Complaints about ambulance services in Northland's Hokianga

A retired ambulance volunteer has written to MP Grant McCallum claiming its one of the most under-served areas in the country.

Denis Orme says the closure of the Rawene St John station, and Rawene's change from a hospital to a clinic, has had detrimental effects.

He says patient transfers from the Rawene Clinic must now be carried out by frontline St John ambulances from other areas, instead of a transfer vehicle.

Orme says in many cases people are waiting two hours for an ambulance.

St John says it's working with Health New Zealand and local community group Hauora Hokianga to develop a solution.