Hato Hone St John is calling on New Zealanders to help meet a critical need this June: funding the construction, repair, and upgrade of ambulance stations to ensure crews have safe, fit for purpose bases to respond from.
The 2026 Light the Way annual appeal, now in its third year, launches today to future-proof ten stations across Aotearoa: Whangārei, Auckland, Morrinsville, Cambridge, Palmerston North, Nelson, North Canterbury, Ōamaru, Invercargill, and Alexandra.
Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, Peter Bradley says the appeal is about backing frontline staff with the operational hubs they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.
“Every day, our crews respond to emergencies in challenging circumstances, yet too often they’re returning to stations that are ageing, undersized, or no longer able to meet the demands of today’s emergency care. Demand is rising, costs are increasing, and the infrastructure gap is widening.”
Mr Bradley acknowledged the recent Government announcement of targeted funding for specific initiatives but noted that a significant funding gap remains - particularly in the day-to-day delivery of emergency ambulance services.
“Essential operational costs, maintenance, and the development of critical infrastructure like ambulance stations still rely heavily on community support, without which many will continue to deteriorate. Our crews deserve bases that are safe, modern, and fit for purpose. That can only happen with public support."
Hato Hone St John General Manager of Fundraising, Leanne Tiscornia says every donation makes a direct difference.
“New Zealanders have always backed their ambulance service when it matters. This June, we're asking them to do it again. By supporting the Light the Way appeal, you’re helping ensure our crews are ready to respond - with the spaces and support they need to refresh, restock, and get back out there for their communities when it matters most.”
New Zealanders can support Hato Hone St John’s annual appeal by donating at lighttheway.stjohn.org.nz.
Donations will go directly towards ensuring ambulance stations are safe, fit for purpose and ready to support life-saving care for generations to come.
ENDS
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- 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.
- 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
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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