Levin East School Hall rededication

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 morning (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Doug Rowan, Chair of the Levin East School Board of Trustees and your fellow trustees, particularly the property committee members Pete Parata and Jacqui Kerins; Pauline May, Principal and members of your staff; Mowhia Kerehoma, kaumatua; Your Worship Brendan Duffy, Mayor of Horowhenua; Hon Nathan Guy, Minister of Internal Affairs; students, family and whānau; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

Thank you for inviting my wife Susan and I to attend the rededication of the Levin East School Hall today.

I have been asked been asked to unveil a plaque to mark this occasion but before I do, I would like to speak a little about myself, the role I undertake and the significance of today's events.

I have brought with me a school set of a new Government House publication that explains a little of my role and will leave that for the library.

As you can probably tell from the way I speak, I am a New Zealander.  From the way I look, you can tell I am of Indian origin. My grand parents from India migrated to Fiji and my parents were born in Fiji and moved to New Zealand and I was born here.

After going to school, I studied at university in Auckland and before working as a lawyer.  In 1982, I was appointed as a judge and in 1995 as an ombudsman. In 2006, I was appointed Governor-General.

The role of Governor-General has changed as New Zealand has changed.    In 1953 when your School was opened, the Governor-General, was English.  He was Lord Norrie, a retired military officer.  In that, he was like all of New Zealand's Governors-General before him, being either a military officer or a member of the British aristocracy. 

But since 1967, all Governors-General have been New Zealanders and they have come from a number of backgrounds.   Including myself, four have been judges, one was a mayor, another a Prime Minister, one an archbishop, one was a diplomat and another a doctor.  One of those Governors-General was Māori and two were women, while I have both Asian and Pacific background. 

These changes show how New Zealand is changing.   Our country is becoming increasingly diverse, with people of many different cultures, religions and ethnicities living here.   The performances by your Chinese and Pasifika culture groups are two examples of that.

When travelling through New Zealand, I am often asked to explain my role.  To do so, I need to provide an explanation of how our system of government works.

I am sure that you may know that New Zealand is a monarchy, which means that our formal Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II.  Because she is in London, she needs someone based in New Zealand to represent her.  That person is the Governor-General.

New Zealand is a democracy which means that the people of New Zealand elect their Members of Parliament.  The Prime Minister heads the Government because he or she is the MP able to lead Parliament because of having obtained the support of more than half of the Members present in it.  An important role of the Governor-General is to appointment the Prime Minister after an election.

Then there are other legal items.  When the Government in Parliament passes laws, the Governor-General signs them in the name of the Queen so they can become part of New Zealand's laws.

The Governor-General also signs other important documents appointing people to be Judges and Heads of Government Departments. 

All of these legal things are called the Governor-General's constitutional role. 

The second part of the role is ceremonial. This means that the Governor-General represents the country at public ceremonies such as the opening of a new session of Parliament, the welcoming of visiting Heads of State and attending Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day events. 

The third part of the role is to do with community leadership.  This means visiting people and places throughout New Zealand attending celebrations and seeing things that people have done well.  This last aspect, the community role, is the part of my job that keeps both my wife Susan and I busy. It is also that part of the job which keeps us in touch with so many New Zealanders.

And it is what has brought me to Levin and to your school.   I see it as a key part of my role to emphasise those things that positively unite us as New Zealanders rather than those things that divide us.

Education is such an important part of that.  Your teachers are not only giving you the skills to read, write and do long division, but how to understand the world around you.  Your school motto is "I Aspire" and education is the key that unlocks all your aspirations.

In particular, if I could stress one thing to you, it would be to read, read and read.   Never stop reading.  If sport and exercise keep the body fit, it is reading that keeps your brain fit and healthy.

This extended school hall will be a wonderful facility for assemblies, community gatherings and indoor sports.  For starters, it will mean the whole school can attend one assembly at the same time, which has to be a good thing.  By bringing everyone together, parents and family included, it symbolises the strength and unity of the school 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.