Speech
Postulants Dinner
May I begin my response by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand in English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the evening (Sign)
May I specifically acknowledge the Postulants for investiture and their guests, most especially Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia; and Members of St John.
As Prior of the Order of St John in New Zealand it is a matter of pleasant duty to be here with everyonne this evening for this important celebration.
This dinner continues a centuries old tradition of St John members meeting for fellowship on the night before an Investiture. It used to be, that after dinner the Postulants would begin a night-long vigil to reflect on what membership of the Order of St John would mean to them. While this occasion today does not have on the timetable the rigour of a vigil to follow, there is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the commitment that tomorrow's Investiture will bring.
For the Postulants, membership of St John means joining together for the purpose of charitable and humanitarian work. You will be committing yourselves to care of the sick and injured in our country. You will be committing yourselves to be bound by the traditions of St John, and making a public commitment to be always people of honour.
Those who have nominated the Postulants for preferment have identified people who stand out from their peers as people worthy of wearing the insignia of the Order of St John.
Postulants are being recognised for their support to the New Zealand community. They have contributed to the fact that the St John organisation has a enviable reputation because of many years of service. New Zealanders know St John and trust it and they rely on it to provide them with the highest quality service.
The St John Order is a "working" Order and must remain so to preserve the momentum created by its reputation, its property and its assets. Every one of us should strive to remain worthy of Membership in the Order of St John and all that it stands for.
May I add congratulations to you all as you seek to enhance the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.
Please continue to enjoy this evening and tomorrow's Investiture service at Turangwaewae.
And on that note, I will close in New Zealand's first language, Maori, by offering greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.