oatesville's new traffic lights will be operating by mid December, according to Auckland Transport. Once AT completes the construction, Vector must connect the lights before they operate. Vincent EvansWelsh, AT's community engagement representative says, "Often it takes several weeks to schedule them in, so these delays do happen."
In the meantime, drivers can get used to the changed traffic conditions and prepare to slow down for red lights and pedestrians on the new crossing.
Road works caused single lane congestion
And just like that, 2025 is almost over. What a year it's been! The past six months must have been the most concentrated period of road improvements in Coatesville in living memory. Although the lights outside Coatesville Store will be live soon, the construction of a new pedestrian crossing on Mahoenui Valley Road, outside the school, has just started. Plenty of us are fed up with the single lanes and delays owing to road works in the greater Coatesville area. It can be hard to keep your cool sometimes but let's hope the projects all end ahead of schedule.
Pest Free Coatesville is the star of this issue as the driving force behind the new AI trapping network that's being installed throughout Rodney. Talk about high-tech! Their commitment to tackling possums, rats and stoats so that our native bird species can thrive, gives back to the whole community. This is the last issue for the year and I have plenty of people to thank. Everyone who has written about their community group or event and sent me photos; the regular contributors who provide stories and photos each month. Everyone who let me take their photograph – thank you.
If you stress out about cooking Christmas lunch, check out Annabelle White's column on page 8. Her message is to relax and halve what you've planned to cook. Sounds good to me. And, if you'd like to give back to the community, consider donating blood on 23 December at the hall. See the flyer on page 10.
Our local dairy will remain open for most of the holiday period, including Christmas Day. So if you need a bottle of cream for your trifle, you can buy one on the day! However the dairy will be closed on Boxing Day and on New Year's Day.
The Arbory
Diary Dates
∞ 17 December, Wednesday, 1pm, The school year comes to an end at Coatesville School.
The newest Coatesville business in the village will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day but will reopen on 27 December through to New year's Eve. Then it will be closed on New Year's Day and the day after New Year's Day.
Coatesville Motors
The roller doors of the big red workshop will come down at the end of Tuesday, 23 December for the start of the Christmas holidays. They will reopen again when the team returns to work on Monday, 12 January.
Black Cottage Café
The Black Cottage team are taking a short break and will close after Christmas Eve and reopen on 6 January ready to go for 2026!
Rural Delivery
After an enormous lead up to Christmas, Staci, Ryan and Brittany will be taking a well-deserved few days off during the holidays. No mail will be delivered between 25 and 28 December and 1 and 4 January. Remember to hold your mail if you're heading away. You can either go to www.nzpost.co.nz or call Staci on 022 157 0479.
∞ 23 December, Tuesday, Donate Blood at the Coatesville Settlers Hall today between 9am and 2pm. See the flyer on page 10 for more information. Donating blood or plasma is giving the gift of life. Scan the QR codes on page 10 to book your appointment time; check your eligibility to donate; or to download the app.
∞ 24 December, Wednesday, Christmas Eve keep an eye out for the man in red tonight. You might find reindeer hoof prints on your property tomorrow.
∞ 25 December, Thursday, Christmas Day Merry Christmas everyone!
∞ 26 December, Friday, Boxing Day If you've still got the energy to shop in the sales today, all the best on your quest!
∞ 31 December, Wednesday, New year's Eve
∞ 1 January, Thursday, New Year's Day Happy New year everyone!
∞ 1 January, Thursday, Dog Walking Certificates are required from today onwards by anyone walking five or more dogs. Go to: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ en/dogs-animals/apply-walkfive-to-12-dogs.html for more information.
∞ 26 January, Monday, Auckland Anniversary Day
∞ 6 February, Friday, Waitangi Day
∞ 8 February, Sunday, Coatesville Half Marathon For more information or to sign up and get the early bird discount, go to Running Events' website https:// www.runningcalendar.co.nz/ event/coatesville-half-marathon/
∞ 9 February, Monday, 9am Term one starts at Coatesville School.
DECEMBER NEWS
Emergency Management Plan Underway
Local Cricket Kids on TV! A
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Cricket-mad brothers Leo and Harry Child were lucky to be part of the Black Caps anthem kids activation event at Eden Park in November for the Black Caps T20 games against the West Indies. Along with other kids from East Coast Bays Cricket Club, Leo and Harry (who both attend Coatesville School), walked out with the players onto the field and stood in front of the players during the national anthems – all of which was captured on TV! You may have spotted them if you were watching. Mum Anna says this was a top moment for the youngsters.
n emergency management plan is being developed by a group of Coatesville locals following liaison with Auckland Emergency Management, a Civil Defence organisation.
