Tokelau lunch

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 afternoon (sign).

May I then specifically greet you: Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa, Ulu-o-Tokelau and Faipule of Fakaofo; Aliki Faipule Pio Tuia, Faipule of Nukunonu; Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau, Faipule of Atafu; Jovilisi Suveinakama, Secretary to Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau; John Allen, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; David Payton, Administrator of Tokelau and Megan Birnie from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I warmly welcome you to Government House Vogel in Lower Hutt.  It has been a pleasure to welcome you to each of the Government Houses in our term and in all of things we have been privileged to undertake in our term, a special memory will always be of our visit to the three Tokelau atols.

I know it was with considerable disappointment that the Council decided to postpone its planned visit in April, due to the outbreak of an influenza-like illness on your atolls. This was before we all became involved in the world-wide H1N1 pandemic and your caution back then certainly paid off. So it is especially good to see you here now.

In reflecting on this gathering, both Susan and I recalled with much pleasure our visit to Tokelau two years ago in late July and early August 2007.  We have many happy memories of meeting the peoples of Atafu, Nukunono and Fakaofo.  Seeing your familiar faces here today reminds us both of those times.

In constitutional terms, Tokelau is part of the Realm of New Zealand.  We have a special relationship and are joined like members of a family.  This is important for me because I am as much Governor-General of Tokelau as I am Governor-General of New Zealand.

The ties that bind Tokelau and New Zealand stretch back to the 1926.  I will not recount that relationship but I would like emphasise some important things that bind us together. 

We all share the common citizenship of New Zealand, with all the right and responsibilities that involves.   Many Tokelauans have chosen to make their homes in New Zealand.  Not all were born on Tokelau but all are Tokelauans, tied by blood, heritage, culture and language to the wider "family of Tokelau."

Tokelauans are an important part of the wider family of New Zealand.  Like other Pacific peoples, Tokelauan people have enriched New Zealand's cultural and ethnic diversity and contributed much to New Zealand's society, culture and economy.

The relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau has been dynamic.  In recent times Tokelau has taken on many responsibilities that previously would have been handled in New Zealand.   Your visit will be an opportunity to discuss with the New Zealand government how these changes of responsibility are working, both for Tokelau and for New Zealand.

The relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau is strong and enduring.  It is captured well in the Joint Statement on the Principles of Partnership between New Zealand and Tokelau signed in 2003 by representatives of both governments.  The statement affirmed their ongoing relationship and shared past and agreed to build upon the close historical, social and cultural links between them. 

Tokelau's needs will always be considerable and challenging. I wish you well in your discussions this coming week. Contacts of the type provided by this visit are vital contributions to the partnership that must remain strong between Tokelau and New Zealand.

I can think of no better words to describe those challenges, and the relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau, than those made by you, Ulu-o-Tokelau, Faipule Foua Toloa, to a United Nations committee meeting earlier this year.  You said, and I quote:  "We will line our canoe with the support from our main partner, New Zealand, in cooperation with this Committee, but at all times we will keep the interests of the people of Tokelau at the heart of our efforts.  Our canoe will be lined with the elements of good governance, sustainable development strategies, robust infrastructure, qualified and experienced personnel and a clear vision for the direction that we want to take."

And on that affirming note, I again welcome you to Government House and invite you to enjoy our hospitality. 

I began speaking in all the New Zealand realm languages and in close in Māori, by offering greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.