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Representatives from Wellington Free Ambulance, the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson and Rotary New Zealand World Community Service alongside His Excellency Afamasaga Toleafoa, the High Commissioner for Samoa, in front of the ambulance for Samoa.

This is the second vehicle that Wellington Free Ambulance and the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson have collaborated on to donate to support emergency services in Samoa, the first being sent over in 2020.  The first ambulance is based in Apia with the more recent vehicle to be received by Fire and Emergency Services in Savaiʻi.

The project is part of the regular and ongoing work that the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson undertakes through the Rotary New Zealand World Community Service, who are responsible for identifying and actioning projects specifically in the Pacific.  

Wellington Free donated the ambulance which had reached the end of its time as a road ambulance in New Zealand to Port Nicholson Rotary.  The Rotary Club members organised for full mechanical testing by a local motor engineer who advised what would be required to ensure the vehicle is fit for the conditions in Samoa. For example, additional fuel filters need to be added due to the differences in diesel quality from additional shipping and decanting that diesel supplies to the Pacific go through.  

Whilst around $12,000 worth of work was suggested, due to the generosity of Jamie at Dynamic Motorsport, refurbishment costs came in around $2,000. Two Whitireia and WelTec Automotive Collision Repair ākonga (students), Hamish and Kate, worked on the body repairs that were required. Hamish and Kate both agreed that it was “really nice to know they were part of something that was helping other people, and seeing the project come together was a really cool experience”. Thanks also to Danny at Watermark Signs for donating the sign writing and Wade at Diesel & Turbo for also supporting the project.

Nicole Baker, President of the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson thanked everyone involved and gathered at the presentation. Highlighting that this was a joint effort and partnership between the Club, Wellington Free and the local businesses that gave support. 

When presented with the keys by Wellington Free Chief Executive Dan Pallister-Coward, His Excellency Afamasaga Toleafoa, the High Commissioner for Samoa reflected on “the long and extensive relationship of support that New Zealand shares with Samoa stretching back to WW1 and the NZ Expeditionary Forces service to the people of Samoa at that time”. 

His Excellency “thanked everyone involved most sincerely on behalf of the Government of Samoa, the Health Ministry of Samoa and the people of Samoa. I acknowledge this incredible gift from the Rotary Club of Port Nicholson and Wellington Free Ambulance”.

His Excellency presented Dame Kerry Prendergast, Chair of the Wellington Free Board, and the people of Wellington Free Ambulance with a To'oto'o and Fue. The To'oto'o is a traditional talking stick, hand carved and hand painted by elders. It’s passed from generation to generation and carried by Samoan Orator Chiefs to signify authority, wisdom and respect when delivering ceremonial speeches. It also represents the Chief’s connection to the land. The Fue is a traditional ceremonial fly whisk that serves as powerful symbol of wisdom and oratorical skill. It’s carried by talking Chiefs during formal speeches and represents the dignity and leadership of the Chief.   

These gifts are hugely significant and will be treasured by Wellington Free Ambulance for generations: you would only ever see High Title Chiefs use these two items together.

Dan reflected that being involved with this project is in complete alignment with the values that have driven Wellington Free Ambulance for almost 100 years, community and service, as well as reinforcing the core belief that people should have access to the healthcare they need, when they need it, no matter where they live. 

His Excellency summarised the incredible impact this donation will have to the people of Samoa stating, “a lot of lives will be saved because of this, because of you”.

O lupe sa vao ese'ese, ae ua fuifui faatasi
We are from different parts of the forest but connected in one cause.
Faafetai faafetai o la outou pule lea