Established by ex-CRRA chair Mike Rowe, the group's aim is to build Coateville's community response plan so that volunteers know what to do in the event of a wildfire, flood or other disaster. A key objective in the short term is to identify how best to communicate during emergencies so that important messages get through to those who need them.
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07 5699 8109 07 5575 9748 graphics@movingtogether.com Po Box 847, Burleigh Town Qld 4220
At a Community Response Planning Workshop held last month, volunteers met with representatives from Civil Defence who helped identify the sorts of emergencies that are most likely to be experienced in Coatesville and guided the group through a series of exercises. A key idea was to create a Community Hub where support could be provided to locals affected in a Civil Defence emergency. The Settlers Hall was the logical site to use for this, but Coatesville School, which is situated on higher ground, may also be used to provide accommodation support.
At this stage, the emergency management plan is taking shape. However, its success is dependent on community volunteers taking ownership of the project and anyone wanting to get involved is welcome.
Taranaki Tour Reveals Hidden Gems
The Coatesville Country Garden Club's 2025 trip away transported 40 gardeners to Taranaki to visit nine of the finest gardens in the region. Below are summaries about what they discovered at the top three gardens on the tour, according to Jenny Hunter and Shirley Jensen.
Waiongana, a 4-hectare garden bounded by a river and tall shelter belts. About 11 minutes out of New Plymouth, this garden was planted about 17 years ago and now a micro-climate has been established. A blaze of colour greets you at the point of entry which is created by poppies, roses, foxgloves, deep blue Chinese for-get-me-nots (cynaglossum amabile) red achillea, multi-hued irises, watsonias, tobacco plant, orange and yellow California poppies in gardens bounded by grassy or limestone paths. Trees and hedges criss-crossed the area and made more interesting sections of garden filled with different colours and plants. A fabulous colourful tableau making the most of felled timber (original trees) of cut lengths to construct walls, timber structures and make mulch, all enhancing the flower gardens in showcasing the dedication and prowess of theowners John and Diana.
Riverlea, the property of Vince and Anne – once owners of Big Jim's Garden Centre – showed their plantsmanship and creative planting around the house built in the 1890s and relocated to this site, about 20 years ago. It’s part of a 10-acre block where flame trees, nikau, plane trees and natives (tawa, kowhai, kawakawa, rimu, kauri etc) fill the valleys and line the drive way. There are specimen trees such as a variegated Tulip tree, several large-leafed magnolias, paperbarked maples, a contorted hazelnut tree (unique in NZ), weeping pussy willow, Knight
rider Camelia, Chatham Island Nikau – the list goes on. With good volcanic ash for soil, and 80cm of annual rainfall, everything grows well. Perennial borders filled with herbaceous plants provide colour at varying heights and types, making a picturesque cottage garden theme near the house. Through the woodlands area and scattered among the rhododendrons were hydrangeas – Bloody Marvellous and a Yellow ’sport’ which exists in only shady areas and has a pale lemon-yellow flower, being
the specialities. The owners relish the opportunities this garden provides to grow speciality plants and witness the birdlife attracted by the native plantings. Vince even has a semi-tame kereru named Raku whom he has food stands for and this year several of Raku's offspring are nesting nearby. There was no overall plan for this garden, which has allowed the evolution of the area according to the owners' wishes and ideas. These are proving very popular with gardeners and visitors alike.
Leonies’ Garden was a sight to behold inside the tall hedges and trees sheltering the site. For 35 years, Leonie has been a farmer’s wife helping with the early milking and then spending time in her garden. Her garden of abundance has flourishing rhododendrons, peris, maples, and a bog area lined with hostas, ligularia, Solomon Seal, and papyrus.
During November, everything seems to be in flower – and looking magnificent! She uses block planting effectively and currently is developing extensive areas in other bordering ex-paddocks.
Leonie has planted trees in wide circles – maples interspersed with rhododendrons, stands of birches with papery bark and anything attempted, is massed. The stone installations – river stones in stacks of 3-6, number about 30 with various heights and sizes. Leonie has many labours of love it seems – her stone containers for walls are used in patterns and in modern squares and spikes, preparing for planting and development. This was a garden of perfection – we would love to see it in a few years time with all the added developments flourishing.
In closing, we thank Tony, Pat, Mary and Paul for their input in scheduling such a diverse programme which was thoroughly enjoyed.
