New Zealand has triumphed in competitions held as part of the St John International Youth Festival in Lincoln, University.

The New Zealand team won six of seven categories in the International competitions, and took out the New Zealand Army Cup and the Commonwealth Shield. The New Zealand team was competing against teams from Australia, Malaysia, Canada, England, Singapore, Hong Kong and Cymru Wales.

In the National New Zealand competitions (which were held at the same time), the Northern Region (South Island) team, which included Cadets from Christchurch, Canterbury, Nelson/Marlborough, the West Coast, and South Canterbury, won the first and second places in the team competition, won the first and second places in the individual competition, and were awarded the coveted Sir Alfred Robin Memorial Shield, for Champion Region.

The Northern Region (SI) teams were competing against four other squads from around the country.

Youth Competitions include both individual and team sections, and test St John Youth Cadets' skills in a variety of mock situations, such as drill, leadership teamwork, communication and first aid.

Overall, New Zealand teams competing at the Festival won 21 trophies out of 28, a huge achievement, says Michael Brooke, St John National Youth Director,

"St John is exceptionally proud of these young people. A lot of hard work went in to preparing for these competitions, which are historically very testing of the St John Cadets. It's great that they have come out on top, and it's a credit to their hard work and commitment."

Mr Brooke thanked all those who helped with the day's events. "The organising committee, judges, patients, marshals, the Friends of the Emergency Department volunteers who helped deliver food - the day went so well because everyone worked together. I especially congratulate all competitors from around New Zealand and internationally - it's a big achievement to get this far, so well done to all." The New Zealand team was:

Name Division Rosie Whiting Southern Region Karina Hallberg Midland Region Sarah Gagliardi Bishopdale Cranmer (Christchurch) Matthew Wright Bishopdale Cranmer (Christchurch)

Team Managers: Jacci Tatnell (Northern Region South Island), Angela Williamson (Southern) The Northern Region South Island Squad was:

Name Division Liam Beaumont Stoke Morgan Spittal Richmond Paige Spittal Richmond Natasha Newman Shirley Georgia Washbourne Ellesmere Charlotte Wilson Fendalton (Christchurch) Genevieve Williamson Christchurch No. 3 Jenny Schmidli Shirley Simon Corkindale Bishopdale Cranmer (Christchurch) Kyla Murphy Christchurch No. 3 Olivia-Rose McHaffie Temuka Christopher Efford Greymouth Andy Ly Stoke

Team Managers: Avan Hammersley, Yi Lin Mukhia, Chad Marshall, Simon George, Debbie Wilson

First placed team: Liam Beaumont, Morgan Spittal, Paige Spittal, Natasha Newman, Georgia Washbourne

Second placed team: Genevieve Williamson, Jenny Schmidli, Simon Corkindale, Kyla Murphy, Olive-Rose McHaffie

Champion Individual: Charlotte Wilson (Fendalton Division, Christchurch)

Runner Up Champion Individual: Christopher Efford (Greymouth Division, West Coast)