Groundbreaking Work Begins

A small group decked out in sunnies and sunhats attended the new ambulance station's groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, 25 January. It was an event that was a long-time coming; David Lea, chairman of the fundraising sub-committee had initially estimated that it wouldn't take more than twelve months to reach the $400,000 goal. That was eight years ago.

The old building located next to the fire station was built in the 1960s and after many years of service had become out-dated and no longer up to earthquake code standards. The decision to construct a new building was made and fundraising began in 2018, with David Lea appointed as the chairman of the fundraising sub-committee. Not long after, covid hit and fundraising stalled and didn’t resume again for another two years. It was also determined that the $400,000 estimate was not going to be nearly enough and that $1,200,000 would need to be raised to bring the building to the highest code – it would need to be the last building standing in a disaster.

However, as mayor Tracey Collis put it in her welcoming speech, “when Pahiatua needs something, the community is there,” and with hard work and determination, the fundraising committee reached their goal.
Saturday’s ceremony opened with a karakia by Tararua Kaumatua, Dr Manahi Paewai.

David Lea followed with a short address talking about the importance of the ambulance station to the community and the work of St John volunteers and the fundraisers who have helped make the new building a reality. “It’s a new chapter in the history of St John in Pahiatua and indeed a new chapter in the history of Pahiatua itself and its surrounds,” he said.

He handed over to the mayor who acknowledged the long road it has been and thanked all those involved. She shared a story of St Anthony’s teacher, Judy Lea, who would pause class every time they heard the ambulance siren and guided her learners in prayer for whoever was in need. She said it was an example of Pahiatua’s caring spirit and turning the first sod with David Lea, was “another step closer for the community to be able to give you [St John ambulance] that back.”

Construction began on Monday and is expected to be finished by the end of August.

Photos: 

Tararua Kaumatua, Dr Manahi Paewai gives the karakia

David Lea, chairman of the fundraising sub-committee gives his address

Tararua District Mayor, Tracey Collis 

St John Regional Trustee, Terry Blacktop and member of the fundraising committee, Fred Dench