The uniform may have changed over the last 46 years but John Milne’s dedication to Hato Hone St John has not.
Earlier this year, the 75-year-old was made an Officer of the Order of St John for his services to clinical operations and service to the Mayfield area.
The award is made to those who have provided exceptional service and stand out from their peers. It is sanctioned by St John Ambulance’s Royal Patron King Charles III.
John said he loves helping in his community and didn’t expect reward for doing what he loves to do – helping others.
“I’m very humbled and initially it came as quite a surprise. I almost felt reluctant to accept,” he said.
John hadn’t thought about volunteering with St John until his good friend, the divisional manager of St John, the late Ted Ralston persuaded him to join the Mt Somers- Mayfield Brigade in 1979.
“As a young 29-year-old, I hadn’t intended getting involved with Hato Hone St John, but 46 years later, I’m still going,” he said.
Over his nearly 50 years of service he has held a variety of roles. He joined the organisation as an event volunteer officer.
In 1998 he took on the role of divisional manager, in 2004 became an ambulance officer and team leader. He joined the Mayfield Area Committee in 2008, and was station manager from 2013 to 2017.
In recognition of his service in 2011 he was made a Member of the Order.
In 2023, when all three stations of Ashburton, Methven and Mayfield becoming the Mid Canterbury Area Committee, John volunteered to join the team.
He has held the portfolio of internal support, which covers operations, youth, the op shop, the Ashburton Health Shuttle, the Caring Caller programme and organising the volunteers whanau day.
John’s leadership skills and work ethic have been second to none and he is held in high regard by his peers and fellow members.
He has seen a lot of change over the years, from the old black and white uniforms to day-to-day operations.
“We had to line up army-style for our annual parade where we were inspected by senior officers from Christchurch.
“Training included a nursing component, and providing first aid duty for sports teams was a major part of our duties.”
John said before Mayfield acquired an ambulance of its own, they had to respond to calls outs from home “and in our own cars”.
“I am fortunate to be a part of a very caring team who have encouraged and supported me over nearly five decades.
“I have made many great friends within the wider Hato Hone St John community.”
John acknowledged his wife of 50 years, Diane, saying without her support and more importantly her “patience” he couldn’t have done all he has for St John.
“She’s been there beside me and supporting me – including when I was called out at all hours of the night.”
John is one of 60 New Zealanders to receive the title this year.
Presently there are 375 officers in New Zealand including six from Ashburton, Mayfield and Methven.
The Mid Canterbury officers are Wendy Greene, Donald Harborne, David Mangin, Paul Thomas, John Tyrrell and John Milne.
