Napier will see an influx of St John members from around New Zealand on 12 and 13 November as the organisation celebrates the accomplishments and dedication of its people.

Her Excellency Dame Silvia Cartwright, the head of St John in New Zealand, will officiate at an investiture service at the Cathedral of St John in Browning St, Napier. Some 46 St John members will be invested with royal honours at a ceremony at the Cathedral at 2.00pm on Sunday 13 November.

Former Chancellor Neville Darrow will be invested as a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John. The honour of Bailiff and Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St John is the highest honour within the Order. The honour is limited to twenty-one persons worldwide at any one time. Mr Darrow is just the sixth New Zealander to be recognised with this honour.

St John is an organisation with deep roots, going back to the foundation of a hospital in Jerusalem, in about 1080, which cared for the poor and the sick regardless of race, religion and creed.

In 2005, St John has a presence in over 40 countries throughout the world and still maintains an eye hospital in Jerusalem that serves the people of the Holy Land.

In New Zealand, St John is one of the country’s larger charitable organisations and is the primary provider of ambulance, emergency care and community care services. St John relies heavily on volunteers and the ongoing financial support of the public to provide these services.

The Order of St John was established as a Royal Order of Chivalry in 1888, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign Head. As such it is recognised as an independent part of the New Zealand Honours System. An order of chivalry is a group of people sworn to provide car to the sick, poor and injured.

Members of St John are recognised for dedicated membership and special services in the cause of humanity by being admitted to the chivalrous Order of St John.