Te Anau's St Johns Ambulance committee has decided to spend up to $40,000, following recent rule changes around how ambulance paramedics operate.

The new rules require paramedics manning ambulance stations to now spend their 12hr shifts on site, rather than in the comfort of their own home while on call. This is designed to provide faster response to accident callouts.

The Te Anau committee's decision will see part of the ambulance station building located behind the Fiordland Medical Centre converted into accommodation for their paramedics.

The refurbishments including fireproofing of the living space, has been estimated to cost $40,000.

It was then that committee treasurer Trevor Scott-Smith came up with the idea of holding a charity fête in his extensive gardens overlooking Lake Te Anau, to help raise funds for the project.

Scott-Smith said he and his wife Helen had come up with many different fundraising ideas for the organisation over the years.

“We've raised thousands of dollars in the past with our garden tours, so we thought we'd go a step further and make it a fête.

We've invited the [local] ukulele band and will have a cake stall, a plant stall and a vintage car display. There will be tea, coffee and a BBQ provided.

“Entry to the fête will be free for all, but we are running a raffle with some amazing prizes donated by local businesses, ” he said.

Prizes include an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, a day cruise on Doubtful Sound, four trips to Te Anau Caves, a cruise for two to the Hidden Lakes, a jetboat trip and a helicopter flight for two.

Scott-Smith said that over 500 tickets had already been sold.

Raffle tickets are for sale at Fresh Choice and at the Real Journeys office.

The charity fete will take place on Saturday, 29 January 2022 starting at 10am and finishes at 3pm, with a free shuttle operating every half hour between the Fiordland Events Centre and the fête.