Meet Yvonne | Senior Tutor - First Aid Courses | City First Aid Training

Meet the Coastguard Volunteer Who Teaches Our First Aid Courses

If you’ve ever joined one of our first aid courses in Christchurch, Hanmer or Kaikōura, you’ve probably met Yvonne. She’s another long-standing member of the CFA whānau and brings a practical, real-world approach to her teaching. She brings calm wherever she goes, matched with quick wit and genuine care for people.

After 12 years on our team, Yvonne is one of our anchors - steady, kind, and deeply respected by everyone who learns with or works alongside her. Yvonne makes everyone feel at ease, whether she’s teaching CPR or chatting over morning tea.

Let's find out a little more about Yvonne:

From theatre nurse to first aid tutor

Hi everyone, My name is Yvonne, and I’m one of the senior first aid tutors here at City First Aid. I’ve been part of this team for 12 years now — and yes, that sounds like a long time! But every course brings new faces, stories, and laughter. Teaching different people each week keeps it inspiring and fun. The more people who learn first aid, the safer our community becomes — and that’s what drives me.

Originally from the Netherlands, my husband, our two children and our dog moved to New Zealand 17 years ago. Before that, I worked as a theatre nurse for many years, and those skills still come in handy every time I teach.

Outside the classroom, I’m part of the operational crew with Coastguard Sumner, surf support at Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club, and the Taylors Mistake | Sumner Search and Rescue team. It’s very much a family team effort: my son is Patrol Captain, my daughter Vice Patrol Captain, and my husband and I are both on crew. Even the dog has a role… mostly chasing seagulls! Working together to help people in trouble on the water is incredibly rewarding.

When I’m not teaching or on call, you’ll usually find me walking the dog along the beach (with a coffee stop, of course), cooking up something delicious, or keeping active with pilates or strength classes.

First aid isn’t always about big rescues or dramatic moments. Most of the time it’s sitting with someone, lending them your jacket, holding their hand, and talking to them. Simple TLC — and that’s something we can all give.

💙 We’re grateful to have Yvonne on our team. Her calm presence, deep skillset, and big-hearted approach shine through in everything she does - from the classroom to the coastline. (and yes, I do feel clever coming up with that last line xo -g)