Ōtautahi Christchurch will experience a St John Youth take‑over this week as cadets from across Aotearoa New Zealand, and even Australia descend on the city for the Hato Hone St John National Youth Festival - and there will be blood. Thankfully, it’s fake.
Thirteen teams (12 from New Zealand and one Australian) will assemble in Christchurch to put months of training to the test in a series of competitive, scenario‑based events assessing leadership, teamwork, first aid and communication skills.
The annual festival runs over 48 hours, with team and individual competitions staged in environments designed to closely mimic real‑life medical emergencies, challenging cadets to think clearly and act decisively as the pressure mounts.
Many St John Youth members continue their involvement with the organisation well into adulthood, with many going on to volunteer or work within the emergency ambulance service. Kerry Mitchell, National Youth Manager at Hato Hone St John, says the National Youth Festival is a pivotal moment for young people in the programme. “Supported by volunteers, businesses and community fundraisers, the National Youth Festival is a landmark event on the St John calendar. It gives young people the opportunity to put their training into practice and demonstrate their skills when the stakes are high and the clock is ticking.”
For the first time, cadets will be based at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve on Sunday 12 April, where they will take part in actor‑based emergency scenarios, applying their first aid skills in a highly realistic, lifelike environment.
An Australian team will also attend this year’s festival, hosted as part of Hato Hone St John’s work to strengthen ties with St John Australia. The exchange is designed to benefit both youth programmes by sharing ideas, teaching resources and approaches to training.
Skills taught through the St John Youth programme play a vital role in preparing young people across Aotearoa New Zealand to respond confidently and competently in emergencies. Beyond first aid, the programme fosters strong social connections and develops leadership and communication skills that support young people to succeed in whatever path they choose.
St John Youth National Cadet of the Year, Zara Campbell, says the festival has helped prepare her not only for real‑life emergencies, but also for everyday challenges.
“Competing in the festival is one of the most exciting events in our youth calendar. Not only do we get to put our skills to the test in a public arena, but we are also able to come together to share ideas, experiences and build friendships that can last a lifetime.
“Being part of the St John Youth programme has given me the confidence to address a room full of people without feeling nervous and has opened the door to so many positive opportunities. I encourage anyone who wants to be part of a supportive, positive group of people to sign up for St John Youth.”
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
Hato Hone St John invites media to attend the scenario‑based section of the competition on Sunday 12 April. Please contact media@stjohn.org.nz to register your interest.
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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