Our Loss Is Their Gain - Chrissy Powseland

 It was a few days before New Years Eve 2009, Chrissy Powlesland stepped onto a train bound for Picton. Visiting her dear friend Jo O'Connell, in Picton, she was unprepared for the awakening that took place in her mind and spirit.

In her words, "I fell deeply in love! I was blown away by the incredible beauty of Picton".  At this time, Chrissy was working as an Advertising Account Director in Auckland. 

One of her more memorable projects was working with her client, Westpac to raise awareness of Red Socks Day. 

The artwork (which now belongs to the Westpac Art Collection) was a heroic portrait of Sir Peter Blake, created by Street Artist 'Sparrow' - using the famous Red Socks. The campaign was covered by Breakfast TVNZ and it won advertising awards for its creativity. 

Toward the latter part of 2012, with many successful campaign briefs under her belt, and ten years working in advertising, a slight health scare opened the door to opportunity. 

Chrissy felt it was time for her to breathe, leave the big smoke and immerse herself into a community and buy her own home and grow roots. Picton, was the fortunate town where she landed.  

Her friend Jo had a 'crazy' idea. A fundraising initiative for Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary. Jo called it the Picton Pestival.

Chrissy undertook the Event Management role as a volunteer in the summer of 2013.

Outrageously fresh, fun and inclusive for all in the community. From 'Swap A Possom Tail For A Pint' to 'The Largest Pest Competition' in which the winner showcased a stag, with another couple from Waimate presenting a Wallaby. Needless to say, this was the beginning of a new career path for our feature subject, Chrissy. 

Chrissy went on to work in the wine industry for six years, devel0ping the Mud House brand and launching a new brand, Madam Sass.  She also volunteered many hours of her time while she lived in Picton (committee member of Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary, Chair of Picton Smart and Connected, and organiser of both the America's Cup Parade and the Matariki Festival).  In 2019 Chrissy took ont he contract role of General Manager for the Totaranui 250 Trust; doing her part in steerring the waka for the successful Tuia 250 commemorations in the region. More recently Chrissy was the Manager of the Picton Little Theatre. 

In her experience, living in Picton was a fantastic 'deep dive' into community. Her ability to share stories, to connect humans, with refreshing outlook, positivity and calm is not unnoticed.  

Humans of Picton (Humans Of Picton FB) - a take on Humans of New York, features profiles of personalities within our local community, business or other.  Its not unlike the vision that this page 'Picton Up Close & Personal' has had for our community.  

It is due to the ongoing followers and support that 'Humans Of Picton' facebook page have had, that I've decided to jump on board as admin, and attempt to keep the page current and connected. Thankyou Chrissy for handing the torch over, so to speak. I love those boots you have worn in, and will do my best to continue connecting our special humans in Picton.  

UPDATE:  Chrissy is now settling well into life on Waiheke Island and loving it.  Her new role as Communications Manager for the local tourism group saw her launch a new campaign Welcome to Waiheke  

We are mighty proud of who you are, and to call you ours. Again - our loss is their gain.  We look forward to seeing all the new developments with Waiheke Island Tourism, adding your own flair, expertise and passionate vision. 

 

Chrissy leaves behind a carefully woven tapestry of memories, highs and lows, tirelessly working with generous community focused individuals and groups, to bring the 'one voice' required when forging a change of direction, mind and focus for any community.