A Tauranga business has fortified community safety by donating an essential Automated External Defibrillator unit to Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park.

Exceed have worked with The Heart Box NZ Charity to get this essential lifesaving device into the park. 

The new AED has been stationed at a central location halfway up the track, where several popular paths converge, ensuring swift accessibility for the park's approximately 100,000 annual visitors.

The Pāpāmoa Hills are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, cultural heritage and archaeological significance.

The park has seen a surge in popularity, further emphasized by the recent opening of a new car park that doubles the parking capacity. Recognising the increasing footfall and the importance of a rapid response in cardiac emergencies, Exceed's generous donation aims to enhance the park's emergency preparedness.

Hayden Schick of Bay of Plenty Regional Council, who own and manage the park, says the Council was delighted with the generous donation from Exceed.

"We are better equipped to ensure the safety of our park visitors. The central placement of the AED is a valuable addition to our emergency response capabilities, especially with the growing number of people enjoying the park.”

The AED unit comes at a crucial time, aligning with the park's commitment to the well-being of its visitors. Exceed's donation reflects their dedication to community welfare and the promotion of safety in public spaces.

The new AED unit is stored in a locked box. 

Access is obtained by calling 111 who will issue the code to access the AED from the locked box.