Future Care Conference

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.    Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign)

I then specifically greet you: Your Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Grand Prior of the Order of St John; Professor Anthony Mellows, Lord Prior of the Order and members from the Grand Council of St John;  Garry Wilson, Chancellor of St John New Zealand; Your Worship Bob Parker, Mayor of Christchurch; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of my wife Susan and I, it is with great pleasure that we welcome our Grand Prior, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, to Christchurch. I also welcome all members of the Grand Council of St John to this very special city.

It was here in Christchurch on the 30 April 1885 that the Reverend Thomas Flavell first established St John in New Zealand.
A newspaper report of that first meeting stated the object of the newly formed branch was: “to render assistance to sufferers from accident, or wounds in time of peace or war.”

St John in New Zealand has done that, and much more.  I suspect those who attended that first meeting would never have imagined the wide array of activities with which the organisation is now involved.

But there can be no doubt that they would be proud of the achievements of many people who have worked together over many years, contributing towards a growing, dynamic and innovative organisation.

St John is a cornerstone to providing care in our communities. From a humble start in Christchurch, it now provides 85 percent of the emergency ambulance services in New Zealand. 

But St John’s contribution goes much further. There are also Friends of the Emergency Department volunteers in 21 hospital emergency departments, a vibrant uniformed Youth programme with more than 5,000 members, and more than 1,000 Area Committee volunteers.  Together they are playing a significant role in directing the shape of health services in our communities.

Since 1885 St John in New Zealand has been credited with a number of firsts, not only in this country but also in the world in some cases.

The St John Ambulance Corps in Dunedin was the first registered division of the St John Ambulance Brigade outside Britain – in 1892.

Likewise, St John established the first blood collection service in New Zealand. The National Blood Transfusion Council coordinated the donation of blood by members of the public.

St John was also a pioneer in air ambulances in New Zealand whilst the first official St John Cadet division outside Britain was formed in 1927.

Today St John continues to play a leading role in many initiatives in the health sector. Tonight we embark upon a series of events that not only celebrate our history but will continue to position St John as one of the leading providers of care, in its many forms, in New Zealand.

As current Prior, it is always a pleasure to meet and greet members of this wonderful organisation and I look forward to the activities of this weekend.

On Sunday we will hold an Investiture service to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made to the Order of St John by 78 members – this is always a significant and special occasion.

Tonight it is my pleasure to welcome you all to Future Care 2010. I encourage you all to partake and enjoy the commemorations over the coming weekend.

And on that note I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.    No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.