Local leader selected for global competition

 

BY JULIA WADE

A local youth leader, well respected for forming an award winning cadet team, has been selected to be part of a contingent representing New Zealand in a universal competition. 

St John Northern Region District Youth Manager, Anastasia Tinsel, founder and leader of Mangawhai St John Cadets, is on her way to South Africa early next year, joining 32 other St John Kiwis to compete against their transnational peers at a worldwide event.

Hosted by St John South Africa, 2020 International Competition Contingent (ICC) participants will be tested on a range of skills including drill communication, caregiving, leadership and first aid techniques.

Held every two years in different locations around the world, 2020 will be the first time anyone from Mangawhai has ever attended the ICC, Anastasia says.

“To qualify we had to register our interest and commit to fundraising and while we were doing that, the ICC committee and our senior management teams held meetings to pick the right people for these roles,” she says. “It's a fantastic opportunity for cadets and leaders alike, to meet others from around the world, swap ideas and discuss issues to see what more we can do to support our young people.”

Each chosen St John cadet/leader will need to raise $5000 for the trip, and Anastasia has been busy running raffles, selling eco-packs, helping out at events, and has received monetary gifts from the community as well as her family.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their donations including Hakaru Line dancers and Mangawhai Walking Weekend who both donated $500 towards the trip.”

Leaving on January 2, 2020, the cadets and leaders get to spend ten days in Cape Town, although their time will not be all about showing their first aid skills. Planned tours are on the itinerary, offering the teams a chance to experience true South African culture, exploring Cape Town city atop a red bus and showcasing the wild beauty of the Western Cape and white sandy beaches of the southernmost tip of Africa.
 
“I’ve heard some amazing things about Cape Town and can't wait to see it for myself,” Anastasia says. “I'm very excited, nervous and honoured to be going. Helen Keller once said ‘Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all’ and I always pick the daring adventure.”

Anastasia Tinsel (back, centre) pictured with some of the Mangawhai St John team and supporters, is fundraising for her overseas adventure.