Cambridge man becomes a new Knight
A former chartered accountant shoulder tapped to help an organisation in need is now a Knight of the Order Of St John.
Jeremy Stubbs formerly from Taumarunui and a recent resident of Cambridge, accepted the honour at an investiture ceremony performed by the Governor General, Dame Patsy Reddy in Wellington recently.
The Order is an independent part of the New Zealand Royal Honours System and confers Membership in the Order on those who strive to fulfil its objects and purposes.
Stubbs has been with St John for 26 years and his contribution to the organisation has included several senior roles, most recently as a Priory Trust Board member.
Reluctantly the 75-year-old has retired from his position with St John. He is full of praise for the organisation and believes his contribution was worthwhile.
St John Chancellor Dr Steve Evans KStJ, thought so as he spoke about Stubbs’ contribution
‘‘As a long-standing member of the Central Regional Trust Board,he played an integral part in moving the board through its amalgamation with the old central board and making an efficient, workable new board,’’ said Evans.
‘‘He represented our organisation superbly and balances understanding of national and local needs.’’
It was those needs which remained at the heart of Stubbs time as the deputy chair of the regional committee and the chair of the Central Regional Trust.
‘‘Being a boy from Taumarunui, I had an understanding of the deprivation of those in rural towns. Their needs is something I always focussed on when decisions were being made,’’ said Stubbs.
When tapped to assist the organisation he never thought twice.
‘‘St John as an organisation has always been good and I was pleased to be a part of its continuous improvement to make it what it is today, a fully professional ambulance service,’’ said Stubbs.
‘‘St John has a huge positive future and recent government assistance ensures we can double crew our ambulances.
‘‘I often think back to Taumarunui and the stress the sole paramedic faced trying to cope with emergency situations on her own, that will change.’’