By Jenny Hunter and Shirley Jensen
Our Septic Tank Reports meet the latest Council specifications
Riverlea
Angela Bampton and Kath Dagg at Waiongana.
The tunnels at Leonie's Garden
Community Spirit in force at Pony Club!
The unpredictable spring weather has meant a few unmounted rallies, but our junior members were lucky enough to have a session from Vets North about first aid care. Pony club encompasses all areas of horsemanship, and we love seeing our younger riders grow in knowledge in and out of the saddle.
Our volunteer of the month for October was Maria Shore. As a club, we rely on our member riders and their families to support us at events, rallies and help maintain the grounds and facilities. This shared community spirit is what makes the wheels turn at our club. Maria generously volunteered her time at our initial working bee and our dressage series – two of the first events of the season. Thanks again to Maria for her contribution – we are hugely appreciative of all our volunteers.
We would also like to acknowledge the team from Coatesville Bayleys who have not only been a sponsor of the club for the last 4 years, but contributed their time by giving back to the community. They spent an afternoon helping tidy the grounds, pull weeds, and clean up the cross-country jumps. Top points for community spirit!
As the season is now well underway, – we would love to get to know more of our locals. Come and support one of our upcoming events and watch our riders do what they love, in the community that we all love. Here is a list of events
∞ 18 January – Mini ODE
∞ 14 February – Show Hunter / Show Jumping
∞ 22 February – Interculb Teams Show Jumping
More of our riders are on the roads to and from pony club rallies and events, so please pass carefully!
If you have any questions or would like to join our club or become a sponsor – please contact us at: coatesvillevpc@gmail.com or visit our website: www.coatesvilleponyclub.co.nz
Wishing our community, members and sponsors a very Merry Christmas and we look foward sharing more about our club with you next year.
Vets North's first aid session
High-Tech AI Trap Network Build Begins
Installation of Rodney's state of the art pest animal trap network based on AI technology has kicked off. The first communications masts, relays and traps are now installed between Waitoki and Dairy Flat.
A goodwill agreement signed between sthe region's community predator management groups has united everyone involved in the conservation endeavour of pest animal eradication. Their shared direction is how best to tackle the issue of pest animals so that Brown Kiwi can be encouraged to migrate into the wider area, breeding and traveling throughout Rodney.
Gary Langridge, leader of Pest Free Coatesville, is heading up the mission and says at last, the project is starting to feel exciting.
"At the start we thought it would be easier to achieve, but we've found that not all property owners want communications masts installed on the highest point of their property because that's usually where the house is," says Gary.
The AI network connects via a radio frequency signal that needs to be uninterrupted in order to achieve the groups' goals of receiving weekly updates from every trap in the network. By the time the installation is completed, Gary says there will be around 500-600 traps each one able to report back on its status. Because of the high tech nature of the installation, community volunteers aren't tackling it alone. The company behind the communication and data technology is FTP Solutions and they're on site making sure the masts and relays are connected and functioning correctly. So is NZ Auto Traps whose AT520 AI traps will be spread across Rodney doing the grunt work.
"Before we started the installation, Southern Lakes region - where New Zealand's first AI trap network was installed - advised us to use relays (5m-high mini communications
masts) and connect traps to these to give the network a more robust architecture." says Gary.
One of the advantages of using the solar-powered AT520 AI traps is their low maintenance. Unlike other traps where lures regularly need topping up to attract pest animals, the mayonnaise-based lure used by AT520s lasts for 11 months. The traps also have an impressive array of technology embedded in them. A camera enables them to identify an animal nearby and make sure it's a member of a target species.
"The trap will only fire if it's 80 percent certain the animal is either a rat or a possum," says Gary. "Although we're hoping to add stoats to that group in the near future."
This protects cats, dogs and other non-target species from being harmed accidentally. And, since the traps are mounted 75cm off the ground on tree trunks, no grounddwelling creatures are at risk either.
A funding grant recently received by the group will cover the cost of installing the first 200 traps in stage one and Gary believes 50-75 traps will be installed by the end of this year. However, buying the traps is only part of the outlay. There is a maintenance cost of $139 per year for each trap, and it takes about half an hour to install each one, so initially at least, the job's a bigg'un. However, Gary says the cost per kill is inexpensive compared to other methods.
"This is the first commercial AI line in operation in Auckland, so we're the first group in the North Island to deliver it. It's exciting to think that as a result, Kiwi could soon be making their way through Rodney," says Gary.
