Tauranga St John paramedics will be sporting a new practical look in coming weeks as the national organisation looks to upgrade its uniform for the first time in more than a decade.

St John staff will soon be seen in a new uniform, which is being rolled out nationwide. during the next three months.

The new uniform is being rolled out nationwide during the next three months, with Auckland St John the first to get a new modernised kit.

It consists of a dark green shirt, white under-shirt and dark green cargo trousers – replacing the existing uniform of white shirt, black pants and a green jacket.

The fashionable and practical upgrade comes after St John's last major uniform overhaul back in 2002, when maroon epaulettes, tie and jumper were replaced with the traditional white shirt and black pants.

Western Bay of Plenty territory manager Ross Clarke says the upgrade is expected in coming weeks and is a practical fit for the organisation.

'They have pockets down the side that you can put syringes and equipment in and the elastic waistband is so much more comfortable to bend and work in.

'That's the biggest plus it has going for it [practicality]. I think generally we are looking forward to the rollout,” says Ross.

He says the green is an internationally-recognised colour associated with medical care and is a cost-effective move.

'Nationally we are expected to save, after the initial rollout, $200,000 a year.”

St John operations director Michael Brooke says while it's a move from the recognised and traditional look, the upgrade is something staff have been requesting for some time.

'We have estimated there will be a saving of about $400,000 over three years, including replacement and rollout costs – that's a saving of over $130 per uniform kit issued to full-time paid staff.”

Michael says most importantly the new uniform is functional and comfortable and will enhance frontline staff's ability to operate well while treating and caring for the public.