Frances Clarke Memorial Awards

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 acknowledge: Robyn Stokes, Kate Young, and Charlotte Gendall from the Wellington Down Syndrome Association; Members of the Association; Melissa Sims, Community Network Manager for the Special Olympics and our guest speaker today; Michael Holdsworth, our pianist; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen; Girls and Boys.

On behalf of myself and my wife Susan, it is a pleasure to welcome everyone to St Patrick's College here in Silverstream for the presentation of the Frances Clarke Awards for 2009.

It is good to be with members of the Wellington Down Syndrome Association again.  Last year, for this occasion, Susan and I were overseas and our friend Justice Lowell Goddard, High Court Judge and Chair of the Independent Police Conduct Authority, hosted the awards on our behalf at Government House Wellington.

However Government House closed soon after that event for a big upgrade so in this year the ceremony is being held here in the Hutt Valley.  This is the third time I have presented these awards and both Susan and I have enjoyed the ceremony each time. 

I would also like to express a special welcome to new members of the Association.  For some of you, this may be your first association event.  From all that I know I am sure you will find friendly ears to share your experiences, make new friends and to enjoy the day.

This year marks 20 years since Frances Clarke (after whom these awards are named) died of leukaemia.  In her short life of 14 years she touched many people and it is only fitting that she is again acknowledged today.  We also think of her family and the fond memories they must have of her and thank them for donating the trophy.

So this is a very important day.  It is particularly important for the young people who will receive awards.  You have all done well to get here today.   Your hard work and your achievement is being recognised today.  Congratulations to you all.

I also want to express thanks to the friends and whānau of those receiving awards today. Clearly you have worked just as hard and your support has been outstanding.

I would also like to congratulate the Wellington Down Syndrome Association.  Your work of representing and supporting people with Down Syndrome and their families is to be commended.  Something said by the South African Bishop Desmond Tutu comes to midn with regard to the effort put in: "Do you little bit of good where you are: it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."

While the awards acknowledge the achievements of people with Down Syndrome, they honour all those who have contributed.  They also provide an opportunity to draw the attention of the wider community to what has happened. 

I will now hand over to our MC, Charlotte Gendall.  Just before I do, may I repeat the welcome and express the hope that you will be able to join Susan and I for morning tea after the ceremony.  I very much hope you will enjoy the entire morning.

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