| 115 COMMUNITY St John Hāwera T T Alexia Anderson Ambulance station boost for Hāwera THe new ambulance station features four resting areas for shift workers, office space, a wash bay for vehicles, 16 car parks for staff and visitors, a kitchen and communal area, showers, bathroom facilities and storage space. St John’s new ambulance station at Hāwera is finally meeting the needs of the local community, one call out at a time. Staff have been operating from the new facility at 263 Waihi Rd since December, making the move just in time for the busy holiday period. The modern facility features a three-bay parking garage to house the ambulances and other emergency vehicles, and has been constructed to Importance Level Four (IL4). This means the station will be operational immediately after an earthquake or other natural disaster. The facility features four resting areas for shift workers, office space, a wash bay for vehicles, 16 car parks for staff and visitors, a kitchen and communal area, showers, bathroom facilities and storage space. Area operations manager - Central South District Megan Stewart said the project was critical for Hato Hone St John to operate and attend incidents within Hāwera / South Taranaki, which would not only enhance the ambulance response, but allow the organisation to continue to support the wellbeing of residents. “Being IL4 means the new station will give Hāwera a great local base during any significant events, as well as enable Hato Hone St John to meet the needs of the community in an emergency response.” The new ambulance station will also future-proof Hato Hone St John’s emergency response capabilities in the region and will help to build a stronger, healthier and more resilient South Taranaki, she said. The branch serves a population of about 29,600. Suzanne Price, St John National Property Development Manager said the station has been purpose built, with a strong focus on the needs of ambulance operations and the staff. The station also has dedicated areas for staff to study, and offers quiet and inviting living areas for them to take breaks. Megan said it had boosted staff morale after the team had spent extended periods of time working from temporary premises. Suzanne said the project was made possible financially thanks to the “tremendous” efforts of the local Hāwera Area Committee and wider community support. Their efforts included years of fundraising, followed by more recent events, including a Black Tie auction dinner. A beard “shave off” fundraiser also helped, with one of the recent significant contributions coming from the new build’s electrician, from Corrigan Electrical, who fundraised $13,680. Suzanne said Hato Hone St John also worked closely alongside iwi, with Ngāti Ruanui assisting in a number of ways, including two blessings - one prior to construction and an additional one to open the facility. Design elements were also incorporated into the build, including the use of the Hato Hone St John Manawa line, which features on the outdoor pavers. Ngāti Ruanui also gifted Hato Hone St John stones that were placed under the foundations of the building, adding another special touch and cementing the organisation’s connection with iwi. Proudly supporting Hato Hone St John with all their resource consenting needs. RESOURCE CONSENT SPECIALISTS Quali ied, reputable and approachable - happy clients and proven success. Ph. 022 444 4082 • www.feathers.co.nz
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