Giving back has always been a big part of Zara Campbell’s why, be it through volunteering, serving as the 2026 National Cadet of the Year for St John Youth New Zealand or her pursuit of a career in healthcare.
Dedication and service are second nature to Otago tauira Zara Campbell.
The Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) student from Winton, Southland serves as the 2026 National Cadet of the Year for St John Youth New Zealand, an organisation she has been a part of for nearly a decade.
Zara says the National Cadet of the Year represents the voices of young people within the St John Youth programme at a national level.
“A big part of the role is connecting with young people from across New Zealand, listening to their ideas and experiences and sharing these perspectives with our leadership team.
“I sit on the National Youth Leadership Team, where I advocate for the cadets and I also lead the National Youth Council made up of our Regional Cadets of the Year.”
Her biggest goal is to help every young person within the youth programme feel like their voice matters, she says.
“I want cadets to feel confident sharing their ideas and opinions, and I want them to know their thoughts are helping to shape the direction of our programme.
“I also want our Cadets of the Year to feel supported and enjoy their leadership journey. There is so much to gain from these roles, and I hope that they learn lots and have fun along the way.”
She also hopes that she can help inspire rangatahi, especially from rural communities, to reach for their goals.
“I want them to realise that you don’t have to be from a big place to achieve big things.
“With hard work, determination and a few people in your corner who support you, you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.”
Being a part of St John’s has shaped her in so many ways, Zara says.
“It has taught me first aid skills, built my public speaking confidence and given me opportunities to organise events and develop as a leader. Progressing through leadership development training and becoming a Non-Commissioned Officer allowed me to teach younger cadets, which is incredibly rewarding.
“Giving back to the programme that gave so much to me is one of the main reasons that I continue to volunteer.”
Zara’s achievements don’t stop there. She is also the first in her family to go to university, a decision she says was made easier with the backing of her whānau.
“Going to university was always something that I hoped I would have the opportunity to do and my family has been super supportive of me making the decision to pursue tertiary education.”
Otago has always been her first-choice university, she says.
“In May of last year, I visited the Otago campus with my parents on the Open Days. The amount of information, the incredible student accommodation, and the beautiful campus really set my mind that this is where I wanted to come to study.”
The decision was made easier with Zara being awarded the University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship and the James Henry Scholarship, she says.
“They eased the financial pressure of moving away from home and allowed me to live in a hall of residence where I have met some of my best friends and so many other amazing people.
“Having the support has allowed me to focus on making the most of both my studies and my university experience.”
For Zara, coming to Otago was the first step in pursuing her long-held dream of a career in healthcare.
“Through my volunteer work as an event first responder, I have had the opportunity to help people during their times of need from an emergency ambulance care point of view, which reinforced my passion for caring for others.
“While I love volunteering, these experiences also showed me that I would love to work on the other side of the hospital doors as a doctor helping people recover and return to their communities.”
With her goal firmly in mind, she’s here to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way, Zara says.
“I want to learn lots, challenge myself, and create memories that I will look back on and smile at.
“I want to leave Otago knowing I gave everything my best shot. My first year has been off to an amazing start and I am excited to see where the next few years take me.”
~ Kōrero by Sandra French, Adviser, Internal Communications
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