ArticlesArticles and News from around New Zealand and the world relating to our focus and mission.
First responders only human after all
Max Christoffersen – Stuff
Our first responders, our police, our surf live savers, our fire crews and ambulance teams and many others are human. We shouldn’t expect or require them to fake their dissonance from the scenes of trauma.
Pair killed in Palmerston crash were known to some of the first responders
Hamish MacLean – ODT
The man and woman who died in a single-car crash near Macraes, 35km inland from Palmerston, were known to some of those who first arrived at the scene of the crash late on Saturday night.
Firefighter mental health a 'crisis' - union
Mitch McCann – Newshub
The pain is still raw a month on from Patrick Sarjeant’s death. He is being remembered as a loving husband, a caring dad, a strong firefighter.
Firefighters' mental health at 'crisis point'
Sophie Cornish – ODT
Suicides and life-threatening events are having a major impact on the mental health of firefighters who are called out to assist.
Their union says it has got to a crisis point.
More firefighters accessing mental health help in the face of traumatic jobs
Rebecca Moore – Stuff
The increase in distressing work firefighters face has taken a toll with a spike in the numbers of Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) staff using mental health support networks
1 in 5 New Zealand first responders find it hard to ask for help.
'Why am I telling myself not to cry?': A police officer's journey to the frontline - and back
Jehan Casinader - Stuff
As a police officer, Donna Davis helped people to carry their trauma – until she was forced to confront her own. She tells her story to Jehan Casinader.
Late one afternoon, Sergeant Donna Davis was driving through the quiet backroads of Te Awamutu when her police radio crackled into life.
First responders say a broken ACC system is putting them at risk
Jehan Casinader - NZ Herald
First responders risk their lives to protect us. But the Government, they say, won’t answer their own calls for help. Jehan Casinader investigates.
Warning: This story contains references to suicide
If you ask Dave Rose to tell you about a bad day at the office, he’ll find it hard to pick one. In 30 years as a firefighter, he has more stories than he cares to remember.
Firefighters encouraged to seek wellbeing support
fireandemergency.nz
Fire and Emergency New Zealand supports Mental Health Awareness Week says Brendan Nally, Deputy Chief Executive People.
Detective speaks out about reality of depression - and anti-depressants - for police
John Edens – Stuff
It’s rare to hear from police officers about the mental demands of the job. But now, a detective with New Zealand Police has spoken out about the reality of depression and the management of staff who regularly experience trauma up close.
More police seek counselling for trauma on the job
Kiri Gillespie – NZ Herald
The number of Bay of Plenty police officers seeking professional help due to trauma on the job has almost tripled within a year.
PODCAST - Coppuccino
S/Constable Bryan Ward
Being a veteran police officer over the years I have heard some amazing stories from some amazing people . Join me twice a month as I interview some of the amazing people I meet or hear about. If you want to be entertained, inspired and in some cases amazed at what you can achieve. Then this is the podcast for you.
GO TO PODCAST >Coppuccino
PODCAST - Coppuccino
Lt Megan Mashali - RNZN & Te Kiwi Māia
Lt Megan Mashali, co-founder of Te Kiwi Māia, a member of the Royal New Zealand Navy and simply put an amazing human being !
Megan co-founded Te Kiwi Māia to support the mental and physical wellbeing of New Zealand’s first responders and defence personnel, who are suffering as a result of their service. The charity provides respite and rehabilitation through its Wellness Week programmes, which offers psychological support, trauma-informed yoga, nutrition and sleep education, and traditional Māori healing. So we chat about her service, wellbeing and just what is Te Kiwi Maia and why it is so important.
Rebecca Nelson: From busking to singing for King Charles and the Navy
Rebecca Nelson went from busking (once accused of miming by a famous All Black) to singing for King Charles and crowds at Gallipoli and Twickenham.
Now in the Royal NZ Navy, she founded Te Kiwi Māia to support injured personnel and first responders.
Wind Therapy, Te Kiwi Māia and a Yamaha: A Story of Healing, Service and Full Circles
Five years ago, NZ Police’s Peter Coleman, a long-serving Fire and Emergency volunteer, spotted a Yamaha XJR-1200 for sale in Paraparaumu. “I bought it sight unseen,” he recalls. Collecting it wasn’t straightforward — there was nowhere secure to store it, so Peter arranged to meet the seller at a café. Papers signed, he set off and rode the bike back to Auckland through one of the worst thunderstorms he’s ever experienced. “Awkward!” he laughs.
Over time, the Yamaha became more than transport. It was his touring bike, his commuter, his weekend escape. His long-term plan was to restore it in the classic Fire Engine Red.
Alongside motorcycling, Peter also explored a different passion: music. In 2019, he worked with singer Rebecca Nelson on the single World in Union, alongside Moses Mackay and the Manukau Police Choir. “The whole team absolutely enjoyed it - something different, creating something special. It built a great team spirit and brought people together. An amazing experience,” Peter recalls.
Rebecca remembers it too. “From our very first collaboration, it was clear to me how passionate and dedicated Peter is. Later, I had the privilege of working with him again on a special event for his firefighter brigade, a truly memorable experience. So when I heard the bike belonged to Peter, I thought - you couldn’t have chosen a better person. To know that the proceeds will now support first responders and Defence personnel - his people - it feels like it was just meant to be.”
