Residents and visitors to Te Kūiti’s Les Munro Centre can rest assured their first aid needs will be taken care of thanks to the generous donation of a new defibrillator.

A defibrillator is a device that sends electrical energy, or a shock, to the heart. It is used to treat someone experiencing a cardiac arrest.

Waitomo District Council has received a defibrillator presented on behalf of the Lodge Waitomo’s secretary Jeremy Earl.

The defibrillator will be permanently based at the centre for community use.

“Being involved in many community groups such as the New Zealand Shearing Championships committee and Legendary Te Kuiti, there has always been a need to have an onsite defibrillator as part of a health and safety plan when holding events at the Les Munro Centre,” says Jeremy.

“Lodge Waitomo had an opportunity to purchase a defibrillator at a subsidised rate from the New Zealand Freemason’s Charity, so we were more than happy to provide such an important piece of first aid for our community.”

The Lodge also donated a defibrillator to the Quota Club.

WDC Chief Executive Ben Smit says the donation is very much appreciated, and shows how fortunate our district is to have such kind and caring community groups.

“It is comforting to know that when an event is being held at the Les Munro Centre, a defibrillator will be on hand if ever it is needed. Thank you to those who helped make this donation possible.”

Including the two new donations, there are now a total of 13 defibrillators at locations throughout
Te Kūiti. There are four in Piopio, one in Aria, one in Maniaiti/Benneydale, and two at Waitomo Caves Village.

Click here to find the location of a defibrillator.