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We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
We are the only emergency ambulance service in greater Wellington and the Wairarapa, and the only ones in the country who are free.
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New whare for Wairarapa Wellington Free Ambulance team and community
New whare for Wairarapa Wellington Free Ambulance team and community
20 October 2021
Recently we were honoured to welcome Matua Nelson, Mariana Mutu of Ngāti Kahungunu, and Matua Danny Karatea-Goddard and his wife Maru to support the Wairarapa Wellington Free team through the Masterton Station move.
Following the karakia and blessing of the closing Solway site, Matua Nelson emphasised the significance of the occasion, with the coming together of the two Wairarapra iwi (Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne) and Wellington Free to learn and grow and continue the mahi for the benefit of the community.
Matua Nelson opened the new building with a blessing that has been used by local iwi for over 700 years, allowing us to start with a clean slate freeing us from any animosity from the past. Each room and part of the new station was blessed by Matua Danny and those present.
Wellington Free CEO Dave Robinson thanked and acknowledged the team reiterating the importance of the role we play providing safety and reassurance for the community in terms of always being there for them. Often the Wellington Free team are viewed as the safe place for the community with the station being the safe place or whare for the team on the road. Dave also made special mention of Leanne Southey who joined the Wellington Free Board in April of this year to represent the specific interests and community of Wairarapa. We were also privileged to have Ria Earp, Board member guide us along this journey.
The connection to mana whenua through the presence of Matua Nelson indicated the importance of good relationships as the basis to community wellbeing, also providing a valuable link to past and present as well as influencing the future. Particularly important when thinking about putting emphasis on iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori communities exercising their authority to improve their health and wellbeing.
The Chapel Street site is an interim station for the Wairarapa team, the move becoming necessary after the Solway Station was earmarked for commercial development. There are 3 ambulances based from this Station, this is in addition to the crew that are based in Greytown. The new location is at 394 Queen Street, Chapel Street side Masterton, the community AED (pictured below) is also located here for anyone is the community to access.
