Former Alexandra Hato Hone St John Youth cadet Kohan Carden is taking his passion for the organisation to the international stage.

The 18-year-old, who is now youth leader with the Bishopdale/Cranmer Youth Division in Christchurch, is one of 10 New Zealanders who will travel to Hong Kong for the Asia Pacific Cadet Competitions taking place from July 26 to 29.

They will compete against teams from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Canada in ambulance and home nursing first aid events. 

Kohan said aside from testing his first aid knowledge, the event would be a “fantastic opportunity” to reform some of the international connections, which were lost due to Covid.

The team of 10 competitors and three managers from around New Zealand who will attend the competitions in Hong Kong from July 26 to 29. PHOTO: Supplied

As part of the selection process, each team member had to submit a written application, supported by a CV, which was reviewed by a series of people before the managers finalised the squad.

Since then, the team of 10 have had numerous training sessions online due to members being spread across the country.

However, they will bring their skills together for the first time in Auckland before leaving for Hong Kong on July 23, supported by three managers.

Kohan, who is studying law at the University of Canterbury, has remained dedicated to St John since moving to Christchurch, but the Alexandra division “will always be home”, he said. 

“I started St John by having my parents stop outside of the Alexandra St John station and saying that my sister and I were going to try something new. That was roughly 11 years ago and I have stuck with it since.”

His current role with the Bishopdale/Cranmer Youth Division is voluntary, but he has big plans to remain loyal to the organisation, even while holding down a busy law career.

He hopes to always have a role within the youth programme and would love to one day be the national youth manager but has no plans to be a member of the operational staff.

For now, he has his sights set on Hong Kong where he will showcase his skillset among some of the best in the business, a trip he has fundraised for.

“The amount of support I received from my community has been amazing. I am incredibly grateful to both family, friends and members of the public alike who have helped support me with this trip.”