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How Well Do We Know People in Our Community?

December 9, 2021 December 2021, Regular Features No Comments

Chloe Bing

Chloe Bing and her husband Michael moved to Martinborough 3 years ago, escaping from Auckland where house prices were climbing and the time to commute to work was increasing.

On leaving school Chloe opted to take Health Science at Auckland University. The first year of study provided a pathway to Psychology, Pharmacy or Medical School. Pharmacy was Chloe’s choice with 3 more years of study following.

After completing her internship Chloe moved to Otorohanga where she worked with six or seven staff members, two of whom were trained pharmacists.

After Chloe had been a year in Otorohanga, Michael was granted an opportunity to play for a Manchester Cricket team, so they took a 6 month break overseas. While Michael concentrated on Cricket, Chloe extended her skills by becoming the tea lady for the Cricket Club.

They returned to Auckland, staying with Chloe’s parents on a lifestyle block in Waitākere. Their three goals were to buy a house, arrange a wedding, and buy a car.

Meanwhile Chloe was commuting from Waitākere to Stanmore Bay on the Whangaparoa Peninsular a round trip of 100km a day. Even driving against the traffic, she would be leaving at 6.45 am starting work at 8.30am, finishing at 7.00pm. Saturday was 9.00am to 5.00pm. And on her day off she was often called in to help.

An Aunt suggested that there were better ways to live and with family connections in the Wairarapa maybe they should just check out Martinborough. A fortuitous advertisement for a pharmacist came up. Chloe applied and received a telephone call from Karen Crisp on the Friday asking Chloe to fly down to Wellington on the Sunday. Karen met Chloe at the airport and drove her over the hill. “Hill? That was an understatement” says Chloe. The interview began in the car. The job was accepted.

“I love working in a rural practice. You get to know your customers and their families, says Chloe. You have a much better idea of their circumstances which can impact on medication. Here in Martinborough we have the Health Centre right next door. That is a bonus because the communication between doctors and pharmacists is so useful. Martinborough is unique in having such a strong relationship with its medical practice.”

Chloe and Michael have recently purchased the Pharmacy, so they have a long-term personal stake in Martinborough.

“We love it here” says Chloe. “And we also love the wine.!!!”

Lyle Griffith

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