 
Te Aroha News
8 May 2009
St John station upgrade under way
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| CAPTION: MUCKING IN: Members of the Te Aroha Area Committee officially start the project with St John chief executive Jaimes Wood and Midland Regional chief executive officer Eddie Jackson. (From left to right): Annie Bradburn, Phillip Legg, Eddie Jackson, Jaimes Wood, Paul Sweetman, Trish Holten and Mary Steiner. |
After a long gestation period, three designers, one engineer, and many discussions with the district council, renovations are now under way at the St John Ambulance station in Te Aroha.
The renovations at the station include a new garage, store and sluice room, deck, security fencing and secure carpark.
Station manager Annie Bradburn said that the renovations will allow for proper storage of equipment and provide a secure parking area for night staff.
The whole rear area of the grounds will be contoured, re-grassed and planted and a security fence erected to provide a safe play area for the youth members.
"The new garage will ease the tight fit of the new ambulances and allow the storage and sluice rooms to be included into the existing building," said Ms Bradburn.
Area Committee chairman Phillip Legg said that they are also taking the opportunity to bring the whole complex up to the new earthquake standard.
"We wish to thank the local district for contributing to fundraising for this project. It is hoped that once the renovations are complete we can arrange for the local service clubs to help with the repainting of the building," said Mr Legg.
The contract has been let to Fisher Construction Ltd of Morrinsville and is expected to take about six to eight weeks.
The Te Aroha station is operated by a permanent station manager and 16 volunteers at different levels of training.
The team currently run one front-line ambulance and a first response/events vehicle from the station, covering not only Te Aroha but also providing back-up to surrounding areas.
The Te Aroha Area Committee took the opportunity to officially start the project during a recent visit from St John chief executive Jaimes Wood and Midland Region chief executive officer Eddie Jackson.
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