First Training was established in 1997 to meet a growing demand for training and qualifications from people involved in outdoor employment, education and recreation. This service has now expanded to include standard First Aid training and shorter courses so that workplaces and community groups can meet OSH requirements.

Johanna Verheijen (Piggins)

Johanna has lead the team at First Training for 7 years. She completed a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation and a Bachelor of Sport Recreation back in 2000. When the kids went to school it enabled her to pursue a passion in outdoor education. Surf Lifesaving keeps her busy in the summer and she can be found mountain biking in the winter. Jo is also a new member of LandSAR Auckland.

Angela Crates

Angela joined First Training after working in her own company for 8 years. Angela originally trained as an accountant but saw the light and now takes on the role of Administration Manager at First Training. Outside of work Angela spends most of her time involved with activities with her son, including Sea Scouts and Junior Surf at Bethells Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

James Lea

James has been working in the Surf Life Saving and Snow sports industry for the last 12 years. During this time he has gained qualifications and mileage in first aid throughout the winters and summers. He is a first aid assessor for the NZQA and holds his Pre-Hospital Emergency Care award. James finds it so rewarding watching people gain knowledge and developing their skills in first aid, knowing that one day those skills could save someone’s life.

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Cheryl Evans

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Cheryl comes to First Training from the corporate world of sales and marketing with companies such as Tegel Foods and Corbans Wines. Her passion for first aid stems from 15 years with United North Piha Lifeguard service and 9 years with Piha/Karekare First Response ambulance where she gained a lot of practical hands on experience in real life situations. Teaching first aid and passing on her knowledge to others is a dream come true.

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Coryn Laloli

Coryn Laloli Where there is smoke there is Coryn Laloli. Coryn has been a firefighter with the Huia Volunteer Fire Brigade for 7 years and is a Coordinator of the Medical Co-response Unit. She has gained various New Zealand Fire Service qualifications and also ambulance qualifications through time spent with St John's Ambulance. Coryn has been involved in many humanitarian and first aid emergencies. She has completed a Taranaki Polytechnic Certificate in Adventure Tourism and an Outward Bound Classic Course. Her passions are anything to do with sport, having competed at representative levels in swimming, cricket and hockey. In her spare time you can find Coryn relaxing at home in Huia, pottering around in her garden or out hunting with her husband.

Graham Frith

Gaham Frith left his "real job' in 1986 and began working in the outdoors full time. Since then he has owned his own Outdoor Pursuits business, managed an Outdoor Education Centre for a Trust, and guided and instructed in New Zealand and overseas. His passion, is however, still teaching and ensuring that people enjoy themselves safely in the outdoors. Graham is a member of NZOIA and NZRA, and he is also a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, in the lovely Hanmer Springs. His wife and son are both Paramedics, and his daughter is a Physiotherapist, so you could say that "fixing things" is in the blood. When not busy working, he can be found outdoors, orienteering, kayaking, mountain biking or tramping; anywhere that keeps him away from the gardening.