Captions:
1. A communications mast reaches skywards.
2. Trisha Weston from Pest Free Coatesville with Tom Alan From FTP Solutions.
3. Phil Grainger installs an AT520 AI trap on his Wiatoki property.
DESIGNED & BUILT FOR WORK & LIFE
Kakas In Coatesville
You may have heard a screeching and looked up to see a brown bird flying over head or wondered what is stripping the bark off one of your trees. It will be a kākā, one of New Zealand’s endemic parrots which are frequently being seen in Coatesville. I have been surveying birds in Coatesville for a number of years and the occurrence of kākā has increased significantly. As with all our native parrots, kākā is threatened owing to introduced predators and habitat modification. The good news is that under the Department of Conservation threat classification system, kākā are recovering. One just has to look at the success of the community restoration projects in Wellington where kākā are now successfully nesting in urban areas and hopefully we can achieve this in Coatesville. We need to celebrate the conservation efforts of Coatesville residents who are improving the local environment for our native birds. As well as kākā, we are seeing an increase in the abundance of other rare and threatened birds such as brown teal pāteke, grey teal tētē-moroiti, grey duck pārera, fernbird, banded dotterel, New Zealand dabchick weweia and tomtit miromiro.
Kākā are quite unique for a large bird as they are a cavity nester and require trees with suitable holes and cavities, so rely on large mature trees. Hopefully, they will find suitable habitat in the older parts of Coatesville and the Riverhead Forest. We are lucky to regular see them in Coatesville as
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there are few sites other than the offshore islands of Auckland where they are regularly seen. There are breeding populations on the Hen and Chicken Islands, Te Hauturu-o-Toi Little Barrier Island, and Aotea Great Barrier Island.
So, if you loose a bit of fruit from your lemon tree or a strip of bark off a tree, just celebrate the presence of kākā in our community. Coatesville will become a much more vibrant place when the native biodiversity returns.
Dr Manu Davison
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Commercial supply
Drinking water for events CONTACT US
Gary 021 630 322 northharbourwater.co.nz
Civil Defence
Problems with water lapping around door sills in heavy rains? Check these out at Bunnings. They might ease your worries.
Clean & Green
Using lots of batteries over the holiday season? There is a recycling station at Bunnings.
Kaka is a NZ parrot species
Kaka tearing off a strip of bark
Christmas Cooking Solutions to Save Your Sanity Christmas Cooking Solutions to Save Your Sanity
By Annabelle White
Feeling a bit twitchy about Christmas cooking? Do you wake up at 3am wondering if the turkey will defrost in time — or if Aunt Bev will remember she’s gluten-free this year? You’re not alone. So, here are some comforting words for your frazzled soul: DO LESS. Yes, really. Whatever you’ve planned — halve it. Not that family will turn up to your home to be met with dry crusts and water, but no one expects you to suddenly metamorphose into Mary Berry while the family beams around the table like a 1950s Norman Rockwell painting. That’s fantasy. In real life, the kids will misbehave, Uncle Stu might fall into the pudding after too much brandy, and cousins will refuse to surrender their phones while stretched nonchalantly across the sofa.
So take a breath. Whether your Christmas Day is a swept up Kiwi BBQ where everyone brings a plate or bowl, or a relaxed “buy good stuff and skip the chopping” approach — perfect. There are no rules here. The goal is simple: feed people, stay sane, and maybe even have fun.
Here are a few shortcuts from my kitchen to yours:
∞ Start strong with a platter. Grab a large white tray (the $4 plastic ones at the $2 shop are brilliant) and fill it with smoked salmon, marinated mussels, dips, olives, nuts, sundried tomatoes, and good cheese. Add great bread and voilà — instant starter! If non-cooks offer to help, hand them a shopping list and smile.
∞ Make my mint and parsley dressing now. Keep it in the fridge, then add a squeeze of lemon on the day for sparkle. Drizzle over hot new potatoes (Jersey Bennes if you can find them) or use it on Boxing Day salads.
∞ Dessert platters - stress-free joy. Think fresh cherries, strawberries, good chocolates, mince pies (warm them slightly), shortbread, and even
brandy snaps filled with whipped cream. Stock up early.
∞ Christmas Pudding fans: If you make one — but my tip is to add a little grated apple and carrot to the mix and pop the pudding basin in your slow cooker overnight. No more topping up the boiling pot every few hours on the stove!
And please — one dessert is plenty. You are not the Valentine’s buffet. If Uncle Trev insists on pavlova, tell him to bring one.
