Findex Charity Golf Day Racks Up Record Support For Hato Hone St John

With a stacked course focused on fun and supporting a good cause, the fourth annual Findex Community Fund (FCF) Charity Golf Day was described in three short words: a roaring success. Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact.

This year, the event was in support of Hato Hone St John’s new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub in Richmond, a critical project enhancing emergency services for surrounding towns including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Golden Bay.

Under clear skies with Tasman Bay’s stunning vistas, the Ambrose-style 18-hole tournament at Nelson Links welcomed players of all skill levels, from business owners to weekend warriors. The day buzzed with excitement, kicked off by a Hato Hone St John ambulance sounding the siren for the shotgun start. “Now that,” says Andrew Smith, Nelson Findex Managing Partner, “Was a crowd-pleasing moment that underscored the event’s purpose!”

On-course BBQ and drink stations fuelled players, while the ‘Party Hole,’ hosted by platinum sponsor Tax Management New Zealand, turned up the fun with burgers, music, and a festive vibe. The Bowater Motor Group’s Hole-in-One contest, offering a $40,000 car and a matching donation to St John, kept hopes high, though no player claimed the prize.

It was awesome to see the energy and community spirit in action, especially knowing each swing helped fund Hato Hone St John’s life-saving services, says Matt Rama, Chief Commercial Officer, of Platinum sponsor TMNZ.

“For TMNZ, supporting the Findex Community Fund just made sense. As a purpose-led business, we share Findex’s values around making a real difference. A big thank you to all the players, sponsors, and the Findex team who made the day happen. Together, we’ve helped make a real impact for a cause that supports New Zealanders.”

Smith is thrilled with the turnout. “A full draw, on point aural branding from Hone Hato St. John, and perfect weather made this one of our best golf days yet,” he enthuses. “Every swing helped us support a Hub that will save lives in our region.”

Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John South Island Fundraising Manager echoed Smith’s enthusiasm: “With 86% of our Emergency Ambulance Service funding coming from the government, we rely on a mix of third-party support, fundraising, and community generosity to bridge the gap. Support from organisations such as Findex helps us continue delivering vital services across Aotearoa.”

She adds, “We’re pleased to be part of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day and appreciate their contribution to our cause.”

The Hub, with a secured site, will feature four ambulances, six rest areas, and a public training facility to future-proof emergency care – all of which, of course, come at a cost. That’s why the impact of initiatives like the Golf Day are so crucial, particularly as Hato Hone St John faces rising costs and ageing infrastructure, adds Zwies.

“The Nelson Tasman region is growing, and so are the demands on our ambulance services. That’s why we’re raising funds for the purpose-built ambulance hub—to provide more space, improved facilities, and future-proof emergency care for the community.”

Findex’s 2025 event aimed to surpass its 2022 record of $18,000, and early estimates suggested it did just that. Indeed, renowned for their financial acumen if not their prowess on the golf course, once the Findex accountants ran a calculator over the numbers, the total collected is $54,956. “Not too bad for a day’s work…ah, golf,” smiles Smith.

Since 2018, the Findex Community Fund has donated over $4.1 million to charities, and this event adds to that legacy. Findex extends gratitude to sponsors including Tax Management New Zealand, alongside players and volunteers.

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