after the summer break to get back into building beautiful villages around New Zealand and Victoria.

With work on 12 sites the construction teams are as busy as they have ever been.

Project Manager of William Sanders in Auckland, Matt Bell, had an intense year in 2020, handing over the village centre, serviced apartment block and two blocks of independent apartments in quick succession.

Describing it as a ‘fantastic milestone’, Matt said: “It was a great way to round off a challenging year and I am very proud of our team.

“The feedback from the new residents moving in has been overwhelmingly positive.”

They won’t be hanging up their hard hats just yet though, with three blocks still to build.

At Murray Halberg, Project Manager Ross Duxfield and the team are focused on finishing the second half of Stage 4 in the first quarter of 2021, having handed over the first half of the block in November.

The care centre has been open for over a year now and is currently home to 79 resthome, hospital and special care residents and 49 serviced apartment residents.

Linda Jones village in Hamilton has had residents Ryman Times • 10

living in the first lot of townhouses since May 2019 and now has four apartment blocks and a beautiful village and aged care centre open.

Project Manager Gary Cox now has his sights firmly focused on the next four apartment blocks and three more stages of townhouses.

There are no residents at Keith Park village yet, with the first two apartment blocks due to open later in the year.

Ricky Ciobanu, Project Manager for the village in the west of Auckland, says work has also advanced on the village centre and preparations for other apartment blocks.

Keith Park village construction site

Interior of Linda Jones village

Down the line in Havelock North, residents have been steadily moving into townhouses at James Wattie village.

At Riccarton Park in Christchurch construction is progressing swiftly. Towards the end of January, the first townhouses had roofs on and crews were moving towards making them weathertight.

Meanwhile, across the ditch Victorian Construction Manager Martyn Osborn said while COVID-19 restrictions cut the output of works at Ryman’s sites during the different lockdown stages. The dedicated team worked hard to ensure residents could move into John Flynn in Burwood East and the Ocean Grove village on December 23.

Ocean Grove construction site

This year will also be busy, with work continuing at pace at John Flynn, Aberfeldie, Highton and Ocean Grove.

Demolition crews have been busy at the Ringwood East site clearing the former Daisey’s Hotel in preparation for remediation works.

Residents will continue to move into John Flynn’s first building of independent apartments while construction of the aged care centre is well under way.

“There is no doubt 2021 is going to be a huge year,” Marty says.

The Aberfeldie village is also quickly taking shape with residents moving in later this year.

Vibrant communities are blossoming at both the Highton and Ocean Grove villages, and the Highton aged care centre is on track to be opened midway through the year.

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“If 2020 taught us anything, it is that when faced with challenges we rise to the pressure and excel, and we’ve definitely hit the ground running this year.”

ONE SAFETY CARD TO RULE THEM ALL Ryman Healthcare has combined with Site Safe to introduce a safety card entry requirement across all its New Zealand construction sites.

The partnership means that all team members and contractors who work on a Ryman site will have to gain a Site Safety Card before January 31, 2021.

Gordon MacLeod said that Ryman had looked for a way to provide consistent health and safety training to ensure that everyone understood the risks and could identify the hazards on-site.

“Our aim is to get everyone home safe each day,’’ Gordon said.

“Partnering with Site Safe made sense because it was a way to ensure that all our contractors and team members had the same training and understood the importance of looking out for themselves and their teammates.

“We operate under a similar system in Victoria with the ‘White Cards’, and we think it

is a great way to make sure that everyone who sets foot on a site is trained and aware of the hazards.’’

Gordon said all contractors had been given plenty of notice and had been receptive to the idea as it helps to keep their teams safe.

It also meant they could transfer between sites easily, but always be up-to-date with safety procedures.

“Our contractors want consistency, and this means that they can work across multiple sites and understand the expectations are the same.’’

Site Safe offers a wide range of flexible online and in-classroom training options to ensure all workers on construction sites have the relevant safety training.

There are also free resources available to continually support people to expand their health and safety knowledge.

Site Safe Chief Executive, Brett Murray, said both organisations are about putting people first and improving health and safety on-site.

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“This partnership is about working together to improve the culture and outcomes of health and safety training in the industry.

“It’s also about ensuring all workers get home safely at the end of the day to their whānau.”

The partnership combines the focus and commitment of Ryman Healthcare to prevent harm on-site with Site Safe’s 20-year experience as New Zealand’s leading health and safety solutions provider.

Whilst both organisations already make an impact to improved health and safety across the industry, together that difference will be even more significant.

Pictured from left: Site Nurse Anju Sangwan, Health & Safety Advisor Stewart Connolly, Site Administrator Amanda Bell and Quality Assurance Administrator Leshani Gunawardana.

TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS ENCHANT AT RITA ANGUS CONCERT Late last year Rita Angus Retirement Village hosted a performance of opera featuring artists from the Dame Malvina Major Foundation (DMMF).

