There are smiles on the faces of staff at Hato Hone St John Te Puke thanks to a long-time benefactor.

A new ambulance was dedicated at the town’s ambulance station last week. The ambulance was paid for from an Acorn Foundation endowment fund set up in 2015 by Joyce Wessel.

Even though Wessel died late in 2023, she continued to give through the Joyce Wessel Fund.

At last week’s dedication, watch operations manager Preetinder Singh said the Te Puke station was one of the busiest rural stations in the North Island and its ambulances always clock up a high mileage.

“Seeing a new vehicle is something that brings smiles to the staff more than anything else,” he said.

Te Puke area committee chairwoman Lyn Govenlock outlined Wessel’s contribution to St John in Te Puke, saying she had been a volunteer ambulance officer, area committee treasurer and a devoted collator of the ambulance support scheme subscription that raised money for the local ambulance.

She has also made significant financial contributions.

She provided $250,000 for what was then the new ambulance station on No 3 Rd in 2013, paid for the first new ambulance to operate from the station. She also committed, through the fund, to replace Te Puke’s ambulance when needed.

“She understood the importance of having the best possible ambulance for staff to serve the community.”

Lyn said the committee was grateful for Joyce’s donation and the Acorn Foundation which has invested and grown the endowment.

“Hato Hone St John is always trying to run on the smell of an oily rag. Donations such as this are as amazing as they are essential.”

There will be nine paid officers keeping the ambulance on the road every day and night of the week.

“Joyce would be proud to see the new ambulance today.”

Over the years, other financial donations have been made from the fund anonymously to St John and also to Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade and the rescue helicopter service.

“She never wanted anyone to know her philanthropy when she was alive. It is important that her legacy is acknowledged and we celebrate her continuing contribution to the community.”

Acorn Foundation CEO Lori Luke said while there was a number of organisations Joyce was passionate about, “Te Puke St John had her heart”.

“Each year donations were made through Acorn Foundation – up until she died they were made anonymously.”

Joyce Wessel (second from the left), with Ione Pridham, Vi Schultz and Pat Jensen.

Wessel’s accountant, Bennetts Proactive director Lance Ewens said when he received the invitation to the dedication ceremony, he realised it could be the only opportunity to recognise what Wessel had done.

Western Bay mayor James Denyer said: “On behalf of the Western Bay of Plenty and the residents of Te Puke in particular, I would like to say a whole hearted thank you to Joyce and the wider organisation of Hato Hone St John for all the important work their employees and volunteers do for the community.”

Wessel was 98 when she died and spent her later years at CHT Glynavon Carehome. She always had a strong connection to her time as an ambulance officer.

She came to Te Puke from Holland with her husband. They had no children and in the 1980s she became part of the St John Ambulance Brigade, as it was known then.