Hato Hone St John is thrilled to officially open its new Hari Hari ambulance station on the West Coast today (Thursday 8 September, 2022).
Hato Hone St John Chancellor John Whitehead is in Hari Hari to gather with staff, Area Committee members, volunteers, local iwi Te Runaga o Makaahwhio, and invited guests to celebrate the opening at a special ceremony on site today.
Craig Stockdale, Hato Hone St John South Island General Manager Community Engagement, says it’s fantastic to be officially commissioning the new station.
“We’re delighted with the building. It’s a great achievement of the South Westland Area Committee and the many South Island Area Committees who’ve also supported this project financially.
“It’s a wonderful asset for the community and Hato Hone St John is incredibly grateful for the community and our people’s support in getting it across the line from conception to completion.
“A huge thank you to everyone. It really is an outstanding commitment from a whole bunch of awesome people.”
Construction to replace the old station began last October, with most of the build taking place during periods of the pandemic.
“It’s been challenging with COVID-19 restrictions and supply chain issues, so we’re thrilled to finally be able to come together to celebrate this milestone,” Mr Stockdale says.
Nils Walzel, Hato Hone St John Ambulance West Coast Area Operations Manager, says the new station replaces the old station that was originally built in 1965 and no longer met the community’s needs.
“We are so happy to now have this new, fit-for-purpose station, which includes a dual-use ambulance bay, designed to be used as a training and meeting room, as well as a separate kitchen area and an office for staff.”
The new 100 square metre station meets seismic building requirements as an Importance Level 4 (IL4) structure.
“The local tradespeople and contractors, including Coresteel, that have been engaged across the project have done a great job. Thank you to all involved.”
-ENDS-
ABOUT HATO HONE ST JOHN:
Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of New Zealanders and covers 97 percent of the country’s geographical area.
Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid employees and volunteer staff
Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes, social enterprises and other activities which help build community resilience.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR IMAGES CONTACT:
Amy Milne
Hato Hone St John External Communications Specialist
M 027 5037523
E amy.milne@stjohn.org.nz
Or
Hato Hone St John media team
media@stjohn.org.nz
PH 0800 756 334