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: Ms Peggy Burrows, Christchurch Business Club President; Mr Warren Head, Committee Member; and all members and guests here today – tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for inviting me to join you, as some of Christchurch’s most esteemed business leaders, here this afternoon.
It’s wonderful to be back in Christchurch – this beautiful city, where I have many fond memories from my time spent here over the years. Some of my earliest and most vivid memories of being in Christchurch were during the South Pacific Festival of the Arts, where I performed in a kapa haka group during the opening ceremony. That was also the first time I had the honour of meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
Of course, as a young girl, I could never have imagined that I would one day have a private audience with Her Majesty, via Zoom, following my appointment as her Governor-General in 2021 – or that I would have the privilege of representing New Zealand at Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and, a few months later, her funeral at Westminster Abbey.
The Queen’s life and legacy continue to be a great inspiration to me in my role as Governor-General – as I’m sure they are to many. In her Christmas message from almost fifty years ago, Her Majesty 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.’
At a time of such feelings of unrest and uncertainty for so many, of such terrible conflict around the world, and where climate change continues to threaten the wellbeing of our planet for future generations, Her late Majesty’s words ring truer than ever. Regardless of our position in society, we each bear a real responsibility to seek out areas of common ground, to do the good we can in our communities, and to consider our impact on each other and our environment.
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of hosting two investiture ceremonies at the Christchurch Town Hall. These are one of my greatest privileges as Governor-General – to acknowledge the work and service of New Zealanders around the country. I find such occasions, as well as occasions such as this, deeply heartening and inspiring: to meet New Zealanders who are responsible for so much good in our communities, for fostering a deep sense of national pride, and, in many cases, for bolstering our reputation internationally.
In my travels overseas as Governor-General – whether to the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, South Korea, or across the Pacific – I can report that Aotearoa New Zealand is held in extraordinarily high regard. I am so proud to be an ambassador for our country – and I do believe that our small size and the essential goodwill and ingenuity of our people – people such as yourselves – enable us to be nimble and responsive to the challenges of our times.
As some of you may know, 11 March each year marks Commonwealth Day – an annual celebration of the unity of vision and common commitment to peace and justice shared by the Commonwealth of Nations – of which, of course, New Zealand is a proud and valued member. In his message marking Commonwealth Day, just over a week ago now, His Majesty King Charles III said: ‘Together and individually, we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level.’
I hope that you all, as some of Christchurch’s most connected and committed business leaders, might take these words to heart, as this remarkable city continues along its path of transformation and growth – knowing how important the wellbeing and success of this city is for the wellbeing and success of New Zealand as a whole.
When I myself have visited Christchurch in recent years, I have greatly enjoyed seeing the changes to the built landscape of the city – as well as, of course, the wonderful hospitality that Christchurch has to offer. It’s very exciting, for instance, to see the progress on the new stadium, which I’m sure will play host to many a spectacular evening of sport and music in years to come.
I am well aware that some of the scars from the earthquakes will never heal – but every time I am back down in Christchurch, I am struck again by the feeling of energy and optimism here – no doubt shared by the proud Cantabrians in attendance tonight.
I am looking forward to hearing about your hopes and aspirations for your city. I know that many of you in this room have significant roles to play in continuing to build and shape a thriving, modern Christchurch – and I wish to take this opportunity to commend you for your commitment to doing so: whether through providing employment opportunities, innovating on new ways to solve problems, or building a strong sense of community identity.
The importance of the role you each play in rebuilding and supporting this remarkable city, brings to mind the whakataukī: ‘Mahia te mahi hei painga mo te iwi. Do the work for the betterment of the people.’
My thanks once again for inviting me to join you today, and for all that you do. I wish you all the very best for the future.
Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.