Most importantly, delegate and enjoy yourself. The kitchen should be a happy place, not a war zone.
From my kitchen to yours — have a fabulous, relaxed Christmas.
P.S. My Best Recipes book makes a great gift — $30 at www.annabellewhite.com (order early, it’s Christmas — and the postal elves get busy!).
Super Easy Fresh Cherry & Raspberry Trifle
This dessert is pure magic — minimal effort,maximum applause. It feeds about ten and is the ideal “I’ve-runout-of-time” pudding.
Ingredients
∞ 36 fresh cherries, stoned and halved
∞ ½ cup crème de cassis
∞ 225g unfilled sponge (supermarket one is fine)
∞ 1 small punnet raspberries (fresh or frozen)
∞ 2 cups custard (store-bought is perfect)
∞ 300ml whipped (unsweetened) cream
∞ ¼ cup flaked almonds
Method
1. Soak the cherries in crème de cassis for 30–60 minutes.
2. Break half the sponge into a large bowl, top with half the fruit and liquid. Repeat.
3. Warm the custard (about 2 minutes in the microwave) and pour it over the layers so it soaks in.
4. Chill for at least an hour.
5. Top with whipped cream and flaked almonds before serving.
∞ Tip: The beauty of this trifle is its balance — the fruit is naturally sweet, and the custard does the rest. Frozen raspberries work a treat.
Fresh Herb Dressing
Shake or blend together:
∞ ½ cup neutral oil (not olive, vegetable is fine)
∞ 5 tbsp basil or mint, finely chopped Store in the fridge — it’ll last for weeks and make everything taste better.
Annabelle White
When Capacity Declines, Why An EPA Matters
ohn lived alone and was starting to show signs that his mental capacity was deteriorating. John’s son, David and his wife, Claire, were mostly responsible for John’s care.
David’s older sister, Jane, visited John infrequently as they weren’t as close.
David and Claire noticed John’s health declining and were concerned. When they visited recently, the stove top element was on, with a teatowel dangerously close by, raising concerns that he could start a fire.
David and Claire began looking at rest homes and took John to his GP to be assessed. The doctor thought that John’s capacity had diminished to the extent that he couldn’t make decisions regarding his own care. He suggested for John to see a geriatrician and have his capacity formally assessed.
David and Claire realised that John needed enduring powers of attorney in place to be able to move into care. They contacted John’s lawyer who hadn’t seen John for years, and while he had an old will, he hadn’t put in place powers of attorney. If the geriatrician assessed him as having capacity to put in place EPAs, then the lawyer could proceed. If not, then David would need to make
an application to the court to be appointed John’s welfare guardian and property manager. The lawyer warned that this could be a lengthy and expensive process.
The geriatrician’s report categorically said that John had no capacity to be making decisions regarding his care, and that he could no longer manage his financial affairs. David asked the lawyer to prepare the court application. The lawyer advised that the court would also appoint a lawyer for John. That lawyer would go and visit John to see how much he understood about David being appointed to manage his affairs.
In the meantime, David informed Jane of the situation. Jane responded, saying that she thought she would be a better person to look after John’s financial affairs as she was a financial advisor. David explained that as he had been helping John for many years with his finances, he was probably a better person as he already had a good understanding of how things worked. Jane went to see her own lawyer and put an application in, opposing David’s appointment and saying while he was fine to be John’s welfare guardian, she thought she should be the property manager.
Do You Have An Enduring Power Of Attorney.
The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.
If you have a will, but not assigned anyone to act as your Enduring Power of Attorney, you could inadvertently be putting your assets at risk.
An Enduring Power of Attorney will look after both your property and personal care and welfare should you become incapacitated to make your own decisions while you’re still alive.
If you have not put in place an Enduring Power of Attorney, contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for specialist advice.
It would have been simpler if John had put in place enduring powers of attorney while he still had capacity. The cost of doing so is insignificant in comparison to a court application, especially where an application may be opposed. It would also have meant that John could have appointed who he wanted to have manage his affairs, without the risk that a judge might think that one sibling or the other was better to manage his financial affairs. Everyone should have enduring powers of attorney, regardless of age and stage of life. It is one of the most important legal documents to have.
