E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei rā, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Tēnā koutou katoa.
I wish to specifically acknowledge: Your Worship Grant Smith, Mayor of Palmerston North; John Whitehead, Chancellor; The Most Reverend Archbishop Sir David Moxon, Prelate; Professor Mark Compton, Lord Prior; The Most Reverend John Adams, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North; Brendan Wood, Deputy Chancellor and Deputy Chair; Wiremu Te Awe Awe, Rangitāne o Manawatū kaumātua and Regional Councillor, and your wife Trieste; Kerry Mitchell, National Youth Manager & Assistant Director of Ceremonies; Postulants and their whānau.
I wish to begin by making special acknowledgement of Chancellor John Whitehead, who has lead Hato Hone St John with such energy, integrity, and wisdom over the past six years. John, your effective stewardship has ensured New Zealanders are afforded the utmost care and compassion through the services of St John. To incoming Chancellor Brendan Wood, I look forward to working with you in my remaining time as Governor-General, and I am sure you will continue to build the legacy of this extraordinary organisation.
As I reflect on my past five years as Governor-General, I can say with confidence that serving as your Prior has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this role. My vested interest in public health has certainly contributed to this enjoyment – however, I find myself constantly amazed and heartened by the true dedication, warmth, and kindness shown by those who work and volunteer for St John. I see the pride that St John team members take – from Health Shuttle drivers, to paramedics, and retail shop workers – in treating each person they meet with the same high quality care and consideration.
My time as Governor-General has also coincided with some of the most challenging emergency response events in our history including the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Gabrielle. These unprecedented events asked much of our first responders, many of whom were themselves impacted. It was with the highest degree of professionalism and expertise that St John and your partner agencies were able to deliver life-saving assistance to those in their time of greatest need.
Today’s investiture ceremony represents an opportunity to acknowledge twenty-three postulants, all of whom have displayed the utmost commitment to the Order of St John and its dedication to preserving the wellbeing of others. This most ancient of Orders and its continuing mission speaks to our deepest impulse to care for one another. Each of you invested today has made a commitment to this purpose through your work, and I hope that you will receive this honour with the knowledge that you have truly improved the lives of your fellow New Zealanders.
As today’s investiture reminds us of the profound and important tradition that exists within the Order of St John, it is also with a clear eye to the future that your organisation operates. This recognition honours the deep impact you have made to St John – but it also reinforces the expectation that you will continue to uphold those tenets of wellbeing for which the Order was established. I know each of you will remain dedicated to the care of the people of New Zealand with the highest degree of professionalism and skill.
Above all, you should each feel a great sense of accomplishment in this immense achievement. Enjoy this moment, and know that you have brought great pride to your communities, whānau, and Hato Hone St John through your service and commitment.
American poet Emily Dickinson wrote: ‘If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.’
The companionship, support, and care you provide on behalf of St John is deeply appreciated by all who receive it. Each patient you treat, every word of comfort and expertise you provide to those in need is a reflection of the charitable heart of the Order and its mission. As Governor-General and Prior, I thank you once again for so generously and wholeheartedly upholding this ethos.
Kia māia, kia manawanui, kia kaha e koutou. Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.