Meet the Team
Hi, I’m Simon Barnett
I am the National Head of Public Training & Medical Product for Hato Hone St John, responsible for external first aid and mental health training across New Zealand.
I worked as an intensive care paramedic in Counties Manukau prior to moving into various senior management roles, including frontline operational management, service improvement, and heading the transformation of our Event Health Services business unit.
I have a passion for strategy, people, and turning a vision into reality, my focus at St John is to ensure that through training we can ensure we make a life-saving difference by teaching important life skills to the public, and I look forward to working with the broader AECTP membership for the greater good of NZ.
Hi, I’m Bianca Petrie
I am the Executive Officer with the purpose of supporting the AECTP Board and its members. I work approximately 10 hours per week to assist in implementing AECTPs mission to promote and support quality and represent the pre-hospital emergency care training sector.
I specialise in supporting a variety of Boards ranging from Lincoln University in Christchurch to Knoware Limited in Wellington, through a consulting model. I have a passion for building relationships with Trustees and Board members with the goal to consistently provide a service that is second to none.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my various farm animals out in Tai Tapu and reading books in the NZ sun. I have a 16-year-old chihuahua who immigrated with me from South Africa 5 years ago, who keeps me company whilst I work from home.
Hi, I’m Chris Shimmin
I wore the Red Cross emblem twenty years ago when deployed overseas as a medic for the New Zealand Army. Part in parcel with my role in the military was training others and this continued when I left the service, working as a medic on industrial sites and offshore.
For the past few years, I have been part of the First Aid Team with New Zealand Red Cross. I worked as a Training Team Lead, teaching first aid and emergency care. This training role allowed me to pass on first aid skills and knowledge to others, I see this as an indirect form of helping injured or unwell people. The training and coaching of new First Aid Instructors was another part of the Training Team Lead role I really enjoyed.
I have recently been appointed the Quality Assurance Manager for First Aid at New Zealand Red Cross. In this role I focus on continuous improvement of our first aid training. I have a keen interest in course development.
I am pleased to be part of AECTP and to be involved with the upkeep of standards and credibility within the New Zealand first aid sector.
Hi, I’m Sarah Exton
Kia Ora
I am the South Island Training Delivery Manager for Hato Hone St John, supporting the delivery of First Aid courses across the South Island. I have a current Authority to practice as an Emergency Medical Technician which I maintain with through frontline Ambulance and event attendance in my spare time. During the last 15 years, I have worked and volunteered for various positions within the organisation as a Youth Member, Cadet Leader, Divisional Youth Manager, Area Committee member, Ambulance Officer, First Aid Tutor, and Tutor Team Leader.
I have a passion for supporting and implementing First Aid and Mental Health training throughout NZ, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to learn skills to help save a life. I look forward to working alongside like-minded people through the AECTP team to advocate for this small but crucial part of the Education sector in New Zealand.
I am the current Treasurer for AECTP.
Hi, I’m Hilke Giles
I am a Director of Practical Training Solutions and have been involved in the first aid industry for approximately 20 years and have also worked with PTE in other industries. My primary focus is the regulatory and compliance context of first aid training and I value good processes, transparency, and fairness.
I have a diverse background that includes university qualifications in science (PhD), law, and management. In addition to working in the first aid industry I have an environmental consultancy that provides scientific expert advice to those involved in resource management processes. I am also an independent commissioner under the Resource Management Act.
I am excited to be part of the AECTP and to have the opportunity to advance the interests of AECTP members.
Hi, I’m Jesse Liddicoat
I am the Business Manager for Shalom Education, operating in rural Northland, New Zealand.
Shalom Education is a well-established PTE that has been operating for nearly 35 years from the top of New Zealand. We see firsthand the challenges faced by everyday New Zealanders living in rural areas. As a tutor and trainer, I have the privilege of working with a diverse range of people in remote communities. I witness the tangible impact that quality training and skills can have on individuals, helping them become more confident, capable, and prepared for whatever life throws their way.
With over 13 years of service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force—most of which was spent aboard the P-3K Orion—I have served on overseas deployments and participated in numerous search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief missions. My background includes leadership and management roles, adult education, operational planning, and emergency management.
I am passionate about people and committed to improving outcomes in rural New Zealand. Equipping individuals with essential life and lifesaving skills is deeply rewarding, particularly in underserved communities where resilience is key.
Having already served a term on the AECTP Board, I have greatly valued the opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated team to enhance first aid training standards and better serve our fellow New Zealanders. I look forward to continuing this important work.
Hi, I’m Steve Ronoh
New Zealand Red Cross is proud to be one of AECTP’s founding provider organisations. Since its inception, we have remained committed to AECTP’s mission of promoting quality practice through collaborative, ethical, and cohesive partnerships.
As the National Manager Standards and Performance at New Zealand Red Cross, I oversee our Education portfolio, including First Aid and Psychosocial training. My role ensures high standards in academic delivery and learning outcomes, aligning with AECTP’s focus on quality, ethics, and sector leadership.
With over 25 years of teaching, leadership, and research experience across Kenya, the UK, and New Zealand, I have worked extensively with diverse communities in tertiary education. My PhD from the University of Auckland focused on Disaster Risk Reduction post- Canterbury earthquakes that devasted the region. My research has been published in several respected international journals.
I am passionate about empowering people through education, helping them build life-saving skills and resilience. I believe in connecting research to practice enhancing inclusive, effective teaching that re-engages adult learners with their potential.
Hi, I’m Rachel Friesen
I work as the Course Development Coordinator and one of a team of First Aid Trainers for Triple One Care, located in Nelson, New Zealand.
I have experience spanning 25 years in pre-hospital emergency care, nursing and have been involved in education in both the private and public sector during that time. In addition to my dual role as course development and first aid training, I have experience as a St John volunteer ambulance officer, rescue helicopter medic, registered nurse in the intensive care, acute mental health and palliative care fields, clinical nurse educator and as a functional nutritionist.
My diverse experience shows I have a strong affinity and passion for working alongside people within the education space. My lens is holistic, bio-individualised and inclusive. I am excited to be a part of AECTP and to collaborate with members to ensure quality, attainable and engaging first aid training, is available and accessible for all.
Hi, I’m Brad Smith
I am a senior training professional with over 20 years’ experience delivering quality training, coaching and mentoring. As Quality Training Manager at Life Care, I am passionate about ensuring our team have the confidence and knowledge to consistently deliver high quality training to best practice standards, and that the services Life Care provides are up-to-date and relevant to clients and their industries.
Throughout my career, I have held positions that have given me a robust foundation of practical knowledge in first aid and health and safety. These include Health Consultant at Life Care and Operations Manager in the adventure tourism sector.
With my finger on the pulse of current standards, practice, and thinking in the training space, I bring insight and passion to my role as board member at AECTP where I contribute to the future development and establishment of policies, as well as support and guide the organisation’s strategic goals.