Te Awamutu couple Dorothy and Graham Harker hand over the ambulance keys to Hato Hone central region trust board chairman, Gary Salmon.
Te Kūiti and the wider King Country community will benefit from a newly-donated emergency ambulance gifted by Te Awamutu couple Dorothy and Graham Harker.
Dorothy Harker samples the ambulance’s power-load electric stretcher. Photo: Annie Lovich
The vehicle was officially dedicated last week at Te Awamutu’s Highfield Country Estate, where guests included the Harker family, Hato Hone St John dignitaries and emergency ambulance staff.
Once in service, it will become the new Te Kūiti ambulance, but it will continue to be housed at Te Awamutu’s Hato Hone St John station as it is from there that crews begin and end their shifts.
The Harkers elected to donate an ambulance as a meaningful way to give back to frontline ambulance staff who have supported them over the years.
“Their service when called upon has been exceptional for us,” they explained. “We have had a few more needs recently due to our ageing stage in life and appreciate the emergency ambulance crews immensely. We hope this new vehicle will assist Hato Hone St John in continuing to support our community with their wonderful service.”
Hato Hone St John’s local group operations manager Debbie Hayward speaking to guests at the dedication event. Photo: Annie Lovich
Hato Hone St John donor relationship specialist Gunner Lovich giving his address at the Te Awamutu dedication. Photo: Annie Lovich
Last week’s event was opened and emcee’d by Gunner Lovich, Hato Hone St John donor relationship specialist. The Harkers handed the ambulance keys to Gary Salmon, Hato Hone St John central region trust board chairperson, who received the gift on behalf of the organisation.
The new Generation 4 emergency ambulance is the newest model of ambulance with improved safety and driving capabilities. They are fitted with equipment that includes a power-load electric stretcher and stair carry chair to help facilitate the easier movement of patients in and out of the vehicle.
Debbie Hayward, Hato Hone St John group operations manager, said emergency ambulance vehicle donations are appreciated more than donors realise.
“It will become the new Te Kūiti ambulance, replacing an older model,” she said. “It will travel thousands of kilometres within our region. The Harkers’ donation also benefits our ambulance officers, who will continue to have access to up-to-date equipment to support the people of Waitomo and the surrounding areas.
“Great generosity such as this is hard to measure as its impact on our communities and our people extends so far. We are incredibly grateful.”
The transporting ambulance is supported by the volunteer-led Te Kūiti First Response Unit, which has grown from two volunteers to a team of four over the past year. That number is expected to rise following a 2026 recruitment drive.
Te Awamutu couple Dorothy and Graham Harker hand over the ambulance keys to Hato Hone central region trust board chairman, Gary Salmon. Photo: Annie Lovich
