Get it fresh, find it first at the Howick Village Market

The Saturday markets have continued to be busy each week with huge support from the community every Saturday 8am-12.30pm.

Some new stalls that have joined the market are:

„ Floraganza – fabric bags and flowers

„ Candy floss

„ Fig & Fern – pictures and plants

„ Siam Orchards – amazing fresh produce from Northland

„ Jane Bird’s felt puppets and children’s books

„ Orchard Juice – raw juices robots, diving, controlling a frigate on a simulator, and bomb disposal in very heavy protective suits.”

There is no better start to a weekend than to meander among the quality stalls laid out like a traditional bizaar in and around the Information Centre at 91 Picton Street, Howick.

One thing that surprised Depali was the breadth of career options available.

“There are so many roles on offer behind the front line, from lawyers and psychologists to chefs and musicians. There’s a niche for everyone,” she says.

Andrea was at the Ohakea air base near Palmerston North during the second week of the holidays, fully immersed in an actionpacked School to Skies camp with 40 school-aged wāhine.

“One of the most challenging things we did was build a plane, which had to be road and flight worthy. That was tough. We were also shown the basics of flying in a helicopter simulator, did a camouflage exercise where we hid people in the bush, had to erect an enormous tent without instructions, and met some Army dogs which was a highlight.”

“My favourite activity was a flight on an NH90 chopper. We were at canopy level and the rear door was open. We were belted in, but it was still nerve-wracking. Definitely not a scenic flight,” she says.

While Depali is still considering her options for the future, Andrea is certain of her next move. She plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Auckland through the NZDF scholarship programme. Once finished, she’ll be serving the Air Force with her new skills.