Following International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8th March, we’re continuing to celebrate the incredible women of St John. Over the coming week, we’ll share stories of women leading change, building hope, and shaping brighter futures across St John globally.
This week, we are proud to introduce one of the extraordinary women of Hato Hone St John in New Zealand.
Annette Lovich from the Waikato region turned personal tragedy into a life of service. After losing a family member in a motor vehicle incident, she joined the frontline as a volunteer in 2003, seeking a meaningful way to give back to those who had supported her during a difficult time.
Since then, Annette has held multiple roles within Hato Hone St John, making giving back an everyday part of her life through caring for colleagues and the wider community. Today, she works as an Emergency Medical Technician in Morrinsville and as a volunteer Peer Support Officer, regularly checking in on the mental wellbeing of her ambulance peers. Her work has also allowed her to build connections with other women in ambulance services across the country, relationships she deeply values.
“As women in ambulance operations, whether that’s on the frontline or behind-the-scenes, we should be there to support one another, and importantly: elevate, encourage, challenge, and listen to each other.
“By listening we learn, and by learning we can influence positive practice and outcomes, for everyone around us,” says Annette.
Annette is described as the person her colleagues go to when they need someone to just listen, or when they’re having a hard time. Her compassion and genuine care have made a real difference to the wellbeing of so many Hato Hone St John staff and volunteers.
A heartfelt thank you to Annette and all the amazing women at Hato Hone St John
