New Zealand Officer Cadet Commissioning Course Graduation 2023

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Kei aku Mana Whakaruruhau tēnā koutou. Tēnā koutou Ngāti Tūmatauenga. Mihi mai, karanga mai, e te wāhanga taiwhenua, o Te Ope Kātua, o Aotearoa. E koa ana ahau ki te haramai nei i tēnei rangi.

I would like to begin by specifically acknowledging: Major General John Boswell, Chief of Army; Brigadier Matt Weston, Land Component Command; Colonel Trevor Walker, Commander Training and Doctrine Command NZ; Lieutenant Colonel Jim Webb, Commandant of the Army Command School; and all other military personnel and distinguished guests present here today. Tēnā koutou katoa.

My very warmest greetings to all of today’s graduates, as well as to your friends and families. I also wish to particularly acknowledge today’s international graduates, who have completed their training with the additional burden of being away from your loved ones.

As Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief, I am proud to be here, on this very special and important day for all of today’s graduates. I know that officer training presents huge physical and psychological challenges. It demands commitment, self-belief, and fortitude: values I am sure you will carry with you for the rest of your lives.

I understand that a fundamental aspect of your training is establishing a foundation of core military skills that you will refine and build upon through your careers. But above all, in your training as officers, you have learnt to become leaders.

Over the course of my own career journey, I have grown in my knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a good leader. I have learnt that one of the most important aspects is selflessness: being willing to serve and support others, and doing all you can to lift up those around you.

This graduation ceremony represents your readiness to both lead and to serve – wherever your careers in the New Zealand Army take you: whether on overseas missions, or at home – helping your fellow New Zealanders in their times of greatest need.

As I am sure you are all highly aware, we live in challenging and uncertain times – of continuing conflict overseas, and where the effects of climate change are being seen and felt more and more clearly. You will each have a role to play in how New Zealand responds to these challenges of our time.

An important part of your duties in facing these challenges will be collaboration: whether participating in training exercises in the South Pacific, or working alongside organisations such as the Red Cross, St John, and Civic Defence in our local communities. I know that in all that you do, you will uphold the Army’s outstanding reputation and professional standards.

To the training staff here at Waiouru: I acknowledge all that you’ve done to support our next generation of officers, and instil in them the kinds of qualities and values for which our New Zealand Defence Force is so renowned. Thank you for your support and guidance in helping our graduates get to where they are today.

To friends and families: I am sure you feel great pride in what your loved ones have achieved over the course of this past year. I hope you take the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in the coming festive weeks.

And finally, to our graduates: my very warmest congratulations. I trust you will look back on your time at the Officer Cadet School, and on today, with pride, satisfaction, and joy – at the challenges faced and friendships made.

I hope you take time over the summer period to fully reflect on your achievements, and return refreshed and ready to meet the next phase of your life and career, carrying with you those eternal qualities of Ngāti Tūmatauenga: courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity.

Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.

Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust scholarships 2023

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 Tamaki Makaurau.

I particularly acknowledge

    • Geoff Clews, Chair of Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust
    • Bronwyn Heath, and Lewis Grant, Trustees of Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust, and of course
    • our recipients of the Trust’s Awards this year: John, Kate and Shana

As you can imagine, recently I’ve been rather preoccupied with constitutional matters. Next week will be no different, with several engagements relating to the opening of Parliament.

Given those circumstances, I am so pleased that we’ve been able to proceed with today’s award ceremony in Auckland.

It’s a privilege to continue the vice-regal association with the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust.

Today we must salute Sir George’s memory and acknowledge his extraordinary generosity and foresight.

The Trust he established has enabled generations of young New Zealanders to pursue their dreams. They’ve developed their potential, they’ve contributed to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of their communities, and they’ve assisted their own families to live better lives.

It’s a journey that echoes my personal experience of tertiary education. I am always delighted when others can share those  opportunities.

Education continues to provide vital tools to help our citizens navigate their way through a rapidly changing world. It fosters diverse skills and talents, whether they be in science, technology or the arts.

Over two thousand years ago, Confucius commented on the positive role of education, especially in uncertain times. He noted how education breeds confidence, and confidence breeds hope, and hope breeds peace.

As a former student, researcher and educator, I have seen how character and attitude affect our abilities to succeed and bring about effective change. Our values and beliefs about ourselves determine how we use the gifts we are born with, and how we respond to setbacks we might experience along the way.

