About
100% New Zealand owned and delivering quality enjoyable first aid courses to meet your needs and busy schedules. Workplace First Aid Training Ltd is a New Zealand Qualifications Authority Registered Private Training Establishment (PTE) under the provisions of the Education Act 1989 and its subsequent amendments.
Qualifications gained are nationally recognised and training can be provided at your site or ours.
Best of all, affordable prices, modern training equipment, relevant and professional instruction. Once you train with us you will never use another first aid provider again.
Head to our testimonials page to see our latest independent reviews.
All Workplace First Aid Training employees have been vetted with a background criminal record check.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To provide quality affordable and enjoyable First Aid courses that give people skills, knowledge and confidence when providing First Aid in a supportive training environment, ensuring the best possible outcome for the participant.
CORE VALUES
Exceeding client expectations, consistent quality, learner focused, excellence at every level, honesty, integrity and relevancy.
Our people
Phil Hudson (First Aid Phil)
I am the founder and Managing Director of Workplace First Aid Training LTD.I have spent well over 10 years working as a SCUBA Diving Instructor, 5 years as District Manager of Surf Life Saving Otago and I also teach Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) Courses. I have always pursued what interests me as that way it would never feel like I am working and I’ve always been involved with roles that benefit others.
I live by a motto that “If a student failed to learn, I failed to teach them”. When I’m not developing the company, you can most likely find me at the beach, at a river fishing, underwater somewhere or out in the great outdoors of New Zealand. It’s research so I can take the children out to share the experience with them when they’re old enough.
Nina - General Manager
I’ve been part of the Workplace First Aid family since February 2023, and I absolutely love what I do. I’m passionate about people and safety, and proud to be part of the Workplace First Aid team. As General Manager, my focus is on delivering excellence, building strong client relationships, and creating positive impact in every workplace we serve.Before this role, I worked across payroll, accounting, practice management, and office management—giving me a solid foundation in business operations, staff development, and leadership. These experiences taught me that efficiency and empathy go hand in hand, and that every successful business starts with a supported team.
I’m known for a calm, solutions-focused approach and the ability to manage competing priorities—whether it’s streamlining internal processes, supporting our incredible trainers and admin staff, or ensuring clients receive training that truly meets their needs.
At 30, and as a proud mum of two, I bring both professional drive and real-life perspective to the role. I understand the importance of safe spaces, clear communication, and being prepared for the unexpected—at work, at home, and in the community. My passion lies in empowering people with confidence through practical, engaging first aid education and helping businesses create safer, stronger workplaces for everyone.
Marnie - Office Manager
Marnie Funnell – RN, RM, Instructor, Business ManagerKia ora, I'm Marnie, I am a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife with a passion for health, education, and helping people build the confidence to respond when it matters most.
Throughout my career, I have worked across a variety of healthcare settings, supporting individuals and families while developing strong clinical, communication, and leadership skills. My healthcare background has given me a deep appreciation for the importance of practical education, prevention, and empowering people with the knowledge to care for themselves and others.
Alongside my clinical experience, I have held a range of management and leadership roles, overseeing teams, coordinating services, and supporting business operations. I enjoy creating positive environments where people can thrive, and I bring a collaborative and solutions-focused approach to everything I do.
As an experienced First Aid Instructor, I am passionate about making first aid training engaging, practical, and relevant. I believe everyone should have the confidence and skills to act quickly in an emergency, and I take great pride in helping learners leave a course feeling prepared and empowered.
Today, I am proud to be the Office Manager at Workplace First Aid Training Ltd, where I oversee business operations, support our training team, maintain quality standards, and help ensure we continue delivering exceptional first aid education throughout New Zealand. Combining my healthcare experience with leadership and administration allows me to contribute to an organisation that is making a real difference in workplaces and communities every day.
Graham - Instructor
Kia ora :)Having spent 15 years working to ensure public safety in many roles globally I am now enjoying passing on this knowledge. I have worked as a lifeguard and swimming teacher in pools across the UK and Australia as well as beach lifeguarding on one of the UKs busiest beaches. This summer, I hope to assist on the Dunedin beaches with the local lifesaving community as this is where my passion lies.
Outdoor pursuits are my bread and butter, which is what has attracted me to NZ in order to work and travel. As a keen surfer, mountain biker, and snow sports enthusiast, I know firsthand how essential the skills we teach are. You want to know what to do when things take a turn for the worst.
