His Majesty The King, Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, has, on the recommendation of His Royal Highness The Grand Prior, sanctioned the promotion of Hato Hone St John’s Chancellor, John Whitehead CNZM, to a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order.
The Grade of Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross (Grade I) is limited to 35 individuals worldwide and is reserved for those who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, loyalty, and devotion to the Order through exceptional, sustained, and successful leadership.
John first joined Hato Hone St John in 2016 as an Advisor to the then Priory Trust Board and became a member of this Board in 2017. Since St John’s Day in 2020, John has served with distinction as Chancellor.
Over the past six years, John has given generously of his time as a volunteer, providing strong guidance on governance, supporting the Chief Executive and senior leadership, and actively engaging with staff and volunteers across Hato Hone St John and throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. He has been a guiding influence in Hato Hone St John’s journey toward greater cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion, leading with compassion, humility, and integrity. His respect and care for all people are evident in all that he does.
John has carefully guided a number of reviews that have been influential in strengthening and modernising our ways of working, while remaining always respectful of our heritage. He has championed our 10-year strategic plan, that has a strong community health and equity focus, and our Integrity Charter, that builds a strong foundation of positivity and accountability. His background knowledge and experience of public administration, after a very distinguished career in the public service, have been of exceptional benefit to the governance and management of Hato Hone St John.
At an international level, John has served as a member of the Trustees Executive Committee since St John’s Day in 2023, contributing to the governance of the wider St John family.
At an international level, John has served as a member of the Trustees Executive Committee since St John’s Day in 2023, contributing to the governance of the wider St John family.
“The conferral on John Whitehead of the Order’s most senior honour is proper recognition of an extraordinary contribution to the work of the Order both in New Zealand and globally. John’s completely selfless and skilled services has resulted in exceptional change in a number of key areas and has demonstrated the utmost devotion to the Order and those who we serve.” - Professor Mark Compton, Lord Prior
Within the framework of the International Strategy, he has been a committed and influential advocate for the Asia Pacific region, actively encouraging and facilitating support for Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji. Additionally, he has ensured the establishment of a dedicated role within the New Zealand Priory to support the development of a Regional Meeting framework for the Asia Pacific region.
John exemplifies the spirit of service to others, has worked tirelessly to further Hato Hone St John’s vision and purpose, and brings the values of the Order and of Hato Hone St John to life.
