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98th Annual General Meeting - 24 November 2025
98th Annual General Meeting - 24 November 2025
25 November 2025
Our 98th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Monday 24 November 2025. As well as being an opportunity to gather, acknowledge and thank staff, stakeholders, supporters and colleagues in emergency services and the healthcare sector, we launched our latest Impact Report, highlighting the difference Wellington Free has made in our communities over the last financial year. We also informally welcomed our new Chief Executive and a new Board member.
It was a pleasure to welcome almost 100 guests to the 98th AGM.
Acting CE Liz Belke welcomed the new Mayor of Wellington Hon Andrew Little who shared his admiration for the team and mission of Wellington Free. Mayor Little shared his reflections on the unique legacy story and connection to Wellington City Council.
Liz, alongside Board Chair Dame Kerry, took guests through the significant range of achievements in our Impact Report, recognising the incredible progress and achievements of 24/25.
Finally, Claire Carruthers thanked the community for their incredible support, noting the $13.5 million given in a variety of ways to honour the founding principle of keeping services free.
Together we're changing and saving lives and moving our communities to better health.
The launch of Impact Report for the 2024/2025 financial year
Impact Report focuses on sharing our progress towards achieving our vision set out in Kia ora te Tangata | Strategy 2030.
The six strategic goals that form Impact Report are the areas we continue to focus on to ensure our service, people and organisation are prepared to meet the needs of our current and future communities and workforce.
In Impact Report 2024 - 2025, you’ll learn about our strategic goals, the progress we’ve made in each area and how you're supporting us to make a difference in our Greater Wellington and Wairarapa communities.
Read Impact Report 2024 - 2025.
Welcoming two additions to the Wellington Free team
Earlier this year, we sadly recognised the departure of Chief Executive David Robinson, who led Wellington Free Ambulance for almost five years. Dave led with warmth, humility and a deep sense of purpose and we thank him for his compassionate and outstanding leadership.
Wellington Free's new Chief Executive Dan Pallister-Coward joined us at the AGM, ahead of his official start date in January 2026.
Dan is relocating from Canterbury to Wellington for this role and brings a range of experience from roles within health, emergency services and the not-for-profit sector. He stood out not only for his professional background, but also for his passion for community and his commitment to building and fostering strong team collaboration.
We're thrilled to have Dan on board.
We also welcomed Helmut Karewa Modlik to the Wellington Free Ambulance Board. Helmut is a seasoned director, executive and consultant with expertise in change management, economic development, public policy and finance.
He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board, and we’re delighted to have him join us.