Pukekohe man Malcolm Fletcher was the generous benefactor for St John Pukekohe, with his donation of an ambulance - his third such donation. From left: St John territory manager Lisa Buckingham and St John patron Richard Blundell with Malcolm Fletcher and his niece Noelle.

A dedication ceremony was held at the St John Pukekohe Ambulance Station on January 14 to celebrate the donation of an ambulance by Pukekohe man Malcolm Fletcher.

Amazingly, this is the third ambulance Fletcher has donated to the station in the last several years.

The vehicle was one of the latest "generation 2" models launched in New Zealand last year, and is decked out in the organisation's distinctive yellow and green livery.

The generation 2 ambulances feature the latest technology to improve staff safety and patient comfort. Their design was based on frontline staff feedback and international best practice.

The ambulances are slightly narrower than older models, and they include a single stretcher which is automated to reduce heavy lifting.

The fully-equipped ambulance came at a cost of over $200,000.

Fletcher, a retired businessman, has a long-standing relationship with the organisation, having been a volunteer and duty officer with the Pukekohe brigade for about 15 years.

The 92-year old said he has supported St John, along with numerous other charities, for many years.

"When an ambulance saves a life, what's it worth?" he said.

"Money's only money. It's worth nothing when you get crook or disabled. As I say, you can't take it with you."

Fletcher was pleased with the new technology in the ambulances.

"You've only got one chance with the heart - if it stops that's it, isn't it? That's where the ambulances come in, with the new gear."

He said the real heroes are community volunteers, across all organisations, who give their time and expertise to help others for often little reward.

"People who do volunteer work get no consideration," he said.

"It's about St John, not me. They're on call 24/7. They cop abuse from these drunks and what have you."

St John Northern Region's fundraising and marketing manager Hannah Davies said Malcolm is a very special and humble person.

"This is the third ambulance that Malcolm has donated, and we are beyond grateful for his incredible support. Each ambulance is helping us treat more patients and save more lives, and this new state-of-the art ambulance will make such a positive difference in the community," she said.

"Malcolm's generosity and kind-heartedness is so inspiring, and we can't thank him enough."