What was your last year at SKC?

2003

What have you been up to since leaving SKC?

I studied at the University of Otago and completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Nutrition and a Bachelor of Physical Education majoring in Exercise Prescription from the University of Otago. 

I spent many years working in the health and fitness industry including Personal Training, Sport Southland Active Lifestyles Coordinator and Southern DHB Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Manager. I then moved into Community Development, working as the Community Development Officer at the Gore District Council, and as a Community Advisor with the Department of Internal Affairs, supporting the community to access funding. 

After spending 6 years in Southland along with a 5 month stint travelling overseas (Shanghai, Turkey, Italy, London and other parts of the UK and Thailand), we moved back to Oamaru when my husband Craig got a job at SKC. We have three sons, Louie, Mason and Albie which keep us busy! I had always wanted to start my own business in health and wellness, but with young children there never seemed to be a good time! After having my youngest Albie, I started my own business called Melissa Smith Total Wellbeing and work as a Registered Clinical Nutritionist and Personal Trainer which I love! Health and wellness is my passion, so I love being back working in this area. 

What is your most fond memory of your time at St Kevin's?

Probably when I was named as Head Girl. It was a very proud moment for me and my family. 

Sporting trips are always good memories too. Lots of athletics, rowing and netball trips with lots of fun had on these. 

What made you choose your profession?

I understand the challenges of balancing life and your health, as I have overcome my own struggles too. I'm a Type 1 diabetic and have coeliac disease, reactive arthritis and PCOS, so I am passionate about health and wellbeing, and understanding the importance of taking control of your health and I love supporting others to do the same. 
 

How has the profession changed over the years?

Nutrition is a very young science, and like all science, it is always evolving as new research comes out. So there are lots of competing theories. One study seems to suggest one thing. The very next study seems to say the opposite. 

With the emergence of social media and social ‘influencers’, it can be very difficult for people to know what theory to believe and trust as people often ‘cherry pick’ information to push a certain agenda, rather than looking at the whole body of evidence. People can tell a compelling story on social media, and of course, people are always looking for a ‘quick fix’ when it comes to their health. Because of this, I find I often spend lots of time with clients dispelling myths about food and exercise that they have been led to believe are true (by people without the right credentials I might add!). 
 

Any information you are happy to share about your family, hobbies, interests etc

My husband Craig was my high school sweetheart (at SKC!). So it’s pretty cool to be back here and for him to be the Deputy Principal at the College. We have three sons Louie (8), Mason (6) and Albie (3). 

I still love my sport and play netball for mighty Maheno, and keep fit in the gym and on regular walks. I love spending time with my family and reading a good book. 

What do you think are some of the challenges for young people today and how is it different from your time at school?

Definitely social media! I’m pleased we got to grow up without it. There seems to be growing pressure to ‘look’ and ‘behave’ a certain way, and photos can be posted at the click of the fingers. When I was at school, we had disposable cameras and you had to wait 1-2 weeks for the photos to get processed! We had very basic cell phones, and even then it wasn’t until university I really started using one. We would ring friends on the landline when I was at school! 
 

Any funny stories from SKC that you would like to share? 

When my friend Bronson Ross brought a chicken to school and had it hiding in his bag in class. Mr Hitchcock was not impressed! A whole class also hid from Mr Hitchcock, left all their bags in the room and hid behind the Ag block. He was late and arrived at class with no one in it! He was not happy!  

https://www.melissasmithtotalwellbeing.co.nz/

Article added: Thursday 23 November 2023