St John is a charitable organisation with a volunteer ethos. It operates independently of Government and business, and serves New Zealand communities.

St John's mission is to prevent and relieve sickness and injury, and to act to enhance the health and well-being of people of all races and creeds anywhere in New Zealand.

St John serves communities throughout New Zealand by delivering an extensive range of services and products in the health and health-related fields. These services and products include:

Emergency and non-emergency ambulance services for approximately 85% of New Zealand's population.

Emergency care and first aid at public events

Friendship and support over the phone to the lonely and the housebound

Transport for people to their health appointments

First aid training and health-related products and services to the community.

St John also runs a youth programme where young New Zealanders from six to 18 years can learn first aid, health care, self-discipline and general life skills in their communities.