As the years passed, Peter rode less and began considering an upgrade. “I advertised it, and these lads rocked up to my house. They wanted to buy a bike, do it up, and raffle it off. I donated some money towards the purchase price and asked to be kept in the loop, I just wanted to see what it would look like in the end.”
Those lads were Nik Kingsbury and Nic Scott of Wind Therapy, joined later by bike builder and ex-NZ Army soldier Kelvin Acutt.
Healing in motion
For Nic, the project was life-saving. “I guess you could say I was pretty close to rock bottom,” he admits. “I was just at a point so low I couldn’t see any way out, and I was scared. I had made an attempt at suicide. What I’ve come to realise is that this project was made as a therapy for me - and all I can say is, it worked.”
Nik had quietly engineered the idea to support his mate. “I first went looking for a bike as something to mess with, but I saw an old mate who needed the adventure more than me. Then I figured a way for us both to get on board by making the journey mean something bigger than just us. Nothing gets us out of our own way more than purpose.”
It wasn’t an instant fix. Nic was subdued at first, but when the pair later met Peter and heard him speak about first responder friends he’d lost to suicide – funerals where Rebecca had once sung - it struck a chord. A bond was formed, and a vision took shape.
Kelvin was soon roped in. “Nic called me and told me the loose plan and I said, ‘sign me up!’” he laughs. The hardest parts? “Waiting for parts from sponsors, and the wiring. Rewiring any vehicle with half-right diagrams is a sure-fire way to cause brain damage.”
For Kelvin, the work was also personal. “Since the birth of our triplet daughters and the trauma around that, my mental health has been something I’ve had to monitor and work on. Building bikes gives me peace - the focus of not thinking about anything else. But I can get obsessive and neglect other obligations. This build taught me balance is really important, even when you’re doing charity work.”
More than the ride
Wind Therapy soon grew into more than a one-off rebuild. It became a mission: encouraging Kiwis to experience the world of motorcycling not only for the freedom of the ride, but for the friendships, the tinkering, and the sense of belonging.
As Nic explains: “Riding is an emotion you can’t understand until you’ve done it. It’s the adventure, it’s the zen with nature and machine - under just the right circumstances it’s like nirvana, and we chase that every time.”
That philosophy resonated with Te Kiwi Māia - a charity dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation, recovery, and resilience of New Zealand’s first responders and Defence Force personnel. Through tailored programmes, from week-long wellness retreats to family-focused support and aftercare, Te Kiwi Māia helps those who serve our communities rebuild their health and find positive pathways forward.
From their very first meeting over ice cream, the values were aligned: motorcycles, mateship, and mental health.
Full circle
Seeing the rebuilt Yamaha today, Peter is thrilled. “If I had chosen a charity, that’s the one I would have chosen. It really is full circle. The bike is amazing, a wonderful piece of work. They’ve done some excellent work.”
For Peter, service has been a lifelong calling - 26 years in the Police, 24 years volunteering with Fire and Emergency. “For me personally, it’s about adding value. Helping to make a difference. Be the solution, not the problem.”
That’s why Te Kiwi Māia struck such a chord. “First, because of the passion and vision Rebecca has, it inspired me to want to be involved. There’s such a great need for our first responders and Defence. Following what we’ve been doing with the charity has been incredible.”
Now, Peter’s Yamaha is serving in a new way - raising funds to support those on the frontlines of service and defence.
Te Kiwi Māia wish to thank everyone who has been involved in creating and renovating this motorbike. “Wind Therapy’s vision to turn this rebuild into a project for purpose is incredible. We are deeply grateful, and proud to see this bike now supporting the wellbeing of our first responders and Defence whānau.”
And in true full-circle fashion, Peter himself has bought a raffle ticket - so there’s every chance the Yamaha might one day find its way back to where it all began.
Buy your $20 raffle ticket at www.galabid.com/windtherapy.
And if you’d like to follow the build journey, visit www.theempire.nz/windtherapy.
Raffle closes midnight Friday 17 Oct and drawn Sat 18 October at the NZ Motorcycle Show.
You may recognise his voice as long running ex-radio producer for The Hits and rugby commentator on Radio Sport; Dave ‘Wardie’ Ward faced ruthless competitors, harsh elements and the struggle of being away from home for a chance to take home the crown of Treasure Island Fans vs Faves.
The show begins with two teams battling to avoid elimination, but ultimately comes down to individuals fighting for the title of “Treasure Island: Fans vs Faves Champion”, and the $50,000 prize for their charity of choice.
Wardie eventually made it to the Top 4 contestants and raised a total of $10,000 for Te Kiwi Maia. Ka mau te wehi! Awesome!
We had a chat with the ‘Fan’ of the show to get to know the humble legend behind the screen, find out why he chose TKM and pass on some words of wisdom to anyone facing trials of their own.
Can you tell us about yourself, so we get a feel for the real 'Wardie'?