The life stories of today’s award recipients confirm Nelson Mandela’s observation that “It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another”.

John, Kate and Shana, I am sure your determination and positive attitude are an inspiration to your fellow pupils, your teachers and your families.

I am confident you will fulfil the potential identified in you by the Sir George Elliot Charitable Trust – by not only achieving personal and professional success, but also using your confidence and positivity to assist others and achieve public good.

My sincere congratulations for what you have achieved to date, I wish you happy holidays, and I hope you enter the new year well replenished for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of you.

Royal Society Te Apārangi Wellington Research Honours 2023

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 pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington for this year’s Royal Society Te Aparangi Wellington Research Honours. I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Mr Paul Atkins, Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi; Distinguished Professor Geoff Chase, Chair of the Academy; Professor Jeroen Douwes, Director of the Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University; Professor Dame Jane Harding, incoming President of the Royal Society Te Apārangi; in absentia, Dr Brent Clothier, current President; Her Excellency Ms Iona Thomas, British High Commissioner, and Mr Matthew Thoume; and, of course, to all of tonight’s awards recipients, your friends and families. Tēnā koutou katoa.

I’m delighted to host this year’s Royal Society Te Aparangi Wellington Research Honours awards ceremony here at Government House.

As I’m sure many of you will know, I served as Chief Executive of the Royal Society prior to becoming Governor-General – and it remains an organisation very close to my heart: one that so clearly sees the immense value of knowledge, and that supports and celebrates our continual thirst for discovering new things.

All throughout my career, I have worked to promote the importance of expert knowledge for the wellbeing of our communities – a cause I remain committed to in my role as Governor-General.

The winners of tonight’s awards work across diverse fields: from climate change and freshwater ecosystems, to the decolonisation of research methodologies. Collectively, your work affirms the spirit of the whakataukī: ‘Whaia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou. Seek knowledge for the sake of your wellbeing.’

Your knowledge and achievements contribute to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders – cultural, physical, spiritual, economic – and to the wellbeing of our environment. Tonight’s recipients can be proud to add to the legacy of these awards – and the Royal Society more broadly – and I’m sure you will in turn inspire many others following in your footsteps. On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank you for your contributions.

One of my roles as Governor-General is to serve as chair of the Rhodes Scholarship selection panel – supporting some of our brightest young scholars at the beginning of their postgraduate research journeys.

This year’s interviews took place just a few weeks ago, and it was a privilege to hear these wonderful, inspiring young people speak about their plans and about what motivates them. A common theme I noted was their commitment to achieve collective good – for humanity and the natural world.

That heightened sense of community and collective responsibility is also apparent in work being undertaken by some of my other vice-regal patronages – including Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, whose Hapu Māmā hub in Porirua I was proud to open in March of this year, and whose work I am so thrilled to see being acknowledged tonight.

I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate Professor Dame Jane Harding, on your appointment as the new Royal Society President. You have a long association with Government House, and I wish you all the very best as you take up your appointment. I also wish to acknowledge Dr Brent Clothier for the valuable contributions he made during his time as President.

Finally, I wish to acknowledge the recent passing of a wonderful scientist and a wonderful man – my dear friend Professor Richie Poulton. Richie’s generous and dedicated leadership of the Dunedin Study cemented its place as the benchmark longitudinal study worldwide – one that continues to contribute to a deeper and richer understanding of so many aspects of our lives. He will be dearly missed.

To all of tonight’s recipients – my very warmest congratulations once again. I wish you all the very best with your current and future projects, which I know will continue to expand and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the precious world around us.

Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Vice Regal Reception

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 pleasure to welcome you all to Government House Wellington for this vice-regal reception acknowledging the supporters of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award in New Zealand.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh; Mr Joe Harawira, Kaumātua; Mrs Rānui Ngārimu, Kuia; Brigadier Alex Potts, Private Secretary to His Royal Highness; Ms Emma Brown, Chief Executive, Duke of Edinburgh New Zealand; and Mr Ken Hames, Board Chair, Duke of Edinburgh New Zealand.

As many of you may know, it was here, at Government House, back in 1963, that my predecessor Sir Bernard Fergusson hosted the inaugural National Council meeting of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme in New Zealand.

The Awards have undergone many changes in the succeeding years – including, of course, being renamed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards, in honour of one of this country’s great adventurers and ambassadors.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful summiting of Mount Everest – and I know that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards’ enduring association with Sir Ed gives them a special quality for all those who undertake them here in New Zealand.

