A man who has voluntarily raised tens of thousands of dollars for Hato Hone St John ambulance service in Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay has been recognised for his efforts.

Neville McKay, who lived in Tauranga for 52 years before shifting south three years ago, was bestowed a Priory Vote of Thanks(PVOT) in the Hawke’s Bay on June 29.

The PVOT is a St John honour awarded on recommendation of the Priory Honours Committee and Priory Chapter to recognise individuals, groups or businesses that have made a significant contribution or provided outstanding service to the organisation. It is the highest award St John can bestow a civilian.

Neville McKay, with his framed Priory Vote of Thanks from St John. Photo / Supplied

Neville told The Weekend Sun the award had “come out of the blue” and he was “very humbled”.

The 78-year-old was presented with the award by the St John Hawke’s Bay Area Committee at a ceremony at St Matthew’s Church in Hastings.

Humble, dedicated

Officer of the Order of St John, Tony Ludlow, said Neville is a humble and dedicated supporter of St John who has worked tirelessly for many years to secure positive outcomes for the organisation.

“A passionate motor vehicle enthusiast, he successfully organised the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza for four years while living in Tauranga, with all proceeds donated to St John.

“After relocating to Hawke’s Bay three years ago, Neville initiated a similar event at the Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings. Through his extensive community networks and ability to secure sponsorship, he continues to organise both large and small scale vehicle events across Hawke’s Bay with all proceeds supporting St John Hawke’s Bay.”

Neville, who lived in Tauranga for 52 years, still organises the annual Tauranga Auto Extravaganza remotely too. He said the Tauranga show drew about 6500 people this year while Hawke’s Bay’s last show attracted 8000.

Neville McKay and Keith Sauyer. Tauranga Auto Extravaganza organisers Neville McKay, left, and Keith Sawyer back in 2021. Photo / John Borren

“All proceeds continue to go back to the respective local St John branches,” Neville said.

Up to $100K

Asked how much in total he had raised for St John, Neville said, “A lot! It could be up to $100,000...”

Presenting the award to Neville, Commander of the Order of St John, Andrew Hedge, said: “Neville, your commitment and your enthusiasm, taking your passion, your interest in life and making it something that can support our Order is something for which we are very, very grateful”.

Nevile McKay, pictured in centre, goes to great lengths to encourage to the auto shows he runs to support St John. Photo / David Hall

St John Hawke’s Bay area chair David van Oeveren said Neville “embodies the spirit of community service”.

St John fundraising is used to fund about 50 new ambulances a year, ambulance stations, life-saving equipment and critical infrastructure to ensure the organisation can continue delivering emergency care to communities across New Zealand.

“His passion, generosity and commitment have made a real difference to St John and the communities we serve. Through his fundraising efforts, he has not only raised significant funds but also inspired others to get behind our organisation,” van Oeveren said.

“The Priory Vote of Thanks is a fitting recognition of his many years of dedicated support, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he and his wife Carol have done for St John.”

His backbone

Neville, who received the honour as Carol watched with their dog Susie, said he didn’t ask for recognition.

“From day one I did it [his charitable work] from my heart…I wanted to give to St John’s for what they’ve done for me over the years and it’s very important to me and my wife.”

Carol, aged 80, was his main source of support “since day one”, Neville said. He also paid tribute to Susie “who goes everywhere with me, even collecting money at the supermarkets”. “I always say to the people, ‘Pat the dog and put the money in the container’.”

Neville and Carol McKay, and dog Susie, with Commander of the Order of St John, Andrew Hedge, after the award presentation. Photo / Supplied

Neville thanked everyone for supporting his fundraising efforts, including Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay event sponsors. He also acknowledged friend Keth Sawyer, who helped him start the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza in 2019, now held annually at Mercury Baypark.

“When we moved back to Hastings I went into St John’s and said, ‘Would you like someone to raise some money for you?’ They didn’t say ‘no’.”

Not only him

Neville was also quick to point out that proceeds raised for St John in the two regions were not achieved by him alone.

“It’s not only me. I’m only a cog in the wheel. It’s all the other people who have helped… it’s brilliant. I’m very proud to do it for St John’s. They need it.”

McKay said his petrol-head passion and his involvement with St John go back many years.

“I used to look after the original Baypark raceway for 10 years. I was tied up with doing things for St John then.”

Organiser Neville McKay. Tauranga Auto Extravaganza. 1 March 2020 Bay of Plenty Times Photograph by George Novak BTG 02Mar20 - BTG 03Mar21 - Tauranga petrolhead and Auto Extravaganza organiser Neville McKay. Photo / George Novak Neville McKay on event promotion in Tauranga in 2020. Photo / George Novak

He said his efforts were driven by St John had done for him and his family.

“When my wife was 35, she was rushed to Auckland Hospital by ambulance with a brain haemorrhage. They were absolutely brilliant.

“I’ve also had sickness and they’ve rushed to me. I was in a wheelchair for four and a half years...If I pressed my St John alarm, the ambulance came and they [the paramedics] were absolutely out of this world, what they do. They are not recognised enough.”

Neville and Coral both wear St John medical alarms and are thankful for the benefits the devices offer senior Kiwis.

“Mine has GPS so when I come through to Tauranga, if I press it they know where I am.”

Neville said Repco had secured naming rights to the auto shows and both were recently put into a charitable trust.

“We have teams in both locations who, with me, will continue to run the shows annually.”