Paid staff boost area’s emergency response

Permanent paid ambulance staff have taken up duties in Mangawhai, marking a major step forward in emergency healthcare in the area.

Two paramedics and two emergency medical assistants (EMAs) started working from the Mangawhai ambulance station on November 24, running a fully crewed ambulance from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The station’s committed team of 30 volunteers will continue providing overnight coverage through the first response unit (FRU) between 8pm and 8am, and will also support daytime operations when available.

The enhanced service comes alongside the arrival of a new ambulance, gifted to the community by the estate of a local resident who chose to remain anonymous. The vehicle is also now in active service.

The move reflects Mangawhai’s rapid population growth and increasing demand for emergency medical care. With a transporting ambulance now based in town and staffed during peak periods, Hato Hone St John expects to see faster response times and improved outcomes for patients both locally and in surrounding communities.

The call for a better ambulance service in the district has been a longstanding one. As far back as 2019, residents were raising concerns about the long response times and a 2000-strong petition was presented to then Northland MP Matt King calling for the reinstatement of paid staff.

Rodney area operations manager Travis Slattery says the organisation has been working closely with stakeholders to secure funding for the new positions.

“Currently, our ambulance service in Mangawhai relies on a highly valued group of volunteers,” Slattery says.

“These new paid roles will help ensure coverage during peak times, especially when many of our volunteers are at work or have limited availability.”

St John’s data from similar service expansions show clear community benefits, including quicker responses, better cardiac arrest survival rates and overall stronger patient outcomes.

Slattery says staggered shift times across Mangawhai and neighbouring stations will help strengthen North Rodney’s overall emergency resilience, while easing workload and overtime pressures on staff.

“Our volunteers will continue to play a vital role and will have the opportunity to work alongside paramedics who will help enhance their learning and development. Introducing full-time paid staff will not only reduce volunteer workload but also support their personal growth and preserve the strong sense of community service that defines our volunteers.”

Mangawhai residents have long supported their local ambulance services through fundraising, donations and patronage of the Hato Hone St John retail store – support that Slattery says has been pivotal in enabling this upgrade.

“The Mangawhai community has shown unwavering support over the years, playing a vital role in fundraising for essential equipment, vehicles and the Mangawhai ambulance station,” he says.

The arrival of paid staff signals a significant strengthening of local emergency services as Mangawhai prepares for another busy summer season.