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Back then, an ambulance cost $20,000, compared with around $250,000 for the latest model like this fully kitted out brand new ambulance which was donated in October last year by a local family. Hibiscus Coast St John’s current building in Silverdale was last renovated in 2011.
The Hibiscus Coast combined division of St John is celebrating 50 years since local services began.
The division was registered on July 4, 1969, thanks to the advocacy of Ōrewa GP Dr Wyvern Cook.
Barbara Everiss joined as a cadet later that year, when she was 13 years old. She still serves as the treasurer of the Hibiscus Coast area committee.
She says a lot has changed over those 50 years.
“We no longer have the Mounted Horse Division, thank goodness. I’m not much of a horse person,” she says.
In 1971, the community raised $20,000 so the division could purchase their first ambulance. “That was a huge amount back then. Nowadays they are kitted out with much more specialised equipment and cost $250,000,” Barbara says. “Our ambulances were pretty basic. We manually lifted the stretchers, used an actual paper map, and had to call an advanced paramedic ambulance from the North Shore if we needed more specialised equipment.”
The group started with around eight people, who would meet in the Ōrewa Sea Scouts hall.
After outgrowing the building in 1971, they moved to their current location on Silverdale Street, which was previously a fire station.
Much of the building was rebuilt in 1980, after it was heavily damaged in a storm on July 16, 1978.
Currently, the organisation has 20 full time ambulance staff, four relief staff, and 30 volunteers. There is a Youth and an Adult volunteer division in Silverdale and a youth division in Whangaparāoa, who volunteer at events as well as assisting on the ambulances.
While many things have changed, the traditions of the service remain the same.
“That’s the magic of it,” Barbara says. “There is something special about being a part of the ceremonies, especially when, like me, you have generations of your family who are also in St John. It is still the most enriching experience being a part of something that makes such a big difference.”
To celebrate the 50-year anniversary, there will be a public Open Day on Saturday, September 28, from 10am-2pm at the St John Ambulance base in Silverdale Street. The day will feature displays and demonstrations. Everyone welcome, no registration required.
Info: Barbara Everiss, 027 224 4781.
