Category: New Zealand Governor General

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Fakaalofa lahi atu kia mutolu oti – and my very warmest Pacific greetings to you all.

I’d like to specifically knowledge: Prime Minister Tagelagi and Tanya Tagelagi; Members of the Niue Assembly; Your Excellency Mr Mark Gibb, New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue; Your Excellency Ms Katy Stuart, Australian High Commissioner to Niue; and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

As Governor-General of the Realm of New Zealand, representing His Majesty King Charles III, as well as the Government and people of New Zealand, it has been an honour to be here in Niue for this historic occasion – marking fifty years of Niue’s self-government and free association with New Zealand.

Dr Davies and I have welcomed this opportunity be a part of this proud moment in Niuean history, and to reaffirm the depth and special meaning of the relationship between our two countries.

On a fundamental level, of course, ours is a relationship underpinned by those constitutional arrangements decided upon and inaugurated 50 years ago, on the 19th of October 1974.

Of course, in fact, the relationship between our two nations extends back much further than that. We are bound by our whakapapa – our common ancestors – who, hundreds of years ago, guided by the stars, the winds and the currents, navigated their way across Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa with immense courage and skill.

New Zealand and Niue share Polynesian histories and stories with their origins in those great voyages, as well as the many precious ties of whānau – of family – strengthened over successive generations.

As I come to the end of my time here, in this beautiful place – the ‘Rock of the Pacific’ – and reflect upon how it has touched my understanding of the bond between our countries, I find myself returning to ‘whanaungatanga’ – a term in te reo Māori which refers to a sense of sacred ties; of kinship; and of deep and abiding family connections.

As the passing of time naturally alters the relationships within a family, so too the relationship between New Zealand and Niue has naturally evolved over these past fifty years. As one part of that evolution, Niue has developed and nurtured its own diplomatic relationships with countries across the Pacific and around the world.

I’m delighted to see many of those relationships present here this evening, in friendship and support – bringing to mind, as it does, the whakataukī, or proverb: ‘Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari takimano, nō āku tīpuna. My strength is not individual it is collective.’

Such kotahitanga, such unity of action, is more important than ever in facing some of the most pressing global issues of our time: climate change, economic security, achieving equitable health and education outcomes. I am confident we will find solutions, but it requires that we do the work, and that we continue to share our knowledge, resources, and wisdom.

I wish to take this opportunity to commend Niue for the work that you’ve done to encourage such collaboration, and the innovation that you’ve shown across areas as broad as food production, renewable energy, and sustainable tourism.

The Niue and Ocean-Wide Trust is a perfect example of your commitment to initiatives whose ethos extends far beyond self-interest, which encourages collective action, and which seeks the greatest possible benefit to our planet and to broader humanity.

As Governor-General, I once again reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to be a friend and partner to Niue in facing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of these coming years.

I finish today by returning to the extraordinary image of those great Polynesian explorers charting their course across the Pacific Ocean. As we leave here, I hope we may all be inspired by the example of those early pathfinders – to be courageous in our actions as in our words, to live with deep care and respect for the natural world, and to work together, in the abiding spirit of whanaungatanga and kotahitanga, to seek a positive future for all.

Fakaaue lahi. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Fakaalofa lahi atu – and my very warmest Pacific greetings.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Prime Minister Tagelagi; Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands; Alapati Tavite, Ulu of Tokelau; President Williame Katonivere of Fiji; Ministers and Members of Parliament of Niue; and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Thank you, Prime Minister Tagelagi for inviting Richard and me to join leaders of our ‘Realm family’ and members of the Diplomatic Corps in celebrating this year’s Constitution Day, marking the 50th year of self-government and enduring freedom of association with New Zealand.

I am honoured to represent His Majesty King Charles III, our Head of State of the Realm of New Zealand, and affirm his best wishes to you all on this very special day for Niue.

I also wish to convey warmest congratulations from the nearly 31,000 New Zealanders who regard Niue as home. You will be aware of the great pride they take in their distinctive culture, language and traditions, and the strength of their connections to Niue.

I’m sure those who witnessed that historic moment fifty years ago, on the 19th of October 1974, would be delighted to see what has been achieved in the intervening years: the upgraded roads and airport, the growth of tourism with Matavai Resort and other outstanding new accommodation options, the sea tracks, Niue Development Bank, new government buildings, a supermarket complex, and Millenium Hall.

