Hato Hone St John is pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan Wood KStJ DSD ED as Chancellor and Chair of the organisation’s Priory Board.
Mr Wood is currently the Deputy Chair of the Hato Hone St John (Priory) Board and Chair of its Clinical Governance Committee, and Deputy Chancellor of the New Zealand Priory of the Order of St John. He is a Senior Lecturer and Military Programme Leader in the Department of Paramedicine at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and a registered paramedic.
“Brendan brings governance, leadership and extensive healthcare experience, underpinned by a distinguished career spanning more than forty years in paramedicine, education and military service. I have enjoyed working alongside him and value his contribution in the boardroom as well as in our work across communities throughout the country,” says outgoing Chancellor and Chair John Whitehead CNZM GCStJ.
“Bringing strategic insight and a longstanding commitment to the values of Hato Hone St John, Brendan is well placed to lead governance oversight and direction, guiding the organisation into its next phase as we continue to deliver on our ten-year Manaaki Ora strategy,” says Mr Whitehead.
“It’s an honour to take up the role of Chair and Chancellor and continue the work we are doing to develop healthier, stronger communities. Hato Hone St John is a trusted, multifaceted organisation serving every corner of Aotearoa New Zealand, and I look forward to supporting good governance and building on our legacy,” says Mr Wood, who will take office from 1 November 2026.
Hato Hone St John acknowledges the immense contribution made by outgoing Chair and Chancellor John Whitehead during his six-year tenure, which comes to an end in October.
“Our huge thanks to John for his leadership and strategic oversight through a period of strong growth for the organisation against a backdrop of growing demand for emergency and community health services. And we look forward to continuing to work with Brendan in his new role to further our vision of enhanced health and wellbeing for all,” says Chief Executive Peter Bradley CBE KStJ.
ENDS
About Hato Hone St John:
- Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90 percent of people in New Zealand across 97 percent of the country.
- Hato Hone St John is made up of a mix of full-time paid staff and volunteers.
- Along with the emergency ambulance service, Hato Hone St John operates a significant number of community health programmes and other activities which help build community resilience. They include Waka Ora Health Shuttles, ASB Caring Caller, St John Youth, and St John in Schools.
- Hato Hone St John also delivers event health services, medical alarm services, first aid training, and operates retail stores across the country.
For further information please contact:
Hato Hone St John media team
PH: 0800 756 334 | E: media@stjohn.org.nz
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