Two-time winner off to Shanghai

Chellene Linehan of Howick always reckons she never wins anything - but she may have to abandon that claim.

Six months ago she entered a Herald Travel competition to win a trip to Noosa and her envelope was drawn out of the pile of more than 5000 entries.

Two weeks ago she entered the latest Herald Travel competition, for an Air New Zealand trip to Shanghai, to celebrate the commencement of direct flights between Auckland and Shanghai on November 6.

This time the odds were even higher, with close to 15,000 entries, but from the mountain of envelopes Herald assistant editor Janetta Mackay drew out Chellene's.

She had correctly answered that Shanghai's famous waterfront avenue is the Bund, and the trip was hers.

"You're kidding me," was her initial reaction.

Then, as the news sank in, "Wowee." Chellene said she sent in four entries, two in her name and two in the name of 72-year-old mother, "because mum's always wanted to go to China".

She entered after reading a Travel section story on China "which made it sound such a fascinating place. I read it again and again, it was so interesting."

The prize includes return tickets for two, including all taxes and departure charges, flying Air New Zealand premium economy class Auckland-Shanghai; three nights' accommodation at the Jin Jiang Tower hotel; dinner at one of Shanghai's finest restaurants.

"Oh wow," said Chellene. "I better ring mum. She's had a bad run lately so this will cheer her up."

Then, as an afterthought, she added, "Maybe I'd better buy a Lotto ticket."