West Lynn Gardens

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, 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: Margaret Jamieson, President of the West Lynn Garden Society and your fellow board members; Bruce McNaughton, Patron of the Society and former Mayor of New Lynn; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to the West Lynn Garden in Waitakere City this afternoon. 

I have been asked to plant a tree to mark the occasion, and just before I do I would like to make a few brief comments about the work of the Society and the significance of these gardens.

I must admit at the outset that I am no gardener and any essential vice-regal tips on dealing with black spot, canker or leaf roller, will have to be referenced to my wife Susan, who is a keen and accomplished gardener. 

However, while I am no green thumb, I can say that I have become quite an expert on planting trees.   I've planted a number in Auckland and Wellington, one on Niue and one on the Chatham Islands. Indeed, I think I have planted sufficient trees in my time as Governor-General to warrant applying for carbon credits when they come on stream.

One tree planting to stands out was when we visited Tutira School in rural Hawke's Bay in March 2007 to plant the first tree in what was to become the school's new bush area.

The children given the job of preparing the hole, had become somewhat carried away and had provided a hole of width which could have accommodated a 44 gallon drum and I was supposed to place a very diminutive kowhai seedling in it.  Without quite a bit of back filling, it would have been completely consumed.

You can be well assured that because of my experience the Cercis canadensis I am about to plant, also known as the Eastern Redbud or the Forest Pansy, or Judas tree, will get a suitably vice-regal start in life.

Indeed, I understand that in planting this tree, I am the fifth Governor-General to do so here, with trees having been planted by my predecessors Dame Silvia Cartwright, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, Dame Catherine Tizard and Sir Paul Reeves. 

Established by the Eden Garden Society in 1981 and developed along similar lines as its Mt Eden counterpart by hardworking volunteers, the gardens were opened to the public in November 1983. Initially working under the wing of the Eden Garden Society-of which I am also Patron-a few years later the West Lynn Garden Society was established in its own right.

Aucklanders are fortunate that their region's fertile volcanic soils allows for an abundance of both native and exotic flora. 

In particular, this 2.5 hectare garden, with its magnificent monarch butterfly house, stands as a testament to the inspiration and hard work of many volunteers.  The garden's beautiful trees and flowering shrubs make it one of the treasures of Waitakere City in which the wider community can be very proud. 

In conclusion, I wish to congratulate you ongoing work.  Long after we are gone, these gardens will stand as a testament to your efforts to bring beauty and joy to the community. 

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand's first language Māori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.   No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.