Similarly, I hope they would applaud the emphasis on sustainability and the protection of biodiversity, the establishment of a maritime protection area, and modernised waste management systems.

I hope they would also be pleased to see Niue’s connections to the world, enabled by jet travel and internet access. I’m sure they would be astonished and delighted to see the growth of media and educational opportunities, solar power, electronic banking, an emergency operations centre, and the facilities of a truly modern hospital.

I was pleased to learn how closely Niue and New Zealand worked to minimise the impact of COVID-19, and I wish to congratulate Prime Minister Tagelagi and everyone involved in keeping the people of Niue safe.

Nationhood is necessarily an ongoing project, based on a shared understanding of identity, values, and culture.

All Niueans contribute to this vision, whether they be Assembly Members, Ministers of Cabinet, the Speakers of the Fale Fono, the Public Service Commissioners, Secretaries of Government, the Judges and Judiciary, Niue’s High Commissioners in New Zealand, the Public Service, educators, the keepers of traditional knowledge and crafts, or artists, composers and cultural performers. So too do those Niueans engaged in fishing, growing crops, joining in community and church activities, and hosting tourists – as well as tupuna and spiritual leaders providing wise guidance and counsel across communities.

I commend the people of Niue for working to sustain and transfer their cultural heritage and traditions. Showdays and Taoga Festivals have brought villages together with the Niuean diaspora to celebrate community, tradition and whanaungatanga. It must be gratifying to see Niueans born in New Zealand choosing to live here, and renew their ties with their culture and history.

Since 1974, New Zealand has been proud to be Niue’s Constitutional partner, with responsibilities to provide necessary administrative support. The bonds between our two nations have flourished, nurtured by our shared history, language, culture and citizenship.

The people-to-people links, forged through family ties, friendships, and shared experiences, have created a tapestry of interwoven lives between Niue and New Zealand, and Niue and the Pacific. 

Today, we are joined by Niueans who have travelled from New Zealand, Australia and beyond to be part of these celebrations.

Over these past fifty years, Niue has developed its own network of diplomatic, political, trade and economic relationships – and I acknowledge the support and collaboration of such partners and friends who are with us in celebration today. As Niue continues its journey of growth and development, I pay tribute to those partners who have supported those development aspirations, and your vision of a connected and prosperous Niue.

All of us share in the challenges of our times – particularly climate change – and it is in the absolute interests of all of us to do what is right and what is necessary to build greater resilience and wellbeing for the people of the Pacific.

This special Aho Pulefakamotu is a time for Niueans to celebrate the legacy of your forebears, and to look forward to how you might shape the destiny of your nation.

I wish the people of Niue every success with the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead – strengthened by the executive, legislative and judicial processes established by your Constitution – and secure in the knowledge that you will be supported, as always, by your friends in New Zealand.

Kia moui olaola a Niue. Kia tumau a Niue.  Niue ke Monuina. Niue ko Kaina. Niue ki Mua.

Now, onwards to the next 50 glorious years. May God Bless Niue. May God Bless you all. Kia fakamonuina mai he Atua a Niue Fekai.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei I tenei po, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, piki mai, tauti mai.

Thank you for accepting the invitation to join Richard and myself here for dinner at Government House. I especially wanted the chance to meet the most senior leaders of the NZDF, with a new CDF and new Heads of Armed Services. You take up these roles at a critical time in the country and world history.

This is an opportunity to thank you and your loved ones, for the support you give me in undertaking my role as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief.

I have had the opportunity over the past three years to meet the men and women serving our nation and I couldn’t be prouder of the calibre of people that we have defending our interests – whether it be in peace-keeping or Treaty monitoring, surveillance and intelligence, or information gathering to inform our national and international obligations, we do a sterling job with far fewer resources than other five-eye nations.

Current conflict in Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Syria, highlights the sometimes life-threatening circumstances our United Nations peace-keepers can encounter in our nation’s commitment to contribute to a wider international rules based order and stability.

Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent extreme weather events, remind New Zealanders of how much we and our Pacific neighbours depend on the courage and expertise of Defence personnel to assist people in coping with the aftermath of extreme weather events. Climate change is a huge challenge for us all.

