Kōrero: Voluntary welfare organisations

St John ambulance officers stand alongside their horse-drawn ambulance in 1909. The Order of St John became established in New Zealand in 1885. Branches throughout New Zealand taught people first aid and home nursing skills, and a service to transport ill or injured people to hospital was set up. In the 21st century St John New Zealand still relied on volunteers, but staff increasingly had advanced professional qualifications and were paid.