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Former Hato Hone St John Mangawhai retail manager, Frances Kennelly, has been awarded one of the organisation’s highest honours, the Maltese Cross, in recognition of her outstanding service to both St John and her community.
The prestigious royal honour, sanctioned by His Majesty King Charles III, acknowledges Kennelly’s unwavering commitment over nearly a decade of service. The King, as Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, personally approves each award before it is conferred.
Kennelly received her medal and a royal-sealed scroll during an investiture ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland on October 4, joining 19 other recipients in an event steeped in tradition, pageantry and royal protocol.
Although Kennelly stepped down from her role as retail manager in April due to health reasons, her contributions to the Mangawhai store and wider community continue to be celebrated. Eighteen months ago, she was nominated for lifetime membership with St John, recognising her ongoing “quiet welfare role beyond assigned duties.”
Through her compassionate leadership, Kennelly discreetly supported vulnerable community members with clothing, school uniforms and household essentials. She was also praised for her “outside the square” thinking, which helped grow the store’s outreach programme in creative and meaningful ways.
Kennelly admits the honour was a long time coming, and a hard secret to keep.
“It was quite difficult to keep such a secret from my family and friends for so long, I nearly went insane with excitement!” she laughs. “The honour is exciting, humbling and truly treasured.”
The nomination process is rigorous, with candidates first approved by St John’s New Zealand executive team and Chancellor John Whitehead, before being forwarded to the King for final sanctioning. The names of successful recipients are then printed in the London Times before being formally announced in New Zealand.
Kennelly says her passion for St John “knows no boundaries.” As a long-time member of the organisation’s fundraising team, she feels honoured to have given back to the service that, she says, “has saved my life several times.”
“The dedicated, selfless people who crew our ambulances are true heroes, their kindness and care are truly inspirational,” she says. “I also sincerely thank all the volunteers of the Hato Hone St John Bream Bay Area Committee for their support and guidance.”
As store manager, Kennelly led a devoted team of volunteers, including her “right-hand man, adopted son, friend and partner in grime,” the late Damo Atherton.
“He was always there to lend a hand – goofy, funny, singing out of tune – and is truly missed every day,” she says. “Thank you to all for your dedication, support and hard work. None of this would have been possible without you.”
Now based in Auckland to be closer to family, Kennelly still holds deep affection for the Mangawhai community and the people who supported the St John store. She plans on continuing her charity work as a St John member as well as other community health initiatives.
“I feel so privileged to have been part of this wonderful place and for the lasting friendships made during this time,” she says. “By supporting St John, the organisation can continue its lifesaving work, not only through ambulance callouts but through all the other health initiatives that help so many. Our mantra, ‘Here for Life,’ says it all.”
What’s in a name?
Since 2019, St John, whose full name is ‘The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem,’ has gradually added ‘Hato Hone’ to the organisation’s name and logo, to embrace its bicultural identity. In te reo, Hato Hone is a literal translation of St John, with Hato meaning Saint and Hone, John. “This was not a formal name change,” Kennelly says. “But a shift to fully incorporate the Māori translation alongside the existing name to better connect with communities and align with Te Tititi o Waitangi.”