I have been proud to act as reviewing officer at graduation ceremonies and Beat Retreat in Waitangi and look forward to ‘push the colour’ at the upcoming Kings Colour ceremony in Christchurch which reinstates a crucial part of our military legacy, recognising as it does the Māori Battalion and Pioneer Battalion battles. We will be the first Commonwealth country to issue the new Kings Colours under King Charles III.

Tonight’s dinner is our way of saying, on behalf of fellow New Zealanders, how much we appreciate your leadership in the delivery of Defence services on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand.

I fully intended this to be a celebration of recent leadership appointments. At the same time, I acknowledge HMNZS Manawanui and the aftermath of its loss may be top of mind for us all.

My thoughts have been with you all, especially Rear Admiral Golding, the crew of Manawanui and Defence personnel involved in the response to this sinking.

The progress of Defence Chiefs through to the highest levels of command is testament to the wealth of experience, training, and expertise you bring to those challenges, and which will serve you in good stead in inspiring those you lead with hope and confidence into the future.

Every time I visit other countries, be it the Republic of Korea such as the DMZ, Malaysia or Australia, they sing the praises of the New Zealand members of the Armed Forces and their contribution to their efforts. This goes beyond doing one’s duty, to being the best person to fulfil a wider brief of leadership and collaboration. Thank you for this.

I wish you all the very best with your duties and look forward to working with you all. Please enjoy the hospitality of Government House tonight.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Kia ora tātou katoa.

It’s my great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington. I specifically acknowledge: Francesca Eathorne, Executive Director, Antarctic Heritage Trust; Mark Stewart, Board Chair, Antarctic Heritage Trust; Aliesha Staples, StaplesVR. Tēnā koutou katoa.

As Governor-General, and patron of the Antarctic Heritage Trust, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to help launch Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience here this evening.

Commander Robert Falcon Scott’s National Antarctic Discovery Expedition of 1901-1904 is legendary – and, in the 120 succeeding years, has filled the pages of countless history books, and sparked the imagination of so many around the world. This groundbreaking virtual reality experience adds a new dimension to the story of Scott and his team, and brings their adventure – its trials, tragedies, and triumphs – truly to life.

Accessing such an experience is not only significant on a scientific and historical level, but also on a deeply human one. Scott’s legacy is one of great courage, intellectual curiosity, and outstanding leadership in the face of almost unimaginable hardship. His ethos was one of leaving no man behind, and of testing the very limits of human physical and psychological strength.

Scott’s diaries – to which I sometimes turn for inspiration in my own life – provide a glimpse into the psyche of this remarkable man: ‘I do not think human beings ever came through such a month as we have. We are weak, writing is difficult, but for my own sake I do not regret this journey, which has shown we can endure hardships, help one another, and meet death with as great a fortitude as ever in the past.’

At a time in our history when we might find many reasons for concern and worry – the increasing threat of climate change, ongoing global conflicts, and a heightened sense of division – the qualities that Scott and his team demonstrated – of courage, respect for the natural world, and a deep sense of care for one another – remain as pertinent as ever. This virtual reality experience puts us into the shoes, and, indeed, the mindsets, of those remarkable men.

Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience is also a wonderful demonstration of the use of technology for aiding and increasing accessibility. The reality of visiting Scott’s Hut on Ross Island would, of course, not only be prohibitively difficult for most – it would also be at an ongoing and cumulative cost to that exceedingly precious and delicate part of our world.

On that note, I wish to acknowledge all the work that the Antarctic Heritage Trust does to conserve Scott’s Hut – taonga that it is – and to ensure its protection through the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, well into the future.

Having tried out the virtual experience just a few moments ago, I can say that I was blown away by the meticulous level of detail, and the spine-tingling sense it created of being there, in that extraordinary place – a true testament to the skill and talent of the team at StaplesVR.

As a country, we can be very proud that one of the world’s most creative and pioneering virtual and augmented reality providers is based here, in Aotearoa.

My sincere thanks and congratulations once again to Francesca and your team at the Antarctic Heritage Trust, for all the many months and years of planning and work that have culminated in today. As Governor-General, I am proud to be patron of an organisation whose mission it is to encourage a sense of curiosity and exploration across generations. I can think of no better way of doing justice to the legacy of Scott – and all our great Antarctic explorers.

