WordSkills New Zealand Team

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, Bruce Howat and Peter Spencer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WorldSkills New Zealand; team members, expert judges, sponsors and supporters; Distinguished Guests otherwise, notably the Hon Damien O’Connor, Member of Parliament; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a pleasure for my wife Susan and I to welcome you, the WorldSkills New Zealand team (that is the Tool Black team) to Government House this evening.  When starting in this role nearly three years ago and looking at which organisation designed at encouraging young New Zealanders towards excellence in trade training was entirely suitable for this purpose.  I have looked out for you and this meeting 28 days before you fly out to the International competitions in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in almost exactly a month’s time is thus special.

Having read the timeline on the organisation’s excellent website, I know that you are nearing the end of a long period of preparation and training that has been going on for most of this year, including this weekend’s engagement at the Electrical Training Company’s facility in Ramarama in South Auckland. 

I know that the training has included time at Burnham Military Camp as well as a competition in Australia – the last mentioned of which will, I imagine, have provided a keener understanding of competition and something of what it may be like to be in the All Blacks’ changing room prior to a Bledisloe Cup encounter.

It makes sense that the training has been rigorous because the WorldSkills International competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada will be intense – for example I understand, the biggest in the event’s 59 year history, with some 900 participants from more than 50 countries, in more than 40 categories from plumbing to printing, marine cabinet-making to automotive technology, and floristry to restaurant services.

An estimated 200,000 visitors are expected to pass through the gates of the famous Calgary Stadium where the July stampede takes place, to watch and applaud the WorldSkills events.

What those people will be seeing will be the cream of the world’s young people competing in a wide range of activities that demonstrate prospects of careers in trade and service industries world-wide.

This event is therefore much more than a series of games. The serious purpose behind it, which is supported by WorldSkills NZ, is to show young people the opportunities available for satisfying and productive careers in trade and service industries.

This is not just for the benefit of individuals.  Communities depend on continuing availability of suitably skilled personnel for their economic and commercial success.  In times of economic difficulty, like these, it is even more essential for there to be investment in helping young people find the work they can enjoy and excel in.

There is a frequent cry registered by employers about shortage of skilled workers, so in the long view it can be said that employment prospects for young apprentices and trainees are good.

Events such as WorldSkills International highlight opportunities presented by skilled trades.  They show how new careers are emerging, in fields like industrial instrumentation and IT network cabling and support, as well as artistic and craft opportunities in laser cutting, computer illustration, floristry, and catering - to name just six areas.

They also emphasise the very important fact that there is nothing quite like doing something yourself.

A new book on the value of work called Shop Class as Soulcraft is currently doing well in the shops.  Its message is that there is too much of a rush today to push young people in pursuit of information-age job skills and it argues for a fresh vision of manual labour.

The author, an American called Matthew Crawford, says there is a basic elemental value in designing, building and fixing things, which, we now need to rediscover.  He, however, puts it much more colourfully and better - for example by saying in this delicious quote as follows:-

“Maybe dirty hands will be good for our souls.  A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, steer a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialisation is for insects." 

This kind of thing will not be news to people at WorldSkills NZ who have realised that modern trades people require many of the skills such as strong numeracy and communication skills that too often are generally associated only with university education.  WorldSkills International develops these talents.

At the last competition in Japan I understand the New Zealand team did well, bringing home several medals a silver two bronzes and five Medals of Excellence and other honours, and ranking our country 14th on the overall points table.

I want to stand behind the notion of the team doing well this year - as competitors and as ambassadors for our country.  As New Zealanders you will carry our brand, and I hope that you enjoy every moment and come back on 10 September, enriched and stimulated to pass on your experiences to your friends, families and colleagues.

I would also like to acknowledge the representatives of sponsoring organisations and to those here who employ members of the team.  That support cannot be underestimated. It is invaluable as without it there would simply be no team.

I also want to recognise the mentoring efforts of the Expert group, who will also be going to Calgary. As volunteers they have given up a great deal for something they believe in passionately.

On a note,  I have struck of congratulations for getting this far and of anticipation of great things ahead, 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.