On 17 May a refurbished Wellington Free Ambulance will leave New Zealand from the Port of Tauranga on a ship destined for Samoa. This is the second vehicle Wellington Free Ambulance and the Port Nicholson Rotary Club have collaborated on to donate to support emergency services in Samoa.
Partnership sees second ambulance donated to the people of Samoa.
On 17 May a refurbished Wellington Free Ambulance will leave New Zealand from the Port of Tauranga on a ship destined for Samoa.
This is the second vehicle Wellington Free Ambulance and the Port Nicholson Rotary Club have collaborated on to donate to support emergency services in Samoa. The first was delivered in 2020 and is based in Apia. The 2026 vehicle will be delivered to Fire and Emergency Services in Savaiʻi.
The project is part of the regular and ongoing work that Port Nicholson Rotary Club 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 it’s time as a road ambulance in New Zealand to Port Nicholson Rotary. 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 needed to be added due to the differences in diesel quality.
Whilst around $12,000 worth of work was suggested, due to the generosity of Jamie at Dynamic Motorsport, refurbishment costs came in at around $2,000. Two Weltec students, Hamish and Kate were picked from their class to work on the body repairs that were required. They are studying for a Certificate in Collision Repair and doing this work was really meaningful for them both. Thanks also to Danny at Watermark Signs for donating the sign writing and Wade at Diesel and Turbo for also supporting the project.
Nicole Baker, President of Port Nicholson Rotary Club thanked everyone involved and gathered at the presentation. She highlighted that this was a joint effort and partnership between the Club, Wellington Free and the local businesses that gave support.
Hamish and Kate, the Weltec students both agreed that it was “really nice to know they were part of something that was helping other people, it was a really cool experience.”
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 New Zealand 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 Port Nicholson Rotary Club and Wellington Free Ambulance”.
His Excellency presented Dame Kerry Prendegast, Chair of Wellington Free and the Wellington Free Team with a To'oto'o and Fue. The To'oto'o is a traditional talking stick, hand carved and hand painted by elders passed from generation to generation, carried by Samoan Orator Chiefs tosignify authority, wisdom and respect when delivering ceremonial speeches. It 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. Carried by talking Chiefs during formal speeches. It represents the dignity and leadership of the chief.
These gifts are hugely significant and will be treasured by Wellington Free Ambulance for generations.
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. These are 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 on 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