16-05-2025
Hato Hone St John unveils new ambulance for Ruatōria community
Ludlow thanked the trusts that funded the ambulance – Grassroots Trust Central, Greenlea Foundation Trust and Kelliher Charitable Trust.
Sean Hannin, representing Grassroots, initially spoke about how the funder was targeting problem gambling.
But there was a good side, he said.
It was enjoyable seeing something so valuable 'for the community, funded by the community'.
The trust pumped $1.2 million into Gisborne each year, Hannin said.
Hato Hone St John fundraising manager north Jeanette Horan presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Freemasons Foundation, represented by Tony Ford, for its support.
The foundation recently donated generators to St John in Ruatōria, Gisborne and Wairoa.
Gisborne Hato Hone St John area support manager Greg Fisher said the generator in Ruatōria had already been used multiple times.
'It's cool to have a brand-new truck going to Ruatōria', Fisher said.
'It's really important to us to have good equipment. It will be reliable.
'Staff up there have worked really hard and it means we can offer a better service.'
The Waka Manaaki branding is designed to connect more with Aotearoa New Zealand, while an increased volume of reflective material increases visibility.
