Kohukohu ambos in dire straits

END OF AN ERA: Kohukohu St John volunteers Ann Stones, Jim Murray and Wally Hicks on deck at the Broadwood A&P show, possibly for the last time.

St John volunteers from Kohukohu have been a fixture at the North Hokianga A&P show at Broadwood for years, not to promote what they and their organisation do but in case they are needed.

Ann Stones, Jim Murray and Wally Hicks were there again on Saturday, but unless something changes they probably won't be next year, or at any show after that.

The problem, Mr Hicks said, was an inability to attract the new blood that the station needed to continue providing the traditional level of service. The station currently boasted just five operational members, he said, and that wasn't enough to do everything that had once been taken for granted.

"We've sent out flyers in the hope of attracting new people, but maybe some haven't got the message," he said.

No one was expected to make a commitment without knowing exactly what was involved, he added. Anyone who might be even vaguely interested in joining would be welcome at the ambulance station at 6pm any Wednesday to have a look, talk about what they might be able to contribute and make a decision accordingly.

"It's a really satisfying way of serving the community," Mr Hicks said.

"The people who need our help tend to be our friends, families and neighbours. It's about providing an emergency service at a real community level. And you learn a lot of stuff too."

The current operational members weren't getting any younger, he added, and to use the current popular phrase, the branch needed a succession plan. The Kohukohu Volunteer Fire Brigade was in a similarly desperate situation.

Mr Hicks also noted that beginning as a volunteer, even in a relative outpost like Kohukohu, could open some very rewarding doors.

"Volunteers can go on to qualify as a paid St John officer, even a paramedic," he said.

"It can certainly be the start of a very good career path for anyone who wants to take it that far."