By September that year, the South Otago-born-and-bred mother of three had suffered two family tragedies, lost all three of her beloved pets, and just discovered she had a brain tumour.
Blessed with an ability to see the bright side, Kaitangata resident Mrs Harrison said she discovered she had the tumour on finding three "strapping" fire officers in her bedroom in the middle of the night.
"I later learnt I’d had a seizure in bed, which had left me confused. I got up afterwards, staggered around a bit, then went back to sleep. Meanwhile, my husband [Keith] had called 111, and the local brigade turned up as first responders.
"To say I was surprised would be an understatement."
Fortunately, the tumour was successfully removed and, four years on, she has made a full recovery and is ready to "give something back".
A spell working as the council’s road safety officer for the past three years had given her insight into bureaucratic workings.
"The past few years have taught me several things. When you’re given a second chance, you make the most of it. You take care of yourself, and you want to try and do something meaningful and give something back.
"I’m very clear about ways I can help support those less heard in our communities, and I have a good insight as to how council works, and good relationships there."
Her work for the Drive My Life voluntary driver licensing programme had involved overseeing mentors, and in-person mentoring, for "hundreds" of local people who had previously met barriers to attaining their licence.
"I received my instructor qualification in June, and I still mentor five or six learners a week, of all ages, and including many of the migrants to the district who come here to work in primary industries.
"It’s rewarding personally, but also provides a vital boost to the local economy by enabling people to get to jobs, and remain living locally."
Stories of aggressive behaviour towards female politicians and other officials did not faze her.
"You’re always going to have a range of views out there, and you’re always going to get push-back.
"The way to counter it is to provide clear facts in a timely way.
"The message needs to reach everyone, in advance, in ways they can access. Not everyone has social media or internet, for example."
She felt confident voters were ready for a change from the traditional "older, male farmer" typical of rural councils.
"I think people are ready to see some younger, more diverse representation, with fresh ideas, to take the district forward."
Other candidates for Balclutha’s two seats include Ruth Baldwin, Phil Barrett, Brendon Smith, and incumbent Wayne Felts.