It brings me great pleasure to officially launch Scott’s Discovery Hut Virtual Reality Experience

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Tēnā tātou Ka matika atu ki te kaupapa o te ra, Ki a koutou, nga morehu o te tūkino; E kore nei te mamae, te rongo, e taku ngakau, mōu i kawe i roto i nga tau kua pahure. Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei whare āhuru mōwai, e haumaru nei i a koutou, mo tēnei wā poto, i te rangi nei. Ki a koutou ngā mōrehu; E arohanuitia ana ki a koutou katoa;T Tena koutou Tena koutou Tena tātou katoa

Greetings one and all To the survivors of abuse who have gathered today. I do not pretend to understand the hurt and pain that you all have been burdened with over many, many years. I welcome you one and all to my House, a house of refuge, albeit for a short time. To you, the survivors I acknowledge you all with the utmost aroha; Welcome Welcome Greetings to one and all

In addition to survivors, I acknowledge also their supporters here today, former Commissioners, former Senior Inquiry Staff, and Decommissioning Team members.

You are all most welcome. It is a great privilege for Richard and me to host people who have made such a huge contribution to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

When the Inquiry began in 2018, my predecessor, Dame Patsy Reddy was Governor-General. Six years later, the final report was presented to me, in June this year.

The length of the inquiry is not surprising, given that tens of thousands of survivors and their whānau are living with the impacts of trauma suffered in care. 

So much human potential has been wasted. So many generations have experienced callous indifference to their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We have seen Māori, Pasifika and disability children disproportionately affected, as well as people from many other communities.

On behalf of all New Zealanders, I want to thank everyone associated with the Royal Commission for taking on the challenge of making the invisible visible; for taking our nation to task; and for making it clear how we can and must forestall such catastrophes in the future.

Survivors here today know what it’s like to wait for so many years to be heard and believed.

You have carried the burden of a nightmare of memories, where you were powerless to escape the inhumanity inflicted on you in institutions and foster care – when complaints were either ignored, punished with further deprivation, or resulted in relocation to even worse situations.

Only you will know the effects of that trauma on your sense of self, your health, your trust in others, and your dreams for the future.

Your presence here today is testament to your courage and resilience. You have beaten the odds, and I applaud your determination to ensure that other people will not have to endure the same trauma.

Thank you for placing your trust in the Royal Commission. In speaking your truth to power, I hope the truth has set you free.

You will know other survivors who couldn’t bring themselves to speak up. Their reluctance to engage with yet another public institution was understandable, given their experiences.

You will also know survivors who might have participated in the Inquiry, had they lived long enough to see their experiences heard and vindicated.

I hope there will be some comfort in knowing they would be proud of what you have achieved. Your experiences are now part of the national record, and your insights have informed the Royal Commission’s recommendations and vision for the future of care.

In the past, you may have felt isolated by your experiences. I hope that you now feel the support of people who share and understand what you have been through.

Like you all, I hope this Inquiry will be the catalyst for widespread change in social welfare, the disability sector, mental health, education, law enforcement and pastoral care.

My wish is that in the future, people will look back and see a huge shift in thinking about the wellbeing of children and young people in New Zealand.

I am particularly drawn to a survivors’ vision of the future, expressed so perfectly in He Māra Tipu, and I quote: an Aotearoa New Zealand where every child, young person and adult is loved, safe and cared for in a manner that supports their growth and development into a thriving contributor to society. 

If this is our over-riding goal – and surely it must be – then New Zealanders have a collective responsibility to do what is necessary to uphold the mana of everyone, in all their diversity, and whatever their needs and circumstances.

Today, I am hosting you in my role as Governor-General, but also as a mother and grandmother, a former Children’s Commissioner, social worker and public health administrator. 

I am looking forward to meeting you and hearing more about your experiences and your views about how Aotearoa New Zealand can right the wrongs of the past; make care safe for our young people; and empower communities to be part of that process.

I am also looking forward to hearing Fa’amoana Luafutu perform and seeing survivors’ art. Words cannot always express what we might want to say, but the creative spark within us finds other ways of making sense of experience.

Someone who does have words for us today is Frances Tagaloa [pron: Tung-a-loa] – a survivor of abuse in faith-based care, a former advisory group member to the Commission, a co-chair of the Survivor Experiences Services and a board member of the survivor arts collective, Te Roopu Toiora.