The Foundation was established to help young New Zealanders achieve their potential in the performing arts by providing a range of grants, prizes and scholarships, including the Mina Foley Award, sponsored

by Ryman Healthcare.

The Mina Foley Award enables talented singers to return to NZ to perform in a professional season with NZ Opera.

Ryman have had a longstanding relationship with the Foundation, supporting emerging artists, and 2022 will mark a twenty-year partnership.

The performance at Rita Angus which was attended by Dame Malvina and members of the Committee delighted residents and guests and was presented by Wade Kernot, Lecturer in Voice at the NZ School of Music, Victoria University, Wellington (VUW).

In addition to presenting, he thrilled the audience with a performance at the concert.

Wade became a DMMF Emerging Artist in 2004 and has performed in the UK, Europe, and throughout New Zealand, and with several Australian opera companies.

He was a recipient of the Mina Foley scholarship in 2010.

The audience was treated to solo performances and duets from Michaela Cadwgan, soprano, Ryman Times • 13

Grace Burt mezzo-soprano who are both pursuing BMus (Hons) degrees at VUW and Morgan-Andrew King, bassbaritone who is currently undertaking a conjoint degree of Biomedical Science and Music at VUW. Talented piano accompanist, Catherine Norton was a DMMF Emerging Artist with NZ Opera and specialises in vocal repertoire.

She studied at the Guildhall School in London where she was appointed an Artist Fellow. She has appeared in recitals at major London venues and in Europe.

Pictured: Dame Malvina Major with Catherine Norton, Wade Kernot, Morgan-Andrew King, Grace Burt and Michaela Cadwgan.

FRANCES HODGKINS VILLAGE

TURNS 25

When Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village hit the 25 years of operation anniversary last year, there was a real feeling of accomplishment amongst the team and residents.

But Village Manager Joy Notman and Sales Advisor Kate Morgan felt there were still a few things to tick off before it was time to break out the streamers and cut the party cake.

It was an exciting 2020 for the village. A major refurbishment was still underway which included work on a large area of extra decking, a remodelled kitchen and a care centre dining area. There is also a new reception and more space in the laundry.

Jump back more than 25 years, and in early 1994 initial site work was progressing well.

Early construction work was on a flattish area backed by a disused 35 metre quarry face.

The village had its opening night on the 8th of June 1995 with Ryman Co-founder Kevin Hickman standing alongside Dunedin Mayor Richard Walls.

It is common knowledge at Ryman that the establishment of Frances Hodgkins village in Dunedin taught the team a lot about marketing.

In the southern city, the sales team found selling new homes to widowed retirees, who had grown up in the depression and had a frugal Scottish approach to life, could be hard work.

"We had to change our approach. We used the slogan: "You deserve it,'' Kevin said.

But, of course, there was a winning formula at play too!

Located in Fenton Crescent, St Clair, Frances Hodgkins village is perfectly positioned to capture

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sun and enjoys magnificent views over the city, the harbour, Forbury Park and down to St Clair beach.

Frances Hodgkins has 42 two-bedroom apartments, which residents can furnish to their tastes, two floors of serviced one-bedroom or open plan apartments, and 51 resthome beds.

Some residents have been in Frances Hodgkins for more than 20 years and staff turnover, in an industry where it is usually high, is low.

"The most rewarding thing is having happy residents, happy staff and happy relatives," Joy said.

Pictured: Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village has a long history in Dunedin. The village also boasts spectacular views.

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A COMMUNITY OF CARE AT ABERFELDIE First-hand experiences of the ‘love’, care and sense of community felt by Ryman residents and families were shared with people attending public meetings about the company’s new Aberfeldie retirement village.

Residents, and children of residents, from Ryman’s Nellie Melba village in Wheelers Hill, discussed their experience with others considering a move.

Bob Barclay, who was one of the first people to move into Nellie Melba with his wife Veronica, told the audience he knew the decision-making process they were going through.

“Veronica and I have been where you are today, considering the same things,” he said.

Before signing on the dotted line, the couple sought financial advice and discussed the contract with their lawyer, he said.

“My solicitor said to me ‘I’ve never seen a contract that was so easy to understand’.”

Now, more than two years after moving into the village, Bob and Veronica are still “enjoying every moment of it.”

The couple use amenities like the bowling green and pool, as well as organising monthly church services and attending fine dining events, he said.

Manjula Nadarajah, whose father Middleton lives in a serviced apartment at Nellie Melba, and

whose late mother Indy received high care and palliative care from Ryman, said her parents lived in an “amazing, amazing facility”.

“If I could use one word to sum it up it would be ‘love’ because even when you’re just walking through the doors and checking the place out you can feel it,” she said.

“If you yourself are looking to go into the Aberfeldie village, or your family member is, know that they/ you will be completely loved and taken care of.”

Ryman’s continuum of care enabled her father to remain “fairly” independent in a serviced apartment while receiving any support he may need, as well as being a walk away from his wife, Manjula said.

