Former Whanganui student now deputy mayor of Invercargill

Former Whanganui Girls College student Rebecca Amundsen, now the deputy mayor of Invercargill. Photo/ supplied

Emma Russell continues her series charting the stories of former Whanganui students who have gone on to success in the big, wide world

At 16, Rebecca Amundsen was convinced she would become the first female mayor of Whanganui.

That dream didn't happen but six weeks ago, the now 39-year-old, was announced deputy mayor of Invercargill.

The former Whanganui Girls College student said she grew up in a family where women weren't highly educated.

"What I've learnt is you can do anything if you put your mind to it but the first step is actually putting your mind to it."

At 20, she followed her family down south, first to Christchurch and later to Oamaru.

In 2001, Ms Amundsen moved to Invercargill the year the Southern Institute of Technology's zero fee scheme was launched.

The scheme was initiated to help jump start Invercargill's economy after heavy job losses, closing businesses and a declining population. It aimed to attract more young people to the city and still runs today.

Ms Amundsen studied a bachelor of arts in social anthropology from home while raising her eldest son and supporting her husband's new business.

She said she was so grateful to the community for making her feel so welcome that she wanted to give something back.

"I thought the council and the community should be working closer together. If you want to fix a problem, I thought becoming a part of the council was the best way.

"Unfortunately I didn't get in on my first attempt. On my second go, in 2013, I was the twelfth body to be elected and in 2014 I jumped to fourth," Ms Amundsen said.

Her advice to students contemplating a career in local body politics was to stay genuine and be true to what you believe in.

"At the end of the day that's what people look for. You have to be able to follow through with promises and get things done."

She said Invercargill seemed to be on a similar journey to Whanganui.

"When I left Whanganui the river didn't seem to be a positive feature but when I've been back I can see that has absolutely changed and people are proud of it and that seems to have a flow on effect.

"Both towns seem to be moving in a positive direction."