St Patrick’s Branch No. 400, Palmerston North
St Patrick’s Branch No. 400 has looked after Catholic families in Palmerston North since 1903. Today our members are spread across the Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki regions, the Taranaki members having joined us when St Joseph’s Branch No. 117 (New Plymouth) merged with Branch 400.
We are a mutual benefit society: ordinary Catholics pooling modest dues so that help is there when a member needs it, whether that is a medical bill, a new baby, school expenses or a bereavement. Beyond the benefits, we meet, we pray for one another and we remember our departed members.
Joining
Membership is open to Catholics aged 18 and over living in the Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki regions, and to their spouses, whether Catholic or not. Dues are $15 a quarter ($60 a year). Benefits extend to members’ dependent children under 18.
New members of all ages are welcome. To join, complete the membership form, or email the Secretary at hibernian400@gmail.com.
Benefits
In addition to the benefits offered nationally, Branch 400 members receive:
Local Medical Fund
- $20 towards each GP or nurse appointment
- $10 towards each prescription charge
Pharmacy savings, through our membership of the Palmerston North United Friendly Societies (PNUFS)
- An annual $30 pharmacy voucher (not guaranteed every year; spendable at any pharmacy)
- 10% discount and a further $10 per prescription at the UFS pharmacies listed below
Grants and support
- Top-ups to the Society’s new baby benefit, back-to-school grant (books, stationery, uniforms; university students are eligible) and bereavement grant
- A discretionary benevolent fund for members facing major medical costs, sudden loss of income or other hardship
Eligibility criteria and annual limits apply. Benefit types, levels and dues may change.
How to claim
Claim online
Local Medical Fund claim form
Claim $20 towards each GP or nurse appointment and $10 towards each prescription charge. Attach your receipted invoices to the form.
For everything else, email the Secretary for a form and return it with your receipts or supporting documents.
The Secretary also lets members know when special or periodic grants open, such as the Catholic education grants administered by other branches.
Community and prayer
The Hibernian Society is an expression of Catholic Christian solidarity, and the friendships between members are as much a resource as the funds. We hold social events from time to time, notify members when a Hibernian dies and encourage attendance at the requiem, and offer an annual Mass in November for the repose of the souls of all deceased members. A donation is made to Caritas in memory of each member who dies.
Meetings
The Branch meets quarterly at 2 pm on the fourth Saturday of February, May, August and November, in the gathering area of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North, unless otherwise notified. All members are welcome. The May meeting is our AGM, where officers are elected; if you would like to help run the Branch, come along.
UFS pharmacies
| Pharmacy | Address |
|---|---|
| Roses Pharmacy | cnr Albert Street & Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North |
| Cook Street Pharmacy | cnr Cook & College Streets, Palmerston North |
| Central Pharmacy | cnr Featherston & Bourke Streets, Palmerston North |
| Central City Pharmacy | 121 Victoria Avenue, Whanganui |
Office bearers, 2025/26
| Role | Member |
|---|---|
| President | Richard Law |
| Vice-President | Catherine McNamara |
| Secretary/Treasurer | Wendy & Andrew Silver |
| Trustees | Kevin Frost & Anne Odogwu |
| Other elected member | Andrea Hurley |
| PNUFS delegate | Kevin Frost |
| Immediate past president | Peter Clark |
Contact
Email (preferred): hibernian400@gmail.com
Post
c/- Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
PO Box 5279
Terrace End
Palmerston North 4441
In person
Cathedral Parish office, 197 Broadway Avenue (behind the Cathedral)
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm