Kia ora John
 
Thank you for your request of 21 April 2026 for the following information:
 

I am writing to request further information regarding Wellington Free
Ambulance’s involvement in the Pōneke Promise initiative operating in
Courtenay Place, in partnership with Wellington City Council and New
Zealand Police.

I am particularly interested in understanding the clinical and operational
impact of this model, and would appreciate clarification on the following:

1. Staffing and Model of Care
a. What is the standard staffing model (e.g. EMT, Paramedic)?
b. How many teams are typically deployed at any one time?

2. Patient Cohort
a. What are the most common patient presentations attended (e.g.
intoxication, minor trauma, mental health)?

3. Clinical Outcomes
a. What proportion of patients are treated and discharged on scene?
b. What proportion require transport to the Emergency Department?
c. Are alternative referral pathways utilised?

4. System Impact
a. Has the initiative reduced ambulance transport rates from the Courtenay
Place area?
b. Has it had any measurable impact on Emergency Department demand?

5. Operational Efficiency
a. Does this model reduce demand on frontline ambulance resources or
prevent repeat callouts?
b. Has it improved ambulance availability or response times elsewhere?

6. Clinical Risk and Decision-Making
a. What are the key clinical risks associated with this environment?
b. How are decisions made regarding transport versus non-transport?

7. Evaluation
a. Has Wellington Free Ambulance undertaken any formal evaluation of the
initiative?
b. What metrics are used to assess its effectiveness?

 
Your request asks for information which we believe is more closely aligned
with the functions of Wellington City Council. 
For this reason, Health New Zealand has decided to transfer your request
in full to Wellington City Council under section 14(b)(ii) of the Official
Information Act (OIA).
You can expect a response from Wellington City Council in due course.
 
Under section 28(3) of the OIA you have the right to ask the Ombudsman
to review any decisions made under this request. 
The Ombudsman may be contacted
by email at: [1][email address] or by calling 0800 802 602. 
If you have any queries related to this request, please do not hesitate to
get in touch.  
 
Ngā mihi

Kathleen
Government Services
[2][email address]   

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
 

 

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