Sir Edmund Hillary was of course a hero in the most immediate sense. However, his heroism went well beyond feats of endurance and daring. His was, as Jan Morris of TIME Magazine put it, the heroism of example: of debts repaid and causes sustained. And it’s that quality that made him so inspirational – and the perfect role model for young New Zealanders completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

I regularly host ceremonies here at Government House, and across New Zealand, presenting Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Gold Awards to successful recipients.

It always fills me with such pride and hope for our future to meet these wonderful and impressive young people. I am consistently struck by their commitment to the pursuit of excellence, their perseverance in the face of hardship, and sense of civic duty and community service. These are all qualities that Sir Ed so perfectly embodied – and which our society so dearly needs.

That the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has not only survived, but prospered over these past 60 years, reflects not only its ability to adapt to changing times, but also the universality and timelessness of those fundamental values at its heart.

My sincerest congratulations to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Programme – for reaching this significant milestone, and for the positive impact you’ve had on so many New Zealanders’ lives. I wish you all the very best for your future.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award Education Forum

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 Tamaki Makaurau.

A warm welcome to this evening’s education forum, especially to those of you who have travelled some distance to be here.

I specifically acknowledge the presence of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh. I am sure everyone connected to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award in New Zealand is absolutely delighted that Your Royal Highness has taken up the mantle of your father’s legacy.

In my previous career in education, and in my role as Children’s Commissioner, I have seen the impact of unhappy circumstances on youth development. I have also witnessed the results of positive interventions, when rangatahi are mentored and encouraged with kindness and empathy.

We share a responsibility to ensure our young people can achieve their potential, as indicated in this whakataukī: ‘Tukuna te rangatahi kia tū, kia whanake: Allow youth the opportunity to grow.’

For 60 years, the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award programme has encouraged rangatahi to expand their horizons, test themselves and learn what they are capable of doing.

Our schools, communities and workplaces have reaped the benefit, and all of us have a vested interest in ensuring that young people can develop the skills, qualities and values that will enable them to take their place in the world.

I know time is pressing, so I won’t hold you up any further from your consideration about how that development can best be accomplished.

I look forward to joining you again later at the reception and hearing what emerges from your discussions.

Pacific Island Fono 2023

Source: New Zealand Governor General

  • Talofa 
  • Mālō e lelei 
  • Bula 
  • Kia orāna 
  • Fakalofa lahi atu 
  • Mālo ni
  • Fakatalofa atu
  • Mauri 
  • Halo olaketa
  • Ekamawir omo
  • Lakwe 
  • Bonjour 
  • Alii
  • Halo 

Tēnā koutou katoa.

A warm welcome to the Public Service Commissioners who have gathered here today.

As it happens, last week I hosted members of the New Zealand Public Service on our Public Service Day, and acknowledged individuals deserving of recognition for their exemplary service on behalf of their fellow New Zealanders.

Today, I am honoured to host their counterparts from the Pacific Islands, who lead the administration of government in the delivery of a broad range of core public services.

I know that this Fale is fortunate to build on the geographical, historical, cultural, economic and familial ties between the peoples of the Pacific. We share a remarkable heritage, descended as we are from resourceful and resilient people who ventured across the length and breadth of the Pacific Ocean, in search of new opportunities and a better and more sustainable future. It’s a quest that still motivates us to work for the betterment of our communities.

I can personally vouch for the strong sense of whakapapa ties Māori feel when we visit Pacific Island groups.  Our connections have been highlighted and strengthened by the revival of traditional knowledge, and the re-imagining and re-writing of ancient histories.

Aotearoa New Zealand is now home to over 380,000 people of more recent Pacific Island descent, who I presume will possibly include members of your own families, who are proud to retain dual identities and their close ties with their homelands.

During my time as Governor-General, I am striving to connect with and honour New Zealand’s Pacific communities, which contribute so much talent and expertise across every sector in New Zealand.

In my role, I also have the honour of representing my fellow citizens on significant occasions in the Pacific – including, possibly later this week, the opening of the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands.

During my official visits to the Cook Islands and Samoa, I saw for myself how Pacific nations are facing the impacts of pollution and the climate crisis, including the rise in sea levels and the declining health of the ocean.

I also witnessed the determination to address these ecological issues, whether that be in the international arena, regional initiatives such as the Blue Pacific project, or local nature-based projects.

These challenges, along with the current geopolitical interest in the Pacific region, will be adding to the increasing demands on the public service to provide effective advice to governments and to assist in the achievement of policy and operational outcomes.

