Hato Hone St John has welcomed a $35 million boost in funding for initiatives over the next four years.
Speaking today, representatives from Hato Hone St John acknowledged ministers and government agencies for their ongoing engagement and support of frontline ambulance services.
Peter Bradley, Hato Hone St John Chief Executive, said the funding boost would help improve operational resilience, including through the development of two Auckland ambulance hubs that will enhance response capability and reliability across the region.
“Ambulance services are critical healthcare infrastructure that communities rely on every day.
“Today’s investment is a positive and necessary step that will help strengthen ambulance services and support future sustainability.
“We acknowledge New Zealand First and National for the commitment made in their coalition agreement and recognise today’s funding announcement as a step in the right direction, especially in these tough times.”
Mr Bradley said investment in ambulance services benefits not only patients but the wider health system by supporting early intervention, reducing pressure on emergency departments, and ensuring care is delivered where and when it is needed most.
While this funding was gratefully received, Mr Bradley noted that Hato Hone St John still needed to work through the specific details of its next four‑year contract for funding day‑to‑day emergency ambulance service delivery.
“Our most pressing challenge continues to be the gap in our day‑to‑day emergency ambulance service operating costs,” he said.
“Today’s announcement supports specific initiatives, and we are extremely grateful for that, but it is important to note that we still need to work through the details of the baseline funding for core emergency ambulance service delivery with our purchasers at ACC and Health New Zealand.”
Mr Bradley said the organisation’s negotiations for a new four‑year contract may take two to three months to finalise.
“So, our work to secure sustainable funding continues in response to increased demand and costs, and historical underinvestment.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Health New Zealand and ACC to resolve that gap to ensure every New Zealander can rely on a sustainable, world‑class ambulance service.”
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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