My thanks to you Frances, and I now invite you to share your thoughts about that journey. 

 

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare Kawana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara

I specifically acknowledge:

• Her Excellency Kairangi Samuela, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand
• Mr Keutekarakia Mataroa, Cook Islands Consul General
• Commodore Andrew Brown, Acting Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy
• John Crawford, Defence Historian
• Willie Cuthers, and
• Mathew Kenning, from NZ Post
• Alex Glennie, son of Coastwatcher Charles Glennie

And of course a very warm welcome to the descendants of our wartime coastwatchers.

It is a great privilege to host this ceremony in recognition of the service of brave men, and communities that kept watch, 24/7, for enemy aircraft and ships from stations in the Pacific Islands during the Second World War.

Today, we recognise the grave personal risks for civilian coastwatchers, given that they faced execution if they were captured by the enemy.

Any fears they may have had about their personal safety were fully justified, as they lived with the prospect of imminent Japanese invasion.

As it happened, in 1941, Sergeant Ronald Third was taken prisoner and executed by Japanese forces, and in 1942, a further 17 coastwatchers were executed on Tarawa, along with five Allied prisoners.

Coastwatchers often spent months at a time in remote locations with few supplies, and had to cope with extreme weather, including hurricanes. 

They were eyes and ears for the Allied effort, keeping watch for ships and planes, and monitoring radio activity.

In one instance, their presence on a remote island in the Cook Islands proved to be a life-saver for three US airmen. After their aircraft went down in 1942, the airmen had spent over a month drifting around the Pacific on a life raft, before washing up on the island.

In 2014, one of my predecessors, Sir Jerry Mateparae unveiled a New Zealand Post memorial to the coastwatchers who lost their lives in Tarawa.

Today I want to particularly acknowledge Willie Cuthers – whose dogged determination to honour the service of his grandfather and his compatriots set in motion official recognition of the dedication, courage and resilience of civilian coastwatchers in the Pacific.

Willie, I was very touched by the documentary made about your personal journey, and I think it is only fitting that your grandfather’s plaque was the very first to be installed on a coastwatcher’s grave in the Cook Islands.

You did him proud, and he would have been so proud of what you have achieved for the families represented here today. 

I also appreciate the research undertaken by John Crawford, one of our most distinguished military historians. I understand Defence has also worked diligently to track down the families of coastwatchers represented here today, and that this will be an ongoing project.

To the families who are with us here today, this must be such a proud moment – but also bittersweet – given that your forebears did not live to share today with you.

I hope that the on-line histories, the plaques on their graves, and the certificates of service you are about to receive will mark a new chapter in your family histories, and you can take pride that their legacy will now be remembered for posterity.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā

Koutou, … tātou, i haere mai..

ki te whakanui  i te kaupapa o te rā,

I haere mai…. ki te whakamānawa, tēnei o nga mokopuna,

a Tahu Pōtiki, a Porourangi,

Tēnā koutou

Tēnā koutou

Tēnā tātou katoa

It is my great pleasure to preside at this investiture ceremony for Sir Selwyn Parata, in the presence of his whanau and honoured guests.

As Governor-General, I have the authority and privilege on behalf of His Majesty King Charles, the King of New Zealand, to hold an investiture ceremony for him.

Uepohatu Marae has witnessed significant moments in our nation’s history.

In 1943, Sir Cyril Newall, the Governor-General of the day, came to this spot to present the Victoria Cross of Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu to his grieving parents, in the presence of thousands of guests.

In 1947, it was the turn of Governor-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, commander of the New Zealand forces in the desert war and Prime Minister Sidney Holland to join Sir Apirana Ngata for the official opening of this building.

Today will be remembered as another momentous occasion in the history of Ngāti Porou and Uepohatu Marae.

The presence of former Prime Ministers; a former Chief Justice; current and former Ministers of the Crown and Members of Parliament; Knights and Dames of the Realm; along with representatives of iwi from throughout Aotearoa – all are testament to the high esteem with which Sir Selwyn is regarded.

I welcome this opportunity to acknowledge the aroha of iwi that extended manaakitanga to Ngāti Porou in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Sir Selwyn, this is an especially proud moment for you, for Ngāti Porou, for your peers and for your whanau.