I trust this Fale is proving to be a valuable vehicle to develop and consolidate such talent and expertise in the public sector. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, I imagine you will welcome the opportunities available this week to share innovative ideas and develop effective partnerships.

This week, I’m sure your thoughts will be turning to the outcomes of the recent Pacific Island Forum in Rarotonga, and will soon turn to preparation for next year’s CHOGM in Samoa.

I hope the coming few days are fruitful and energising, as you meet up with colleagues who understand the responsibilities you share to manage risk and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

I trust you will return to your work with a renewed unity of purpose, underpinned by the characteristic energy and resourcefulness of Pacific peoples – past and present – in your pursuit of a better future for all.

I conclude with these reflections on selfhood and community from  His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi:

‘​I am not an individual; I am an integral part of the cosmos. I share divinity with my ancestors, the land, the seas and the skies. I am not an individual, because I share a tofi (inheritance) with my family, my village and my nation. I belong to my family and my family belongs to me. I belong to my village and my village belongs to me. I belong to my nation and my nation belongs to me. This is the essence of my sense of belonging.’

Armistice Day 2023

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rere ana nga roimata o Hine tērā te pae o Te Riri. Huihuia mai tātau katoa tēnei te pae o Maumahara. E nga iwi, kei aku rangatira wahine ma, tāne mā tēnā tātau katoa.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: His Excellency Ahmad Salem Alwehaib, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; Hon Andrew Little, Minister of Defence; Hon Gerry Brownlee, Opposition Spokesperson for Defence; Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Defence Force; Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Chief Executive, Ministry for Culture and Heritage; Colonel (Rtd) Roger Howard, representing the National War Memorial Advisory Counci; Sir Wayne Shelford, National President, Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association; Willie Apiata VC; and representatives of Taranaki Whānui as tangata whenua.

I also wish to extend a very warm welcome to all veterans here with us today, to those commemorating elsewhere, and to your friends and whānau – as well as all those attending this ceremony via the livestream.

Commemorating Armistice Day – or Remembrance Day, as it is often known – has deep significance in many countries around the world, and I’d like to give a special acknowledgement to members of the Diplomatic Corps in attendance today. Finally, I welcome representatives of the Regular Force Cadet Association here with us this morning.

Every year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in commemoration of the signing of the Armistice of 1918.

Here, before the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, we remember the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the First World War, including some 18,000 New Zealanders. That war and its impact on ensuing generations are etched into our collective memory.

Over the years, Armistice Day has taken on new meaning. It has become a time to reflect on all the events of our military history, and to honour the bravery of all New Zealanders who have gone to war.

On this day, we acknowledge the impacts of war on our own communities, as well as communities worldwide. We think about the hopes and challenges of the present, and the elusive nature of peace.

Looking back a century to the year 1923, we see that the world was slowly moving on from the First World War. While French troops still occupied the Rhineland, the last US troops were leaving Germany, and Mustafa Kemal Ataturk became President of the Republic of Turkey.

But even as the First World War drew into the past, a new threat was taking shape. In Italy, Benito Mussolini was consolidating the power of his Fascist Party. And in November, the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, came to prominence by launching a failed coup attempt in Munich.

As we now know, the promise of peace was short-lived. The Treaty of Versailles which followed the Armistice, and the League of Nations established in 1920, failed to prevent the onset of the Second World War two decades later.

Every generation hopes theirs will be an era of world peace and stability. Today, sadly, we see yet again the impacts of war and conflict across the globe.

As a nation that aspires to be part of a peaceful and prosperous world, to learn of the suffering of families and communities due to events over which they have no control is deeply saddening.

On this Armistice Day, I find myself reflecting on how important it is to understand the lessons of the past, if we are to properly face the challenges of the present.

In a world where history continues to repeat itself, I believe it is all the more important to act in the interests of peace – to seek and to support a secure and just world, emphasising our commonalities, and maintaining strong bonds of communication and understanding.

I particularly want to acknowledge the brave personnel of our defence forces who work tirelessly to preserve peace and stability beyond our shores, and the New Zealand Police deployed to support policing in the Pacific and Timor-Leste in recent years.

I also acknowledge the many New Zealanders who show us that there are things ordinary people can do to help, whether becoming involved with humanitarian work, or supporting emergency funding appeals. In times like these, I am always heartened by the goodness and care shown by the people of Aotearoa.

