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 specifically acknowledge:
- The Hon Judith Collins, Minister of Defence
- Commodore Andrew Brown, Deputy Chief of Navy
Tēnā korua.
Thank you for welcoming me back to HMNZS Philomel. During my previous visit I learned more about what the Royal New Zealand Navy does here and around the world, and I’m pleased to return to meet some young people who might be considering being part of the Navy’s future.
Education and the pursuit of knowledge has always been immensely important to me. When I left high school in Te Atatu, I didn’t quite know where I wanted to go in life, but I knew I wanted to continue learning. Which I did, spending a large part of my career in academia. Prior to my appointment to the role of Governor-General, I was Chief Executive of The Royal Society Te Apārangi, the funding agency for academic and applied research in New Zealand.
While I have been fortunate to count many outstanding women as my colleagues over this time, I note that the science, technology, engineering, and math sector is still largely male-dominated, and even more so at a senior level.
There are daily reminders that a female perspective in technology and design needs to be incorporated. For example, women are far more likely to be injured in a car crash, as vehicles are engineered to accommodate men’s taller, heavier physiques. Similarly, phones can be unwieldly because they are usually designed to fit comfortably in larger hands.
I hope you young wāhine here today will build on your interest in STEM. I am delighted to support Schools to Seas, and hope it will encourage you to follow your passion and help find your place in this industry.
As Governor-General, I have the great honour of being Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force – so I’m equally pleased to meet young women who might apply this interest in STEM to a career with the Royal New Zealand Navy. Having inclusive, diverse workplaces that reflect the communities they serve is hugely important, and I commend the Navy in their efforts working towards this.
Our Navy has a proud history of brave service in times of conflict around the world, and in more recent times Naval personnel have responded to natural disasters both here and in the Pacific – with STEM at the very heart of these responses.
In the aftermath of the 2022 Tongan volcanic eruption, Navy hydrographers and divers were deployed to survey the safety of the island’s main wharf, ensuring the Defence Force could land on the Island to help those in need.
The divers and hydrographers also helped the response and recovery to the Whakaari/White Island eruption in 2019, helping conduct underwater searches. Last year a desalination facility aboard the HMNZS Manawanui provided fresh water to people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Personally, I would also like to acknowledge how incredibly grateful I have been for the support the Navy has provided me during the annual Waitangi Day commemorations, and for the service and care given to me by some outstanding Navy wāhine – notably my Aides-de-camp Lt Nikita Leeks and Lt Rebecca Smeele.
As you will have experienced in Schools to Seas, a career in the marine industry can be diverse, dynamic, and hugely rewarding. I hope you now have a greater appreciation as to how you can apply STEM to your future careers, wherever that may be.
I’m very much looking forward to hearing more about your time in Devonport, and to seeing your skills in action later today. I hope you uncovered something that ignites your curiosity and encourages you to forge ahead in this exciting field.
Kia ora, kia kaha, kia manawanui, huihui tātou katoa.
