“I’m quite surprised, I just quietly potter along and I really did not expect it – it came as a surprise,” she said.
Way was raised at Parikino on the Whanganui River and attended Wanganui Technical College, now Whanganui City College.
She was a professional nurse for 51 years until she retired in 2010.
Way became involved with St John, helping to teach nursing skills to its youth members.
She said seeing St John youth members she worked with later move into the medical profession was a joy.
During her professional time with the organisation, Way picked up her primary care 1 and first responder qualifications.
Since retiring, she has devoted time to volunteering at the St John Op Shop on Mondays, volunteering at the St John Office for Area Committee on Fridays, and helping with events.
She was most recently at the 2025 Mainstreet Whanganui Christmas Parade.
Way will be presented with a framed, signed certificate at a ceremony at a later date.
The award will add to the “bells and whistles” she already has in her arsenal.
She also has other forms of recognition, such as the Member of the Order of St John, Serving Sister, events officer for Central Region, assistant divisional youth manager in the Central Region, Order Member, regional office in Palmerston North Central Region and divisional youth manager in Whanganui for the Central Region.
In 2014, Way was nominated for the Pride of New Zealand Awards in the lifetime achievement category.
Way thanked everyone involved in the organisation and anyone who expressed their support to her over the years.
“St John is a great organisation,” she said.
“I have had a wonderful experience, they are all a wonderful team to work with – I’ve enjoyed everything.
“I’ve met so many people, and the friendships you make, it’s like a family.”
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
