Diploma and Degree Study Awards
The Second-Chance Education Diploma and Degree Study Awards are for women who are enrolled in a New Zealand approved tertiary qualification and who do not already have a diploma or degree.
In 2015, Erena Packer received the Alexandra Kilpatrick Second-Chance Education Award.
Tribute
Alix Kilpatrick (Alexandra Dale Munro Kilpatrick) was originally from the USA. She settled in Golden Bay where she became a yoga teacher and natural health practitioner and was part of a strong friendship circle. Before she died, she decided to donate the residue of her estate (after legacies to other beneficiaries) to the New Horizons for Women Trust specifically for awards in the field of second chance education. She and her lawyer, found out about the Trust through the NHWT website. She was impressed that Dame Silvia Cartwright and Dame Catherine Tizard were both patrons of the Trust. Her bequest has enabled the Trust to provide additional second-chance education awards and related initiatives.
 with Mavis Shuker (Past Chair NHWT) .JPG)
Erena Parker (left) and fellow Second-Chance Education Awardee Ruby Grace, with NHWT past-Chair Mavis Shuker (centre).
Erena is a proud mum with two of her own children and one foster son. Erena will complete her Bachelor of Social Work (Biculturalism in Practice) through Te Wananga o Aotearoa in 2015 alongside working full time for the Supported Bail Programme, Youthlink Trust. Having not completed high school herself it was a daunting task to re-enrol into education in her late thirties. Erena is hopeful that she may be a positive role model to others to believe in themselves and strive to achieve higher education. Erena has worked in the social sector for years within various roles but wanted to bring mana to her whanau and employer through gaining a Degree. Erena is extremely grateful for the NHWT Alexandra Kilpatrick Second Chance Award as it has enabled her to be financially stable whilst juggling the demands of work, practicum, study and most importantly being a good mum!