A NEW state-of-the-art ambulance was welcomed at the Ōpōtiki ambulance station yesterday.

The ambulance was paid for by the Lion Foundation and the estate of Brian and Pat Gibbons.

Representatives of the Lion Foundation, St John dignitaries and relatives of the Gibbons family attended the welcoming ceremony, which was led by Whakatōhea Maori Trust Board iwi development projects manager Danny Paruru.

St John chaplain Reverend Jim Wallace from Tauranga said he was honoured to take part in the ceremony.

“An ambulance is one of the best gifts. It treats everyone equally, no matter of status,” he said.

“Sooner of later, most of us will need one.”

Hato Hone St John area operations manager for the Eastern Bay, Lindsay Sattler, said the Ōpōtiki crew would be “very happy to have a new ambulance to drive around in”.

With 1600 callouts per year, the ambulance officers would experience loss with their community members, but also happiness.

“They can get invited to a home to share in the birth of a child,” Mr Sattler said.

St John Ōpōtiki area committee chairman Joel Hingston said the $270,000 ambulance was vital for Ōpōtiki.

“This is a brand new ambulance; thank you for supporting us,” he said.

Sam Eccleston, from the Lion

Foundation, who has co-funded the ambulance along with the estate of Brian and Pat Gibbons, acknowledged the Gibbons' family.

“The Lion Foundation is very proud of our continuous colaboration with St John,” he also said.

“Special mention of Slims Bar, because without venue partners this funding does not exist.”

Ōpōtiki district councillor Maxie Kemara said he was representing Mayor David Moore at the dedication.

“It’s an honour to be here and I am proud to speak.”

As a former police officer, Mr Kemara said he had much respect for the people in Hato Hone St John Ambulance.

“In the police, we were given a one-day first aid course, then we are experts,” he said.

However, when arriving first at a car crash, it felt like being dropped in at the deep end, he said.

“When the ambulance arrives, they are knights in shining armour,” Mr Kemara said.

“I take my hat off to all of you.”

Robyn Watchorn – representing MP Dana Kirkpatrick, who offered her apology – said it was a “state-of-the-art” ambulance and it took more than the ambulance volunteers to support the service.

“It takes community support and those who subscribe to the service,” she said.

Attending family members included Dot Old and Phyllis Marx from Whakatāne, who were sisters of Mr Gibbons.

Leanne Jackson from Tauranga said her mother, Pat Gibbons, and stepfather, Brian Gibbons, had at one time lived in Ōpōtiki for about 10 years and were very involved with the community.

“Brian was a builder and a jack of all trades,” she said.

“Mum helped out, was busy at home and was involved with community groups.”

The couple eventually left Ōpōtiki for Whakatāne, later moving to Matamata.

“They actively took part in the community when they were here in Ōpōtiki,” she said.

The couple had left money in their will, specifically saying it was to be used by St John for an ambulance in Ōpōtiki.

“It took a bit of work to sort it out, to ensure the money got to Ōpōtiki,” she said.