A new St John Waka Ora Health Shuttle is serving Cambridge and surrounding communities, thanks to funding from Waikato locals, Ray and Trish Marx and their family.
The new shuttle was blessed during a special ceremony at Tamahere Country Club on 4 July, and attended by representatives of the Marx family, Waka Ora Health Shuttle volunteers, St John Order members, ambulance staff and fundraising team members
The Monday to Friday door to door welcomes the vehicle to its fleet. Last year, the team of 16 health shuttle volunteers helped over 3,000 people reach their appointments, travelling over 25,000km across 1,163 trips in 2025.
The Waka Ora Health Shuttle service transports people to essential health-related visits they might otherwise not be able to get to and brings them home again. By removing barriers to transport, this makes healthcare more accessible to those who need it.
The Marx family are long-time supporters of Hato Hone St John, having needed to use the emergency ambulance service over the years. The exceptional care and compassion provided by staff and volunteers alongside their familial involvement with the service has driven their desire to give back.
Trish Marx says she’s proud her family has been involved with Hato Hone St John for years.
“I was a volunteer with the organisation in Hamilton for two years and our granddaughter is a paramedic in Auckland.”
Ray Marx says he’s happy to provide for a community that has provided for them.
“Our family has been a part of the community for over 100 years, tracing our roots back to Rotoorangi. We’re glad we can add to the family legacy by giving back to our community. Gifting this shuttle that ensures others can access the care and transportation that they need, simply, feels right.”
Jeanette Horan, Hato Hone St John’s North Island Fundraising Manager, says the new health shuttle will make a positive difference for residents in Cambridge. “We are grateful that Ray, Trish and their family have chosen us as their conduit to give back to their community.”
“This new health shuttle for Cambridge will help make it easier for people and their whānau to access healthcare, ensuring they reach their appointments on time and make it back home safely and comfortably.”
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Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
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Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team