I am now honored to assist people to gain, refresh and re-learn these key first-aid practices. I wish to help you to gain confidence and clarity so that in times of stress you don't feel helpless and to teach it in a way that helps you to remember better. Look forward to meeting you on our courses :)
Dalton - Instructor
Hi, my name is Dalton.I grew up in South Africa, where my parents were actively involved in sea rescue. From an early age, I was exposed to the importance of helping others in emergency situations and the value of being prepared when people need support the most.
After moving to New Zealand, I became involved with Surf Life Saving, which further developed my passion for safety, teamwork, and caring for others. I also have a background in scuba diving and was fortunate to take part in conservation work on the Great Barrier Reef. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for both the natural environment and the responsibility we have to look after one another.
I have always enjoyed working with people and sharing knowledge through teaching. Combined with my experiences in rescue, water safety, and conservation, this led me to develop a strong understanding of the importance of knowing when and how to provide support through first aid.
Ultimately, these experiences inspired me to pursue a role in first aid training, where I can help others gain the skills and confidence to make a positive difference when it matters most.
Andrew - Casual Instructor
I'm Andrew, and I'm stoked to be one of the instructors for Workplace First Aid Training.My background as a first responder mostly lies in Surf Lifesaving, and I was originally at Whangamata Surf Lifesaving Club. I was both a volunteer and professional lifeguard, Club Captain, and also part of the 24/7 Emergency Callout Squad.
Through the Callout Squad I had experience with every sector of the emergency services, and was part of a group of lifeguards who qualified as volunteer First Responders. This was a way not only to give back to our small local community, but to keep our skills fresh over the winter months when we weren't patrolling the beach.
Over the past decade I've travelled around the world, working in a variety of different roles, including surf coaching in Ireland and Canada. It was this that opened my eyes to the power of teaching; when I returned to settle in Dunedin, I jumped on the opportunity to become a First Aid Instructor to pass on my knowledge and past experience.
When I'm not teaching, I'm either in the ocean, in the mountains, or working on any number of personal creative projects.
Sam - Casual Instructor
Kia Ora, I'm SamBorn and raised in Queenstown, I've spent much of my life enjoying the outdoors and developing a passion for adventure. From lifeguarding to rock climbing, safety has always been an important part of everything I do.
My love for outdoor activities and helping others naturally led me to first aid. I became an instructor because I wanted to empower people with the skills and confidence to step up and help colleagues, friends, family members, or even strangers in a first aid or emergency situation.
I believe first aid training should be practical, engaging, and easy to apply in real life. My goal is to ensure every learner leaves feeling confident in their ability to make a difference when it matters most.
When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me exploring the outdoors, staying active, and continuing to develop my own skills in safety and rescue.
Central Otago Team
Dalton Williams
Graham Fisher
Sam Moore
Andrew Earl-Peacock
Christchurch Team
Bridgit, Canterbury and West Coast Regional Manager
Hello,I am excited to be a part of the WorkPlace First Aid Training Team.
I have a strong background in working with people to provide the best possible outcomes. My aim is to provide excellent customer service to the Canterbury and West Coast Regions, assisting our clients with their First Aid training needs.
Outside of work I love spending time with my family and friends while enjoying a wide range of sports.
If your school or organisation is interested in onsite or our public first aid training courses, please contact me on 027 301 6801
Taras - Instructor
Hi, I'm Taras and I'm an instructor with Workplace First Aid Canterbury. I've always had a passion for volunteering and spent five years with St John Ambulance. Teaching first aid to others is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I am equipping people with the skills they need to potentially save lives is an amazing feeling.Aside from my volunteer work, I'm a big fan of staying active. I enjoy practicing kung fu, which not only helps keep me in shape, but also helps me maintain mental focus and discipline. I also have a love for gardening, which I find to be a relaxing and fulfilling hobby.
Overall, I'm someone who is passionate about helping others and staying engaged with the world around me. Whether I'm teaching first aid or tending to my garden, I'm always looking for ways to make a positive impact and stay connected to my community.
Jonny - Instructor
Hello, my name is Jonny and I come to Workplace First Aid from a varied business background. I have assisted businesses with customer experience via their brand and products, along with developing ‘have a go’ experiences. This hands-on engagement with people to help them understand led to an interest in exploring alternative ways to teach new skills and knowledge.I like working with a range of different people and enjoy engaging with youth, teaching them skills that will give them the confidence and knowledge to provide help in a first aid situation.
