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: Kerry Nickels, New Zealand Red Cross National President; Sarah Stuart-Black, New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General, and all our esteemed international guests. Tēnā koutou katoa.
As patron of the New Zealand Red Cross, I am delighted to join you for your National Council meeting here, in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I wish to begin by noting that your National President, Kerry Nickels, is coming to the end of a six-year term, and to take this opportunity offer my sincere thanks to you, Kerry, for your service and all you have achieved during your tenure.
Over the past six years, we have seen significant crises unfold, both in New Zealand and internationally, requiring large-scale responses from Red Cross. Kerry, I have no doubt that your calm and steadfast leadership was profoundly valued during such demanding and often frightening times. I wish you all the very best in your next chapter.
Governors-General have been associated with the New Zealand Red Cross since 1915, when one of my predecessors, Lord Liverpool, called meetings at Government House to formally establish Red Cross’s presence in New Zealand. This enduring legacy is one I am proud to continue, some 109 years later.
However, I do note that Lord Liverpool’s early involvement was perhaps somewhat controversial – described in one instance as ‘bombastic and interfering’ – so you’ll be pleased to know not all vice-regal legacies remain.
The call to form the New Zealand branch of the Red Cross came in response to the humanitarian crisis following the First World War.
Over a century later, while the world is of course a vastly different place, international conflicts tragically remain an increasingly pressing and complex issue. At the same time, the devastating impact of climate change brings with it an increasing number of extreme weather events, occurring with greater severity.
It is reassuring to note that, throughout its history, Red Cross has evolved and adapted to respond to these most pressing issues of our time, so that it may continue to assist New Zealanders – and those abroad – when they are in greatest need.
Earlier this year, I visited communities in Tairāwhiti and the Hawke’s Bay affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Despite the abiding sense of grief and loss, and the immense devastation, residents repeatedly spoke of their immense gratitude towards the Red Cross for their immediate and unwavering support – particularly the people of Te Karaka.
I note the Red Cross’s proud history of community support has just commemorated a significant anniversary, with the town of Pahīatua marking 80 years since welcoming the first formal refugee settlement in Aotearoa – some 700 Polish children and 100 accompanying adults, fleeing Soviet forces during World War II.
Since then, many thousands of refugees seeking safety, stability, and the protection of their human rights, have been supported by Red Cross to settle in their new home of Aotearoa.
These are just some of the ways Red Cross, its leadership, staff, and thousands of volunteers support our diverse communities – and I know your presence is felt, and appreciated, across all the many facets of the work in which you are involved.
On behalf of all New Zealanders, I thank you for your commitment to caring for others and upholding their mana when they need it most. Your mission to ‘improve the lives of vulnerable people, by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience’ resonates as clearly today as it did in 1915.
As Governor-General, and your proud patron, my sincere thanks once again for all the support you provide to New Zealanders across the country – and I wish you all the very best for the years ahead.
Kia ora huihui tatou katoa.