This knighthood acknowledges your mana, your leadership and lifetime of service to Ngāti Porou; your commitment to kotahitanga in Aotearoa; and your advocacy and leadership in Te Matatini.

During my visit to Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti communities this week, I have witnessed the strength of kotahitanga in their responses to last year’s extreme weather events.

Sir Selwyn, I know your leadership has been critical to the progress  of such efforts in Tairāwhiti. Your determination to make communities more resilient and self-reliant will stand them in good stead in the event of future natural disasters.

In all your many areas of influence, you have shown a steadfast commitment to uphold the legacy of your tipuna; to honour and build on their matauranga; to instil a keen moral imagination in the next generation of leaders; and to observe the obligations we have to uphold the wellbeing of our fellow citizens and the natural world.

On behalf of The King of New Zealand, and all New Zealanders, I congratulate you on your achievements and the Honour I will bestow upon you today, and I thank you most sincerely for your service to the people of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

I now invite Government House Kaumatua, Joe Harawira to read your citation in te reo Māori, and my Official Secretary, Alice Ropata, to read it in English.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

Thank you for our very warm welcome here today. I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Mrs Julie Peterson, Principal; Anna Wilson, Head Prefect; and Rosa Pike, Deputy Head Prefect. And to all staff and students here today – tēnā koutou katoa.

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, which I know are still being deeply felt across your whānau and communities. I extend my sincerest sympathies to all those who suffered losses, and I commend those in the Woodford House School community who have given a helping hand to those in need.

As I’m sure you all know, there is a very special and historic connection between Woodford House and my own home of Government House. The beautiful kahu kiwi on display in the foyer to our ballroom – which some of you may have seen – was gifted by Lady Marjorie Dalrymple, an early Headmistress of Woodford House, to Sir Bernard Fergusson on the eve of his departure to New Zealand to take up the role as Governor-General.

That cloak remains hanging in Government House to this day. We remain grateful to Lady Dalrymple – a quite remarkable woman – for her generosity and foresight.

School was always a very happy and fulfilling place for me – and I can be thankful to my many wonderful teachers and supportive classmates, who pushed to me, not only to fulfil my own potential, but to use that potential for the greatest possible benefit to others.

Of course, I didn’t go through school with the ambition of becoming Governor-General. But those challenging, happy days I spent at school, and those supportive people around me, did instil in me qualities I’ve done my utmost to maintain throughout my life and career: qualities of commitment, curiosity, and compassion.

In my own journey through life, I’ve come to learn and appreciate that the deepest and most enduring sense of satisfaction comes, not from individual achievement or success, but from supporting the success, wellbeing, and happiness of others.

In preparing for this visit, I must say I was particularly struck by your school motto: ‘Nunc Acceptable Tempus’ – ‘Now is the acceptable time.’ So many of the most pressing issues of our time require urgent and immediate action: the peaceful resolution to global conflict, the protection of our planet and natural environment for future generations, and the ability for everyone to lead free and happy lives.

Above all, these issues require our capacity to consider diverse perspectives, and have empathy for those outside our immediate sphere of concern; in essence, to see ourselves in each other.

It was the late Queen who said: ‘The context of the lives of the next generation is being set, here and now, not so much by the legacy of science or wealth or political structure that we shall leave behind us, but by the example of our attitudes and behaviour to one another and by trying to show unselfish, loving, and creative concern for those less fortunate than ourselves.’

I urge each of you to make the most of your time here at Woodford House: to be open new and unexpected opportunities, to push yourselves to fulfil your potential, and to commit yourselves to lifting up those in need.

Thank you once again for welcoming me so warmly here today and for showing me around your beautiful school. I wish you all the very best for your futures.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

Thank you for the very warm welcome you’ve extended to me and Dr Davies here today. I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Your Worship Ms Sandra Hazlehurt, Mayor of Hastings; Your Worship Ms Kirsten Wise, Mayor of Napier; and Ms Kelly Annand, Deputy Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay.

And to all of today’s very distinguished guests – my very warmest welcome to you all. Tēnā koutou katoa.

I won’t speak for too long, as I’m most looking forward to meeting all of you, and hearing about the work that you’ve done to support each other and your communities following Cyclone Gabrielle.

