New Zealand is set to see new look ambulances this summer, as St John launches its distinctively kiwi design - Waka Manaaki.

Hato Hone St John Deputy Chief Executive Ambulance Operations Dan Ohs said the new design would not only connected well with the current fleet, but also with communities in an uniquely kiwi way.

“'Waka’ means transport method and ‘Manaaki’ means to take care of. If we break 'Manaaki' down 'Mana' is one’s power and 'aki' means to encourage or empower – which is essential for our patients.”

St John National Equity Manager Dan Spearing, said considerable attention has been given to achieve a balance between connecting and grounding the design in Aotearoa New Zealand, adhering to tikanga Māori and ensuring the strict mandatories around safety for staff and patients were met.  

“The new Waka Manaaki design also acknowledges tangata whenua (people of the land) and connects us all to te ao Māori (the Māori world). Furthermore, this design represents us a distinctive ambulance service within Aotearoa and reflects our journey to achieving better health outcomes for all, especially where health inequity is most prevalent.”

Around 50 new vehicles featuring the new design are set to be commissioned around the country during 2023.