Meet the team: The new growth in our first aid team.
- City First Aid
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Everyone has a story.
We are shaped by the places we have lived, the people we have loved, the traditions we carry, and the experiences that have changed us along the way.
Last week, we reflected on the roots that helped establish City First Aid. This week, we celebrate the new growth within our team. Nick, Jodie, and Claire each bring different experiences and perspectives that continue to shape how we teach, support our learners, and work alongside our client organisations.
Matariki reminds us that looking back also helps us move forward. As we honour the journeys that have brought us here, we are excited for the next chapter that we are building together.
Nick | 2 years with CFA
A place that shaped me
When I was 18, I moved to a national park in the UK called the Lake District. I lived, studied and worked there for the next ten years. The area shaped me in many ways. Although I already enjoyed spending time outdoors before moving to the Lakes, it was there that I truly fell in love with nature. It was also where I developed many of the skills I still use at work today. Taking groups into the mountains, abseiling down cliffs, and scrambling up rivers taught me how to connect with people, build trust, and share knowledge, fundamental skills that continue to shape the way I teach today.
A tradition that stayed
My first job in New Zealand was managing the YMCA camp at Wainui, near Akaroa. In this role, I developed a relationship with a local rōpū in Christchurch. We arranged for them to have free access to the facilities so they could teach local rangatahi about their traditions. At the end of each weekend, my partner Sarah and I would be invited to join the pōwhiri, celebrating everything the young people had learned over the weekend. We felt incredibly privileged to share this experience and gain a small window into Māori traditions, and, of course, we always looked forward to the kai at the end.
What I love about New Zealand
There are many things I appreciate about living in New Zealand. I particularly value the sense of safety and security I feel here. I think this comes from a shared culture of looking out for one another, a love of the outdoors, and a widespread desire to make the most of our free time. We especially enjoy living in Christchurch, with both the sea and the mountains right on our doorstep.
Image 1: A guanaco in the Torres del Paine National Park, in Patagonia, Chile. I love the photo, partly because it was so funny that it rolled over like it wanted its tummy tickled. Patagonia was also amazing!
Top Right: The Dolomites, north-eastern Italy.
Bottom Right: Ullswater, The Lake District, England.
Jodie | A year with CFA
A place that shaped me
Canada will always be the place that has shaped me the most. Growing up there taught me the importance of family, community, and making the most of every opportunity. I was a very active kid and spent a lot of my time playing sports and being outdoors. Those experiences taught me the value of dedication, resilience, and the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. My upbringing encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and take on new challenges with a positive mindset. The experiences and values I gained growing up in Canada have played a big role in shaping who I am today.
A tradition that stayed
One celebration that has always stood out to me is Folklorama in Winnipeg, Canada. It's one of the world's largest and longest-running multicultural festivals, where communities from around the world come together to share their culture through food, music, dance, and traditions. Growing up, it was something my family looked forward to each year, and it gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures and learn about the stories behind them.
What I love about New Zealand
Since moving to New Zealand, I've really come to appreciate how easy it is to get outdoors and explore. Whether it's biking, hiking, or trail running, there are so many opportunities to stay active and discover new places. I've also really enjoyed how friendly and welcoming people are and the strong sense of community here. The emphasis on work-life balance is something I've come to value as well.
Jodie with her dad in her hometown.
Claire | A few months with CFA
A place that shaped me
Huia, near the heads of the Manukau Harbour, was an idyllic village with a population of approximately 252 people. Community dances, craft festivals, and fairs meant that we got to know most of the locals. Surrounded by bush, beach, stream, and farm, we could swim and wander to our hearts' content. We made our own fun and were never bored.
A tradition that stayed
I have had the fortune to spend two Christmases in Europe and had a fabulous time exploring the German, Austrian, and Scandinavian Christmas markets. I loved the elegant, warm white Christmas lights on the houses and trees and, of course, the snow.
What I love about New Zealand
While I find Europe and the UK fascinating and beautiful, I always enjoy coming home to the wide open spaces and dramatic scenery of New Zealand, particularly the South Island.
Overlooking the water from Huia.
Over the past two weeks, we have shared stories from our current team, but these reflections also remind us of those who have been part of the City First Aid journey over the years. Every instructor and team member, past and present, has contributed something to who we are today.
Each person has brought their own experiences, perspectives, and strengths, helping to shape a culture where people feel welcome, safe, and confident to learn. For that, we are deeply grateful.
Thank you to everyone who has shared part of this journey with us.
You can read about the foundations of City First Aid and the long-standing history behind our Christchurch training team HERE
Next week brings our final post in the Matariki series. As we've reflected on the journeys that have shaped our team over the past few weeks, we'll turn our attention to another journey: your own.
Join us for a light-hearted quiz to discover your first aider personality. Some of us are confident, some are a little rusty, and some are just beginning. Wherever you find yourself, there is a place for everyone in the waka.
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