St John community programme cuts

The story so far

Hato Hone St John plans to cut several community programmes, including pet therapy, community carers and hospital volunteers.^{6 Aug 2025} In an email to volunteers, the organisation said the decisions are part of a 10-year strategy to maximise the impact of its resources.^{6 Aug 2025} The charity plans to end several volunteer programmes by June next year.^{7 Aug 2025} The head of the nurses' union said they were shocked by the end of the programme that places volunteers in hospital emergency departments.^{7 Aug 2025} Residents at a Hawke's Bay rest home have expressed disappointment at the proposed end of pet therapy visits.^{22 Aug 2025}

Latest

Residents at a Hawke's Bay rest home have voiced disappointment at the proposed end of pet therapy visits.^{22 Aug 2025}

What's next

The pet therapy service is due to end from June next year. The volunteer programmes are also planned to be cut by June next year.^{7, 22 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 6 Aug 2025St John announces plans to cut pet therapy, carers and hospital volunteer programmes.
2. 7 Aug 2025Nurses' union head expresses shock at ending emergency department volunteer programme.
3. 22 Aug 2025Hawke's Bay rest home residents express disappointment at proposed pet therapy cut.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.