Tammy McLeod, Trust Law specialist, Managing Director, Davenports Law
Summer Security
There's always an increase in property crime over the summer holidays. Creepy crooks take advantage of the fine weather to steal whatever they can get their hands on. Common targets are valuable items left in cars, like phones or laptops, but they don't stop there. Trailers, even boat trailers - with boats on themcan disappear if they're not properly secured
Home burglaries also increase during this time and the police advise people with holiday homes to make sure their property is secure before the summer holidays start. What can you do? Be aware of what's happening on and near your property and report anything suspicious. Police provide excellent security advice on their website. Go to www.police.govt.nz for specific advice on the action you can take to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
Born To Build Ltd - Outdoor building specialists - We are here to help you create your outdoor vision, call Leon with all your deck, fence, retaining, pergola and horse & yard works! We are a small local quality business, been in the area for 10 years, helping our customers create their outdoor living dreams! Leon 022 0431443 borntobuild@hotmail.co.nz
Clean Queen I'll have your house looking like a castle. References supplied. Ph Angela 021 0832 9352 Coatesville Mulch Mowing 1 to 50 acres, local contractor, affordable rates. Phone Warren and Brenda Mills on 415 6503 or 022 315 1953
Connect Electrics For all your electrical solutions, Phone Kris 022 332 6663 or 412 6066
specialising in weight loss, general fitness and rehabilitation. Call Debbie 027 441 8769.
Haven Hair Design Need a new look or just a trim? Senior hair stylist and salon owner Lisa Cross will help you look and feel your best.
Phone 09 415 4424 or book online, www. havenhairdesign.co.nz
Local Shearer, Kevin Abel, 021 223 5033
Mister Sharp Mobile Knife, Scissor & Garden Tool Sharpening Service. Onsite at your home or business, priced per item with no call-out charges - just a minimum spend please of $50. Ph 027 444 3348
Odd Job Company For building & landscaping projects, call Peter 027 453 0570
Painters & Decorators Marshall
GET IN SHAPE
Local private gym for one-on-one
AUTO GATES LTD
Painters can help with all your painting needs; interiors, exteriors, even waterblasting to make sure you get the top quality finish we're famous for. Call Marcus on 021 024 86516 or email marshallpainters@gmail.com. Pilates in Coatesville Hall, Thursday @ 6pm. Special – 2 free lessons for new clients. $12 school term, $15 concession card and $20 casual class. Contact Abraham on 021 122 1530 or abrahampardo@ gmail.com Scout Marquee for hire, 6m x 8m, $250 per day. Call Garth 447 1863 Who’s your caterer? Beautifully presented, great tasting food, at competitive prices. Phone Helen Cato 415 7771 or 021 211 8223.
Lessons for life in 2026
Irecently had the awesome opportunity to attend a Women in Real Estate Leadership seminar. The highlight? Hearing from international keynote speaker Cassie Roma (right), with her energy, honesty, and seriously powerful insights on leadership.
Cassie introduced us to something she calls the F.I.R.S.T Principle — a simple but gamechanging way to think about leadership, growth, and connection. It’s not just for work either; it applies to how we show up in all our relationships. Here’s the breakdown: F – Fuel Your Growth Start slow. It’ll be messy. That’s okay. Growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about building confidence, hitting your stride, and then shaking things up to make sure you’re still doing your best. It’s a cycle: messy –confident – peak – disrupt.
I – Ignite Courage This one hit home. Courage isn’t just about big, bold moves—it’s about speaking your truth and sharing your heart. Cassie talked about FTTs (those “f’ng first times”)—the awkward, scary moments that help us grow. She also gave us the Three Cs for building real connection: • Curiosity – Ask questions. • Common Ground – Find a shared interest, challenge or value. • Consistency – Keep showing up and always follow through. R – Reframing Relationships by using Cassie’s Three Bs: • Believe – “I can do anything.” • Behave – “I’ll do the best I can.” • Become – “What would make me 10% braver?” That last one? It’s a great question to ask yourself when you’re stuck or unsure. S – Shape the Status Quo Don’t settle for “this is how it’s always been.” Think about what the best version could look like. Step into your stretch zone—where things feel a bit uncomfortable but exciting. That’s where change happens. T – Tell Your Story Your story matters. Be hopeful. Be grateful. Be authentic. When you share your journey, you give others permission to do the same.
Cassie’s F.I.R.S.T. principle is a refreshing take on leadership. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being brave, curious, and true to yourself. Whether you’re leading a team, working with clients, or just trying to grow personally, this framework helps you show up as your best self. So here’s my challenge to you: What would make you 10% braver today?
Let's bring these thoughts into 2026, and on that note, I truly wish you a very Merry Christmas. This is a special time to spend with family and friends. I look forward to connecting in 2026. You can call me anytime!
