New Iona manager excited by future plans

Iona Home and Hospital is undergoing change, and that includes a new manager.

Stephenie Leith moved from Balclutha and began working two weeks ago and is excited about the home's plans.

The one thing that has stood out to her about Oamaru is the friendliness of the locals.

"I thought Balclutha was friendly but the people here are very welcoming and fantastic," she said.

Mrs Leith saw the move as a great opportunity to experience a new career challenge.

"It has a nice feel about it and the weather is a lot warmer," she said.

Mrs Leith has been a nurse for more than 30 years and was managing the Holmdene Home and Hospital for Presbyterian support Otago in Balclutha for the past 13 years.

Arriving at the home while the $5 million expansion is in progress is exciting for Mrs Leith.

The first stage of the expansion is complete and residents have now moved in and the second stage is planned to be finished by June.

Mrs Leith said she feels privileged to hold the manager's position at Iona.

"I am passionate about work in aged care and love my work. It is great to work alongside others who share the same philosophy and vision for older people," she said.

"Working hard to support people to live as full a life as they chose in our services is what drives me."