This is a hard one because I guess I’m a quintessential kiwi bloke; I look rough and tough on the outside but I’m a marshmallow in the middle. My priorities in life are family first, and daylight second. I’m the proud Dad to two boys, Murphy (12) and Mack (10). We are in a blended family with Helen (my person) and her four kids, so it’s a return to a big family for me as I’m one of five boys.
I’ve volunteered in rugby circles for as long as I can remember. I’ve been a coach, referee, player, commentator, ground announcer, and a team manager in the Tasman and North Harbour Rugby Unions. For me, it’s all about giving back. Community is oxygen and the more we feed it the more we get back and I love helping people.
Right now I supervise the Container Terminal at Port Nelson, but dealing with TKM has reignited my desire to get involved with service people and first responders. I love the community and the volunteers who keep them running, and they all need supporting. I hope there will be an opportunity for my career to head down this path. I’ve had careers in radio, and shipping and logistics, and I was SO close to joining the Royal New Zealand Navy. I was accepted for the RNZN Officer Training School and the NZ Broadcasting School on the same day; I chose radio. If only I could turn back time…
Why did you choose TKM?
Several reasons; Helen is a new graduate nurse and, in my humble opinion, nurses could have their pay tripled and they still wouldn’t be paid enough.
We were watching First Responders on TV when I was cast for Treasure Island: Fans v Faves, and I was absolutely absorbed by these heroes and what they do every day. They dedicate their lives and their careers to looking after people. I mean, I love contributing to the community but these people are on a whole other level. When I saw the link asking for donations at the end of the show, it was a no brainer. I also remember Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford supported TKM on his season of Treasure Island and, as I’m also a dyed-in-the-wool Harbour lad, I thought I’d add my paddle to the waka and hopefully build on the exposure Buck provided for this amazing charity.
Why did you want to do the show?
I’ve been a fan of Survivor since it started in the United States in 2000. So yes, I’ve been a fan of this sort of game for longer than some of my ‘Vai’ teammates have been alive. I applied for the only two seasons of Survivor NZ in 2016 and 2017, and came really close. Of 8,000 – 9,000 applicants I made the last 20 - 25 TWICE before I was cut, so to get the call up for Treasure Island was a dream come true.
I actually like the Elimination Arena of Treasure Island more than the voting process in Survivor because it gives the contestants one more shot at taking their fate into their own hands. If it was down to a vote on this season, I would have likely been out very early on.
Can you tell us a bit about the show, how it works, and what you think of it?
Treasure Island is two teams competing for $50,000 for their charity of choice. Throughout the show the teams compete in challenges for rewards, advantages, and immunity from elimination. During the episode there is a challenge called a “Face Off” and the captain of the winning team chooses one person from each team who will battle it out in the Elimination Arena, where the loser goes home.
There is generally a theme; ours was “Fans” of the show versus “Faves” from seasons past. When eliminations get the numbers low enough, the teams merge and it becomes an individual game. Relationships are key, because if you don’t have them, you don’t have any info. No information means you’re not likely part of people’s plans, so unless you win an immunity challenge you may find yourself in the Elimination Arena.
What do I think of it? I think it’s the greatest social experiment on television. It has it all; competition, relationships, social strategy, drama, and triumph. What’s not to love?!
What was the most mentally challenging aspect of the show?
Being away from Helen and the boys. I felt guilty for not talking to them daily while I was away. All I wanted was for her to tell me not to be silly, and to go for as long as I possibly could which, OF COURSE she would have, but I just wanted to hear it myself.
Yeah, there’s deception and back stabbing and untruths and game play and trust issues, but that’s why we love the game. If you don’t have thick enough skin you should probably stick to watching the show instead of playing it, because everything you do is scrutinised by hundreds of thousands of eyes every week. And trust me, I’ve ruffled more feathers than most this season so I speak from experience.
Do you have any words of wisdom for someone going through something challenging in their own life?
Absolutely. Reach out. I’ll talk to you. I’ll listen to you. And, I will HEAR what you have to say, because you matter.
But remember: This Too Shall Pass.
If you’re not in a spot where you want to talk just yet, watch “Call to Courage” with Brene Brown on Netflix. You’ll need to watch it more than once, WITHOUT PLAYING ON YOUR PHONE, and really immerse yourself in it and absorb what she says, particularly the Teddy Roosevelt quote. It literally is a life changer. It changed my life for sure. Helen and I frequently say to each other, “The story I’m telling myself…”
It’s about vulnerability and how it’s actually a massive strength. No-one will judge you for not being ok, and if you’re just a little bit open and honest about how you’re truly feeling, you’ll be amazed at how things fall into place.
I speak from experience when I say that after holding on and holding on to something that’s tearing you up, then finally having the strength to let go, is one of the biggest reliefs and best feelings in the world.
TKM would like to extend a huge thanks to Wardie, Helen and their whanau and all supporters of this season of Treasure Island. All funds raised go directly to providing New Zealand’s Defence Force, First Responder and Emergency Service Personnel with rehabilitation, recovery and respite from physical or psychological injuries, received as a result of safeguarding and caring for New Zealanders.
Written by - Raine Thornton-Stevens
Contact Te Kiwi Māia