Citycare Property Recognised for Supporting Young Talent at NZDF Tohu Awards
Citycare Property has received the Employer Recognition to the Limited Service Volunteer (LSV) Programme award at the recent Minister of Defence’s Defence Force Tohu Awards. The award acknowledges our commitment to supporting the LSV programme and the young people it empowers.
The LSV programme is a six-week course run by the New Zealand Defence Force, focused on building confidence, life skills, and employment readiness for 18 to 24-year-olds. The programme is run four times a year at three locations across Aotearoa. Citycare Property has been a supporter of the programme for several years, offering mentoring and employment pathways.
Chief Operating Officer, Lee Gardiner, who was a patron of an LSV cohort in 2024, says the experience left a lasting impression.
“You see the shift in mindset. These young people arrive unsure of their next step and leave with a sense of purpose. Being part of that process is a privilege.”
General Manager of Strategic Growth Aaron Wright had a career spanning 30 years with with the New Zealand Defence Force. Since joining Citycare Property, Aaron has championed the LSV programme and served as a cohort Patron himself.
“I’ve seen how structure and encouragement can change someone’s direction. The programme gives young people the tools to move forward. We’re committed to backing that momentum.”
We’ve been fortunate to welcome several LSV graduates into our work whānau over the years. Among the graduates who’ve joined Citycare Property is Michael Reynolds who was named Limited Service Volunteer of the Year at the same 2025 Tohu Awards ceremony. Now an Apprentice Gardener with our Road Landscapes team in Christchurch, Michael joined Citycare Property last year on a short-term contract and quickly showed his drive to learn and his can-do attitude. Michael has earned a full-time role and is continuing to impress his colleagues and leaders.
Michael says this award is a huge achievement for him and is a sign of his growth.
“This shows how much of a change I have been through since LSV, from being a broken person to becoming a fully employed and self-sufficient person.”
“I enjoy working at Citycare Property as the people in it are great. The work we do really helps Christchurch look and feel more loved and appreciated,” says Michael.
To other young people, he offers these words of encouragement: “No matter what age you are, if you ever want something, try your very best to achieve it. Everything feels better knowing you’ve worked hard to get there.”
Another success story has been the journey of Chloe Brett. After completing the LSV programme in 2023, she joined Citycare Property as a Groundsperson. Her adaptability and work ethic saw her transition into a Trades Assistant role on the Christchurch International Airport contract. She returned to the LSV Careers Expo this year to share her journey with the next wave of graduates.
Chloe says, “The Citycare Property team was amazing, patient, accommodating, and willing to teach me everything I needed to know,” she says.
Lee says she is proud to be supporting the LSV programme and the graduates that are now kaimahi (staff) of Citycare Property.
“LSV is a fantastic programme, and we are happy to welcome the young people who step forward to take control of their own future. We’ll be pleased to provide them with the training they need to succeed and grow here at Citycare Property.”
Citycare Property continues to attend LSV career expos, which take place towards the completion of each cohort intake across Aotearoa, to provide opportunities for young people seeking an employment pathway to a better future.