The Kaiteriteri Heartbeat Project has strengthened its community safety network with another automated external defibrillator installed and more fundraising under way to keep the lifesaving devices maintained.
With five AEDs now positioned around the area and a sixth soon to be added, group member Kim Wormald says the network is vital for both residents and the thousands of visitors who arrive each summer. The distance from Motueka’s first responders makes the devices a prudent investment.
“They’re here for everybody, 24/7.”
Alongside the long-standing AED at the Kaiteriteri Beach Camp, devices are now located in Rowling Heights, Little Kaiteriteri Beach, the corner of Kotare and Rowling Road, Cederman Drive and at the cluster known as 11 Letterboxes on Sandy Bay Road. A sixth device will soon be installed on the corner of Torlesse Drive and Talisman Heights.
Kimi Ora donates the venue for device training, with another community session pencilled in for March.
Kim says each AED costs about $3000, supported through a partnership with Nelson Bays Jennian Homes. The group is now working to replenish its maintenance fund. Batteries need to be replaced every five years at about $100 per device, while pads cost about $200 and must be replaced after each use or every five years.
“There’s no point in having one if it isn’t up to scratch,” Kim says.
To support ongoing costs, the group is hosting a State Cinema fundraising night on Monday, 2 March, at 6pm, screening New Zealand romantic comedy Solo Mio. Tickets cost $30, including a glass of wine or juice and a raffle ticket.
The group hopes to raise $1000, and Kim says the raffle prizes alone are worth turning out for.
“We’ve had heaps of support from everyone,” she says.
Tickets can be booked by emailing Rosie Bowie at r.a.bowie@gmail.com or Larry Lumsden at larry.lumsden@tourismdevelopment.co.nz, with payment made to Kaiteriteri AED Community Fund 03-1354-0557644-00.
