Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon KNZM has been invested as a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, the highest grade of membership in the royal order of chivalry.

The Order of St John, which traces its inspiration to the Knights Hospitaller of the 11th century, is now a global charitable organisation supporting first aid, ambulance, health, and community services across 44 countries. Its Sovereign Head is King Charles III.

The honour was conferred in Canberra yesterday during the global gathering of St John leaders, where representatives from 14 Priories and 5 Associations worldwide came together for the Grand Council 2025.

The previous St John Grand Council event was hosted by St John New Zealand, under the patronage of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, who has also served as Prior of Hato Hone St John.

Only 35 individuals worldwide may hold the title of Bailiff or Dame Grand Cross at any one time. It is usually conferred on royalty, governors-general, heads of state, and those who have made an exceptional and enduring contribution to humanitarian service.

“I was moved and humbled to be part of the order of St John ceremony today. This represents a thousand years of commitment to the sick and the poor in many parts of the world today,” said Sir David after the investiture.

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“My experience of Hato Hone St John in Aotearoa New Zealand has given me so much of what I need to work globally with the order now as a volunteer and the prelate. We can be so proud of the work of the order in these islands.”

“I will still continue with my home links while continuing to live in Hamilton.”

Sir David, who serves as Prelate of the Order and special advisor to the Grand Prior on ecclesiastical matters, joins the select ranks of those who have dedicated their lives to service, compassion, and care for others.

His wife, Lady Tureiti Moxon, Managing Director of Te Kōhao Health in Hamilton and Chair of the National Urban Māori Authority, attended the investiture. Lady Tureiti has been at the forefront of advancing Māori health equity and advocating for Te Tiriti-led approaches in health governance.

“The work of St John is extremely important at this time when we are facing such uncertainty and unprecedented weather and political events worldwide. It was a proud moment for me to witness David take up the challenge to be the Prelate worldwide for the Order of St John,” said Lady Tureiti Moxon.

Together, Sir David and Lady Tureiti Moxon represent decades of service; he in faith, diplomacy, and international humanitarian leadership; she in advancing justice, equity, and hauora Māori in Aotearoa.

The Grand Council 2025 theme, Building a Sustainable St John, brought together thousands of volunteers, staff, and leaders who collectively support millions of people each year through health and emergency services.

The leadership of Sir David stretches far beyond New Zealand. From 2013 to 2017, he was based in Rome as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See and Director of the Anglican Centre, building dialogue and collaboration between the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church at the highest levels.

Sir David’s investiture highlights the role of New Zealanders in global leadership within the Order and honours a legacy of service reaching from Aotearoa to the rest of the world.

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