On this Armistice Day, as we remember the end of the First World War, let us firm our resolve, wherever we can, to support and to strive for peace, community, and all that is good in life – as proud New Zealanders and members of the global community.

Kia maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.

Te Rā Ratonga Tūmatanui, Public Service Day Awards 2023

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Nau mai, haere mai ra ki Te Whare Kāwana o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

Kia ora tātou katoa.

I specifically acknowledge:

  • Peter Hughes, Public Service Commissioner
  • Rebecca Kitteridge, Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • Heather Baggott, Deputy Public Service Commissioner
  • Gaye Searancke, Deputy Public Service Commissioner
  • Kura Morehu, Kaihautu

My very warmest welcome to the 24 recipients of the Public Service Medal – as well as to your friends and whānau, whose manaakitanga has guided and supported you along your public service journey.

Te Puea Herangi once said: ‘Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi. Do the work for the betterment of the people.’ I was fortunate to learn something of that ethos early in life. As a child, I lived with my grandmother – a Justice of the Peace and a Māori Warden – who was motivated to contribute wherever she could to the wellbeing of her community. That sense of public good has stayed with me throughout my career – as a researcher, academic, and in my public roles, including of course as Governor-General.

We’re fortunate in New Zealand that some of our very best minds choose to pursue a career in the public service. Over the years, I’ve been lucky to work with a number of such brilliant and dedicated people. Whatever their goals – whether to achieve particular operational outcomes, to provide sound policy advice, or to contribute to the administration of government – they all shared a desire to improve the lives of their fellow New Zealanders.

Public servants carry a responsibility to act in the best interests of their fellow citizens – to serve them diligently, with honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

I know that your work is not always well understood or appreciated – which is why I am greatly supportive of Public Service Day, and why I am delighted to host this event, where meritorious public service can be duly acknowledged and celebrated. 

The New Zealand Public Service Medal – Te Tohu Ratonga Tūmatanui – was established by Royal Warrant, and approved by Queen Elizabeth II. In my role as His Majesty King Charles’ representative in New Zealand, it is my privilege to be presenting these medals on his behalf.

On his accession to the throne, King Charles echoed his late mother’s vow to serve rather than be served. That purpose is widely shared by the individuals in our public service.

To the Public Service Medal recipients for 2023 – my sincerest thanks and warmest congratulations. This is your night. Your commitment and leadership have added to the standing of this country and its public service.

To echo my words to all recipients of Royal New Zealand Honours – I urge you to wear your insignia with pride, at every opportunity, knowing that you inspire others by your example.

Thank you once again for all that your do for Aotearoa New Zealand – and for contributing to a public service that all New Zealanders can justly be proud of.

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

More photos from this event can be found here: Te Rā Ratonga Tūmatanui, Public Service Day Awards.

Reception for the Association of Former Members of Parliament 2023

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.

A warm welcome to our distinguished guests from the Association of Former Members of Parliament; the Secondary Schools’ Essay Competition judges Professor Levene and Rosemary Scott – and of course to Isla and Olivia.

This close to the election, I imagine some members of the Association may be relieved to have avoided the trials and tribulations of the campaign – whereas others of you may be longing to be back in the thick of it!

You will no doubt be able to recall the experience of being a new MP, taking your place in the debating chamber, and getting your head around standing orders and the intricacies of the Parliamentary process.

Whatever your political persuasions, you shared a commitment to uphold the integrity of the democratic process, and to serve your fellow citizens.

Some of you were stars in debate. Some of you shone in Select Committee and some of you became Ministers or Speakers. You all had your place, and a valuable role to play.

You took on the challenges of long days, frequent travel, time away from family and friends, and mountains of written material to read and digest.

On behalf of my fellow New Zealanders, I thank you most sincerely for having taken on those challenges for your fellow citizens.

And I thank you, now that you are no longer in Parliament, for your commitment to promote greater appreciation of the democratic process in Aotearoa.

As it happens, my office often receives correspondence from people who assume Governors-General can and will overturn the results of parliamentary elections and bypass democratic processes.

They demand I immediately dismiss the Government and call for an election – or withhold my signature on legislation the writers deem to be objectionable – or over-ride judicial outcomes.

Given the sketchy public understanding of the roles and powers of Parliament, the Executive, the judiciary – and indeed the Governor-General, there is much merit in President Franklin Roosevelt’s observation that:

“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education”.

It’s a sentiment that particularly resonates for us in these times of misinformation and disinformation.

