Life-saving device installed following community nomination

Charlotte Newman |

Thanks to the partnership between Hato Hone St John and MAS, Macleans Primary School and it’s East Auckland community now have 24/7 access to a new life-saving device.  

As part of last year’s successful Shocktober campaign, which saw over 35,000 New Zealanders taught how to save a life, MAS ran an AED giveaway, calling for people to nominate a community organisation they felt was deserving of this impactful prize.  

Macleans Primary School was nominated by school staff member Kathryn Stankovic, who noted that their closest known AED was located at Macleans College, which is approximately 850 metres away. Macleans Primary School was then randomly selected by MAS as the lucky winner.  

Just in time for the 2026 school year, Hato Hone St John and MAS representatives came together to visit the school in Bucklands Beach for a formal presentation on 10 February.   

Matthew Cooke, Macleans Primary School principal and who accepted the AED on behalf of his students and staff, says he and his team are incredibly grateful to receive such a significant gift.  

"This new defibrillator will benefit the whole community and offer easy access to such an important device. It is centrally located and highly visible with clear signage.  

“Macleans Primary thanks Hato Hone St John and MAS for their support in providing and installing the machine. A thank you also goes to our staff member Kathryn, who made the initial nomination for Macleans Primary to receive this AED,” says Mr. Cooke.  

The AED will not only be accessible during school hours, but available 24/7 to the public in the event of a cardiac emergency.   

The device is housed in a fluorescent yellow lock box on an exterior wall near the school office, which can be unlocked by calling 111 for an ambulance and following the emergency call handler’s instructions.  

Mia Noyes, Hato Hone St John 3 Steps for Life Delivery Lead, emphasises the importance of AED use in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.  

“When an AED is used alongside CPR, it can double a person’s chance of survival during a cardiac emergency, where every minute counts. This is why it’s part of our 3 Steps for Life programme – calling 111 for an ambulance, starting CPR, and using an AED.”  

Ms. Noyes attended the February presentation alongside local MAS Advisors, Esha Puggal and Andy Schlaffer 

“I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at MAS for supporting Shocktober and making this generous donation. There is no doubt it will make a life-changing difference for the people of East Auckland when it matters most,” says Ms. Noyes.  

Jo McCauley, MAS Chief Executive, says, “MAS was founded by doctors to care for those who care for others. Supporting the 3 Steps for Life programme is a natural extension of that legacy.   

“By donating this AED to Macleans Primary School, we’re giving this community immediate access to lifesaving support if it’s ever needed. It’s a practical way we can stand alongside Hato Hone St John to strengthen community resilience and help improve survival outcomes across Aotearoa,” says Ms. McCauley.  

Following the AED presentation, junior students at Macleans Primary School were invited to a Save Your Teddy session, led by Ms. Noyes. These sessions build children’s awareness of how their actions can save lives in the event of cardiac arrest, through practice and sharing their learning with loved ones.  

Ms. Noyes will also be returning to the school to teach the remaining students, as well as deliver a 3 Steps for Life session for the staff in the coming weeks. 

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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