Hokianga Hospital Auxiliary: A half century of good deeds

Celebrating the Hokianga Hospital Auxiliary's 50th anniversary were: John Askew (standing, left), Lorraine Askew, Leslie Noble, Lorraine Kearns (vice-president), Stella Matthes, Thelma Oldham, Fiona Fleming, Elizabeth Corbett, Diane Vandenbrink, Nellie Searell and Jan Main. Seated - Lis Bowker (treasurer), Gwen Freese (president), Carol Fife (secretary) and Betty Pennell (foundation member).

The world has changed dramatically since the Hokianga Hospital Auxiliary was formed on September 25, 1967, with its mission to supply additional equipment and amenities of health services to the people enrolled with the Hokianga Health Enterprise Trust.

But if the world has changed, the enthusiasm and commitment of those who continue to work for their health service has not.

The auxiliary was formed when a group of women agreed to a request from Northland Hospital Board matron Brenda Gardener to set up an organisation modelled on the Whangarei Friends of the Hospital.

To mark its foundation, president Mary Cox, wife of Rae Cox, chairman of the Hokianga Hospital Board, planted a weeping elm on the lawn above the memorial to Dr GM Smith, adjacent to Parnell Street.

Fundraising began with a combined gala day and garden party, where, for a small fee, a fortune teller foretold clients' fate.

So began five decades of service to the community.

"Garden parties belong to the past and rose gardens have vanished beneath hospital extensions. In today's world, fundraising is a priority. Grants from several charitable trusts boost income, adding to that from individuals and local groups, from donations and raffles," president Gwen Freese said.

By the time the auxiliary celebrated its 40th birthday in 2007, it had raised more than $266,000, used to buy equipment and supply additional comforts to patients and clients.

"All clients using Hokianga health services benefit from the equipment purchased," Mrs Freese said.

"Residential clients receive presents on their birthdays, at Easter and Christmas. Petrol vouchers are provided to assist activities for day care and to ensure mental health and maternity clients are able to travel to their respective specialist appointments.

"It is interesting to note over the years how the items of clinical equipment purchased reflect the expectations of the clinicians, as they need to comply with national quality standards for patient care," she added.

To comply with national standards, in November 2009 a basket social was held at the Opononi Hotel. All the health service clinic areas contributed baskets, and the auxiliary, with the aid of the Opononi and Districts Lions Club and the people of the Hokianga, raised almost $25,000 to purchase 10 electric beds, lockers and chairs for the upgraded residential wing of Hokianga Hospital.

"Again to comply with national standards, Hokianga Health was required to upgrade the maternity unit, and Auxiliary was asked to assist with refurbishing. In September 2011 we contributed $36,969 towards this project."

Meanwhile, to mark the half-century, auxiliary members published a Hokianga Hospital Auxiliary Vintage Cook Book, with many of the recipes passed down several generations, a project that was expected to raise both money and the organisation's profile in the community.

"Members continue to work quietly and consistently to achieve and maintain the first object of the rules of the Hokianga Hospital Auxiliary," Mrs Freese added.

"While Auxiliary continues its work with local fundraising, its success depends largely on community support and the generosity of (many) charitable trusts.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank donation box holders, and the Hokianga community for its ongoing and generous financial support.

"The rock solid foundation on which Auxiliary was built has held it in good stead.
"Our organisation's success can be attributed to the dedication and commitment of the members, who all work tirelessly to achieve a common goal.

"The success of any organisation lies within its membership. Results over the 50 years clearly demonstrate that all members of Auxiliary have worked efficiently and effectively. All members, past and present, can be justly proud of individual and collective achievements."