Forty-three new frontline ambulance officers are set to join Auckland emergency services after graduating from Hato Hone St John’s Residential Emergency Medical Technician programme today.

The ceremony was attended by St John’s executive leadership and Health Minister Simeon Brown.

St John says Emergency Medical Technicians are a critical part of frontline care and a proven pathway into paramedicine. The organisation has 600 approved EMT roles nationwide, with 516 currently filled. The latest intake will add capacity, though vacancies remain across the country.

Introduced during the pandemic, the residential EMT course has become a standing workforce pipeline, with St John citing strong retention and clear progression into further clinical training and roles in paramedicine, management and education.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Emergency Ambulance Service Dan Ohs said the programme delivers job‑ready clinicians and supports more timely emergency care. Chief Executive Peter Bradley said the initiative was developed as a practical way to grow the frontline workforce and has continued to do so. St John also acknowledged support from Health New Zealand and its partnership with Ngāti Whātua in delivering the programme.