I know that the group here today represents a remarkable cross-section of those who responded following the cyclone: representatives from the Hastings, Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay District Councils; local iwi and hapū; Members of Parliament; Pacific communities, including regional seasonal workers; church and religious leaders; non-governmental organisations; FENZ representatives; voluntary first responders; as well as community leaders and organisers.

I acknowledge that the group gathered this evening is a sample of a much larger group – and that there are many across these communities, many unacknowledged, who contributed and sacrificed so much in the aid of each other.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, I’ve heard countless stories of exceptional selflessness, manaakitanga, courage, and whanaungatanga: whether it be first responders facing unknown and highly dangerous situations; families cooking and distributing meals on a huge scale; or groups coming together to offer a laundry service for those who need it.

Your work and actions not only saved lives in the wake of the cyclone, it also upheld the mana of this community. It is my greatest joy and honour as Governor-General to meet New Zealanders such as yourselves across the country, who do so much in the service of others.

The whakataukī says: ‘Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not far apart.’ Even in my short time here, I have already been struck and deeply moved by the profound togetherness of this community.

I know that for many of you here, the grief is still raw, and the work must at time feel endless. But I do see that the strength of the kotahitanga and the hope and the confidence are returning. I wish you all the very best as your continue in your vitally important work.

My sincerest thanks to you all once again for giving up your time to be here, for your warm welcome to your beautiful region, and for all that you’ve done and continue to do in support of each other.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi o te motu e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora tātou katoa.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge and welcome you, Dr Jane Goodall, to Wellington, and here to the Grand Hall of Parliament. I understand it’s been nearly five years since you were last here in Aotearoa New Zealand, and we’re honoured to welcome you back.

I know how dearly the Wellington Zoo values the relationship that you’ve developed with them over many years, and how much Wellingtonians appreciated your talk last night at the Opera House. Tēnā koe Jane.

I’d also like to specifically acknowledge: the Honourable Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation; Mr John Pearson, Deputy British High Commissioner to New Zealand; Dr Neil Gilbert, The Jane Goodall Institute New Zealand; Ms Natasha Beckman, Country Director, British Council New Zealand and the Pacific; Ms Nicola Toki, Chief Executive, Forest & Bird; Dr Brent Clothier, President, The Royal Society Te Apārangi; Mr Phil Wood, President, British New Zealand Business Association; Ms Manea Sweeney, Board Member, Tonkin + Taylor; and Ms Emma Moran, Partner, DLA Piper. Tēnā koutou katoa.

Jane – we can all be grateful for those months and years you spent in the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, beginning back in July 1960. The observations you made on the behaviour of chimpanzees remain one of the most significant developments in recent scientific history – forever altering our view of ourselves and the animal species to which we are so closely related.

Those observations could not have been made without an openness to the critical intersection between humans and animals; the instincts and behaviours we share: our deep need for community and companionship, our worst tendencies towards division and cruelty, but perhaps most importantly, our great capacity for creativity, understanding, and love.

While you are the world’s foremost figure in the field of primatology, your work has helped to hold up a mirror to our own nature as a species.

Such a long and distinguished career not only reflects your steely determination, legendary work ethic, and uncanny powers of observation – but also an abiding sense of joy and wonder in the world around you, as well as a generosity of spirit, which, for so many years, has compelled you to share that joy and wonder with others.

At a time when climate change and environmental degradation remain the most pressing issues facing us all, you continue to devote yourself to educating, advocating, and promoting the importance of protecting our natural world.

Throughout my own life and career, including during my time as New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner, I’ve come to see and understand the great power, goodness, and hope that stem from our young people. I know when they are safe and empowered and loved, the extent of their imagination and courage is boundless.

Through both the Jane Goodall Institute, and Roots and Shoots, you are not only supporting a powerful global movement of conservation and environmental care, you are also encouraging the next generation of conservationists – empowering them to make a positive difference for the future of our planet.

It was the great American astronomer Carl Sagan who spoke so profoundly of the image of our pale blue dot, floating in the vast emptiness of the cosmos: ‘There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot – the only home we’ve ever known.’

I wish to finish by acknowledging all you’ve done, Jane, as kaitiaki, as guardian of our natural world; our home – and for being such a constant and profound source of inspiration and hope to so many. I wish you all the very best for your time in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

It’s now my great pleasure to invite Dr Jane Goodall and Ms Nicola Toki to the stage.