An Investiture ceremony recognising the contribution of Hato Hone St John volunteers and staff was held in Christchurch over the weekend (3 May 2025), 140 years after the Order of St John first arrived in the region.
The St John honours system confers membership on those who give back to the organisation and the community and act conspicuously to fulfil the mission of St John in New Zealand.
The mission today is the same as it was when St John was first established in 1885 – to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to enhance the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.
It was on 30 April 1885, in response to a need for additional health services, that a public meeting was held at the Merivale Church Hall, Christchurch, by Reverend Thomas Flavell and Dr Walter Hacon. It was proposed that the St John Ambulance Association be introduced to the area. Their initiative led to the rapid establishment of St John services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Given the relative timing, fondly coined ‘Founders Weekend’, and location of the 2025 Christchurch Investiture, Hato Hone St John members came together to celebrate the remarkable 140-year milestone, alongside the Investiture proceedings.
The Investiture ceremony honoured both volunteers and paid staff for their outstanding contribution and dedication right across the organisation – including the Emergency Ambulance Service, Community Health portfolios, support services, and governance. As of 2025, Hato Hone St John’s volunteer workforce consists of approximately 8000 people, with almost 70% of paid staff holding at least one volunteer role within the organisation. From the very beginning, volunteers have been an integral part of St John in New Zealand, with many of those early volunteering roles remaining to this day, such as fundraising, attending public events, and education.
Hato Hone St John National Order Matters Manager and Priory Secretary Christine Benson, DStJ, says investiture services are among the most significant events Hato Hone St John holds, and the Christchurch one is made even more special this year due to the significant anniversary.
“Order of St John honours are royal honours and sanctioned by His Majesty King Charles III. It is of particular significance that we can recognise these outstanding members of Hato Hone St John in this our 140th year. We have been working alongside the people and communities of Aotearoa New Zealand since 1885, promoting health, safety and wellbeing, adapting to ever changing needs and being true to our ethos of service to others.”
John Whitehead CNZM, KStJ, Chancellor of St John in New Zealand, presided over the Investiture Service, where one member was promoted to Dame of Grace, one promoted to Knight of Grace, one promoted to Commander, seven promoted to Officer and 15 admitted as Members of the Order.
Ann Greenaway, Christchurch Area Committee Chairperson, was promoted to Dame, and Major Brendan Wood, Deputy Chancellor, was promoted to Knight, two of the highest honours conferred on members of the organisation.
Ms Greenaway was honoured for her significant hard work and leadership at a national level, and across both Wellington and Christchurch regions. Most notably, Ms Greenaway played an instrumental role in the Hato Hone St John 125th anniversary celebrations, protecting the heritage, raising the profile of local archives, and leading the “The First to Care - History of St John in New Zealand” book project. She has continued to care for St John’s valuable history as Team Leader in the Christchurch History Unit since 2021, a fitting acknowledgement during the 140th year of the organisation.
Major Wood was recognised as having given a lifetime of service to Hato Hone St John, across a diverse range of portfolios – regionally, nationally, and internationally. He is known as a strong and visible advocate for organisational diversity and inclusion, ensuring commitments to essential partnerships are met so Hato Hone St John can be of service right across the motu. Major Wood displays remarkable leadership and commitment through his Priory roles and is also a registered Paramedic.
Hato Hone St John wishes to thank all volunteers, staff, donors, supporters, and partners, who have supported the organisation for the last 140 years and into the future.
You can learn more about Hato Hone St John’s early history in New Zealand here.
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Hato Hone St John media team