I am a big believer in learning through doing. Whether that’s in a car as a driving instructor or teaching a first aid course with the use of the manikins and bandages. Giving people the opportunity to learn through doing (as opposed to just watching or reading) is what drew me to this role. I feel happy knowing that participants leave our courses with greater confidence and a practical skill set that could ultimately save someone’s life.
Auckland Team
Billy, Auckland Regional Manager
Billy, Auckland Regional ManagerKia ora, I am the Regional Manager and an Instructor of Workplace First Aid Training Auckland. I have been in an educational role for the last 20 years as a primary teacher in both Auckland and Dunedin.
I am passionate about teaching and helping others while also experiencing the satisfaction of seeing people learn new skills. I have a family history of teaching and in the medical industry, which has been an awesome foundation for instructing First Aid.
I have many personal interests, which include Sports, Cooking, Travel and Live Events here in Auckland.
I look forward to you being involved in Workplace First Aid Training Auckland.
Wellington Team
GOVERNING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Matthew Dick
I have been working for the University of Otago at the School of Physiotherapy since 2007. In that time I have been involved in teaching on multiple papers for both undergraduate and post-graduate students and have been involved in various multi-disciplinary teams. The duties required include clinical supervision in physiotherapy clinics, organising and teaching labs, taking lectures, and contributing to organisational meetings for various papers. In addition I am one of the service providers for the Otago University High Performance Rowing Centre, and work as an occupational physiotherapist. A significant part of my job is educating people, be they students, rowers, patients, or workers who are having trouble at work.
Tyler Caskey (Australia Based)
Tyler is an experienced CFO and Accounting Partner with a demonstrated track record improving or maintaining high performance Finance and IT functions. He is skilled at building and leading teams, developing sustainable processes, and installing systems to optimise business performance and reporting. Coupled with a history of intensive automation or eradication of low value tasks to enable lean and efficient finance processing.
Tyler has a true focus on delivering stakeholder information in significantly faster than average time frames, using optimal technology to ensure all finance functions are maximising its value to a business. Multiple installations of the day 1 month-end reporting methodology, and extensive experience in the creation of live financial & non-financial reporting using PowerBI and other reporting intelligence tools.
Tyler has a relentless continuous improvement mindset and work ethic, with an ability to redesign and analyse processes across multiple parts of the businesses.
Michelle Brunton (Asia Pacific Based)
I have worked in the Private Training Establishment (PTE) sector since 1997. I initially worked as a tutor and later education manager under the umbrella of Adventure education in the areas of scuba instruction, first aid and retail education. I subsequently worked and training manager and later general manager for a site under the umbrella of Academy of diving Trust. I was asked to join the Board of Trustees for the Academy of diving Trust and assisted in governance in that capacity for two year. I am currently college Manager of Community College Dunedin. Our PTE delivers education for TEC, MSD, and MOE in the areas of hospitality, outdoor, foundation learning, employment skills, life skills and rest home care. I am also a member of the governance group for Community College NZ Ltd. Throughout this time I have developed strong links in the education sector in a wide variety of areas and in particular with other PTEs, ITOs and NZQA.
Ryan Moses
Regional Lead Owner / Director - Spark Business South at Spark New Zealand
I am a passionate and highly motivated Leader with a focus on building a winning culture, sharing best practice, leading change and delivering outstanding results. I have enjoyed success in a variety of roles within Spark NZ and have over 20 years of ICT industry experience working and managing teams across multiple segments – Consumer, SME Business, Corporate and Enterprise. My ability to build effective relationships both internally & externally, passion for people, high personal standards, drive and competitive nature has enabled me to become a leader in my field. I’m also Sparks Regional Manger overseeing all franchises in New Zealand.
Kyle Ford
I am an experienced industry expert, with strong track records, freethinking styles and the diversity of skills needed to help medium and large organisations achieve their strategic goals leveraging a solid IT strategy. I also joined the board of Anglican Family Care in December 2014 with the desire to give back to our community. I’m currently the Chief Information Officer at Well South and has over twenty years of experience in information technology. I’m particularly interested in strategy development and look forward to working with other Board members to build long-term sustainability as well as increased collaborations and partnerships with other organisations.