“Ryman is an amazing, amazing group,” she said.

Dana May said her father, Len Thomas, moved into the village during the COVID-19 lockdown after it was recommended by a friend with experience as an aged care operator.

“Ryman are extremely proactive,” she said.

“It’s like they are a step ahead of the government, they had lockdown in place before the government, and they are constantly communicating with us.”

Ryman Healthcare Victorian Operations Manager Paul Sutton Ryman Times • 17

said other steps to maintain the villages as safe havens included the purchase of more than $50 million in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and having staff move into villages.

As well as safety and security, Aberfeldie village residents would enjoy first-class facilities, activities and events, Paul said.

“We build activities and amenities to make sure when residents come to us, they really have opportunities to meet other people and continue enjoying life and experiencing new opportunities.”

Upon completion the Aberfeldie village will include 73 aged care beds, 27 serviced apartments and 64 apartments, as well as a cinema, bowling green, indoor pool, gym, library, café and bar.

The two public meetings, held at the Moonee Valley Racecourse, were led by Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson, Paul Sutton and Victorian Community Relations Team Leader Denise Thompson.

They outlined Ryman’s 37-year history, explaining what life at a Ryman village offered residents.

Pictured Top: Debra Richardson speaking at the meeting.

Pictured Bottom: A team effort from several departments. From left: Eileen Kietly, Lina Benedetti, Martyn Osborn, Jess Nathan, Paul Sutton, Debra Richardson, Chelsea Woolf, Ethan Prentice, Liane Kirwan, Denise Thompson and Jennifer Roberts.

LAUREN SCULLIN WINS CASHIN SCHOLARSHIP A dedicated volunteer at Bob Owens Retirement Village in Tauranga has won the 2021 Cashin Scholarship.

Lauren Scullin, 18, is off to Canterbury University to study speech and language pathology and hopes one day to help people with communication challenges.

The $5,000 scholarship will have a big impact on her and her family after a tough year, she said.

“It will make a huge difference to my studies as it’s a long way to go to Christchurch from Tauranga.

“And my parents have also needed to provide financial support over many months for both of my brothers who lost their jobs,” says Lauren, who is the youngest in the family.

“I’m so grateful to the Cashin family and the Ryman community for considering me a worthy winner.”

Lauren’s hard-working ethic and dedication to service made her a strong contender for the award, having volunteered at Bob Owens for four years and for charity Recreate NZ, which supports families who have a child with disabilities, since August 2019.

“I think it’s important to find time for service, not just for the people I’m doing a service for, but for

myself as it makes me feel humble and it gives me great satisfaction,” says Lauren, an honours student in her academic subjects as well as high achieving in speech and drama, piano and singing.

“I aspire to have a career which enables me to use the latest technologies and methods to help other people find their voice, be it through autism or from having a stroke or another disability.”

Blair Cashin said the family found picking a winner a tough task each year with this year’s 91 entries no exception.

“Each year we all find it really humbling to see so many deserved winners of the Cashin Scholarship, it’s never an easy task to pick just one, “ Blair said.

“Dad was always big on education and giving back to the community.

Lauren very easily ticks those boxes with her vast array of community services and as well as wanting to further develop herself professionally by continuing into tertiary education.

“The Cashin family wish her all the best in 2021 and also wish to thank Ryman for continuing to add to Dad’s legacy through this scholarship.”

Pictured: The Cashin Scholarship winner Lauren Scullin.

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DAILY TRIPLE A IN PJS MAKES PAUL PAIN-FREE Paul Driessen likens his daily dose of Triple A exercises to a ‘miracle cure’ after noticing the pains he used to suffer from in his hip, knee and diaphragm have now gone away.

The Edmund Hillary resident puts this down to the early morning workouts he started during the strict first lockdown and has stuck to religiously ever since.

“Walking around the village is very nice but is not that stressful as I like walking uphill, so when Ryman sent out Triple A DVDs during the lockdown for me it was absolute heaven.”

Paul hadn’t attended the mid-morning Triple A classes as he likes to exercise first thing

in the morning. So the DVD offered the perfect solution.

The 35-minute video features Ryman’s Operations Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator Chelsea Richdale demonstrating exercises for all the main muscle groups.

Says Paul: “I get up at 6am, I do Triple A in my pjs and then I do my walk which probably takes around 1.5 hours all up and then I have my breakfast.”

Paul believes the fact that Chelsea touches on all the muscle groups, particularly ones he wasn’t using in his walking, has strengthened his body and given him more of an all-round fitness.

“And another thing,” he adds, “I have lost 6kg too!”

A former plant manager for TipTop, Paul has two daughters, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren to stay fit for, and says he adds extra vigour to each exercise to really maximise the benefit.

“I’m really pleased that I don’t have any more pains so the exercises for me have been absolutely marvellous!”

Pictured: Edmund Hillary resident Paul Driessen loves doing Triple A first thing in the morning.