Freemasons University Scholarship Presentation
May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.
Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)
May I specifically greet you: Â Barry McLaggan, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand; Representatives from New Zealand universities; Scholarships recipients and your family and friends; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.
My wife Susan and I warmly welcome you all to Government House in Wellington for the presentation of this year's Freemasons University Scholarships.
I have been asked to present the scholarships to the recipients, but before I do, would like to comment briefly on the awards you are about to receive and the importance of a tertiary education.
I would first like to congratulate the Freemasons on the provision of these scholarships, which my research discloses have been made available for some 30 years. They recognise one area essential to the progress, not only for each person, but the country as a whole—that of education. This thought about the value of education was famously put by the Chinese philosopher Kuan Chung 2,500 years ago when he said:
"If you plan for a year, plant a seed. If for ten years, plant a tree. If for a hundred years, teach the people. When you sow a seed once, you will reap a single harvest. When you teach the people, you will reap a hundred harvests."
Education gives us the power to become everything we want to be and everything we can be. It gives us the opportunity to realise potential and to stretch talents in the best possible way.
Education also builds our country's economy, and our society and democracy. Sustained growth comes from innovation and adaptation, both of which require a well-educated population. And a strong society and democracy requires people who can question their leaders and, as it is said by some, keep them honest. The 4th American President James Madison who is regarded as principal architect of the US Constitution once observed:
"What spectacle can be more edifying or more seasonable, than that of Liberty and Learning, each leaning on the other for their mutual and surest support?"
A tertiary qualification also brings obligations in regard to the wider community which has also invested in your education. A tertiary education gives you the power to better yourselves. You, as a result, have it in your power to improve conditions and processes for the communities that you will serve and will make our country—or wherever your career takes you—a better place.
Having read a number of the citations of those receiving awards today, what is apparent is that many of you are keenly aware of that obligation and have already contributed much to the community. It is with pleasure then that I not only add congratulations on your awards but also on your contribution to the wider community.Â
And in that, many have shown the potential to become our future leaders. I cannot think of better comment with which to conclude than one associated with a wonderful New Zealander, the late Dame Whina Cooper, whose words on the responsibilities of leadership capture this point well. As quoted in the late Dr Michael King's biography Whina she said:
"I can't sleep at night, because even at night I'm worrying about things and planning things. It's the mana, you see. If you've got it, it never lets you alone. You have to be thinking about the people and working for them, all the time."
On that note, I will I close in New Zealand's first language, Maori, by offering greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.
After the formalities are completed, I would like to invite you all to feel welcome to enjoy to the full the ambience of the public areas of Government House this afternoon. This building opened 98 years ago, in addition to being the place for formal state occasions, investitures, credentials and community events like this one today, has been the residence for 19 Governors or Governors-General and houses many artefacts and art works that reflect our country's history and culture. Thank you.Â