LSV - Limited Service Volunteer - Canterbury

Graduation🤩livestream tomorrow Saturday @ 10am whānau and friends!

Graduation parade will be livestreamed Saturday 14th March 10am :)

Just look at what our amazing McKenzie Class trainees experienced and achieved last week. This was the final time they stood together as a whole company on their last field exercise.

Over the course of this journey, strangers became teammates, teammates became friends, and friends have now become whānau. The challenges, the laughter, the tough moments and the wins — these are memories they will never get back, but ones they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Out in the beauty of Aotearoa, surrounded by mountains, rivers and wide open land, they pushed themselves, supported each other, and proved just how far they have come. As if to make the moment even more special, Ranginui and Papatūānuku gifted them a gentle sprinkle of snow — a reminder of just how unique this experience was. ❄️

We could not be more proud of every single trainee for making it this far. Their resilience, determination and growth have been incredible to witness.

Now the final milestone is in sight — graduation — and we cannot wait to celebrate everything they have achieved together. 👏

Message from Blair McKenzie - Patron - SO1.26

Today I had the privilege, as Patron, to accompany Officer Commanding Steve Challies at the Capping Ceremony for our LSV trainees. The Capping Ceremony is a significant milestone and a moment of real honour for every trainee. It recognises the hard work, commitment and is a recognition of their achievements over the past five weeks of the programme. Another milestone to be proud of, and one that reflects the dedication each trainee brings to their journey. I am looking forward to celebrating more of their achievements along with family and friends next Saturday.

McKenzie Class
SO1/26
Week 5

Not long to go now before our trainees graduate 🥳

They’ve been away this week on their final field exercise and are due back Friday afternoon. They headed off on Monday, freezing cold, wet day, 🥶 but thankfully the weather would have been much kinder to them after that.☀️

We’ve had no contact with them while they’ve been out near Mount White, 🏔️ but one thing I can say for sure is they will have had an incredible experience in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.

There would have been river crossings, plenty of tramping, camping under the stars, team bonding, tired bodies — and unforgettable memories made. What a way to finish their journey!

Fingers crossed the staff return with some great photos to share. If so, I’ll have them posted next week for you all to see 👏

McKenzie Class
SO1/26
Week 4

Last week we held our Mahi Match alongside an amazing group of supportive employers and providers — including some new organisations joining us for the first time 👏

Our trainees were highly engaged, had great conversations, and showed real confidence as advocates for the LSV programme. Huge growth and big wins all round! They finished the day strong by giving it their all with the LSV haka 💪 in appreciation.

A massive thank you to:

Citycare Property | Corde | DoubleTree by Hilton | Fire and Emergency | Fulton Hogan | HPA | Isaac Construction | Master Brick and Blocklayers | MITO | Ministry of Social Development | New Zealand Police | Primary ITO | Remarkable People | Skills | SPCA New Zealand | StudyLink | Vertical Horizonz | Central Otago Seasonal

We truly appreciate your time and support. Special thanks to Youth Development Unit South staff for your continued partnership and backing our trainees every step of the way.

McKenzie Class
SO1/26

More photo's from the Longest Day 😁

More photo's of the longest day whānau 🥰 🥰

Mckenzie Class
SO1/26
Week three
Flag Challenge won by the 'Mighty One Platoon' 🔥

Kia ora whānau
The Longest Day - massive effort 💪💪by our trainees. Up before dawn 😴 - full day starting with marching off into the dark morning. Resilience and teamwork was solid with competitiveness showing through with the tug of war. Thank you to the supporters who joined, NZ Police staff, Fire & Emergency, MSD staff. The long day ended with one last mission and that was the pulling the Mog competition - Great day, tired bodies, competitiveness, teamwork, respect, exhaustion, smiles and laughter. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Proud of you all for showing resilience and pushing through the pain and tiredness - you all showed up for yourselves and your platoons ❤ 👊

Message from Course Patron SO1/26

Nearly three weeks have passed, and we are now halfway through the LSV programme. I feel truly privileged to spend time each week with the trainees and to witness their growth. This was especially evident yesterday as they completed the “Longest Day” — what an achievement. It has been wonderful to hear trainees reflect on the skills they are developing, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making. To families, whānau, friends, and supporters — in just three weeks we will come together to proudly celebrate each trainee and their achievements. There will be many, and I very much look forward to celebrating them alongside you and each trainee.

Blair McKenzie - Course Patron

Week three
McKenzie Class
SO1/26

A huge thank you to Grant Lorimer from Winstone Wallboards, who returned this week to work with each platoon across two days delivering an inspiring and practical workshop for our trainees.

Grant shared valuable insights around building your personal brand, interview skills, authenticity, and how to rise stronger after rejection — real-life knowledge that truly prepares our trainees for the next step in their journey.

Fantastic, informative sessions 👏 We are always incredibly grateful when businesses and individuals take the time to invest in and support our up-and-coming LSV stars 🌟🙏