Here at Government House, our Visitor Centre hosts school groups and our educators work closely with their counterparts at Parliament to expand understanding of the parliamentary process and my constitutional role.

I appreciate Members of the Association are playing their part by visiting schools and contributing to the Ministry of Education’s curriculum development.

We are indeed fortunate to live in a country where citizens have the right to engage and participate in the political process.

We need successive generations of New Zealanders to value that right and to exercise it, for as Olivia rightly points out in her essay, such active citizen engagement and participation are vital if we are to have a healthy political system.

Isla and Olivia, congratulations for your success in the competition. I very much enjoyed reading both your essays, and there was much to think about, from the length of our Parliamentary term to your concerns about the impact of the culture wars on the political landscape.

I hope the thought and interest evident in these essays will translate into your own active engagement in the political process in the years ahead – and who knows, one day you might be members of the Association yourselves, after serving your own terms in the House of Representatives.

To members of the Association, thank you for administering the secondary schools’ essay competition, and doing what you can to promote understanding and appreciation of the democratic process.

I wish you every success with that mission.

Reception for Te Mata o te Tau

Source: New Zealand Governor General

E nga rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Kia ora mai tātou katoa.

I would like to specifically acknowledge

  • Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie
  • Professor Arohia Lady Durie, and
  • The Chancellor of Massey University, Michael Ahie, and Mrs Janine Ahie

It doesn’t seem like 20 years since Te Mata o te Tau was launched. As one of the founding Fellows – and a former colleague to many of you here tonight, I am honoured to mark this milestone with you all, and to join you in celebrating Māori research excellence and scholarship.

We can all be proud of the long line of scholars and researchers who have been supported by the Academy over the years. The vision of the academy was that of Emeritus Professor Sir Mason Durie, who deserves our especial thanks and gratitude for the part he played in establishing the Academy’s kaupapa of whanaungatanga and interdisciplinary exchange. He was ably supported by people such as Professor Chris Cunningham and Professor Te Kani Kingi, Dr Maureen Holdaway and others.

This evening we pay homage to Sir Mason for his wisdom and leadership – and the inestimable contribution he has made to Māori scholarship.

As someone who has benefited from his influence, I have committed to use my opportunities as Governor-General to promote the value of education, research and scholarship in informing decisions we make as a country as part of his legacy.

You will be pleased to note that I frequently cite my own experience, beginning at Massey University, as an example of the transformative power of tertiary education. It changed not just mine, but also my family’s life.

In addition, I was enabled to make my own contributions to the kete of knowledge and enjoy a deeply satisfying academic career, as well as a number of NGO and public service leadership roles.

For me the pursuit of knowledge has always been about understanding the world and its people better, so that we may make well informed decisions for the betterment of those most in need, and for ordinary people. As J. William Fulbright said “The rapprochement of peoples is only possible when differences of culture and outlook are respected and appreciated rather than feared and condemned, when the common bond of human dignity is recognized as the essential bond for a peaceful world.

When a researcher hits a road block, or is trying to weather criticism or scepticism of their work, they may falter. That is when the manaakitanga of our colleagues and wider research networks is crucial. We can all be thankful to have experienced that support from Te Mata o te Tau.

We have also benefited from its championing of matauranga Māori knowing that our world is an infinitely richer and more fulfilling place when there is more than just one way of knowing the world. There is Māori foundational knowledge that has legitimacy beyond only that which is widely promulgated. In dealing with the challenges we now face including environmental collapse and demographic shifts, I was able to take this insight with me when I became Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Aparangi and now, in my role as Governor General.

Whatever our role, wherever we work, we have developed a set of skills that can and do, contribute to public good.

Our ability to foster critical thinking, rational debate and evidence-based approaches is particularly vital at this time when pedlars of misinformation and disinformation are working so hard to undermine confidence in expert knowledge.

I encourage you in your commitment to research and scholarship, and to your quest for a deeper understanding of humanity and our place in the world.

Your work will encourage and enable more informed and effective approaches to the issues of our times.

In talking about knowledge, I am also mindful of what Sir Richard Taylor recently said to me about his belief in the power of creativity and how crucial this is to New Zealand thriving in the future. He said you can’t teach passion and creativity, but you can identify it and nurture it, honing the skills necessary to translate that into an art form and industry. The imagination is a powerful tool.

Thank you all for your contribution to our shared research community, and I wish you every success, with the support of Te Mata o Te Tau, in the years ahead.