Luncheon hosted by the Governor of Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

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 the specifically greet you: Hon Malcolm Smith-Kela, Member of Parliament and Governor of Eastern Highlands Province and fellow members of the provincial government; Your Excellency Niels Holm, High Commissioner for New Zealand to Papua New Guinea; Your Excellency Mr Bill Dihm, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to New Zealand; Distinguished guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen. 

In the context of this gathering, may I add the greetings: Apinun olgeta.

On behalf of my wife Susan and myself and our party, I would like to thank you for inviting us to lunch here in Goroka today.

It is now some three days since we arrived in Papua New Guinea.  

We had read and been told that Papua New Guinea, beyond the capital, with its rugged topography, was a land of great natural beauty with an extraordinary diversity of cultures, peoples and languages. That promise has been filled, and then some, in what we have seen and the people we have met. 
Various aspects of our trip have emphasised different aspects of the relationship between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

That relationship is friendly, marked by warmth, familiarity and co-operation.   The beginnings of our relationship lie in the devastation wrought by the Second World War.

With Papua New Guinea achieving independence in 1975, our two countries quickly moved to establish diplomatic relations. The relationship now includes regular political-level consultations at the political level, a development assistance programme, defence co-operation activities and a network of commercial and business linkages. 

My visit here, the first by a New Zealand Governor-General in more than two decades, is a reconfirmation of the importance that New Zealand places on maintaining and enhancing its relationship with this country.

New Zealand and Papua New Guinea both share a common constitutional, parliamentary and legal heritage.   And with that heritage has come a mutual respect for democratic values.

People here can rightfully take pride in having a society marked by robust domestic political dialogue and a populace with an active sense of its rights and a determination to participate in the democratic process.  

New Zealand and Papua New Guinea also share a host of international links.  We are both members of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, APEC and the ASEAN Regional Forum.  In addition, New Zealand recognises the significant role that Papua New Guinea plays in the Pacific Forum as a large Pacific Island state. 

Despite the significant advances of the last three and a half decades, Papua New Guinea continues to face major development challenges.  With a burgeoning population, I know your government is keenly aware of the importance of extending essential services to a largely rural population, much of which is very difficult to reach.  

Those challenges were brought home to us by our flights in and out of Port Moresby.  From that height we gained a birds-eye view of the majestic but rugged topography.  Whilst beautiful and majestic, we clearly saw how terrain makes it difficult to ensure communication and provide essential services.  
New Zealand is committed to working with Papua New Guinea in addressing these challenges, assisting it in extending education and health services and in fostering micro-enterprises, particularly in rural areas. 

In conclusion, New Zealand remains an old friend and committed regional partner of Papua New Guinea and its people.  Thank you again for inviting us to lunch and for welcoming us to the Eastern Highlands Province. 

And on that note, I seek to close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering greetings and wishing everyone good health and fortitude in your endeavours. 

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