About Us

Mayor of the day Sir Charles founded Wellington Free in 1927 after finding a man on Lambton Quay, injured with no way to get to hospital and no ambulances to be found. 

That day Sir Charles decided  this would not happen again; he believed in a place where emergencies needn’t cost lives or money and declared his city would have a free ambulance service for all.

Wayne says he saw a lot of his grandfather growing up, recalling long summer holidays in Paraparaumu where he and his family lived next door to him and got to see him every day.

His grandfather loved to reminisce with stories about his extraordinary life but was never boastful or seeking gratification.  His early life in Gympie, Australia read like an adventure story.

He had been a boxer and when he met a local dignitary’s daughter it served as a  catalyst to migrate to England.  Travelling with a friend, he soon found himself on the shores of Wellington caring for his friend who had become to sick to continue the journey.

Unfortunately his friend died but Sir Charles decided to stay in Wellington becoming engrossed in life in New Zealand and the adopted city he would come to adore.

Wayne remembers his grandfather as a man who put people at ease  -  sharing their life stories with him soon after meeting. “He had a delightful twinkle in his eye and a charming manner;  a people’s person who loved company.”

“He was a wonderful man and had the ability to make everyone feel important, he was very gregarious and interested in everything you were doing.”

Wayne says he is very proud of his grandfather’s achievements, describing him as a man of action.

His family’s association with Wellington Free has been long and rewarding and Wayne was only too happy to accept the position of patron. “I sincerely hope I can add value to the organisation, and would love to meet and encourage those on the frontline.”

“I’m in awe of the paramedics who go out day and night , in all weather and to situations unknown to help people and save lives.  I am grateful to be even a small part of such a group.”

“I marvel at the team that is Wellington Free; I use the term ‘team’ as we tend to think only of the paramedics that respond to those in need, but there are many people working behind the scenes to make the service as effective as it is.”

Wayne recalls his days as a child going to fairs run by the ladies auxilary to raise money for Wellington Free and is amazed at the growth and expertise of the service today.

He has no doubt that his grandfather would be delighted with the progress and reputation that Wellington Free has forged over the last 93 years serving our communities.

“I have never met a more dedicated and talented group of people than those at Wellington Free and nothing would have pleased my grandfather more than to know the service is still free to all.”