From local school sports days to major national events, there’s often a reassuring presence working quietly in the background to help keep communities safe.
Across Aotearoa, Hato Hone St John provides medical support at more than 2,500 events every year — delivering care, reassurance, and rapid response when it’s needed most.
While many people associate Hato Hone St John with emergency ambulances, their role within communities extends far beyond emergency callouts. Their event medical teams are present at countless gatherings across New Zealand, helping ensure people can safely come together to celebrate, compete, and connect.
Supporting Events Across New Zealand
Every year, Hato Hone St John teams:
- Support over 2,500 events nationwide
- Treat more than 12,000 patients
- Provide care at events ranging from local community sports to international rugby fixtures
Their teams can be found supporting:
- Rugby, cricket, football, and BMX events
- Marathons and endurance races
- Concerts and festivals
- A&P shows and agricultural events
- Motorsport competitions
- Community celebrations and local gatherings
No matter the size of the event, their role remains the same: helping people feel safe, supported, and cared for.
More Than Emergency Response
One of the most remarkable things about event medical services is that much of the work happens before emergencies escalate.
A quick response to dehydration at a marathon.
Support for an injured player on the sideline.
Medical assistance at a crowded concert.
A calm presence during stressful situations.
These moments may seem small individually, but together they help keep communities safe and events running smoothly.
Many of the people providing care at these events are also frontline ambulance staff, bringing real-world emergency response experience into every situation. Their ongoing work across both ambulance and event services helps maintain an incredibly high standard of care throughout New Zealand.
Why This Matters to Makana
At Makana Confections, community connection has always been part of who we are.
Whether it’s local events, family celebrations, markets, sports tournaments, or shared moments with friends, some of life’s best memories are created when people come together.
What often goes unseen is the network of people working behind the scenes to help make those moments possible safely.
This June, we’re proud to support the Hato Hone St John Light the Way Annual Appeal because it supports the people who support our communities — not only during emergencies, but during the everyday events and gatherings that bring New Zealanders together.
Supporting the Places That Support Frontline Teams
The Hato Hone St John Light the Way Annual Appeal is focused on helping rebuild and repair 10 vital ambulance stations across New Zealand.
These stations provide important spaces where frontline crews can:
- Rest and recover between shifts
- Restock equipment and supplies
- Prepare for emergency responses
- Support both ambulance and event medical operations
By supporting the Annual Appeal, we’re helping support the infrastructure behind the people who care for communities every day.
A Small Treat That Helps Make a Difference
Throughout June, Makana Confections is donating $3 from every box sold of our Limited-Edition Dark Macadamia Butter Toffee Crunch to the Hato Hone St John Light the Way Annual Appeal.
Available for a special June price of $26.90, this limited-edition release helps contribute toward the building and repair of ambulance stations across Aotearoa.
It’s a simple way to support the people who help communities stay safe, connected, and cared for.
You can also choose to donate directly to the Hato Hone St John Light the Way Annual Appeal here:
Donate to Light the Way Annual Appeal
Community Is Built Together
From local sports fields to major national events, Hato Hone St John teams are there for New Zealanders in countless ways every single year.
Their presence often brings reassurance long before an emergency ever happens.
This June, every box purchased helps support the people and places that help communities thrive — one small act of support at a time.